Program Overview

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MSc Sport and Exercise Psychology

Course summary

This course prepares you to become a sport and exercise psychologist by exploring psychological influences on sports performance and exercise behaviour – gaining hands-on experience, insights and industry connections.

How you learn

You’ll explore the theoretical, philosophical and practical underpinnings of sport and exercise psychology – applying your knowledge to live projects and research. You’ll also gain a better understanding of the role and function of sport and exercise graduates – in both the sport and physical activity sector, and the working world at large.

You learn through:

• Lectures, seminars and workshops
• Our virtual learning environment
• Work-based learning experiences, such as placements and field trips
• Practical activities in both simulated and in-situ environments
• Research and industry-relevant projects

Course topics

You’ll improve your employability skills while developing specialist knowledge of the global sports industry. You’ll learn to identify and implement creative solutions for major clients – gaining practical experience through optional industry placements and a sound theoretical grounding from our industry experts.

You’ll delve into the essential theories and practices of sport and exercise psychology, becoming proficient in a variety of specialised areas. Core modules include wellbeing and human performance, skill acquisition and developmental perspectives, and interventions in sport and exercise psychology. These modules will equip you with a deep understanding of how psychological principles can enhance athletic performance and overall wellbeing.

You’ll also develop professional skills specific to sport psychologists, alongside advanced knowledge in research methods and data analysis – all providing you with a robust foundation to excel in the field.

Course support

Our high ratio of staff to students means you’ll always be able to receive the support you need on your learning journey. You’ll be supported towards highly skilled, graduate-level employment through a number of key areas. These include:

• Access to our student support triangle to help with your personal, academic and career development.
• Access to our Skills Centre for support with one-to-ones, webinars and online resources, where you can get help with planning and structuring your assignments and assessment preparation.
• Support and guidance from your course and module leaders, and you’ll have a named academic adviser and employability advisers.
• Access to our central services such as counselling, Library and IT services.

Applied learning

Live projects

Live projects provide invaluable hands-on experience, allowing you to apply your consultancy skills under the guidance of registered sport and exercise psychologists. This practical exposure not only prepares you for BPS Stage 2 or SEPAR training but also offers a real-world understanding of professional practices and environments. Through direct engagement you’ll be able to master practical skills and understand the dynamics of working with clients and sports teams in professional settings.

Field trips

Trips provide you with the opportunity to see how psychological theories and methods are applied in sports settings. They’re part of a curriculum designed with input from employers and industry partners – allowing you to observe and interact with professionals in sports organisations and clinics.

You'll see firsthand how your knowledge is put into practice to enhance athletic performance and mental health, providing you with practical insights and real-world exposure – both crucial for your future career in sports psychology. This applied-learning approach ensures your educational experience is closely aligned with the demands of the profession.

Networking opportunities

The course provides outstanding networking opportunities through our strong connections with sports organisations and professionals. These include guest lectures from leading figures with both academic and consultancy backgrounds, offering you direct access to industry insights, contemporary practices, and real-world examples. They’re invaluable chances to build industry connections and enhance your career prospects.

You’ll have the opportunity to engage with experts and alumni through seminars and events, gaining a deeper understanding of the field and developing relationships that may lead to future collaborations or employment opportunities. You’ll be further supported by careers fairs, workshops and dedicated employability advisers. This blend of academic learning and professional networking positions you for success in various roles within sport and exercise psychology.

Modules

Final year

Compulsory modules

• Applied Project In Sport And Physical Activity (60 credits)
• Developing Professional Skills In Sport And Exercise Psychology (30 credits)
• Psychology Of Exercise And Physical Activity (30 credits)
• Psychology Of Learning, Wellbeing And Sport Performance (30 credits)
• Research Methods In Sport And Physical Activity (30 credits)

Future careers

This course prepares you for a career in diverse environments, such as:

• Sport and exercise psychology practice (subject to completing an HCPC-accredited training pathway post-MSc)
• Academic research and further study
• Performance and/or wellbeing roles in the sport and exercise industry
• The education sector
• The healthcare sector

Previous graduates have gone on to work for:

• Further and higher education institutions
• Physical activity referral schemes
• Professional sports teams
• Sport national governing bodies (NGBs)
• The NHS
• The UK Sports Institute

Equipment and facilities

You’ll have access to a range of specialist teaching and learning facilities. These include:

• Consultancy rooms with an enabled camera and speakers to film practice consultancy sessions.
• Dedicated exercise research laboratories that house equipment such as treadmills, a cycle ergometer, online gas analysis and gym-based equipment.

We also provide specialist equipment such as:

• Virtual reality headsets
• The Portalite system for functional near-infrared spectroscopy
• Electroencephalogram (EEG) equipment
• Eye trackers
• Transcription foot pedals
• Dictaphones

Where will I study?

You study at Collegiate Campus through a structured mix of lectures, seminars and practical sessions as well as access to digital and online resources to support your learning.

Entry requirements

• A second class honours degree in psychology or sport and exercise psychology that provides Graduate Basis for Chartership (GBC) from the British Psychological Society (BPS), or, completion of an appropriate conversion course in psychology (that provides GBC from the BPS).
• A second class honours degree in sport and exercise science, physical sciences, physical activity, health sciences, physiotherapy, sports therapy, sports coaching, physical education or medicine (not recognised by the BPS). Please note a second class honours degree in sport and exercise science may be recognised by BASES.
• A second class honours degree in a different subject supported by evidence of an aptitude for sport and exercise psychology, or equivalent experience or training, normally from within the work environment.
• Applicants will usually be expected to have studied at least 60 credits of sport or exercise psychology or psychology at first degree level. However, the course team will assess each application on a case-by-case basis.
• If English is not your first language you will need an IELTS score of 6.0 with a minimum of 5.5 in all skills, or a recognised equivalent. If your level of English language is currently below IELTS 6.0 we recommend you consider an appropriate Sheffield Hallam University Pre-sessional English course which will enable you to achieve the required level of English.

Fees and funding

Home students

Our tuition fee for UK students starting full-time study in 2026/27 is £10,940 for the course. The tuition fee displayed above is for the full course. If the full course is more than one year in duration, the fee will be divided into annual payments which will then be rounded. This may mean the total fee you pay is slightly higher than the fee stated above. If you take a break in study or have to re-take part of the course, you may also be charged an additional fee and will be notified of this at the time.

International students

Our tuition fee for International/EU students starting full-time study in 2026/27 is £18,600 for the course. The tuition fee displayed above is for the full course. If the full course is more than one year in duration, the fee will be divided into annual payments which will then be rounded. This may mean the total fee you pay is slightly higher than the fee stated above. If you take a break in study or have to re-take part of the course, you may also be charged an additional fee and will be notified of this at the time.

Postgraduate student loans

Up to £12,858 is available in 2025/26 for home students on most masters courses.

Additional course costs

The links below allow you to view estimated general course additional costs, as well as costs associated with key activities on specific courses. These are estimates and are intended only as an indication of potential additional expenses. Actual costs can vary greatly depending on the choices you make during your course.

General course additional costs

Additional costs for Sport and Physical Activity (PDF, 607.4KB)