Sport Psychology MSc
About this course
The MSc Sport Psychology course will develop advanced specialist knowledge, tools and applied skills for individuals wishing to pursue a career in sport psychology. The course will develop your understanding of sport psychology theories, principles, and practices that are at the forefront of the discipline.
A research-informed approach will underpin the development of theoretical understanding and an applied skillset in key areas of sport psychology such as developmental processes, performance psychology, learning and cognition, sport psychology across the lifespan, and mental health in and through sport. The course places a significant emphasis on youth development and this focus ensures that students are well-prepared to support young athletes in navigating the challenges and opportunities that sport presents. The course will facilitate your knowledge and offer opportunities to develop practitioner competencies that are required for supporting the needs of key stakeholders (e.g. athletes, coaches, parents) in sport contexts.
The course is delivered by friendly and approachable student-centred staff who facilitate a supportive, interactive, and nurturing learning environment that will help you excel and achieve your academic goals. Our teaching staff are active researchers in the Sport, Health, and Performance Enhancement Research Centre (SHAPE), who bring cutting-edge research into the classroom. Their areas of expertise include ‘Resilience’, ‘Athlete Development’, ‘Youth Sport’, ‘Self-Regulation’, ‘Motivation’, ‘Women in Sport’, and ‘Mental Health and Well-Being’.
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Top 10 University for Sport in the British Universities & Colleges Sports (BUCS) Championship 2023 - 2024. -
In the last Research Excellence Framework (REF 2021) - the UK's system for assessing the quality and impact of research in universities - we’re proud that 100% of NTU's Sport and Exercise Sciences, Leisure and Tourism submission was assessed to be world-leading or internationally excellent.
Talk to us about Masters study
Meet us in-person or online to explore your postgraduate course in our Department of Sport Science.
Book a convenient appointment with a member of our Sport Science postgraduate team. We will link you with a member of staff who matches your course and career interests.
What you’ll study
You will study seven modules across areas including learning and cognition, mental health in sport and performance psychology alongside an extensive research project. Additionally, all students will have the opportunity to attend an Academic Language Skills programme.
Professional Practice in Sport Psychology (20 credit points)
Develop a critical understanding of current issues in professional practice to inform your professional identity as a trainee sport psychologist. This module will focus on psychological approaches to practice in applied consultancy work, ethical principles and challenges, professional conduct and boundaries, and legal and organisational considerations that impact professional practice. The module will prepare those intending to pursue a professional qualification in sport psychology via the BPS / QSEP route (British Psychological Society / Qualification in Sport and Exercise Psychology) or BASES / SEPAR route (British Association of Sport and Exercise Sciences / Sport and Exercise Psychology Accreditation Route) to gain Health and Care Professionals Council (HCPC) registration.
Performance Psychology (20 cp)
Critically understand how psychology can contribute to maintaining and enhancing high performance. This module will explore theories and research that explain the relationship between individuals, their environment, and their performance, and you will learn about contemporary performance psychology topics such as resilience, stress and emotion, and thriving. You will also develop an understanding of how empirical research is translated to practitioners working within a performance environment which may include sport, the military, healthcare, and law enforcement.
The Developing Athlete (20 cp)
Develop your knowledge and understanding of the development of athletes in sport. This module will focus on current theories, models and frameworks that underpin our understanding of athlete development in sport. You will learn about child and adolescent growth and development, youth sport and developmental pathways, the role of stakeholders in athlete development, and approaches to supporting the health, wellbeing, and performance of youth athletes.
Learning and Cognition (20 cp)
Develop your knowledge and understanding of the key factors that influence cognitive and developmental processes involved in learning and performance. This module will focus on the effects of exercise and fatigue on learning and cognition, the role of attention in learning and performance, and how cognition, learning and development evolve across the lifespan. You will learn how key domains of cognition such as memory, perception and attention have been informed by the field of cognitive psychology along with new and emerging technologies and methodologies.
Mental Health In and Through Sport (20 cp)
Develop your knowledge and understanding of the multifaceted and multilevel nature of mental health and mental ill-health in and through sport. This module will focus on mental health in different populations (e.g. athletes and coaches) and sporting contexts, the mechanisms and consequences of mental health and mental ill-health in sport, and the role of the sport psychologist in mental health promotion, prevention, and treatment.
