Sport and Exercise Psychology MSc

at Northumbria University

At Northumbria, we take a practical approach to learning and assessment. Based in our well-equipped laboratory facilities and the state-of-the art Sport Central, you will be given the opportunity to work with athletes and client groups.

You’ll find that many modules use real-world scenarios, providing an opportunity to satisfy your intellectual curiosity as you work your way through evidence that often seems contradictory or controversial. You may find yourself helping to solve a real-life athlete issue; implementing intervention strategies to assist with performance; or developing a strategy to encourage behaviour change.

Assessment methods are varied and include exams, critical reviews and essays. Much of the course-based assessment has been developed to illustrate how the principles of sport and exercise psychology are applied in real world contexts. These may include reflections, case study reports, client/athlete needs assessments presentations, and handouts to coaches.

Modules

Module information is indicative and is reviewed annually therefore may be subject to change. Applicants will be informed if there are any changes.

Year one

• PY0756 -Exercise Psychology (20 Credits)
• PY0757 -Motor Processes in Sport (20 Credits)
• PY0758 -Psychological Skills for Sport Performance (20 Credits)
• PY0759 -Counselling and Interpersonal Processes in Sport and Exercise (20 Credits)
• PY0774 -Qualitative and Quantitative Methods (20 Credits)
• PY0775 -Professional Skills (20 Credits)
• PY0776 -MSc Thesis (Core,60 Credits)

Entry Requirements 2022/23

Standard Entry

Applicants should normally have:

A minimum of a 2:2 honours degree in Psychology that provides the Graduate Basis for Chartered Membership (GBC) with the British Psychological Society, or a minimum of a 2:2 honours degree in a related field with relevant experience.

International qualifications:

If you have studied a non UK qualification, you can see how your qualifications compare to the standard entry criteria, by selecting the country that you received the qualification in, from our country pages.

English language requirements:

International applicants are required to have a minimum overall IELTS (Academic) score of 6.5 with 6 in each component (or approved equivalent*).

Fees and Funding 2022/23 Entry

Full UK Fee: £9,075

Full EU Fee: £16,500

Full International Fee: £16,500

You will graduate with a wide range of professional skills, which include the ability to:

• Critically evaluate current theories and evidence which can be applied to understand and solve complex issues in real world contexts.
• Communicate your ideas and findings effectively to variety of audiences, whether it be coaches, parents, athletes or exercise enthusiasts.
• Apply relevant ethical, legal and professional practice frameworks (such as those required by the BPS and HCPC).

Your transferable skills will include oral and written communication, critical evaluation, problem solving, time management, IT and advanced statistical and qualitative analysis techniques.

Graduates with Stage 1 and Stage 2 qualifications who are interested in sport psychology will be in a strong position to work with major sports teams or field-based consultation at major sporting events. Options for exercise psychologists include working in private rehabilitation, gyms, the NHS, GP exercise referral schemes and local Councils.

Some of our recent graduates now work as teachers, coaches, consultants, in the healthcare sector and for organisations including the English Institute of Sport and Sunderland Association Football Club (SAFC). Many of our students have gone on to further postgraduate opportunities such as Ph.D. study whilst some have also secured placement opportunities in elite, amateur and recreational level sport. 

As the link between psychological wellbeing and physical activity becomes more defined, the demand for exercise psychologists in the healthcare sector has increased – particularly in the areas of health promotion and rehabilitation. Similarly, there is a growing demand for sports psychologists to deliver support from grassroots level through to performance athletes. This master’s degree programme will help develop the professional skills that will give you the edge in this evolving area of psychology.

For applicants who already possess the Graduate Basis for Chartered membership (GBC) and who successfully complete the course, you can then go on to complete the BPS Stage 2 Qualification in Sport and Exercise Psychology. After completing both Stage 1 and Stage 2 qualifications this will then enable you to become an HCPC registered Sport and Exercise Psychologist practitioner, a legally protected title.