Sport and Exercise Psychology MSc

Research and Application in the Psychology of Sports Performance primarily focuses on attentional processes relating to skill learning and expertise. The first half of the module considers current research on topics such as 'choking', direction of attention, and implicit motor learning. We then examine topics around perceptual expertise, including anticipation skill, perceptual training and deliberate practice. Throughout the module, we explore the applied implications of this work for performers and practitioners.

Social Processes in Exercise and Sport
applies the theoretical knowledge of social processes and group dynamics to sport and exercise environments. It increases your awareness and expertise in the areas of leadership and coach-athlete relationships, group cohesion and motivation, and the home advantage phenomenon. The module is designed to be relevant to those aspiring to become applied sport psychologists or sport/exercise scientists. The module content is particularly relevant if you intend to work with sport or exercise groups. It is common practice for the best work from this module to be presented as poster presentations at the British Association of Sport and Exercise Sciences (BASES) Conference, the BASES Student Conference, or the British Psychological Society Conference.

Psychological Skills for Practitioners enables you to develop an understanding of key psychological theories that underpin performance and also to develop critical evaluation of current research. The module helps you to apply an effective programme of psychological skills and develop independent thinking.

Individual Differences in Sport &Exercise enables you to synthesise your knowledge of recent developments in individual differences theory and researchdevelop your ability to critically appraise and evaluate sport psychology literaturebe able to synthesize a large and disparate literatureproduce a scientific report in APA formatdemonstrate your oral presentation skills in a supportive environment.

Research Methods and Data Analysis enables you to acquire the necessary skills to undertake a piece of researchdevelop competence in the range of quantitative and qualitative research methods availablecritically assess the appropriateness of any research method in relation to a research questioneffectively search for and utilise a variety of research sourcescritically analyse personal research ideasdevelop a critical appreciation of principles and techniques involved in analysing quantitative and qualitative dataapply statistical techniques using Statistical Package for the Social Sciences (SPSS)analyse qualitative data, including the use of softwareundertake your MSc dissertation appropriately.

MSc Dissertation where you select an appropriate topic of study that is approved by your supervisor. These topics normally span the research interests of department staff.

Professional Development enables you to develop areas/skills to enhance your professional development in the future. It allows you to engage in a work-based study. The topic area is agreed with the module leader and an appropriate supervisor. You negotiate and agree a learning contract and the procedures and assessment to be undertaken. The topic chosen must be different from the topic of the dissertation.

Performance Lifestyle focuses on high achieving athletes and those tasked to care for them as they strive to create an environment that facilitates success while maintaining a balanced lifestyle. The module has been endorsed by UK Sport and the content reflects the Performance Lifestyle support available to athletes through advisors at the English Institute of Sport. The module provides students with an opportunity to consider the performing athlete in a broader sense.

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