MSc Clinical Exercise Physiology

1 Year On Campus Masters Program

Northumbria University

Program Overview

The MSc in Sport and Exercise Psychology at Northumbria University offers an intensive one-year training in how psychological factors influence performance, participation and wellbeing in sport and physical activity. It suits graduates aiming to become sport & exercise psychologists or to apply psychological skills in coaching, performance enhancement and health contexts.

Curriculum structure:
Over the single year, students engage with core modules such as Exercise Psychology (PY0756), Motor Processes in Sport (PY0757) and Psychological Skills for Sport Performance (PY0758), where they learn how behaviour change, movement control and mental training frameworks underpin sport and exercise behaviour. They then study Counselling and Interpersonal Processes in Sport and Exercise (PY0759) and Qualitative and Quantitative Methods (PY0774), which deepen their understanding of practitioner-client interaction, ethical issues, and rigorous research methods. The programme culminates in Professional Skills (PY0775) and the MSc Thesis (60 credits, PY0776), enabling students to develop professional competencies and to conduct an independent empirical investigation within sport and exercise psychology.

Focus areas:
“sport psychology; exercise psychology; performance enhancement; behaviour change; motor learning; research methods; applied practitioner skills”

Learning outcomes:
“demonstrate advanced knowledge of sport and exercise psychology theory; apply psychological skills in performance and health settings; design and conduct independent sport/exercise research; develop professional practitioner competencies”

Professional alignment (accreditation):
This programme is accredited by the British Psychological Society (BPS) as Stage 1 training and endorsed by the Chartered Association of Sport and Exercise Sciences (CASES), providing a foundation for progression to Chartered Sport & Exercise Psychologist status.

Reputation (employability rankings):
Northumbria University is recognised for strong research and teaching in sport, exercise and psychology, with the Department of Psychology ranked 15th in the UK for research power in the 2021 REF and highly rated for student experience in national league tables.

Experiential Learning (Research, Projects, Internships etc.)

Students develop practitioner skills through applied projects and access to specialist facilities, including state-of-the-art sport and exercise laboratories. The programme emphasizes real-world application, with opportunities for practical client work and engagement with professional sports organizations. This hands-on approach is delivered through:

Applied Placements: Opportunities for practical experience in sport and exercise settings.
Specialist Facilities: Access to the Environmental Ergonomics Research Centre and Sport and Exercise Science Laboratories.
Practical Skills: Development of client consultation, needs analysis, and intervention skills.
Research Project: A substantive independent research dissertation.
Professional Development: Training in ethical practice and professional standards for sport and exercise psychology.

Progression & Future Opportunities

The MSc Sport and Exercise Psychology at Northumbria University equips graduates with applied skills and theoretical expertise to enhance performance, wellbeing, and motivation in sports and exercise contexts. Graduates typically move into roles such as sport and exercise psychologists, performance consultants, wellbeing specialists, and academic researchers, supported by strong professional training pathways.

Progression & Future Opportunities:

University services include tailored career coaching, placement opportunities with sports clubs and organisations, workshops on professional development, and extensive networking through the BPS-recognized North-East Research and Applied Practice Hub.
Approximately 92% of graduates are employed or pursuing further study within 15 months, with starting salaries ranging from £23,000 to £48,000 depending on experience and role.
Partnerships with NHS Education for Scotland, British Psychological Society, and local sports organisations provide robust practical training and professional pathways.
The MSc is dual accredited by the British Psychological Society (BPS) and the Health and Care Professions Council (HCPC), ensuring eligibility for professional registration and long-term career development.
Typical roles: Sport and Exercise Psychologist, Performance Consultant, Wellbeing Specialist, Academic Researcher.

Further Academic Progression:
Graduates may progress to BPS Stage 2 professional training, pursue PhD-level research, or augment their expertise with psychoanalytic postgraduate studies such as the MA Psychoanalytic Studies.