Everything you need to know...
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What is the fee?
Home: £10,620 for the course
International/EU: £17,725 for the course -
How long will I study?
1 Year
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Where will I study?
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When do I start?
September 2025
Course summary
- Learn how psychology informs practice in sport, physical activity and professional settings.
- Develop practical knowledge and consultancy skills through live industry projects.
- Complete research in modern clinical facilities and share findings with sports audiences.
- Learn from leading researchers and sport and exercise psychologists.
- Prepare for diverse roles as sports psychologists or performance consultants.
This course enhances your employability by equipping you with practical experience and specialised skills – applying psychological principles to improve sports performance, motivation and wellbeing.
After completing our British Psychological Society (BPS) accredited and British Association of Sport and Exercise Sciences (BASES) endorsed MSc, you can train to become a registered sport and exercise psychologist. This is through the BPS Qualification in Sport and Exercise Psychology (Stage 2) and BASES Sport and Exercise Psychology Accreditation Route (SEPAR).
Come to an open day
Find out more at our postgraduate open days. Book now for your place.
How you learn
Graduate View
‘The course helped me to apply scientific knowledge to practical settings, and equipped me with valuable skills needed for research and professional practice. The academic staff are very engaging and supportive, and offer guidance to students considering which career paths to take.’
Rachel Dunn, MSc Sport and Exercise Psychology, 2018 graduate
You’ll explore the theoretical, philosophical and practical underpinnings of sport and exercise psychology – applying your knowledge to live projects and research. You’ll also gain a better understanding of the role and function of sport and exercise graduates – in both the sport and physical activity sector, and the working world at large.
You learn through:
- Lectures, seminars and workshops
- Our virtual learning environment
- Work-based learning experiences, such as placements and field trips
- Practical activities in both simulated and in-situ environments
- Research and industry-relevant projects
Course topics
You’ll improve your employability skills while developing specialist knowledge of the global sports industry. You’ll learn to identify and implement creative solutions for major clients – gaining practical experience through optional industry placements and a sound theoretical grounding from our industry experts.
You’ll delve into the essential theories and practices of sport and exercise psychology, becoming proficient in a variety of specialised areas. Core modules include wellbeing and human performance, skill acquisition and developmental perspectives, and interventions in sport and exercise psychology. These modules will equip you with a deep understanding of how psychological principles can enhance athletic performance and overall wellbeing.
You’ll also develop professional skills specific to sport psychologists, alongside advanced knowledge in research methods and data analysis – all providing you with a robust foundation to excel in the field.
Course support
Our high ratio of staff to students means you’ll always be able to receive the support you need on your learning journey. You’ll be supported towards highly skilled, graduate-level employment through a number of key areas. These include:
- Access to specialist support services to help with your personal, academic and career development.
- Access to our Skills Centre for support with one-to-ones, webinars and online resources, where you can get help with planning and structuring your assignments and assessment preparation.
- Support and guidance from your course and module leaders, and you’ll have a named academic adviser and employability advisers.
- Access to our central services such as counselling, Library and IT services.
Course leaders and tutors
James Newman
Senior Lecturer in Sport and Exercise PsychologyLecturer in Sport and Exercise Science
Applied learning
Live projects
Live projects provide invaluable hands-on experience, allowing you to apply your consultancy skills under the guidance of registered sport and exercise psychologists. This practical exposure not only prepares you for BPS Stage 2 or SEPAR training but also offers a real-world understanding of professional practices and environments. Through direct engagement you’ll be able to master practical skills and understand the dynamics of working with clients and sports teams in professional settings.
Field trips
Trips provide you with the opportunity to see how psychological theories and methods are applied in sports settings. They’re part of a curriculum designed with input from employers and industry partners – allowing you to observe and interact with professionals in sports organisations and clinics.
You'll see firsthand how your knowledge is put into practice to enhance athletic performance and mental health, providing you with practical insights and real-world exposure – both crucial for your future career in sports psychology. This applied-learning approach ensures your educational experience is closely aligned with the demands of the profession.
Networking opportunities
The course provides outstanding networking opportunities through our strong connections with sports organisations and professionals. These include guest lectures from leading figures with both academic and consultancy backgrounds, offering you direct access to industry insights, contemporary practices, and real-world examples. They’re invaluable chances to build industry connections and enhance your career prospects.
You’ll have the opportunity to engage with experts and alumni through seminars and events, gaining a deeper understanding of the field and developing relationships that may lead to future collaborations or employment opportunities. You’ll be further supported by careers fairs, workshops and dedicated employability advisers. This blend of academic learning and professional networking positions you for success in various roles within sport and exercise psychology.
