Mental Skills and Mental Health in Sports and Exercise MSc
Program Overview
This MSc program equips students with knowledge and skills in mental skills for sports performance and interventions for mental health in sports contexts. It extends beyond traditional sport psychology by emphasizing performance restoration, resilience, and positive psychology. Graduates may pursue roles in coaching, management, or other areas requiring expertise in mental skills and mental health in sports without the need for a formal psychology qualification.
Program Outline
Degree Overview:
This MSc programme is dedicated to providing a thorough grounding in the knowledge and application of both mental skills to enhance sport and interventions to promote mental health and wellbeing. It seeks to equip candidates with a sound understanding of theory and research and develop core competencies and skills across a range of key domains including performance psychology, exercise and mental health, professional issues and ethics, and research design. The programme mirrors the MSc Sport, Exercise and Performance Psychology, but is open to those who do not hold an undergraduate degree in psychology.
Objectives:
- Provide a learner-focused and connected curriculum to enable students to develop their capacity to think critically and acquire a broad set of attributes as identified by the UL as knowledgeable, proactive, innovative, responsible, articulate and collaborative.
- Extend the traditional remit of sport psychology by focusing on performance restoration, resilience and mental health, rather than exclusively targeting performance enhancement.
- Enhance the understanding of mental health challenges in sport contexts using a positive psychology approach.
- Develop a multidisciplinary mode of graduate enquiry coupled with an ethical scientist-practitioner basis.
Outline:
Semester 1
- Advanced Research Design (6 ECTS)
- Psychological Skills Training (9 ECTS)
- Professional Practice 1: Professional Competencies (6 ECTS)
- Applied Positive Psychology (9 ECTS)
Semester 2
- Dissertation Development (6 ECTS)
- Performance Psychology (9 ECTS)
- Exercise Psychology and Mental Health (9 ECTS)
- Professional Practice 2: Professional Issues and Ethics (6 ECTS)
Semester 3
- Dissertation (24 ECTS)
Other:
- QS Ranked Top 100 worldwide (Sport related programmes)
- This MSc has more flexible entry requirements (e.g., RPL) than the existing MSc in Sport, Exercise and Performance Psychology.
- This degree runs parallel to the existing programme which aligns to the Psychological Society of Ireland accreditation requirements.
- The purpose of this degree is to offer a pathway for those seeking to upskill on topic areas relating to mental skills and mental health in sport and the degree is not a qualification in psychology.
- It offers a grounding in research and application for those who seek further training to pursue roles that don’t explicitly require a qualification in psychology (e.g., sports coaching, sports management etc. ).
EU - €6,704 Non- EU - €12,854
University of Limerick
Overview:
University of Limerick (UL) is a public research university located in Limerick, Ireland. It is known for its strong academic programs, vibrant campus life, and commitment to research and innovation. UL is ranked among the top 3% of universities worldwide and is a leading institution in Ireland for its contributions to research, teaching, and community engagement.
Services Offered:
UL offers a wide range of services to its students, including:
Library:
The Glucksman Library provides access to a vast collection of books, journals, and digital resources.Student Gateway:
This online portal provides access to student information, course materials, and other important resources.Accommodation:
On-campus accommodation options are available for students, with a variety of choices to suit different needs and budgets.Cafés and Restaurants:
The campus has a variety of dining options, including cafes, restaurants, and a student-run Coop.Sports Facilities:
UL Sport offers a wide range of sports facilities and activities for students, including a state-of-the-art sports arena.Student Support Services:
The university provides a range of support services to students, including academic advising, career counseling, and mental health services.Student Life and Campus Experience:
UL offers a vibrant and diverse campus experience, with a strong emphasis on student engagement and community involvement. Students can participate in a wide range of clubs, societies, and events, both on and off campus. The university also has a strong focus on sustainability and social responsibility, with initiatives aimed at promoting environmental awareness and community engagement.
Key Reasons to Study There:
Strong Academic Programs:
UL offers a wide range of undergraduate and postgraduate programs across various disciplines, with a focus on research and innovation.Vibrant Campus Life:
The university provides a dynamic and engaging campus experience, with a wide range of opportunities for students to get involved in extracurricular activities and social events.Research Excellence:
UL is a leading research institution in Ireland, with a strong focus on innovation and collaboration.International Focus:
The university has a strong international focus, with a diverse student body and a commitment to global engagement.Location:
UL is located in Limerick, a vibrant city with a rich history and culture.Academic Programs:
UL offers a wide range of academic programs across seven faculties:
Arts, Humanities and Social Sciences:
This faculty offers programs in areas such as history, law, modern languages, politics, English, Irish, and sociology.Education and Health Sciences:
This faculty offers programs in areas such as physical education, psychology, medicine, education, nursing, and allied health.Kemmy Business School:
This faculty offers programs in areas such as accounting, finance, economics, management, and marketing.Science and Engineering:
This faculty offers programs in areas such as computer science, electronic engineering, mathematics, statistics, design, and engineering.Irish World Academy of Music and Dance:
This academy offers programs in traditional Irish music and dance.Other:
Entry Requirements:
Entry to the programme will be based on the result of a written application with appropriate references (no interview required). Applicants require a minimum 2.2 Level 8 honours degree (NFQ or other internationally recognised equivalent) in the domain of sport science, psychology, sports coaching or sport management. RPL (Recognised Prior Learning) entry will be available for those without a related degree. Applicants must also satisfy the English Language Requirements of the University. Applicants whose first language is not English must provide evidence of either prior successful completion of a degree qualification taught through the medium of English or meet one of the criteria below (no longer than two years prior to application). Acceptable English Language qualifications include the following: TOEFL – 580 (paper based) or 90 (internet based)
Language Proficiency Requirements:
If your qualifications have been obtained in a country where English is an official language this will suffice • English translation of your qualification(s)/transcripts AND • English language competency certificate
