Program Overview

MSc Sport Psychology

The MSc Sport Psychology programme at Heriot-Watt University Edinburgh campus combines expertise from the Department of Psychology with the sporting excellence of Oriam, Scotland's Sport Performance Centre.

Key Information

• Level: Postgraduate Taught
• Delivery type: Full Time
• Degree qualification: MSc
• Mode of delivery: On-Campus
• Duration: 1 year
• Location: Edinburgh
• Start date: September

This programme is led by expert sport and exercise psychologists and is accredited by the British Psychological Society, a highly regarded marker of quality assurance that prospective employers value. Applicants for MSc Sport Psychology are eligible for Sports Scholarships that offer a variety of benefits, including a percentage reduction on tuition fees based on the level of scholarship.

Programme Overview

The degree will provide students with a stepping-stone towards the qualifications needed to work with athletes, coaches, and exercisers in sport and exercise contexts within elite sport and the community. This master's degree is also ideal for those who want to pursue further academic study and a career in research-related fields.

While studying MSc Sport Psychology, students will develop knowledge and skills in Sport Psychology theory and practice in different contexts, including elite sport, community sport, team sport, and individual sport. They will be supported to develop advanced psychology research knowledge and skills and complete their own independent research project on a topic they are passionate about.

Course Content

September Intake - Edinburgh

Year 1:

Mandatory September

• Professional Practice in Sport Psychology 1
• Research Methods in Psychology 1
• Psychology of Community Sport
• Psychology of Team Sport

Mandatory January

• Psychology of Individual Sport
• Professional Practice in Sport Psychology 2
• Psychology of Elite Sport
• Research Methods in Psychology 2

Mandatory May

• Independent Project in Psychology

Teaching Staff

The programme is taught by experienced, leading academics who have published research that shapes their discipline and guides student learning. Academics delivering courses on the programme balance teaching time with research and professional practice in their discipline, including as sport and exercise psychologists in elite contexts.

Fees and Funding

• September 2026 intake tuition fees:
  • UK: £12,744
  • International: £24,952
• A scholarship for UK-based students who achieve a 2:1 or better is available, providing a 20% fee reduction and an Oriam gym membership.

Entry Requirements

• A minimum of an honours degree at 2:2 or non-UK equivalent in psychology or sports science, provided that it contains a research design and analysis module. Psychology degrees must be BPS accredited and therefore have GBC status eligibility.
• Significant relevant work/life experience (e.g., as an athlete/coach or sport/exercise professional) will also be considered on a case-by-case basis, and applicants may be invited for an interview.
• English language requirements: The minimum English language requirement for entry to this programme is IELTS 6.0 (or equivalent) with no score lower than 5.5 except for writing, which must be at 6.0 minimum.