Sport and Exercise Psychology MSc

Overview

We're proud to be the first Russell Group university to offer a British Psychological Society (BPS) accredited MSc in Sport and Exercise Psychology. Delivered by expert academics and practitioners, we combine cutting-edge theory and real-world application.

We explore the psychological principles underpinning sport and exercise, using evidence-based practice and critical reflection. Our students engage in real-world tasks such as podcasts, academic posters, and client-style case studies that mirror professional roles. We're commended by the BPS for our assessment design. Our small cohort size ensures every student receives tailored feedback and mentoring.

Graduates are well-prepared to:

• undertake further academic study, such as a PhD or Professional Doctorates
• progress to Stage 2 training to become a sport and exercise psychologist via:
• The BPS Qualification in Sport and Exercise Psychology
• or the Sport and Exercise Psychology Accreditation Route (SEPAR) via BASES

Important information

We've highlighted important information about your course. Please take note of any deadlines.

Your course and study experience - disclaimers and terms and conditions

Please rest assured we make all reasonable efforts to provide you with the programmes, services and facilities described. However, it may be necessary to make changes due to significant disruption, for example in response to Covid-19.

View our Academic experience page, which gives information about your Newcastle University study experience for the academic year 2025-26.

See our terms and conditions and student complaints information, which gives details of circumstances that may lead to changes to programmes, modules or University services.

 

What you'll learn

During the course, you will learn how to:

• apply and evaluate psychological theory, strategy and techniques to facilitate performance enhancement and behaviour change
• critically evaluate psychological research evidence in sports and exercise
• use a range of quantitative and qualitative skills as well as use advanced statistical and analytical methods
• assess and devise appropriate interventions for performance enhancement
• apply appropriate psychological skills and counselling techniques

Modules

You will study modules on this course. A module is a unit of a course with its own approved aims and outcomes and assessment methods.

Course content changes

Module information is intended to provide an example of what you will study.

Our teaching is informed by research. Course content changes periodically to reflect developments in the discipline, the requirements of external bodies and partners, and student feedback.

Full details of the modules on offer will be published through the Programme Regulations and Specifications ahead of each academic year. This usually happens in May.

To find out more please see our terms and conditions.

Optional modules availability

Some courses have optional modules. Student demand for optional modules may affect availability.

 

Sport and Exercise Psychology MSc modules

Compulsory Modules	Credits
Advanced Research Methods for Applied Psychology A	10
Advanced Research Methods for Applied Psychology B	10
Professional Development for Sport and Exercise Psychologists	20
Clinical Sport & Exercise Psychology	20
Social and Interpersonal Processes in Sport and Exercise	20
Applied Sport and Performance Psychology	20
Psychological Techniques in Sport and Exercise Psychology Practice	20
Sport and Exercise Psychology Project	60

How you'll learn

Delivery and teaching methods

Our MSc is designed around interactive, practice-focused learning. You’ll engage in a variety of dynamic and applied teaching formats, including:

• interactive, discussion-based workshops that emphasise real-world application
• small group activities to develop collaboration, critical thinking, reflection, and applied skills
• case studies and role play to simulate professional practice
• guest speaker sessions from practitioners working in elite sport, health, and exercise contexts

This hands-on, workshop-based approach reflects the applied nature of the programme and supports the development of skills essential for professional practice and Stage 2 training.

Assessment methods

Depending on your modules, you'll be assessed through a combination of:

• Case study
• Essay
• Observation of professional practice
• Professional skills assessments
• Oral examination
• Oral presentation
• PC examination
• Poster
• Report
• Reflective log
• Research proposal
• Research paper
• Thesis
• Viva

Student support

Throughout your studies, you’ll have access to support from:

• academic staff
• personal tutors and research supervisors
• our University Student Services Team
• student representatives
• peers

You'll also be assigned an academic member of staff, who will be your personal tutor throughout your time with us. They can help with academic and personal issues.

Your teaching and learning is also supported by Canvas. Canvas is a Virtual Learning Environment. You'll use Canvas to submit your assignments and access your:

• module handbooks
• course materials
• groups
• course announcements and notifications
• written feedback

 

Our staff

The course is located within the School of Psychology, part of the Faculty of Medical Sciences at Newcastle University. We take great pride in the quality of our teaching and you'll benefit from being taught by staff who have a wide range of expertise. Areas include:

• the application of clinically-related psychological techniques
• strategies to enhance sporting performance
• well-being in both athletes and non-athletes

In the School of Psychology, we focus on the scientific and experimental study of mind and behaviour. Our main aim is to provide excellent, global education to our postgraduate students.

