Program Overview

Master's Degree Programme in Psychology of Physical Activity, Health and Well-being

The Master's Degree Programme in Psychology of Physical Activity, Health and Wellbeing (PsyAct) provides both research and practice-oriented Masters level education for future experts in the field of Sport and Exercise Psychology. This programme is centred around the systematic application of behaviour change theory and methods to design, implement and evaluate interventions in the area of physical activity promotion and sport performance enhancement.

Why this programme?

• High-quality teaching in English
• Education given by leading international experts in the field
• An individual study plan
• 2-year full-time education
• Experience of both the Finnish culture and an international campus
• Comprehensive services organised by the International Office of the University

Programme Info

• Two-year full-time programme (120 ECTS credits) taught in English
• Application period once a year in January
• Studies begin in August, with no mid-point entry to the programme
• From this programme, you will graduate with a Master of Sports Sciences.

Description of Sport and Exercise Psychology

Sport and Exercise Psychology refers to the scientific study of human behaviour in sport and exercise contexts, and the practical application of that knowledge. Sport and Exercise Psychology includes three domains:

• Sport Psychology, which seeks to understand emotions and experiences athletes have in relation to their performances, the influence of coaches on athletes experiences, and self-regulation to optimize performance and maintain overall wellbeing and health.
• Exercise Psychology, which aims to understand the factors that facilitate or hinder a physically active lifestyle and to intervene to help people to start and maintain a physically active lifestyle;
• Research on how psychological wellbeing is affected by physical activity and the demands that sport can place on athletes, as well as interventions to maximize psychological wellbeing.

Tuition Fee

• 10,000
• Students from non-EU/EEA countries are liable to pay a tuition fee but can apply for a scholarship after their first year of studies.
• Early Bird discount: Applicants paying tuition fees can save 1500 by accepting their study place within 14 days.

Structure of the Degree Programme

The programme includes a practicum period to be carried out within sport and health facilities, private companies, sport academies, or training centers.

Admission Criteria and Application Instructions

• The next application period is in January 2026.
• Apply by completing the online form available during the application period.
• To apply successfully, you need to have a suitable educational background and show proof of your English skills as mentioned in the criteria.

Student Profile

The PsyAct programme provides both research and practice-oriented masters level education for future experts in the field of sport and exercise psychology. This programme is centred around the systematic application of behaviour change theory and methods to design, implement and evaluate interventions in the area of physical activity promotion and sport performance enhancement.

Career Opportunities for PsyAct Graduates

The programme is designed to prepare students for careers in the private and public sectors as, for example, psychological health and well-being consultants, performance enhancement consultants, or academic researchers.

Faculty of Sport and Health Sciences

The Faculty of Exercise and Sport Sciences is an internationally renowned scientific community promoting physical activity and well-being. Our research is interested in well-being at both individual and population scales.

Research Areas

The faculty conducts research in various areas, including:

• Sport Psychology
• Exercise Psychology
• Research on how psychological wellbeing is affected by physical activity and the demands that sport can place on athletes, as well as interventions to maximize psychological wellbeing.