Sport & Exercise Psychology

About

The overarching aim of the programme is to provide a recognised level of training for aspiring professionals in the field of sport and exercise psychology by providing them with the competencies required to apply psychology professionally and ethically in sport and exercise settings. The programme has three themes at its core which influence the pedagogical outcomes throughout the modules: theory practice; stability-change and individual-context.



Both the overall objective and the themes are achieved through the goals outlined below:

1. To provide students with a sound understanding of key theoretical issues in the field of sport and exercise psychology.



2. To enable students to develop an in-depth understanding of the application of theory to sport and exercise settings.



3. To provide the opportunity for students to gain practical skills that will enhance their ability to work with individuals and groups in the sport and exercise context.



4. To provide students with the skills to plan, implement and evaluate work in an applied setting.



5. To enable students to develop a range of practical competencies pertinent to completion of Stage 1 with the BPS. In order to gain accreditation as a Sport and Exercise Psychologist, completion of an approved HCPC stage 2 qualification and registration with the HCPC is required.



6. To help students to develop the skills necessary to design, conduct, analyse and report empirical research in the field of sport and exercise psychology.



7. To facilitate students in acquiring employment and entrepreneurial skills that would enable them to commercialise their skills and intellectual property.



8. To facilitate the development of critical and self-reflective awareness of the ethical concerns and implications of applying psychology in sport and exercise settings.

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.

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 2025.

Career options

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



Track II: teaching/research in psychology 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.