Research Methods in Sport Psychology (20 cp)
Develop your knowledge and skills as an effective sport psychology researcher. This module will prepare you to undertake a large independent research project and write a report for an academic journal. You will learn about qualitative and quantitative methods, design and conduct small-scale research projects, and gain practical experience of applying analytical techniques to psychological data.
Research Project (60 cp)
Your research project is an independent piece of work, supervised and supported by a dedicated member of staff. Building on the knowledge and skills acquired throughout the course you will undertake a novel research project and produce an original research paper for a target scientific journal.
We regularly review and update our course content based on student and employer feedback, ensuring that all of our courses remain current and relevant. This may result in changes to module content or module availability in future years.
Don’t just take our word for it, hear from our students themselves
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How you're taught
- Lab-based and practical work
- Psychology simulations
- Group work
- Professional practice
- Lectures
- Seminars
Learn a new language
Alongside your study you also have the opportunity to learn a new language. The University Language Programme (ULP) is available to all students and gives you the option of learning a totally new language or improving the skills you already have. Find out more about the ULP.
Research informed teaching
By daring to think differently our research is tackling real-world issues. The subjects you will study with us are informed by our research so you can be sure your knowledge will be cutting-edge in your field. In the last Research Excellence Framework (REF 2021) - the UK's system for assessing the quality and impact of research in universities - we’re proud that 100% of NTU's Sport and Exercise Sciences, Leisure and Tourism submission was assessed to be world-leading or internationally excellent.
How you're assessed
Assessments for this course are 100% coursework and may comprise the following types:
- Presentation
- Case study
- Journal manuscript
- Written report
- Essay
- Proposal
Careers and employability
Graduates of the MSc Sport Psychology course will be well prepared to pursue their career goals, whether that be working with sport teams and organisations, or undertaking further research in sport psychology through the completion of a research degree (i.e., PhD).
Staff are in the process of seeking BPS accreditation for this course, which constitutes Stage 1 of training to become an accredited Sport and Exercise Psychologist. Following the successful completion of this course, you may be eligible to register for the two year full time (up to four year part time) Stage 2 Qualification in Sport and Exercise Psychology (QSEP). Those registering for this pathway are required by the BPS to have Graduate Status for Chartership (GBC). An alternative pathway is to enter the BASES Sport and Exercise Psychology Accreditation Route (SEPAR) which requires you to complete between two and four years of training under supervision. You may also be required to successfully complete the Open University 60-credit module (Investigating Psychology 2) as prerequisite for this pathway.
Re:search Re:imagined
To us, research is about more than writing papers and proposing new ideas. By daring to think differently, we’re disrupting the research landscape and finding the answers to the questions that really matter. From conservation management to sustainable farming, we’re inspiring the brightest minds to rise up and find solutions to some of the most significant global challenges facing society.
NTU Enterprise
You'll also have the opportunity to turn your ideas into a viable business with help from NTU Enterprise, NTU's purpose-built Centre for Entrepreneurship and Enterprise, a support centre to help students create, develop and grow their own businesses.
Campus and facilities
Where you'll study
You will study at the chic, stylish and community-driven Clifton Campus, which offers accommodation, various sports facilities including an indoor tennis centre, a Strength and Conditioning High Performance Centre, cafes and shops, along with excellent transport links to Nottingham City Centre.
The Department of Sport Science also offers outstanding facilities, including a bespoke Sport and Exercise Psychology laboratory that supports the applied and practical elements of the MSc Sport Psychology course.
Entry requirements
What are we looking for?
- Honours degree (minimum 2.1 or equivalent) in a sport or psychology related subject.
- Applicants with a 2.2 honours degree will be considered on an individual basis.
- Applicants with relevant employment experience or other relevant qualifications will also be considered.
NTU may admit a student with advanced standing beyond the beginning of a course through an assessment of that student's prior learning, whether it is certificated or uncertificated. Our Recognition of Prior Learning and Credit Transfer Policy outlines the process and options available to these prospective students, such as recognising experiential learning or transferring to a similar course at another institution, otherwise known as credit transfer.
All prospective students who wish to apply via Recognition of Prior Learning should initially contact the central Admissions and Enquiries Team, which will support you through the process.
Getting in touch
If you need more help or information, get in touch through our enquiry form
You will need:
- Honours degree (minimum 2.1 or equivalent) in a sport or psychology related subject.
