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Sport and Exercise Psychology MRes

  • Level(s) of Study: Postgraduate taught
  • Start Date(s): September 2024
  • Duration: One year full-time
  • Study Mode(s): Full-time
  • Campus: Clifton Campus
  • Entry Requirements:
    More information

Introduction:

Become an expert in the fields of sport and exercise psychology. Apply your psychological knowledge to enhance the personal development and performance of athletes, coaches, individuals, teams and organisations You will use psychological principles to promote exercise participation and motivation among the general population. You'll work with individuals to plan exercise regimes.

Also, explore how to help athletes achieve optimal mental health to improve performance whilst investigating how motivations, beliefs and emotions influence behaviours. Apply theories to ensure athletes are psychologically prepared for the demands of competition and training and the emotional consequences of sustaining an injury.

The focus is on developing research expertise, with a project conducted over the entire year of study. The aim is to develop and submit work of publishable quality. Current practical, technical and research skills are embedded in the course to reflect the needs of sport-related careers and industries. You'll learn a strong complement of applied and research skills, balanced with how to communicate key information to relevant sport industry partners.

This Sport and Exercise Psychology master is a great stepping stone to a PhD if your career goals are more aligned with academia.

  • 100% of our postgraduate Sport and exercise sciences students were in work or further study 15 months after graduation (Graduate Outcomes Survey 2020/21).
  • In the last Research Excellence Framework (REF 2021) - the UK's system for assessing the quality and impact of research in universities - we’re proud that 100% of NTU's Sport and Exercise Sciences, Leisure and Tourism submission was assessed to be world-leading or internationally excellent.
  • Top 20 in the UK for teaching quality in Sport Science (Times and Sunday Times Good University Guide 2023).
  • Top 10 University for Sport in the British Universities & Colleges Sports (BUCS) Championship 2021 - 2022.

What you’ll study

You will undertake three core modules and one optional module, including an extensive research project.

Core Modules:

Sport Science Research Methods (15 cp)

You will learn how to design and conduct a research project including a proposal, ethical approval, methodological design and writing for publications. You will develop your skills in the use of software packages for statistical analysis of data and be introduced to qualitative data analysis.

Employability in Sport Science (15 cp)

This module will provide postgraduate students with relevant information to develop employability skills in their chosen field. The module will include a variety of teaching methods and sessions that are aimed at assisting sport scientists with identifying and developing relevant skills, qualities, and attributes for employment in their field.

MRes Sport Research Project (120 cp)

As the core aspect for the Masters by Research (MRes) you will undertake an extensive research project in sport or exercise psychology, under the supervision of our expert staff. You will design and conduct the necessary theoretical and practical research work, and present the findings in the formats of a scientific paper and poster.

Optional modules:

Choose one module from the following:

Current Issues in Sport and Exercise Psychology (30 cp)

This module will enable you to critique current research from high impact journals across a range of key areas such as imagery, goal setting and sport confidence. It requires you to examine both qualitative and quantitative research in sport and exercise psychology.

Applied Sport Psychology (30 cp)

This area of study will enable you to apply psychological knowledge to enhance the personal development and performance of athletes and coaches.

Don’t just take our word for it, hear from our students themselves

Student Profiles

Alessandro Barcherini

Four years ago I was sat at Clifton Campus, taking the men’s first team against Newcastle Uni – and here I am now, working in the Premiership

Yoon-Hyuk-Jeong

Staff were really supportive, not only towards your MRes study but also towards your future career.

Michael Najdan

I was keen to study, and eventually work in performance analysis, and the MRes course offered by NTU allowed me to specialise in this area of sport science.

Sebastian Hernandez

Exercise oncology really came unexpectedly. Even though I have always keep my doors open in regards to clinical practice, I saw myself working in cardiovascular disease or diabetes but never even considered working with patients living with and beyond cancer.

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How you’re taught

You will experience a mixture of seminars, lectures, laboratories and you will also have several opportunities to present in front of peers and academic staff.

