Sport Psychology MSc

Postgraduate

Male adjusting a pair of glasses on another persons head

Psychological support in sport has emerged as an essential element of sport performance and wellbeing, with sportspeople at all levels benefitting from advice provided by trained professionals in this field.

Year of entry

2024-25

Location

Coventry University (Coventry)

Study mode

Full-time

Duration

1 year full-time

Course code

HLST248

Start date

September 2024

How to apply

Book an Open Day

Download a prospectus

Ask a question

Course overview

This exciting master’s course is ideal for any sport and exercise science graduate wishing to pursue a career in the field of sport psychology.

You'll have the opportunity to gain an in-depth understanding of a range of contemporary issues, enabling the design and implementation of evidence-based delivery of support appropriate for a range of clients.

Development of practical skills including the practice of verbal and non-verbal communication, listening skills, reflection and problem-solving.
The opportunity to develop creative methods of delivery that can be adapted to specialist and non-specialist audiences both in the UK and globally.
Our aim is to effectively prepare you for professional employment, so we focus on providing enhanced practical and professional skills through a combination of lectures, group work and case studies.

Rated Gold Overall

Teaching Excellence Framework (TEF) 2023

5 QS Stars for Teaching and Facilities

QS Stars University Ratings

Top 5 Student City in England (Coventry)

QS Best Student Cities Index 2025

Why you should study this course

Employability development will be a key theme embedded throughout the degree. The structure of the course enables you to reflect on where you are and develop a constantly evolving development plan.

Expert guest lecturers specialising in a range of different areas related to sport psychology².
This course should allow you to gain a solid grounding in a range of areas related to the BASES Supervised Experience (SE) competencies in order to contribute to your path to accreditation¹.
Staff may be able to offer BASES supervision, allowing you to begin your SE training alongside your studies. If you are progressing onto this course from degrees other than Sport and Exercise Science you should note that to progress through SE following completion of this MSc will require significant extra study to satisfy the broader sport science-related competencies.
Opportunity to gain international experience through field trips and online projects².

Accreditation and professional recognition

This course is accredited¹ and recognised by the following bodies:

Chartered Management Institute (CMI)

The course currently includes the Chartered Management Institute (CMI) accredited module¹, Leading and Creating Organisational Health and Wellbeing. Upon successful completion of the module, you will gain the CMI Level 7 Certificate in Strategic Management and Leadership Practice at no additional cost.

What you'll study

This course has been designed to develop your understanding of the principles of sport psychology and their role in the development and support of a range of client groups.

You will employ your understanding of the scientific basis of sport psychology that covers the theory, principles and background required to inform assessment and interventions in sport performance. The course content includes issues related to talent development and management in sport, group dynamics, conceptual issues, performance enhancement and professional practice.

Modules

Talent Development and Management in Sport - 20 credits

This module aims to enable you to evaluate the theoretical underpinning of talent development and management concepts within sport psychology and motor behaviour/learning literature. You will consider psychological and performance demands placed upon the athlete across a range of sports (both individual and group) to identify how these concepts impact talent development and/or talent management. Debate and evidence-based discussion of the topic and how it can be integrated into the applied world will be central to this module.

Compulsory

Conceptual and Special Issues in Sport Psychology - 20 credits

This module aims to enable you to develop an understanding of the theoretical underpinning of contemporary performance enhancement debates and special issues within the sport psychology literature. You will identify how these concepts impact performance and/or wellbeing. Critical debate and evidence-based discussion of the indicative content and how it can be integrated from a practitioner perspective into the applied world will be central to this module.

Compulsory

Innovative Dissemination for Performance Enhancement - 0 credits

This is an assessment-only module. It encourages you to develop multi-disciplinary practice and an integrated approach to learning. You will integrate knowledge and skills from Talent Development and Management in Sport and Conceptual and Special Issues in Sport Psychology modules to develop an educational video designed for a specific client group. The module allows you to use the knowledge and understanding gained in the two taught modules in order to consider promoting behaviour change through innovative and engaging methods of delivery.

Compulsory

Applied Skills in Sport Psychology - 30 credits

This module aims to provide you with an in-depth understanding of the practical challenges faced globally by a sport psychologist. Through completion of this module, you should be able to evaluate a range of psychological skills and strategies whilst having a basic knowledge of how to practically implement these with a range of athletes in a variety of scenarios. You will consider salient Applied Sport Psychology frameworks and their impact on performance enhancement and athlete development which is designed to enable you to extend your appreciation of therapeutic perspectives.

