Keele University

What you'll study

The programme combines advanced theoretical modules with practical application and an independent research project. Core areas normally covered include psychological theories of performance and motivation, behaviour change for physical activity, applied interventions and consultation skills, psychophysiological approaches to sport and exercise, and advanced quantitative and qualitative research methods.

Teaching typically comprises lectures, seminars, laboratory practicals and supervised applied placements or casework. You will complete a substantial independent dissertation or research project on a topic in sport and exercise psychology, supported by one-to-one supervision. The course balance prepares you both for immediate applied work and for further study at doctoral level.

• Advanced Sport and Exercise Psychology (performance, mental skills, coaching psychology)
• Motivation, Adherence and Behaviour Change in Physical Activity
• Applied Practice and Consultation Skills (case formulation, intervention planning, ethical practice)
• Research Methods and Statistics for Sport and Exercise Psychology (quantitative and qualitative techniques)
• Psychophysiology and Measurement in Sport and Exercise
• Dissertation / Independent Research Project

Entry requirements

Applicants are normally expected to hold a good honours degree (equivalent to a UK upper second class, 2:1) in psychology, sport and exercise science, or a closely related subject. Candidates with a lower second class degree plus relevant professional or applied experience may be considered. Those without a primary degree in psychology should demonstrate sufficient psychological content in their prior study or professional experience; bridging modules or accredited conversion courses may be required prior to or alongside the programme.

International applicants must meet Keele University's English language requirements. Applicants will usually be asked to provide a personal statement outlining relevant experience and career aims, and may be invited to interview.

Career prospects

Graduates from this MSc go into a range of roles across sport, health and education. Typical career outcomes include performance support roles with sports teams and clubs, applied practitioner roles in exercise referral and health promotion, coaching support, community and school-based physical activity programmes, and research or teaching positions in higher education. Many graduates use the MSc as the first stage in progressing to professional practitioner accreditation or doctoral research in sport and exercise psychology; the programme develops the research skills and applied competencies that underpin these next steps.

Why study at Keele University

Keele offers a research-led psychology department with small-group supervision and a strong emphasis on applied learning. Students benefit from access to well-equipped sports science and psychology laboratories, performance analysis tools and university sports facilities, supporting both experimental and applied work. The programme emphasises close academic support, opportunities for supervised applied placements, and interdisciplinary collaboration across movement science, health and behavioural research, making it suitable for students aiming for practical careers or further research training in sport and exercise psychology.