Psychology of Sport and Exercise MSc or PGDip

Why study at Roehampton

Accredited by the British Psychology Society (BPS)
Taught by Chartered Psychologists, with applied elements being delivered by HCPC registered Sport Psychologists
Covers a variety of theoretical issues in sport and exercise psychology, 100% of our psychology research has an impact on societies around the world (Research Excellence Framework 2014)
Roehampton is ranked best modern university in London (Sunday Times Good University Guide 2015)

Learn how to optimise athlete performance and improve well-being and activity levels by studying the psychology behind sport at Roehampton. You will 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.

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 luke.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

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 Injury’ 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.

Here are examples of modules we currently offer:

Career options

Students go on to work as sport and exercise psychologists, fitness instructors, teachers, lecturers, counsellors and coaches, as well going on to further academic study.

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