Compulsory

Professional Practice in Sport Psychology - 20 credits

This module aims to enable you to develop an awareness of current issues in the professional practice of sport psychology including the theoretical underpinning of therapeutic perspectives and organisational issues which govern professional practice within a multi-disciplinary delivery environment. Successful completion of the module will enable you to develop a practical understanding and knowledge of skills, frameworks and methods of evaluation relating to consultant philosophy and professional practice in one-to-one and group settings across multiple sports. An appreciation of the BASES Codes of Conduct, training pathways and professional opportunities will be included.

Compulsory

Research Skills - 20 credits

This module seeks to provide you with a detailed understanding of the complex processes necessary to formulate, develop and test a scientific/clinical hypothesis. You will apply these to the design of a research study in a particular area of sport psychology and develop the ability to use research, reasoning and problem-solving skills to determine appropriate actions. Within this module you will also discuss the ethos, requirements and legislation surrounding research within sport psychology.

Compulsory

Critical Review of Research Project - 10 credits

The aim of this module is to allow you to reflect upon and refine your research project proposal prior to the data collection phase. You will practice and develop competency in key methods to be used in the investigation and will have the opportunity to receive support for any other project-related concerns. You will continue to meet regularly with your project supervisor to refine the research proposal ideas and ensure you are able to articulate these clearly.

Compulsory

Independent Project - 50 credits

In this module you carry out an evidence-based investigative task in a specialised area of sport and exercise science. This may be a traditional research study or may be an example of clinical developmental work or development of athlete programmes. Upon successful completion of the module, you will be able to demonstrate an ability to evaluate your results with reference to relevant literature, analyse and present your findings, work independently and undertake work without close supervision. The module is designed to enable you to show a high level of organisational skills, practical ability and the ability to interact with other students and module staff and to behave appropriately and professionally with subjects/clients.

Compulsory

Global Professional Development – Leading and Creating Organisational Health and Wellbeing - 10 credits

This module aims to provide you with a framework of knowledge and understanding of how to effectively lead and develop people in organisations for better health and wellbeing using a range of approaches whatever the master’s degree of specialisation you elect to follow. You will explore for example, the influence and impact of leadership theories, culture and the impact of health and wellbeing on organisational performance in different types of organisational scenarios. You will appraise contemporary approaches for the creation of healthy work systems with emphasis placed upon modern-day methods and the role and skills of leaders in coaching and mentoring.

As part of this module, you will devise a coaching and mentoring plan and consider how its impact may be evaluated. Alongside coaching and mentoring, you will study the principles and practice of strategic leadership. The topics of leadership and management, leadership styles and issues such as empowerment and trust will be considered. In particular, you will consider how leadership can set or influence an environment in which coaching and mentoring can flourish. The module will engage you in a variety of debates and problem-solving exercises using examples from organisations, small businesses, communities and the third sector.

Compulsory

We regularly review our course content, to make it relevant and current for the benefit of our students. For these reasons, course modules may be updated.

How you'll learn

Our aim is to effectively prepare you for professional employment, so all of our teaching methods are chosen to develop experimental/practical techniques and develop your ability to design, implement and reflect upon professional practice. These methods include:

Lectures
Seminars
Tutorials
Group work
Practical skills sessions

Throughout the course, you will receive insight from the latest research and input from current practitioners.

Teaching contact hours

The number of full-time contact hours may vary from semester to semester, however, on average, it is likely to be around 10 contact hours per week.

Additionally, you will be expected to undertake significant self-directed study of approximately 20 hours each week, depending on the demands of individual modules.

The contact hours may be made up of a combination of face-to-face teaching, individual and group tutorials, and online classes and tutorials.

As an innovative and enterprising institution, the university may seek to utilise emerging technologies within the student experience. For all courses (whether on-campus, blended, or distance learning), the university may deliver certain contact hours and assessments via online technologies and methods.

Since COVID-19, we have delivered our courses in a variety of forms, in line with public authority guidance, decisions, or orders and we will continue to adapt our delivery as appropriate. Whether on campus or online, our key priority is staff and student safety.

