MSc Sport Psychology

1 Year On Campus Masters Program

Liverpool John Moores University

Program Overview

The MSc Sport Psychology at Liverpool John Moores University (LJMU) combines sport-science research and applied psychological practice to support athlete performance, well-being, and development. It is ideal for students who want to become Chartered Sport Psychologists or work in high-performance, coaching, or consultancy roles. Liverpool John Moores University+2Liverpool John Moores University+2

Curriculum structure:
Over the one-year full-time (or two-year part-time) course, students first engage with Research Methods and Training in Sport Psychology, building methodological skills in both qualitative and quantitative designs. They then examine Performance & Development Issues in Sport Psychology, analysing theories of athlete development, motivation, and performance under pressure. In Frameworks, Approaches & Skills in Sport Psychology, learners develop counselling and behaviour-change techniques, exploring cognitive-behavioural methods and social dynamics within teams. Through Professional Practice in Sport Psychology, they reflect on ethical practice, consultancy work, and real-world placement learning. Their learning concludes with a 60-credit Research Project, where students design, conduct, and report an original piece of empirical sport psychology research.

Focus areas:
“performance enhancement; athlete development; behaviour change; ethical consultancy; applied research”

Learning outcomes:
Students will gain advanced competence in research design, apply psychological frameworks to athlete performance, develop practical skills for working with athletes, and complete a professional-quality research dissertation.

Professional alignment (accreditation):
The programme is accredited by the British Psychological Society (BPS) and supports progression to Stage 2 training for becoming a Chartered Sport & Exercise Psychologist.

Reputation (employability rankings):
LJMU’s School of Sport and Exercise Sciences ranks among the top globally, and the MSc’s applied focus and placement opportunities help graduates move into performance consultancy, national governing bodies, or doctoral training.

Experiential Learning (Research, Projects, Internships etc.)

Students develop practical sport psychology skills through hands-on client work and applied research projects. They utilise LJMU's specialist sport facilities and have opportunities for placements with sports organisations in the Liverpool region. The programme's experiential components include:

Applied Placements: Opportunities for practical experience with athletes and sports teams
Sport Facilities: Access to sport psychology consulting rooms and performance laboratories
Practical Skills: Development of performance profiling and mental skills training
Research Project: An applied dissertation in sport psychology
Professional Development: Training in ethical practice for sport psychology

Progression & Future Opportunities

Graduates of Liverpool John Moores University’s MSc Sport Psychology typically pursue careers as sport and exercise psychologists, performance consultants, sports scientists, and academic researchers. The program is BPS accredited and endorsed by the Chartered Association of Sport and Exercise Sciences, offering a pathway toward HCPC registration as a Sport and Exercise Psychologist.

LJMU’s career support includes industry networking, applied projects, placements within sports organizations, and professional development workshops.
Employment stats show over 97% of graduates are in work or further study within 15 months, with salaries typically ranging from £24,000 to £45,000.
Collaborations with national sports bodies, professional clubs, and sports science institutes provide practical experience and research opportunities.
The course prepares students for Stage 2 training and doctoral-level professional practice in sport psychology.
Graduates develop skills in mental training, performance enhancement, and psychological assessment.

Further Academic Progression: Graduates can advance to the Professional Doctorate in Sport and Exercise Psychology or pursue PhD research for higher-level specialization.