Master of Science Applied Sport and Exercise Psychology

18 Months On Campus Masters Program

South East Technological University

Program Overview

The MSc in Applied Sport and Exercise Psychology at South East Technological University (SETU) is a 90-credit, NFQ Level 9 postgraduate programme delivered over 18 months in a blended format that prepares students to apply psychological principles to sport, exercise and performance contexts. It suits graduates in sports science, physical education, psychology or related disciplines — and those with relevant sporting or coaching experience — who want to develop specialised expertise to support athlete performance, wellbeing, team dynamics, coaching and exercise engagement using evidence-based psychological methods.

Curriculum structure:

In this extended master’s, students gain both theoretical insight and applied practice across core sport-psychology domains. In the initial semesters, they study Applied Sport Psychology, Exercise Psychology, Sports Performance Psychology and Contemporary Social Psychology to understand psychological influences on performance, participation and group dynamics in sport settings. Complementary modules such as Executive Business Coaching and Team Building Strategies develop coaching, leadership and interpersonal skills essential for working with athletes, teams and exercise clients. In the later stages, learners focus on Mental Skills Training and compile a Personal & Professional Portfolio that integrates their evolving practice, culminating in deeper understanding of Sport & Exercise Psychology as a professional discipline. This blend of workshops, seminars, lectures, e-learning and placement experiences enables students to apply psychological concepts to real-world sport and exercise environments.

Focus areas (in a string):

Applied sport psychology, exercise psychology, performance psychology, executive business coaching, team building, mental skills training, professional portfolio.

Learning outcomes (in a string):

Apply psychological principles to enhance athlete performance; design and deliver evidence-based mental skills training; analyse group dynamics in sport contexts; develop coaching and reflective practice; integrate theory with practical professional experience.

Professional alignment (accreditation):

Awarded as an NFQ Level 9 Master’s degree by SETU, aligning with professional pathways in sport psychology support, coaching, performance enhancement, exercise-related wellbeing practice and related interdisciplinary roles in sport, health and education.

Reputation (employability rankings):

SETU is one of Ireland’s technological universities focused on applied postgraduate education with strong links to professional sports, coaching and health sectors; this programme supports employability in performance support, sport psychology consultancy, coaching, exercise promotion and applied research.

Experiential Learning (Research, Projects, Internships etc.)

Students gain practical research skills by conducting their own empirical investigation, receiving advanced methodological training, and studying professional issues in applied contexts. The core of the experiential learning is an independent dissertation project, supported by dedicated training and access to university resources. This hands-on experience is delivered through several specific components:

Major Independent Research Project: Every student completes a dissertation based on an empirical investigation. This is the program's central practical exercise, requiring students to design, conduct, analyze, and report on original research in applied psychology.
Core Methodological Training: A compulsory Research Methodology and Statistics module provides the foundational technical skills needed to execute the empirical dissertation, covering essential research design and data analysis techniques.
Applied Optional Modules: Students choose from specialized applied modules like Theory of Psychotherapy, Applied Forensic Psychology, Counselling Skills, and Issues in Clinical Psychology. These modules translate theoretical knowledge into practice within specific fields.
Professional Skills Development: The compulsory Philosophical and Professional Issues in Applied Psychology module addresses ethical, philosophical, and practical considerations for working as a professional psychologist.

Progression & Future Opportunities

Graduates of South East Technological University's (SETU) MSc in Applied Sport and Exercise Psychology pursue dynamic roles enhancing athlete performance and exercise adherence through evidence-based interventions. Typical positions include sport psychologist, performance consultant, exercise psychologist, and health/wellness coach. These outcomes lead to employment in professional sports, NGBs, consultancies, and health sectors with strong demand for applied skills.

Career Support Elements:

University Services: SETU Careers Centre offers CV advice, job listings, networking events, and graduate employability workshops focused on sports science.
Employment Stats: High employability with alumni in high-performance roles; average starting salaries €35,000-€50,000 in sport psychology/consulting.
University-Industry Partnerships: Collaborations with Irish Institute of Sport, professional teams, and NGBs for workshops and placements.
Long-term Accreditation Value: Foundation for BPS/PSI professional recognition and Stage 2 training as sport psychologists.
Graduation Outcomes: Roles in sports organizations, coaching, research, or academia; pathways to doctoral studies.

Further Academic Progression: Graduates advance to professional doctorates or PhD programs in sport psychology at SETU or UK/Irish universities, supervised practitioner training via BPS QSEP Stage 2, or specialized MSc/PhDs in performance enhancement, utilizing the program's applied project.