Assessment

This course will be assessed using a variety of methods which will vary depending upon the module.

Assessment methods include:

Portfolios
Coursework
Essays
Group work
Presentations/posters
Videos
Reflections
Practical or project work.

The Coventry University Group assessment strategy ensures that our courses are fairly assessed and allows us to monitor student progression towards achieving the intended learning outcomes.

International experience opportunities

Sport is an industry that operates worldwide, generating income from international trade, therefore the demand for well-educated and knowledgeable practitioners both in the UK and abroad is ever-present in order to ensure that the industry develops and progresses sustainably across the globe. Increasing participation in sport at grassroots level, participation of elite athletes in international events, and hosting of high-profile competitions allows countries to enhance their reputation and gain respect worldwide.

Sport psychology plays an essential role in both promoting participation in sport and in elite success, thus specialist practitioners in this discipline are increasingly in demand across the globe. Connections and collaborations are being sought with institutions overseas through staff contacts and the university's Collaborative Online International Learning (COIL) programme².

Entry requirements

Typical offer for 2024/25 entry.

An honours degree in Sport and Exercise Science at 2:2 or above. Students must have studied and passed a Level 6 module in sport psychology

An honours degree in a related subject area and/or professional experience in sport or psychology equivalent to degree level in a related subject area.

We recognise a breadth of qualifications; speak to one of our advisers today to find out how we can help you.

Chat with us

Select your region to find detailed information about entry requirements:

Russia and Central Asia

You can view our full list of country specific entry requirements on our Entry requirements page.

Alternatively, visit our International hub for further advice and guidance on finding in-country agents and representatives, joining our in-country events and how to apply.

Typical entry requirements

An honours degree in Sport and Exercise Science at 2:2 or above. Students must have studied and passed a Level 6 module in sport psychology

An honours degree in a related subject area and/or professional experience in sport or psychology equivalent to degree level in a related subject area.

English language requirements

IELTS: 6.5 overall, with no component lower than 5.5

If you don't meet the English language requirements, you can achieve the level you need by successfully completing a pre-sessional English programme before you start your course.

For more information on our approved English language tests visit our English language requirements page.

Chat with us

Fees and funding

2024/25 tuition fees.

Student	Full-time	Part-time
UK, Ireland*, Channel Islands or Isle of Man	£9,350	Not available
EU	£9,350 per year with EU Support Bursary £18,600 per year without EU Support Bursary	Not available
International	£18,600	Not available

For advice and guidance on tuition fees³and student loans visit our Postgraduate Finance page.

We offer a range of International scholarships to students all over the world. For more information, visit our International Scholarships page.

Tuition fees cover the cost of your teaching, assessments, facilities and support services. There may be additional costs not covered by this fee such as accommodation and living costs, recommended reading books, stationery, printing and re-assessments should you need them.

The following are additional costs not included in the tuition fees:

Any optional overseas ﬁeld trips or visits: £400+ per trip.
Any costs associated with securing, attending or completing a placement (whether in the UK or abroad).

*Irish student fees

The rights of Irish residents to study in the UK are preserved under the Common Travel Area arrangement. If you are an Irish student and meet the residency criteria, you can study in England, pay the same level of tuition fees as English students and utilise the Tuition Fee Loan.

**EU Support Bursary

Following the UK's exit from the European Union, we are offering financial support to all eligible EU students who wish to study an undergraduate or a postgraduate degree with us full-time. This bursary will be used to offset the cost of your tuition fees to bring them in line with that of UK students. Students studying a degree with a foundation year with us are not eligible for the bursary.

How do you know if you need to pay UK or international tuition fees?

We carry out an initial fee status assessment based on the information you provide in your application. Your fee status determines your tuition fees, and what financial support and scholarships may be available to you. The rules about who pays UK (home) or international (overseas) fees for higher education courses in England are set by the Department for Education. The regulations identify all the different categories of student who can insist on paying the home rate. The regulations can be difficult to understand, so the UK Council for International Student Affairs (UKCISA) has provided fee status guidance to help you identify whether you are eligible to pay the home or overseas rate.

If you meet all the criteria required by any one category, including any residence requirements, your institution must charge you the home rate. You only need to find one category that you fit into.

