Sport Sciences (Sport Psychology) MSc

About the Course

This course runs in parallel with our BPS-accredited course and focuses on the application of psychology in the sport and exercise domain. The course is aimed at students with a background in Sport Sciences who wish to specialize in Sport and Exercise Psychology, potentially pursuing a career either in research or as a Sport Scientist accredited by the British Association of Sport and Exercise Sciences (BASES).

Aims

• To provide you with a coherent programme of study, which prepares you for training to become accredited through BASES.
• To extend your knowledge and understanding in the field of Sport and Exercise Psychology.
• To provide you with a range of learning experiences designed to enhance critical analysis and independence of thought.
• To provide you with grounding in research methods and data analysis that prepares you 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

• PGCert Secondary Education (Physical Education) with recommendation for QTS
• Sport and Exercise Psychology MSc

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.

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.

Sport Organisation, Politics and the Law (15 credits)
The purpose of this module is to locate forms of sport organisations in the UK within their cultural and political contexts. This module will examine the role of the state and the effects of legislation on sport organisation and sporting provision. The module will also assess the significance of national and international politics, and the role of the law in the regulation of sport.

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

Choose one of the following:

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.

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

Normally at least an upper second class (2:1) degree (or non-UK equivalent) in a relevant subject or subjects. This includes graduates who have completed a joint course with Sport Sciences or Psychology as one of their subjects as well as single honours Sports Sciences or Psychology graduates.

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.