Assessment includes:

  • oral presentations
  • poster presentations
  • journal articles
  • an interview

Contact hours

Lectures / seminars / workshops (20%) and independent study (80%)

Research informed teaching

By daring to think differently our research is tackling real-world issues. The subjects you will study with us are informed by our research so you can be sure your knowledge will be cutting-edge in your field. In the last Research Excellence Framework (REF 2021) - the UK's system for assessing the quality and impact of research in universities - we’re proud that 100% of NTU's Sport and Exercise Sciences, Leisure and Tourism submission was assessed to be world-leading or internationally excellent.

Learn a new language

Alongside your study you also have the opportunity to learn a new language. The University Language Programme (ULP) is available to all students and gives you the option of learning a totally new language or improving the skills you already have. Find out more about the ULP.

Staff Profiles

Mustafa Sarkar - Associate Professor

School of Science & Technology

Find out more about Mustafa Sarkar, Associate Professor of Sport and Performance Psychology in the Department of Sport Science at NTU.

Caroline Sunderland - Associate Professor

School of Science & Technology

Find out more about Caroline Sunderland, Associate Professor in the Department of Sport Science at Nottingham Trent University.

John Morris - Associate Professor

School of Science & Technology

Find out more about John Morris, Associate Professor, in the Department of Sport Science at Nottingham Trent University.

Stuart Jolly - Principal Lecturer

School of Science & Technology

Dr Stuart Jolly, Principal Lecturer in the Dept of Sport Science at NTU. Extensive experience of course development, quality assurance and course leadership.

How you’re assessed

Coursework (100%)

Careers and employability

Graduates of the MRes have pursued careers in:

  • sports marketing and management
  • sports injury and rehabilitation
  • sport psychology research

Employers have included Manchester United FC, Northumbria University, Institute of Youth Sport, Kings College and English Institute of Sport.

This Sport and Exercise Psychology postgraduate degree can provide a platform for students who are considering a PhD, and want to gain further experience and relevant qualifications before committing to a research degree.

We also offer international (non-EU) scholarships and bursaries for this course. Visit our scholarships page for more information.

This course does not currently offer placements.

Re:search Re:imagined

To us, research is about more than writing papers and proposing new ideas. By daring to think differently, we’re disrupting the research landscape and finding the answers to the questions that really matter. From conservation management to sustainable farming, we’re inspiring the brightest minds to rise up and find solutions to some of the most significant global challenges facing society.

Find out more

NTU Enterprise

You'll also have the opportunity to turn your ideas into a viable business with help from NTU Enterprise, NTU's purpose-built Centre for Entrepreneurship and Enterprise, a support centre to help students create, develop and grow their own businesses.

Campus and facilities

Based at the Clifton Campus, Sport students are primarily based in the Eramus Darwin and CELS buildings.

We offer outstanding facilities such as the Sports Science Environmental Chamber, which is British Olympic Association Approved, and 3-dimensional imaging equipment used to digitally capture human motion for technique analysis.

Entry requirements

What are we looking for?

  • UK honours degree  (minimum 2.1) in a sport science-related subject, including biology, biochemistry or psychology.
  • Applicants with relevant employment experience or other relevant qualifications will also be considered.

    NTU may admit a student with advanced standing beyond the beginning of a course through an assessment of that student's prior learning, whether it is certificated or uncertificated. Our Recognition of Prior Learning and Credit Transfer Policy outlines the process and options available to these prospective students, such as recognising experiential learning or transferring to a similar course at another institution, otherwise known as credit transfer.

    All prospective students who wish to apply via Recognition of Prior Learning should initially contact the central Admissions and Enquiries Team who can support you through the process.

Getting in touch

If you need more help or information, get in touch through our enquiry form

You will need:

  • UK honours degree (minimum 2.1) in a sport science-related subject, including biology, biochemistry or psychology.
  • Applicants with relevant employment experience or other relevant qualifications will also be considered.