Facilities

This course will take place at our Coventry University main campus and has access to the state-of-the-art Alison Gingell Building which features a number of innovative facilities as well as the Richard Crossman building⁴.

The Alison Gingell Building includes sports labs, analytical labs, research labs and sports science labs, all equipped with top-of-the-range equipment.

Careers and opportunities

On successful completion of the course, you will be able to:

Develop evidenced-based practice skills to address ‘real world’ questions in a range of delivery environments and global contexts
Devise, carry out, and report an independent sport psychology research project, demonstrating the ability to clearly understand ethics in respect of health, safety and technical requirements
Critically evaluate and reflect on your own personal performance, leadership and decision-making within your peer group to develop skills required to act as a competent practitioner
Interpret research from the current evidence base within sport psychology to design, develop and implement appropriate assessments and interventions designed to help individuals and teams to achieve their goals
Demonstrate essential written, oral, non-verbal and digital communication skills relevant to potential global organisations, environments and client groups that a future practitioner may be required to work with.

Following graduation, career options include work delivering specialised sport psychology support to teams or individuals, employed by a club or organisation or through self-employment as a consultant.

The course provides the opportunity to develop a range of transferable skills such as counselling, organisation, communication and scientific writing, which allows graduates the possibility of progression to careers in research, teaching/lecturing, PhD study, performance coaching or a range of other sport and exercise-related roles.

How to apply

UK students

To apply to study for a postgraduate course at Coventry University, you can apply online.

Full-time applications

Part-time applications

For further support or more information about your course get in touch with us today.

+44 (0)24 7765 2222

ukadmissions@coventry.ac.uk

Chat with our admissions team

Complete our contact form.

International students

Full-time international students should apply directly to the university. Read our application pages to find out your next steps to apply.

How to apply

For further support for international applicants applying for postgraduate degree view our International hub.

You can also download our International guide which contains lots of useful information about our courses, accommodation and tips for travel.

Get in touch with us today for further advice and guidance.

+44 (0)24 7765 2152

applications.io@coventry.ac.uk

Chat with our admissions team.

Complete our contact form.

Disclaimers

Coventry University together with Coventry University London, Coventry University Wrocław, CU Coventry, CU London, CU Scarborough, and Coventry University Online come together to form part of the Coventry University Group (the University) with all degrees awarded by Coventry University.

¹Accreditations

The majority of our courses have been formally recognised by professional bodies, which means the courses have been reviewed and tested to ensure they reach a set standard. In some instances, studying on an accredited course can give you additional benefits such as exemptions from professional exams (subject to availability, fees may apply). Accreditations, partnerships, exemptions and memberships shall be renewed in accordance with the relevant bodies’ standard review process and subject to the university maintaining the same high standards of course delivery.

²UK and international opportunities

Please note that we are unable to guarantee any UK or international opportunities (whether required or optional) such as internships, work experience, field trips, conferences, placements or study abroad opportunities and that all such opportunities may be unpaid and/or subject to additional costs (which could include, but is not limited to, equipment, materials, bench fees, studio or facilities hire, travel, accommodation and visas), competitive application, availability and/or meeting any applicable travel, public authority guidance, decisions or orders and visa requirements. To ensure that you fully understand any visa requirements, please contact the International Office.

³Tuition fees

The University will charge the tuition fees that are stated in the above table for the first Academic Year of study. The University will review tuition fees each year. For UK (home) students, if Parliament permit an increase in tuition fees, the University may increase fees for each subsequent year of study in line with any such changes. Note that any increase is expected to be in line with inflation.

For international students, we may increase fees each year, but such increases will be no more than 5% above inflation. If you defer your course start date or have to extend your studies beyond the normal duration of the course (e.g. to repeat a year or resit examinations) the University reserves the right to charge you fees at a higher rate and/or in accordance with any legislative changes during the additional period of study.

⁴Facilities

Facilities are subject to availability. Access to some facilities (including some teaching and learning spaces) may vary from those advertised and/or may have reduced availability or restrictions where the university is following public authority guidance, decisions or orders.

Student Contract

By accepting your offer of a place and enrolling with us, a Student Contract will be formed between you and the university. A copy of the current 2024/2025 contract is available on the website. The Contract details your rights and the obligations you will be bound by during your time as a student and contains the obligations that the university will owe to you. You should read the Contract before you accept an offer of a place and before you enrol at the university.