- Applicants with a 2.2 honours degree will be considered on an individual basis.
- Applicants with relevant employment experience or other relevant qualifications will also be considered.
International qualifications
We accept qualifications from all over the world – check yours here:
Postgraduate preparation courses (Pre-Masters)
If you don’t yet meet our entry requirements, we offer Pre-Masters courses through our partner Nottingham Trent International College (NTIC), based on our City Campus:
English language entry requirements
You can meet our language requirements by completing our pre-sessional English course for an agreed length of time or by submitting the required grade in one of our accepted English language tests, such as IELTS:
Would you like some advice on your study plans?
Our international teams are highly experienced in answering queries from students all over the world. We also have members of staff based in Vietnam, China, India and Nigeria and work with a worldwide network of education counsellors.
- Complete this simple form to keep in touch with the International Office.
Fees and funding
The course fees for September 2025 entry are:
| Study route | UK | International |
|---|---|---|
| Full-time | £9,990 | £17,850 |
| Part-time | £4,995 | £8,925* |
*For part-time study please check your student visa regulations.
Please note that if you are considering a course that runs over more than one year, the tuition fee stated is for the first year of study. The course fee for the second year may be subject to annual review.
Funding your studies
Preparing for the financial side of student life is important, but there’s no need to feel anxious and confused about it. We hope that our fees and living costs page and our funding page will answer all your questions.
Scholarships
You might be able to get a scholarship to help fund your studies. We award scholarships to those students who demonstrate excellent achievement, passion and dedication to their studies.
Alumni discount
We’re happy to be able to offer a 20% alumni discount to most current NTU students and recent NTU alumni. This discount is currently available for those starting an eligible postgraduate taught, postgraduate research or professional course.
Getting in touch
For more advice and guidance, you can contact our Student Financial Support Service at +44 (0)115 848 2494. For scholarship help please contact us at +44 (0)115 848 4460.
The course fees for September 2025 entry are:
| Study route | UK | International |
|---|---|---|
| Full-time | £9,990 | £17,850 |
| Part-time | £4,995 | £8,925* |
*For part-time study please check your student visa regulations.
Please note that if you are considering a course that runs over more than one year, the tuition fee stated is for the first year of study. The course fee for the second year may be subject to annual review.
Scholarships
We offer scholarships of up to 50% of your tuition fee. You can apply for your scholarship when you have an offer to study at NTU.
Living costs
Get advice on the cost of living as an international student in Nottingham and how to budget:
Paying fees
Find out about advanced payments, instalment plan options and how to make payments securely to the University:
Would you like some advice on your study plans?
Our international teams are highly experienced in answering queries from students all over the world. We also have members of staff based in Vietnam, China, India and Nigeria and work with a worldwide network of education counsellors.
- Complete this simple form to keep in touch with the International Office.
How to apply
Ready to join us? Then apply as soon as you can. Just click the Apply button at the top of the page and follow the instructions for applying. Make sure you check the entry requirements above carefully before you do.
If you are interested in joining us in September 2025, this course will be open for applications through the applicant portal from September 2024.
You can get more information and advice about applying to NTU in our postgraduates' guide. Here you'll find advice about how to write a good personal statement and much more.
Writing your application
Be honest, thorough and persuasive in your application. Remember, we can only make a decision based on what you tell us. Make sure you include as much information as possible, including uploading evidence of results already achieved, as well as a personal statement.
Keeping up to date
After you’ve applied, we’ll be sending you important emails throughout the application process - so check your emails regularly, including your junk mail folder.
Getting in touch
If you need any more help or information, please contact us at Ask NTU or call on +44 (0)115 848 4200.
Apply online through our NTU applicant portal.
If you are interested in joining us in September 2025, this course will be open for applications through the applicant portal from September 2024.
Application advice
Apply early so that you have enough time to prepare – processing times for Student visas can vary, for example. After you've applied, we'll be sending you important emails throughout the application process – so check your emails regularly, including your junk mail folder.
Writing your personal statement
Be honest, thorough, and persuasive – we can only make a decision about your application based on what you tell us:
Would you like some advice on your study plans?
Our international teams are highly experienced in answering queries from students all over the world. We also have members of staff based in Vietnam, China, India and Nigeria and work with a worldwide network of education counsellors.
- Complete this simple form to keep in touch with the International Office.
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