MSc Sport and Exercise Psychology

Accredited by the British Psychological Society, this highly flexible Master's provides a strong theoretical background to sports psychology in practice. You'll experience excellent peer learning alongside applied experiences, where you'll observe sport psychology in action.

The MSc Sport and Exercise Psychology is designed to provide you with an advanced understanding of sport and exercise psychology theory. You'll build knowledge of the practical use of psychology in sport and exercise contexts, and develop a critical understanding of the relationship between theory and practice.

Because all members of the teaching team combine applied work with their academic roles, you can be sure that your learning will be up-to-date and shaped by real-life experiences of psychological support.

Our many industry connections include national governing bodies, organisations, athletes and professional teams such as Bristol City Women's FC. You'll have diverse opportunities to observe how sport and exercise psychology support is delivered in practice, and how psychologists work with coaches, other athlete support staff, and policy makers.

The MSc Sport and Exercise Psychology features a balance of online and face-to-face taught content, giving you the flexibility to fit your studies around work or other commitments. 

This course is accredited by the British Psychological Society (BPS) and constitutes stage 1 training in sport and exercise psychology. As a graduate, you can go on to gain chartership with the BPS by completing stage 2 training. You may also be eligible to enrol on the British Association of Sport and Exercise Sciences (BASES) programme of Supervised Experience. Both options could eventually lead to registration with the Health and Care Professionals Council (HCPC).

Whether you wish to become a chartered professional, enhance your coaching practice or work in the allied health professions, this MSc will provide you with an in-depth understanding of the application of psychology in sport and exercise contexts.  

• an honours degree awarded by a UK institute of higher education of at least lower second status, in Psychology or a relevant subject
• an honours degree in Psychology and be eligible for the Graduate Basis for Chartership (GBC) for membership of the British Psychological Society (BPS)
• If you meet the academic requirements but require additional support to take your language skills to the required level, you may be able to attend one of our pre-sessional English courses. Students who successfully complete the pre-sessional course can progress onto their chosen degree course without retaking an IELTS or equivalent.

After completing this MSc, you'll need to complete Stage 2 training to become a Practitioner Sport and Exercise Psychologist. For further details of Stage 2 training, visit the Division of Sport and Exercise Psychology website.

To be eligible to progress for Stage 1 training in Sport and Exercise Psychology you must have Graduate Basis for Chartership (GBC) status.

Students with a sport and exercise science-related undergraduate degree will be eligible for the British Association of Sport and Exercise Sciences (BASES) Supervised Experience. This is a requirement for training as a BASES Accredited Sport and Exercise Scientist.

Build valuable contacts with potential employers though opportunities for applied experiences. Our professional connections include Bristol Rugby, Bristol City Women's Football Club, elite athletes training through UWE Bristol's Centre for Sport, and dual-career athletes on the Talented Athlete Scholarship Scheme (TASS).

Our award-winning careers service helps you develop your employment potential through career coaching, a vacancy service for internships, placements, jobs, global opportunities, volunteering and community activity plus support for entrepreneurial activity, and access to employer events.