Student visas

Following an update to the immigration rules in January 2024, if you intend to study in the UK on a Student visa, you can only bring your partner / children (‘dependants’) if you are studying one of the following:

  • a PhD or other doctorate (RQF8)
  • a research-based higher degree.

Please note that all of our MRes courses are classed as ‘postgraduate taught’ and therefore do not meet the requirement for you to be accompanied to the UK by your dependants.

International qualifications

We accept qualifications from all over the world – check yours here:

Postgraduate preparation courses (Pre-Masters)

If you don’t yet meet our entry requirements, we offer Pre-Masters courses through our partner Nottingham Trent International College (NTIC), based on our City Campus:

English language entry requirements

You can meet our language requirements by completing our pre-sessional English course for an agreed length of time or by submitting the required grade in one of our accepted English language tests, such as IELTS:

Would you like some advice on your study plans?

Our international teams are highly experienced in answering queries from students all over the world. We also have members of staff based in Vietnam, China, India and Nigeria and work with a worldwide network of education counsellors.

Fees and funding

Course fees for September 2024 are:

Study routeUKInternational / EU
Full-time£9,700£17,500

Funding your studies

Preparing for the financial side of student life is important, but there’s no need to feel anxious and confused about it. We hope that our fees and living costs page and our funding page will answer all your questions.

Scholarships

You might be able to get a scholarship to help fund your studies. We award scholarships to those students who demonstrate excellent achievement, passion and dedication to their studies.

Alumni discount

We’re happy to be able to offer a 20% alumni discount to most current NTU students and recent NTU alumni. This discount is available for those starting an eligible postgraduate taught, postgraduate research or professional course.

Getting in touch

For more advice and guidance, you can contact our Student Financial Support Service on +44 (0)115 848 2494. For scholarship help, please contact us on +44 (0)115 848 4460.

Course fees for September 2024 are:

Study routeUKInternational / EU
Full-time£9,700£17,500

Scholarships

We offer scholarships of up to 50% of your tuition fee. You can apply for your scholarship when offered to study at NTU.

Living costs

Get advice on the cost of living as an international student in Nottingham and how to budget:

Paying fees

Find out about advanced payments, instalment plan options and how to make payments securely to the University:

Would you like some advice on your study plans?

Our international teams are highly experienced in answering queries from students all over the world. We also have members of staff based in Vietnam, China, India and Nigeria and work with a worldwide network of education counsellors.

How to apply

Ready to join us? Then apply as soon as you can. Just click the Apply button at the top of the page and follow the instructions for applying. Make sure you check the entry requirements above carefully before you do.

If you are interested in joining us in September 2025, this course will be open for applications through the applicant portal from September 2024. Courses starting in January 2026 will be open for applications from July 2025.

You can get more information and advice about applying to NTU in our postgraduates' guide. Here you'll find advice about how to write a good personal statement and much more.

Writing your application

Be honest, thorough and persuasive in your application. Remember, we can only make a decision based on what you tell us. Make sure you include as much information as possible, including uploading evidence of results already achieved, as well as a personal statement.

Keeping up to date

After you’ve applied, we’ll be sending you important emails throughout the application process - so check your emails regularly, including your junk mail folder.

Getting in touch

If you need any more help or information, please contact us at Ask NTU or call on +44 (0)115 848 4200.

Apply online through our NTU applicant portal.

If you are interested in joining us in September 2025, this course will be open for applications through the applicant portal from September 2024. Courses starting in January 2026 will be open for applications from July 2025.

Application advice

Apply early so that you have enough time to prepare – processing times for Student visas can vary, for example.  After you've applied, we'll be sending you important emails throughout the application process – so check your emails regularly, including your junk mail folder.

Writing your personal statement

Be honest, thorough, and persuasive – we can only make a decision about your application based on what you tell us:

Would you like some advice on your study plans?

Our international teams are highly experienced in answering queries from students all over the world. We also have members of staff based in Vietnam, China, India and Nigeria and work with a worldwide network of education counsellors.

The University's commitment to delivering the educational services advertised

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