MSc Human Performance Optimisation at Buckinghamshire New University

Programme overview

Do you work in a high-stress, high-stakes, environment (i.e., military, fire service, police, emergency medicine, or non-governmental rescue organisations) where the consequences of failure can result to death or catastrophic loss? If so, BNU would like to offer you the opportunity to develop your knowledge, skills, and expertise in the field of Human Performance Optimisation (HPO). Representing the first programme of its kind not only in the UK but in the world, our part-time, online MSc in HPO has been developed in conjunction with a host of world leading sub-matter experts who share their knowledge and expertise across from across all the recognised domains of human performance.

Faculty: Sport and Exercise Science | Duration: Two Years | Study mode: part-time | Intake: September 2027 | Location: High Wycombe, England, United Kingdom

What you will study

On this course, you will develop an understanding of the concept of HPO and its application within real world settings. Areas of study will include optimising physiological readiness, applied performance psychology, optimising human cognitive capabilities, advanced performance nutrition, sleep science, and contemporary issues in HPO. Core modules include Optimising Physical Readiness, Applied Performance Psychology, Optimising Human Cognitive Capabilities, Advanced Performance Nutrition, Sleep Science, Contemporary Issues in Human Performance Optimisation, Research Methods and Dissertation Research Project.

Career pathways

With an MSc in HPO you’ll be well placed to pursue a career working with the Armed Forces or Emergency Services in addition to pursing new opportunities in the field of performance sport. Dr Jonpaul Nevin BSc (Hons), MSc, PhD, ASCC, CSCS, FHEA

Official programme page

Application information

Entry requirements

The University’s general entry requirements apply to admission to this programme with the following additions / exceptions: Applicants must be working directly for, or with, the military or emergency services (i.e., fire service, police, emergency medicine, or non-governmental rescue organisations). This programme is only open to UK nationals or nationals from countries who are members of the North Atlantic Treaty Organisation (NATO) including Australia and New Zealand. Applicants will be expected to have achieved a 2.1 or above classification in a relevant undergraduate degree programme (i.e., sports science, sports psychology, policing, medicine, or allied health profession). However, consideration of a candidate with a 2.2 classification may be permissible if aspects of their profile demonstrate an ability to engage and succeed in postgraduate study. If you do not meet the entry requirements you may, if you have relevant professional experience, still be invited for an interview, where you will be required to demonstrate the necessary knowledge and understanding for entry onto the course. Previous study, professional and / or vocational experiences may be recognised as the equivalent learning experience and permit exemption from studying certain modules in accordance with our Accreditation of Prior Learning (APL) process. If you require further information or wish to enrol upon this programme, please email [email protected]

Domestic applicants: GBP 11,370 for the whole programme (2026/27). Full MSc programme total (£5,685 per year) Source

International applicants: GBP 17,000 for the whole programme (2026/27). Full MSc programme total (£8,500 per year) Source

Intake: September 2027

Duration: Two Years

Apply through the official page: https://www.bucks.ac.uk/study/apply-direct

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