The MSc Psychology of Exercise Rehabilitation at Loughborough University trains students in applying psychological theory to exercise-based rehabilitation, particularly in clinical or chronic-disease settings. It is ideal for individuals working (or aspiring to work) in healthcare, fitness, or rehab services who want to support people’s recovery through evidence-based psychological strategies.
Curriculum Structure:
In the taught year, students begin with Quantitative Research and Further Research Methods & Project Preparation, gaining rigorous methodological and analytic skills. They also study Rehabilitation Sciences to understand the systems and scientific principles underpinning exercise rehabilitation, and Professional & Reflective Practice in Exercise Rehabilitation to develop practical competencies and self-awareness in working with patients.
During the research phase, students explore Psychological Approaches to Rehabilitation, applying psychological models to the rehab context, and complete a Research Project, designing and conducting their own empirical or applied study.
Focus areas: “Rehabilitation psychology; exercise science; research methods; reflective practice”
Learning outcomes: “Apply psychological theory in rehab settings, design and analyse rehabilitation research, and reflect professionally in practice.”
Professional alignment (accreditation): Prepares graduates for roles in clinical, fitness, or rehabilitation teams; suited for multidisciplinary healthcare environments.
Reputation: Loughborough is globally top-ranked in sport-related subjects (QS)
Students develop practical consultancy skills through live organisational projects and hands-on research. They utilise specialist facilities including observation suites and the Usability Lab for workplace studies. The programme's experiential components include:
Live Projects: Real-world organisational consultancy projects with external clients
Research Facilities: Access to specialist labs including the Usability Lab for workplace testing
Software: Training in SPSS and R for organisational data analysis
Practical Training: Workshops in psychometric testing and assessment methods
Research Project: An applied business psychology dissertation
Graduates of the MSc Psychology of Exercise Rehabilitation at Loughborough University develop comprehensive psychological knowledge and practical skills relevant to rehabilitation sciences within exercise contexts. Typical job roles include Rehabilitation Specialist, Exercise Psychologist, Health Coach, and Researcher.
Key points:
The university offers career services with tailored mentoring, placement opportunities at the National Rehabilitation Centre, and workshops supporting practical skills and job readiness.
Graduates enjoy strong employment prospects in healthcare, rehabilitation clinics, and research; salary levels vary by role and sector.
Partnerships with the National Centre for Sport and Exercise Medicine and the National Rehabilitation Centre provide exceptional research and practical training facilities.
The programme is informed by world-leading research and supports long-term career success in rehabilitation psychology.
Graduates report excellent outcomes in securing employment and academic progression.
Further Academic Progression: Graduates can pursue doctoral research, clinical training, or specialist rehabilitation roles to enhance expertise and career development



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