- Accredited by the British Psychology Society (BPS).
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Taught by experienced BPS chartered, HCPC registered Sport and Exercise Psychologists, and Internationally recognised researchers
- This course will equip you with the knowledge and skills required to proceed to QSEP Stage 2 training or a PhD.
PostgraduatePsychology of Sport and Exercise (BPS Accredited)
Apply for this course
Summary
Learn how to optimise athlete performance and improve well-being and activity levels by studying the psychology behind sport at Roehampton. You will learn how to work in a range of sport settings and explore key factors that affect sports performance, well-being, and activity levels such as mental toughness, self-confidence, motivation, stress and anxiety, concentration, and the psychology of sport injury.
This innovative programme provides you with a thorough theoretical, conceptual and research informed grounding in the discipline of sport and exercise psychology. You will develop a strong scientific understanding of human behaviour and experience, and of the complex interactions between these. You will also enhance your understanding of relationships between the theoretical concepts and current techniques used in sport and exercise psychology assessment and support. This will include becoming familiar with the different types of approaches, assessment strategies, and psychological skills used by Applied Sport and Exercise Psychologists.
To support your professional development, this course will cover the idea of reflective practice, and codes of conduct. You will also develop an awareness and understanding of the issues, methodology and design of research within sport and exercise psychology, and gain research skills through the completion of a detailed, empirical research dissertation and benefit from the support of our staff’s wide areas of expertise.
Your professional development is at the core of the programme. You will have opportunities to create new networks with experts in the field through attending talks from guest speakers and entrepreneurship workshops to ensure that you are prepared for your chosen career.
This programme is accredited by the British Psychological Society to provide you with Stage 1 training in preparation for your professional career in Sport and Exercise Psychology. Successful completion of the course will grant access to Stage 2 training with the BPS, the next stage on the route to becoming an Applied Sport and Exercise Psychologist.
Important information:
Please note that only applicants who already hold, or are eligible for, Graduate Basis for Chartered Membership (GBC) of the British Psychological Society (i.e., they must have undertaken a BPS accredited undergraduate degree), OR those who plan to obtain it by subsequently completing a BPS accredited conversion course, are eligible to register for the Psychology of Sport & Exercise MSc.
To have GBC, applicants must have successfully completed a BPS accredited undergraduate degree, usually in Sport Psychology or Psychology. For more information about BPS accreditation and to check the accreditation status of a course that you have completed please click here.
If you are not currently eligible for GBC and are interested in completing a conversion course, please click here for more information.
For applicants without GBC we would normally only admit those whose first degree has a substantial psychology component (e.g., Sport Science/Sport & Exercise Science). Should you want to discuss your eligibility before applying, please email Vaithehy.shanmuganathan-felton@roehampton.ac.uk
Please note that the BPS does not accredit overseas institutions (apart from Chinese University of Hong Kong and University of Hong Kong) therefore applicants with an overseas degree in Psychology will need to apply for individual Graduate Membership of the BPS. If you are an international applicant you can contact the BPS to discuss your eligibility for GBC based upon your previous qualifications. For further information please contact the BPS Qualifications Team, +44 (0)116 252 9933 or qualifications@bps.org.uk
Content
The curriculum is diverse, covering a wide range of topics. You will explore critical psychological factors that affect, sports performance, wellbeing and exercise participation. The curriculum will allow you to study more in-depth knowledge and its application in sport and exercise science. You will develop a strong scientific understanding of human behaviour and experience, and of the complex interactions between these.
You will also enhance your understanding of the contemporary relationships between theoretical concepts and current techniques used in Sport and Exercise Psychology assessment and support. This will include becoming familiar with the different types of philosophical approaches, assessment strategies, and psychological skills used by Applied Sport and Exercise Psychologists.
In the module ‘Approaches to Psychological Support’ you will initially be introduced to the varied approaches within sport and exercise psychology, and undertake an in-depth review of the differences of the theories, looking at them in practice through a selection of case studies. Other modules, such as ‘Application of Psychological Support’, will allow you to link theory to practice, and students will have the opportunity to develop consultancy skills under the guidance/supervision of a BPS Chartered/HPCP registered member of staff.
Further modules will provide important knowledge with respect to sport performance as well as well-being and physical activity promotion. Within the ‘Psychology of Sport and Performance’ module you will gain a critical appreciation for various social processes and individual differences that influence performance. The ‘Psychology of Physical Activity, Health and Wellbeing’ module will explore the determinants and outcomes of physical activity and inactivity and provide students with important insights towards preventing, treating and managing certain health conditions.
You will also gain insightful knowledge of contemporary issues concerning professional practice within sport psychology. The module ‘Professional Practice in Sport Psychology’ will explore the importance of ethics and reflection within your practice, whilst also exploring the challenges and opportunities that you may face when working with various athlete populations (e.g., team sport athletes, injured athletes, and young athletes).
Finally, you will have the opportunity to undertake research on your areas of specific interest for your dissertation project. During the year, you follow a coherent pathway of study to facilitate your future direction within the exciting discipline of sport and exercise psychology.
Modules
Here are examples of modules we currently offer:
- MSc Research Dissertation
- Psychology of Physical Activity, Health and Wellbeing
- Approaches to Psychological Support
- Research Methods
- Application of Psychological Support
- Professional Practice in Sport Psychology
- Psychology of Sport and Performance
Compulsory and Required modules
Compulsory and/or required modules may change when we review and update programmes. Above is a list of modules offered this academic year.
Optional modules
Optional modules, when offered as part of a programme, may vary from year to year and are subject to viability.
Career Opportunities
You will have the opportunity to work as a sports therapist, coach, personal trainer, teacher, lecturer or within sport development and administration. Graduates can also continue onto postgraduate study.
Life at Roehampton
At Roehampton, we can offer all new students the opportunity to live in accommodation on our beautiful parkland campus, including affordable and high-end options.
We offer scholarships, provide hardship funding and help you find advice on managing your finances while you study.
We provide plenty of opportunities for you to get involved, through volunteering, playing sport or music, or joining one of our many active student societies.