Your development

Transferrable skills

You will achieve a 'psychological literacy', leading to a range of successful careers and further study. You’ll develop a diverse set of transferable skills during the course, including:

• experience of working with athletes in a real-life environment
• the ability to use advanced statistical packages
• planning, managing and implementing tasks at a professional level
• formulating hypotheses and applying research skills to create new knowledge
• communicating effectively and confidently in both verbal and written formats
• collaborating effectively in academic and non-academic environments

Your future

Career development

This MSc is designed for graduates seeking to advance their career in the psychology of sport, exercise, and performance. You’ll develop the knowledge and applied skills needed to progress toward professional practice or research pathways.

Graduates are well-positioned to pursue roles such as:

• Sport and Exercise Psychologist (via Stage 2 BPS or BASES SEPAR training routes)
• Professional Doctorate Candidate in Sport and Exercise Psychology, working toward HCPC registration through applied doctoral training (e.g., DProf Sport & Exercise Psychology)
• Academic Researcher or PhD Candidate in sport and exercise psychology, mental health, or behaviour change
• Sport and Exercise Scientist with a focus on psychological support
• Sports Coach or Director with advanced insight into motivation, wellbeing, and performance
• Health Promotion or Wellbeing Specialist in sport, exercise, or community settings

Further Study

Our MSc also provides a route into sport and exercise psychology at PhD level.

Networking opportunities

You’ll have access to a wide range of real-world learning and networking experiences.

We're the host site for the BPS-recognised North-East Research and Applied Practice Hub, a regional network that brings together practitioners, academics, and trainees across the sport and exercise psychology community. You’ll benefit from regular events, discussions, and access to applied professionals in the field.

Students also deliver a group workshop at the annual Psychological Insights into Coaching Practice Conference. This gives you a platform to showcase applied projects and connect with coaches, practitioners, and researchers from across the world.

Throughout the programme, you’ll also have opportunities to:

• engage with guest speakers and external agencies from elite sport, health, and education
• undertake shadowing experiences
• collaborate with local sports clubs and organisations through applied research
• build your professional network through formal and informal interactions embedded in the curriculum

These experiences will prepare you for Stage 2 training and future careers. You'll build confidence, credibility, and meaningful connections within the field.

Our Careers Service

Our Careers Service is one of the largest and best in the country, and we have strong links with employers. 

Visit our Careers Service website

Quality and ranking

All professional accreditations are reviewed regularly by their professional body

Recognition of professional qualifications outside of the UK

From 1 January 2021 there is an update to the way professional qualifications are recognised by countries outside of the UK

Check the government’s website for more information.

Facilities

The Dame Margaret Barbour Building is the new home for the School of Psychology at Newcastle University. This bespoke facility is the newest addition to the Faculty of Medical Sciences and offers psychology facilities such as:

• forensic interviewing suite
• nutrition and food preference unit
• media and behaviour lab
• medical consultation rooms
• psychological testing cubicles

In addition to this, we've invested £32m in state-of-the-art teaching facilities for sport and exercise, including:

• psychological testing cubicles
• exercise physiology lab
• biomechanics lab
• gait track
• high-performance lab
• nutrition kitchen
• blood preparation and analysis lab
• an environmental chamber that enables the simulation of altitude, temperature and humidity

 

Fees and funding

Tuition fees for 2026 entry (per year)

Tuition fee increases

As a general principle, you should expect the tuition fee to increase in each subsequent academic year of your course, subject to government regulations on fee increases and in line with inflation.

EU, other EEA and Swiss nationals - tuition fee status

Depending on your residency history, if you’re a student from the EU, other EEA or a Swiss national, with settled or pre-settled status under the EU Settlement Scheme, you’ll normally pay the ‘Home’ tuition fee rate and may be eligible for Student Finance England support.

EU students without settled or pre-settled status will normally be charged fees at the ‘International’ rate and will not be eligible for Student Finance England support. You may be eligible for a scholarship worth 25% off the international fee. Search our funding database. 

If you are unsure of your fee status, check out the latest guidance here.

Scholarships

We support our EU and international students by providing a generous range of Vice-Chancellor's automatic and merit-based scholarships. See our searchable postgraduate funding page for more information. 

What you're paying for

Tuition fees include the costs of:

• matriculation
• registration
• tuition (or supervision)
• library access
• examination
• re-examination
• graduation

Find out more about:

• living costs
• tuition fees

Deposit

If you are an international student or a student from the EU, EEA or Switzerland and you need a visa to study in the UK, you may have to pay a deposit.

You can check this in the How to apply section.

Funding deadlines

If you're applying for funding, always check the funding application deadline. This deadline may be earlier than the application deadline for your course.

For some funding schemes, you need to have received an offer of a place on a course before you can apply for the funding.

Search for funding

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How to apply

Using the application portal

The application portal has instructions to guide you through your application. It will tell you what documents you need and how to upload them.

You can choose to start your application, save your details and come back to complete it later.

 

If you’re ready, you can select Apply Online and you’ll be taken directly to the application portal.

Alternatively you can find out more about applying on our applications and offers pages.

Apply Online  

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