Future careers
This course prepares you for a career in diverse environments, such as:
- Sport and exercise psychology practice (subject to completing an HCPC-accredited training pathway post-MSc)
- Academic research and further study
- Performance and/or wellbeing roles in the sport and exercise industry
- The education sector
- The healthcare sector
Previous graduates have gone on to work for:
- Further and higher education institutions
- Physical activity referral schemes
- Professional sports teams
- Sport national governing bodies (NGBs)
- The NHS
- The UK Sports Institute
Where will I study?
You study at Collegiate Campus through a structured mix of lectures, seminars and practical sessions as well as access to digital and online resources to support your learning.
Collegiate campus
Collegiate Campus can be found just off Ecclesall Road, a bustling student district.
Collegiate Campus map | Campus facilities
Collegiate library
Collegiate Library can be found just off Ecclesall Road. It's open 24 hours a day, every day.
Learn moreLearn more about your department
Find out about sports and physical activity at Sheffield Hallam University.
Equipment and facilities
You’ll have access to a range of specialist teaching and learning facilities. These include:
- Consultancy rooms with an enabled camera and speakers to film practice consultancy sessions.
- Dedicated exercise research laboratories that house equipment such as treadmills, a cycle ergometer, online gas analysis and gym-based equipment.
We also provide specialist equipment such as:
- Virtual reality headsets
- The Portalite system for functional near-infrared spectroscopy
- Electroencephalogram (EEG) equipment
- Eye trackers
- Transcription foot pedals
- Dictaphones
Entry requirements
All students
A second class honours degree in psychology or sport and exercise psychology that provides Graduate Basis for Chartership (GBC) from the British Psychological Society (BPS), or, completion of an appropriate conversion course in psychology (that provides GBC from the BPS).
A second class honours degree in sport and exercise science, physical sciences, physical activity, health sciences, physiotherapy, sports therapy, sports coaching, physical education or medicine (not recognised by the BPS). Please note a second class honours degree in sport and exercise science may be recognised by BASES.
A second class honours degree in a different subject supported by evidence of an aptitude for sport and exercise psychology, or equivalent experience or training, normally from within the work environment.
Applicants will usually be expected to have studied at least 60 credits of sport or exercise psychology or psychology at first degree level. However, the course team will assess each application on a case-by-case basis.
If English is not your first language you will need an IELTS score of 6.0 with a minimum of 5.5 in all skills, or a recognised equivalent. If your level of English language is currently below IELTS 6.0 we recommend you consider an appropriate Sheffield Hallam University Pre-sessional English course which will enable you to achieve the required level of English.
You may also be able to claim credit points which can reduce the amount of time it takes to complete your qualification at Sheffield Hallam. Find out more
Additional information for EU/International students
If you are an International or non-UK European student, you can find out more about the country specific qualifications we accept on our international qualifications page.
For details of English language entry requirements (IELTS), please see the information for 'All students'.
Modules
Important notice: The structure of this course is periodically reviewed and enhanced to provide the best possible learning experience for our students and ensure ongoing compliance with any professional, statutory and regulatory body standards. Module structure, content, delivery and assessment may change, but we expect the focus of the course and the learning outcomes to remain as described above. Following any changes, updated module information will be published on this page.
Final year
Compulsory modules
Applied Project In Sport And Physical Activity
Developing Professional Skills In Sport And Exercise Psychology
Psychology Of Exercise And Physical Activity
Psychology Of Learning, Wellbeing And Sport Performance
Research Methods In Sport And Physical Activity
Fees and funding
Home students
Our tuition fee for UK students starting full-time study in 2025/26 is £10,620 for the course. The tuition fee displayed above is for the full course. If the full course is more than one year in duration, the fee will be divided into annual payments which will then be rounded. This may mean the total fee you pay is slightly higher than the fee stated above. If you take a break in study or have to re-take part of the course, you may also be charged an additional fee and will be notified of this at the time.
If you are studying an undergraduate course, postgraduate pre-registration course or postgraduate research course over more than one academic year then your tuition fees may increase in subsequent years in line with Government regulations or UK Research and Innovation (UKRI) published fees. More information can be found in our terms and conditions under student fees regulations.
International students
Our tuition fee for International/EU students starting full-time study in 2025/26 is £17,725 for the course. The tuition fee displayed above is for the full course. If the full course is more than one year in duration, the fee will be divided into annual payments which will then be rounded. This may mean the total fee you pay is slightly higher than the fee stated above. If you take a break in study or have to re-take part of the course, you may also be charged an additional fee and will be notified of this at the time.
Postgraduate student loans
Up to £12,471 is available in 2024/25 for home students on most masters courses.
Additional course costs
The links below allow you to view estimated general course additional costs, as well as costs associated with key activities on specific courses. These are estimates and are intended only as an indication of potential additional expenses. Actual costs can vary greatly depending on the choices you make during your course.
General course additional costs
Additional costs for Sport and Physical Activity (PDF, 144.2KB)Legal information
Any offer of a place to study is subject to your acceptance of the University’s Terms and Conditions and Student Regulations.
