MSc Sport and Exercise Psychology

(Core Module)

In this unit you will explore a range of contemporary topics and issues relating to the field of sport and exercise psychology. In particular, these topics will be considered from a diverse range of perspectives. You will develop a critical awareness of the broad range of contemporary methods and approaches being applied in sport and exercise psychology. You will also explore contemporary approaches to psychological practice and associated frameworks of intervention and professional practice. Recent topics have included: mental health and wellbeing, doping, cyber psychology, positive psychology, athlete transitions, sex and gender, head injuries, and exercise dependence and addiction.

(Core Module)

This unit will provide you with the opportunity to gain an advanced critical understanding of the psychological factors both influencing and determining performance across a range of performance domains. Building upon a strong theoretical foundation, you will explore a range of psychological skills and their application in a range of practical workshops and performance laboratory-based activities. Crucial factors impacting upon performance will also be explored including: decision-making, resilience, confidence, motor control, emotions, and performance under pressure.

(Core Module)

Studying this unit you will have the opportunity to develop an understanding of those psychological factors that determine the individuality of the client/patient. You will develop an understanding of contemporary counselling theory, and crucially spend time developing your practical counselling and communication skills in on campus workshops. This process will also allow you to  develop greater self-awareness of your interpersonal interaction strengths and areas for development.

(Core Module)

This unit will enable you to develop an understanding of mental health and mental ill-health. In particular, the unit will enable you to develop an understanding of common mental health challenges faced and consider some of the specific challenges that are more prevalent in specific populations. You will also explore key symptoms relating to a range of conditions, and crucially develop an understanding of specific interventions and referral options whilst also reflecting on the boundaries of your own professional competence relating to client mental health challenges.

(Core Module)

In this unit you will have the opportunity to develop an advanced understanding of the psychological factors both influencing and determining an individual’s response to injury, rehabilitation, and recovery, as well as exploring the psychology of pain. Building on a strong conceptual foundation, you will explore a range of psychologically focused interventions and their application across the full rehabilitation journey through to return to performance.

There will be a particular focus on the psychological support required through rehabilitation and recovery and crucially to ensure psychological readiness once the physical healing process is complete.

(Core Module)

This unit will provide you with the opportunity to gain an advanced knowledge of psychological, biological and physiological factors underpinning visual perception and action. Building upon a foundation of perception, action, and decision-making theoretical knowledge, you will learn how to identify underlying visual issues with athletes as well as ways to integrate sports vision training into other coaching practices. The unit will also consider other ways in which vision can impact on the athlete such as the links with concussion and rehabilitation. You will have the opportunity to learn screening methods and design training programmes appropriate to a range of athletes from different sports.

(Core Module)

In this unit you will critically examine a range of psychological issues relating to the exercise and physical activity domains. The unit will enable you to consider a range of contemporary behavioural and psychological theories within the context of exercise and physical activity. You will also explore the psychological benefits of engaging in physical activity. Finally, you will critically appraise specific intervention programmes and initiatives used to promote physical activity and exercise across different populations and settings.

(Optional Module)

The unit will provide you with the opportunity to gain a theoretical and practical understanding of working effectively with individuals and groups within your chosen sport, exercise or research domain. You will have the opportunity to evaluate and apply the underpinning theoretical knowledge, ethical practices, and practical skills within your chosen sport, exercise, or research setting. You will be responsible for identifying your own applied practice experiences, and all experiences will need to be approved by the unit leader.

(Core Module)

This unit will provide you with the opportunity to undertake an in-depth and independent empirical study in a topic of interest related to sport and exercise psychology. You will have the opportunity to demonstrate originality in the development and application of knowledge and research skills. A research proposal will initially be produced that will outline the chosen focus for the research and the specific method/methodology to be adopted. The final research submission will be in the form of a research journal article.

(Core Module)

This unit will develop your understanding of the principles and techniques of research methods typically used in the analysis of research. After exploring the philosophical underpinnings of research strategies, you will explore research design and data collection strategies through the contextualisation of the ‘research process’. The detailed tools of both qualitative and quantitative design and data analysis will be explored and applied to the types of data typically collected. You will also explore more advanced methodologies and analysis techniques. You will consider research ethics and ethical challenges facing the postgraduate researcher.

This unit will provide you with the opportunity to undertake an in-depth systematic review of current knowledge and understanding in a particular subject of interest. You will, in negotiation with the unit leader, agree a programme of work for the completion of the review. In terms of the approach, you will be required to adopt a systematic approach to the review of literature and to be able to comprehensively summarise current understanding in your chosen field.