Sport and Exercise Psychology MSc

About the Course

The MSc Sport and Exercise Psychology is aimed at students who have completed a British Psychological Society (BPS) accredited undergraduate degree in psychology and who wish to specialise in sport and exercise psychology, either as researchers or practitioners.

Aims

• To provide students with a coherent programme of study, consistent with the BPS accreditation criteria, which prepares students for Stage 2 of training to become a sport and exercise psychologist.
• To extend students’ knowledge and understanding in the field of Sport and Exercise Psychology.
• To provide students with a range of learning experiences designed to enhance critical analysis and independence of thought.
• To provide students with grounding in research methods and data analysis that prepares them for higher research-related degrees (e.g., PhD).

Enquiries

Taught Programmes Office
Sport Sciences
School of Sport and Education
Brunel University
Email sse-pgtcourses@brunel.ac.uk
Tel +44 (0)1895 266493

Related Courses

• Sport Sciences (Human Performance) MSc
• PGCert Secondary Education (Physical Education) with recommendation for QTS

Special Features

The School of Sport and Education enjoys a prominent position within the University, building upon traditions that stem from Borough Road College – the oldest teacher-training college in the British Commonwealth. We have a long-standing reputation for excellence in teaching and an impressive record of research and publication which consistently attracts high-calibre students, including high level sportsmen and sportswomen who successfully combine study with training and competition.

The modules and content of our MSc Sport Sciences (Sport Psychology) course were re-designed to align with the criteria set out by the BPS’ Division of Sport and Exercise Psychology. The course capitalises on the extensive research and consultancy expertise within the sport and exercise psychology teaching team. We currently have three staff members who are BPS-Chartered Psychologists registered as consultants with the Health Professions Council and have excellent consultancy links within football and tennis. Many of our graduates have secured work-experience placements after completing their course and we are looking to further develop these opportunities. For example, recent graduates from our sport psychology courses have worked with: Fulham FC, Southampton FC, Wickham Wonderers FC, Sutton Tennis Academy, West Indies Cricket Board, IMG Bolletieri Tennis Academy.

Accreditation

This course is fully accredited by the BPS; therefore, students who successfully complete the course will have passed Stage 1 of training for becoming a Chartered Sport and Exercise Psychologist.

Course Content

Core Modules

Research and Application in the Psychology of Sports Performance (15 credits)
The primary focus of the module is on attentional processes relating to skill learning and expertise. In the first half of the module we will consider current research on topics such as ‘choking’, direction of attention, and implicit motor learning. We will then examine topics around perceptual expertise, including anticipation skill, perceptual training and deliberate practice. Throughout the module, we will explore the applied implications of this work for performers and practitioners.

Social Processes in Exercise and Sport (15 credits)
The purpose of this module is to apply the theoretical knowledge of social processes and group dynamics to sport and exercise environments. It will increase your awareness and expertise in the areas of leadership and coach-athlete relationships, group cohesion and motivation, and the home advantage phenomenon. The module is designed to be relevant to those aspiring to become applied sport psychologists or sport/exercise scientists. The module content is particularly relevant to those who intend to work with sport or exercise groups. It is common practice for the best work from this module to be presented as poster presentations at the British Association of Sport and Exercise Sciences (BASES) Conference and at the BASES Student Conference. We will also now be targeting the British Psychological Society Conference. (based on comment we received when presenting to the BPS.

Psychological Skills for Practitioners (15 credits)
This module is designed to enable you to develop an understanding of key psychological theories that underpin performance and also to develop critical evaluation of current research. The module will enable you to apply an effective programme of psychological skills and develop independent thinking.

Individual Differences in Sport & Exercise (15 credits)
This module aims to enable you to synthesise your knowledge of recent developments in individual differences theory and research; develop your ability to critically appraise and evaluate sport psychology literature; be able to synthesize a large and disparate literature; produce a scientific report in APA format; demonstrate your oral presentation skills in a supportive environment.

Research Methods and Data Analysis (45 credits)
This module aims to enable you to develop the necessary skills to undertake a piece of research; develop competence in the range of quantitative and qualitative research methods available; critically assess the appropriateness of any research method in relation to a research question; effectively search for and utilise a variety of research sources; critically analyse personal research ideas; develop a critical appreciation of principles and techniques involved in analysing quantitative and qualitative data; apply statistical techniques using Statistical Package for the Social Sciences (SPSS); analyse qualitative data, including the use of software; undertake your MSc dissertation appropriately.

Research Dissertation (60 credits)
Students select an appropriate topic of study that is approved by their supervisor. These topics normally span the research interests of Department staff.

Elective Modules (one from)

Professional Development (15 credits)
This module enables you to develop areas/skills to enhance your professional development in the future. It will allow you to engage in a work-based study. The topic area will be agreed with the module leader and an appropriate supervisor. You will negotiate and agree a learning contract and the procedures and assessment to be undertaken. The topic chosen must be different from the topic of the dissertation.

Performance Lifestyle (15 credits)
This module focuses on high achieving athletes and those tasked to care for them as they strive to create an environment that facilitates success while maintaining a balanced lifestyle. The module has been endorsed by UK Sport and the content reflects the Performance Lifestyle support available to athletes through advisors at the English Institute of Sport. The module provides students with an opportunity to consider the performing athlete in a broader sense.

Assessment

Your academic performance will be assessed in a variety of ways. Assessment procedures include essays, case studies, oral presentations, poster presentations laboratory report writing and computer-based tests. Formal written examinations constitute part of the assessment in some modules. In addition, you will need to submit, and pass, a research dissertation.

Fees for 2013/14 entry

UK/EU students: £5,800 full-time; £2,900 part-time

International students: £15,000 full-time; £7,500 part-time

Read about funding opportunities available to postgraduate students

Fees quoted are per annum and are subject to an annual increase.

Entry Requirements

The normal entry requirement is at least an upper second class honours degree (2:1) in a degree that confers Graduate Basis for Chartered Membership (GBC) of the British Psychological Society (BPS). Students who hold a good honours degree in a related discipline and who have successfully completed a BPS-accredited conversion course (e.g. Graduate Diploma in Psychology) will also be considered. Where possible, an interview will take place.

Note: In the UK, GBC is attained either by completing a BPS-accredited undergraduate degree in psychology (minimum lower 2nd class honours) or by completing a BPS-accredited conversion course. If you have completed a degree in psychology outside of the UK the BPS will consider applications for GBC on an individual basis. The Society will consider:

• whether you hold a degree from a recognised university or comparable institution
  
• if it is of an equivalent standard to a British bachelors degree at a minimum of lower 2nd class honours level *whether your degree includes at least 50% psychology

Full details of the process, together with the application form, can be found on the BPS website.

English Language Requirements

Brunel also offers our own BrunELT English Test and accept a range of other language courses. We also have a range of Pre-sessional English language courses, for students who do not meet these requirements, or who wish to improve their English.