| Program start date | Application deadline |
| 2023-09-25 | - |
Program Overview
Course Details
The BASES-endorsed and BPS-accredited MSc Applied Sport and Exercise Psychology at the University of Bolton offers you the opportunity to develop a comprehensive theoretical understanding of the sport and exercise psychology literature, as well as the ability to apply this knowledge in professional sport and exercise environments. This focused postgraduate qualification forms an ideal springboard for those wishing to pursue further professional training towards chartered status as a Sport and Exercise Psychologist.
Our expert team will work with you to develop your theoretical and applied knowledge. To facilitate and deepen your learning, you’ll undertake two professional practice placements in relevant sport and exercise environments. You’ll work alongside seasoned practitioners who will challenge you to apply your knowledge to a variety of key stakeholders. Alongside the professional practice placements, you’ll learn a range of practical skills relating to performance enhancement and the development of psychological wellbeing. Your studies will also focus on assessing the needs of an organisation and developing and delivering culturally sensitive interventions within a professional environment.
You’ll be encouraged to critically reflect on your applied experiences to help you learn from your mentors and integrate theory with practice. This will begin to develop and shape your philosophy of practice and practitioner identity in preparation for supervised training towards chartered Sport and Exercise Psychologist status, should this be your goal after graduating from this course.
Highlights
Key Features
Program Outline
This master’s degree is ideal if you wish to pursue a career in sport and exercise psychology. After graduating from this course, you’ll possess a strong grounding in sport and exercise psychology. If your ultimate goal is to become a chartered Sport and Exercise Psychologist, you’ll also possess a wealth of knowledge and skills required to progress onto the required professional supervised training.
How you work towards chartered Sport and Exercise Psychologist status will depend on your undergraduate qualifications and prior knowledge of psychology. The British Psychological Society (BPS) offers the Qualification in Sport and Exercise Psychology (QSEP) (Stage 2). This MSc is a pre-requisite requirement for the BPS Stage 2 supervised training route. This route is often preferred by students who possess a BPS-accredited undergraduate degree or conversion course and have already achieved the Graduate Basis for Chartership (GBC).
Alternatively, you may be able to pursue the British Association of Sport and Exercise Sciences (BASES) Sport and Exercise Psychology Accreditation Route (SEPAR) supervised training. This route is often more appropriate for students who hold a sport-related undergraduate degree as well as a BPS-accredited psychology conversion course (or other psychology qualification that is acceptable to BASES).
Once you’ve successfully completed either the BPS QSEP Stage 2 training or BASES SEPAR training, then you’ll be eligible to apply for professional registration with the Health and Care Professions Council (HCPC) to practice as a chartered Sport and Exercise Psychologist.
Please note:
As every student’s prior qualifications and experience are different, it is your responsibility to research your route towards chartered Sport and Exercise Psychologist status thoroughly before you enrol on this MSc Applied Sport and Exercise Psychology. This will ensure you fully understand the entry requirements of your chosen professional body.What can I do with this qualification?
Depending on the undergraduate degree and psychology qualifications you hold, successful completion of this programme can offer you an exciting opportunity to progress onto either the BPS QSEP Stage 2 or BASES SEPAR supervised training. Both of these routes allow you to work towards becoming a chartered Sport and Exercise Psychologist and professional registration with the HCPC.
As the course offers the opportunity to engage in practice-based learning in both sport and exercise settings, you can learn to apply your theoretical knowledge and practical skills in a variety of professional contexts. This can enhance your employability and give you the edge over candidates whose experience is limited to one type of setting.
In addition, the research and critical thinking skills you’ll develop will provide you with an excellent foundation should you wish to pursue a PhD or professional doctorate qualification in the future.
Alternative career options
This course is primarily designed for students wishing to pursue a career as a chartered Sport and Exercise Psychologist. However, graduates can also use the qualification as a stepping-stone into a range of other careers. For some of these roles, relevant experience and/or alternative or additional postgraduate study may be required. Some of these careers include:
