Program Overview

MSc Psychology of Human Performance

The MSc Psychology of Human Performance is a unique and dynamic field that plays a crucial role in helping individuals and teams fulfill their potential. This course explores the relationship between stress, health, and performance across diverse environments, from corporate offices to space exploration.

Course Overview

The course is designed to provide a holistic understanding of human adaptation and functioning in performance domains. Students will examine the enablers and disablers of human performance, as well as learn about the factors that predict who will thrive in extreme conditions from a biopsychosocial perspective.

Course Information

• The course is available in both full-time and part-time formats.
• The full-time course is 1 year, while the part-time course is 2 years.
• The course includes a variety of learning experiences, including lectures, small group tutorials, and workshops.
• Students will have the opportunity to hear from guest speakers, including world-renowned individuals working in high-performance domains.

Core Modules

• Biopsychosocial Foundations of Human Performance: This module considers theoretical approaches to human performance and how this may change in response to stress and health.
• Human Performance in Demanding Environments: This module examines the unique aspects of human performance in demanding settings, such as defense and security, emergency medicine, and space exploration.
• Maximising Human Performance: This module considers potential interventions for improving individual and team performance, and their effectiveness in different settings.
• Critical Thinking in Human Performance Research: This module develops skills in critical thinking, critical analysis, and research methods in preparation for the Synthesis and Independent Project.
• Synthesis and Independent Project: This module allows students to develop independent research skills and synthesise the knowledge gained throughout the course into the development and completion of an independent project.

Entry Requirements

• A 2:2 or above in an undergraduate degree in a relevant discipline, such as Psychology, Science, or Social Sciences, Business.
• Applicants with relevant occupational experience will be considered on a case-by-case basis.
• Overseas applicants will require IELTS with an overall score of 6.5 with no less than 5.5 in any category, or an equivalent accepted English qualification.

Fees and Funding

• UK and Channel Island students: Full-time fee £10,250 per year, part-time fee £1709 per 30 credits.
• EU and non-EU international students: Full-time fee £20,000 per year, part-time fee £3334 per 30 credits.
• Additional costs include books, e-books, and journals, as well as campus printing costs.

Careers Support and Prospects

• The course provides a diverse range of career prospects and key transferable skills.
• Interdisciplinary knowledge of the psychological aspects of human performance under pressure, an understanding of the individual challenges that different performance environments present, and knowledge of how to maximise human performance will benefit postgraduates who wish to work in any applied human performance setting.
• The course develops important transferable skills, including critical analysis and evaluation, synthesis of information, communicating complex ideas, problem-solving, project management, and teamwork.

Research Areas

• The School of Psychology is home to the Stress, Health, and Performance Research Group.
• Staff research interests include stress, health, and performance, understanding and enhancing human performance to help people live healthier lives and fulfill their potential in demanding performance environments.