MSc Sport and Exercise Psychology at University of Staffordshire

Programme overview

An online MSc examining how psychology affects human performance, health and wellbeing, accredited by the British Psychological Society. It covers physical activity and mental health, performance under pressure, group dynamics and leadership, and the professional practice of sport and exercise psychology. It counts as the first stage of training towards becoming a sport and exercise psychologist, depending on the undergraduate degree held.

Duration: 1 year full-time; 2 years part-time (distance learning) | Intake: September 2027 | Location: Stoke-on-Trent, England, United Kingdom

What you will study

Compulsory modules: Group Dynamics and Leadership in Sport and Exercise, Physical Activity and Mental Health, Skilled Performance Under Pressure, The Practice of Sport and Exercise Psychology, and a 60-credit Masters Research Project. Assessment includes recorded presentations, reports and case studies.

Career pathways

Roles in sports clubs and organisations or as a private consultant, and enhancement of careers in coaching or teaching. Accredited as stage 1 of training towards Chartered Psychologist status and HCPC registration as a practitioner sport and exercise psychologist (stage 2 requires at least two years of supervised practice). Graduates can also progress to PhD study.

Official programme page

Application information

Entry requirements

Typically a minimum 2:2 (Hons) degree or equivalent in Sport and Exercise Psychology, Psychology, Sport and Exercise Sciences or a related discipline, or relevant professional experience, plus a personal statement on interest in sport and exercise psychology. For BPS-recognised Graduate Basis for Chartership: a First or 2:1 (Hons) in Sport and Exercise Psychology or BPS-recognised Psychology, or a First or 2:1 in BASES-endorsed Sport and Exercise Sciences, with an academic reference. Applicants below the criteria (2:2 with recent relevant experience, or a related degree at 2:1 or above) may be admitted at the Course Leader's discretion after interview or preliminary task. International applicants whose first language is not English: IELTS 6.5 overall with no component below 6.0 (or equivalent).

Domestic applicants: GBP 9,720 for the whole programme (2027/28). UK / Channel Islands; same fee for full-time and part-time (distance learning) Source

International applicants: GBP 9,720 for the whole programme (2027/28). International; same fee for full-time and part-time (distance learning) Source

Intake: September 2027

Duration: 1 year full-time; 2 years part-time (distance learning)

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