Sport & Exercise Psychology

Overview

This course is designed for students wishing to specialise in the discipline of sport and exercise psychology, to gain professional training, acquire vocationally related psychological skills, develop acritical thinking approach and conduct research, in a science practice model. This MSc was developed in the context of the increasing professionalisation of sport and exercise psychology, the accreditation criteria for the British Psychological Society (BPS) and the need for a university level course in Ireland.



The MSc will provide graduates competencies in applying interventions professionally and ethically. The programme will provide students a grounding in the theory, themes, issues and practical skills central to the knowledge base of sport and exercise psychology. The 3 main themes: 1. theory-practice 2. Individual content 3. stability-change –permeate throughout each of the taught modules. The themes are embedded to serve as a heuristic tool to enable students to apply and underpin critical thinking. This thematic approach supports and reflects the critical philosophy that underpins the programme and is central to teaching, learning and assessment. Graduates should possess professional skills in consulting, advanced research, relevant personal skills and an understanding of the high performance environment.

Full-Time Programme

Year One

Group Dynamics and Organisational Psychology in Sport and Exercise

Research Methods for Sports and Performance

Sport, Physical Activity and Mental Health

Applied Sport Psychology and Contemporary Issues

Professional Practice and Ethics in Applied Sport Psychology

Dissertation

Social Perspectives on Health, Sport and Exercise Psychology



Part-Time Programme

Year One

Sport, Physical Activity and Mental Health

Applied Sport Psychology and Contemporary Issues

Social Perspectives on Health, Sport and Exercise Psychology



Year Two

Group Dynamics and Organisational Psychology in Sport and Exercise

Research Methods for Sports and Performance

Professional Practice and Ethics in Applied Sport Psychology



Year Three

Dissertation

Applicants for the British Psychological Society Accredited (BPS) MSc in Sport and Exercise Psychology must (i) have gained a second class honours degree or better in psychology or sports science a related discipline from a university of the United Kingdom or the Republic of Ireland, from the Council for National Academic Awards, the National Council for Educational Awards, the Higher Education and Training Awards Council, or from an institution of another country which has been recognised as being of an equivalent standard; or (ii) an equivalent standard (normally 50%) in a Graduate Diploma, Graduate Certificate, Postgraduate Certificate or Postgraduate Diploma or an approved alternative qualification or (iii) demonstrate their ability to undertake the course through the accreditation of prior experiential learning (APEL); and meet the IELTS requirements for English language competence: minimum IELTS score of 6.0.



English Language Requirements

English language requirements for international applicants

The minimum requirement for this course is Academic IELTS 6.0 with no band score less than 5.5. Trinity ISE: Pass at level III also meets this requirement for Tier 4 visa purposes.



Ulster recognises a number of other English language tests and comparable IELTS equivalent scores.



• For English language requirements go to: https://www.ulster.ac.uk/global/apply/english-language-requirements



• For Your country go to: https://www.ulster.ac.uk/global/apply/country

Your Application

You can apply directly to Ulster at any time of year. We advise that you submit your application no later than two weeks prior to your course start date. This is to ensure there is sufficient time for your application to be reviewed and, should you be made an offer, time for you to complete all the necessary pre-enrolment tasks.



Some programmes will have specific deadlines as additional selection (e.g. interview, portfolio submission etc) is required, so please check the course page to ensure you have sufficient time to complete your application.

Attendance

Full time and Part-time.

Delivery will be block taught across 2/3 day intensive teaching sessions.



Full-time

PgDip - two semesters

MSc - One calendar year (three semesters)



Part-time

PgDip - four semesters

MSc – three calendar years

Start Date: September 2026.

Careers and Opportunities

Track I: Teaching/research in sport sciences and consulting;

Track II: teaching/research inpsychology and also consulting;

Track III: Clinical/Counselling services to various populations including athletes;

Track IV: Health promotion and working with clients but not necessarily athletes;

Track V: Further PhD research study.



To further complete an approved HCPC stage 2 qualification, in order gain eligibility to apply for registration the HCPC and use the protected title of Sport and Exercise Psychologist.