Sport and Exercise Psychology Ulster University

Overview

The Sport and Exercise Psychology course at Ulster University  was developed in the context of the increasing professionalisation of sport and exercise psychology, the accreditation criteria for the British Psychological Society (BPS) and the need for a university level course in Ireland. The MSc will provide graduates competencies in applying interventions professionally and ethically. 

Both the overall objective and the themes are achieved through the goals outlined below:

• 1. To provide students with a sound understanding of key theoretical issues in the field of sport and exercise psychology.

• 2. To enable students to develop an in-depth understanding of the application of theory to sport and exercise settings.

• 3. To provide the opportunity for students to gain practical skills that will enhance their ability to work with individuals and groups in the sport and exercise context.

• 4. To provide students with the skills to plan, implement and evaluate work in an applied setting.

• 5. To enable students to develop a range of practical competencies pertinent to completion of Stage 1 with the BPS. In order to gain accreditation as a Sport and Exercise Psychologist, completion of an approved HCPC stage 2 qualification and registration with the HCPC is required.

• 6. To help students to develop the skills necessary to design, conduct, analyse and report empirical research in the field of sport and exercise psychology.

• 7. To facilitate students in acquiring employment and entrepreneurial skills that would enable them to commercialise their skills and intellectual property.

• 8. To facilitate the development of critical and self-reflective awareness of the ethical concerns and implications of applying psychology in sport and exercise settings.

Career and Opportunities

• Track I: Teaching/research in sport sciences and consulting;

• Track II: teaching/research in psychology and also consulting;

• Track III: Clinical/Counselling services to various populations including athletes;

• Track IV: Health promotion and working with clients but not necessarily athletes;

• Track V: Further PhD research study.