| Program start date | Application deadline |
| 2026-09-01 | - |
Program Overview
Overview
The Sport and Exercise Psychology MSc at Newcastle University is a British Psychological Society (BPS) accredited program that combines cutting-edge theory and real-world application. The program is designed for graduates seeking to advance their career in the psychology of sport, exercise, and performance.
What You'll Learn
During the course, students will learn how to:
- apply and evaluate psychological theory, strategy, and techniques to facilitate performance enhancement and behavior change
- critically evaluate psychological research evidence in sports and exercise
- use a range of quantitative and qualitative skills as well as use advanced statistical and analytical methods
- assess and devise appropriate interventions for performance enhancement
- apply appropriate psychological skills and counseling techniques
Modules
The program consists of the following compulsory modules:
- Advanced Research Methods for Applied Psychology A
- Advanced Research Methods for Applied Psychology B
- Professional Development for Sport and Exercise Psychologists
- Clinical Sport & Exercise Psychology
- Social and Interpersonal Processes in Sport and Exercise
- Applied Sport and Performance Psychology
- Psychological Techniques in Sport and Exercise Psychology Practice
- Sport and Exercise Psychology Project
How You'll Learn
The program is designed around interactive, practice-focused learning, including:
- interactive, discussion-based workshops that emphasize real-world application
- small group activities to develop collaboration, critical thinking, reflection, and applied skills
- case studies and role play to simulate professional practice
- guest speaker sessions from practitioners working in elite sport, health, and exercise contexts
Your Development
The program aims to develop a diverse set of transferable skills, including:
- experience of working with athletes in a real-life environment
- the ability to use advanced statistical packages
- planning, managing, and implementing tasks at a professional level
- formulating hypotheses and applying research skills to create new knowledge
- communicating effectively and confidently in both verbal and written formats
- collaborating effectively in academic and non-academic environments
Your Future
The program is designed to prepare students for careers in sport and exercise psychology, including:
- Sport and Exercise Psychologist (via Stage 2 BPS or BASES SEPAR training routes)
- Professional Doctorate Candidate in Sport and Exercise Psychology
- Academic Researcher or PhD Candidate in sport and exercise psychology, mental health, or behavior change
- Sport and Exercise Scientist with a focus on psychological support
- Sports Coach or Director with advanced insight into motivation, wellbeing, and performance
- Health Promotion or Wellbeing Specialist in sport, exercise, or community settings
Quality and Ranking
Newcastle University is ranked:
- Global Top 140 University (QS World University Rankings 2026)
- Global Top 160 University (Times Higher Education World University Rankings 2025)
- Top 150 for Psychology (Times Higher Education World University Rankings by Subject 2025)
- Top 200 for Psychology (QS World University Rankings by Subject 2025)
Facilities
The program is based in the Dame Margaret Barbour Building, which offers state-of-the-art facilities, including:
- forensic interviewing suite
- nutrition and food preference unit
- media and behavior lab
- medical consultation rooms
- psychological testing cubicles
- exercise physiology lab
- biomechanics lab
- gait track
- high-performance lab
- nutrition kitchen
- blood preparation and analysis lab
- environmental chamber
Fees and Funding
Tuition fees for 2026 entry:
- Home students: £12,600 (full-time), £6,300 (part-time)
- International students: £30,800 (full-time)
Entry Requirements
Academic entry requirements:
- A 2:1 honors degree, or international equivalent, in sport and exercise science, psychology, or related fields with relevant experience
English Language requirements:
- IELTS, Pearson, Duolingo English Test, or TOEFL
How to Apply
The program starts in September, and there is no closing date for applications. Interviews will be held on a rolling basis. A deposit of £1,500 is required for international students who need a visa to study in the UK.
