MSc
(Sports & Exercise Psychology)
The next course starts in September 2024
We have created a flexible pathway to help make your journey as practical and enjoyable as possible. We have broken our MSc into four different stages, called diploma stages. Simply complete each of the diplomas and top it off with a dissertation to get your degree.
The course is relevant to those interested in and involved in the sport and leisure industry, e.g. coaches, athletes, strength & conditioning professionals, physiotherapists, P.E. teachers, personal trainers, etc. The course may also interest business leaders and managers in understanding what drives performance, staff motivation, leadership, and team cohesion. The course will examine a broad range of topical issues within the sport and exercise psychology profession through applying theory and research.
A UNIQUE PATHWAY TO YOUR MASTERS DEGREE
Diploma One – Introduction to Sports and Exercise Psychology
Diploma Two - Positive Psychology in Sports and Exercise Psychology
Diploma Three - Elite Performance in Sports and Exercise Psychology
Diploma Four - Mental Health Awareness and Practice in Sports and Exercise Psychology.
There are no written exams. You are assessed through project work and assignments.
You can take just one diploma and exit, or as many as you want. Start and stop the course as it suits you.
The MSc is accredited through the Rushford Business School in Geneva.
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The course offers a comprehensive exploration of the mental aspects crucial for athletic performance and well-being. It begins with an introduction to the field, laying the groundwork for understanding how psychology impacts sports and exercise. The course then delves into the psychology of motivation and the mindset required for winning, exploring how an athlete's drive and mental state can influence their performance. Personality traits and their role in sports are also examined, providing insights into how individual differences affect team dynamics and individual performance. The course also covers the softer skills of compassion and empathy, highlighting their transformative power in sports psychology. Stress management is another critical focus and teaching technique to handle the pressures of competition and exercise. This is complemented by a section on focus, which equips participants with strategies to maintain concentration during crucial moments in sports.
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The psychology of happiness is explored next, offering insights into how emotional well-being can positively impact athletic performance and overall health. This is followed by a segment on giftedness, creativity, and wisdom, which delves into how these unique attributes can be harnessed for success in sports and exercise. Character strengths and positive traits are also examined, providing athletes with a framework to identify and leverage their innate qualities for better performance and personal growth. The course then shifts its focus to the importance of positive relationships, emphasising how strong interpersonal connections can enhance team dynamics and individual well-being. Hope and optimism are vital psychological resources, equipping athletes with the tools to maintain a positive outlook even in challenging circumstances. Emotional intelligence is another critical area covered, teaching athletes how to manage and harness their emotions for optimal performance.
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The Elite Performance in Sports and Exercise Psychology course comprehensively explores the unique psychological attributes and strategies that distinguish elite athletes. It identifies the key characteristics and skills essential for high-level performance, laying the groundwork for athletic excellence. The course incorporates neuroscientific research to explain how an elite athlete's brain contributes to superior performance. It also employs narrative frameworks like the "Hero’s Journey" to chart the psychological development from novice to expert levels. A critical component of the course is its focus on coping with injuries, blending theory with practical strategies to navigate setbacks inherent in competitive sports. Emotional regulation and Superior Performance Intelligence are discussed as vital elements that enable athletes to manage their emotional states and outperform peers. The course also scrutinizes the role of perfectionism, considering its benefits and drawbacks. It culminates with techniques to achieve the state of optimal focus known as "In the Zone."
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The Mental Health Awareness and Practice in Sports and Exercise Psychology course provides a comprehensive understanding of mental health challenges and opportunities within athletics. It aims to equip participants with the knowledge and tools to identify, manage, and address mental health issues that athletes commonly face. The course begins by establishing the importance of mental health in sports performance and overall well-being, setting the stage for a deeper exploration of specific conditions like anxiety, depression, and stress disorders. It also delves into the psychological aspects of injury recovery, acknowledging the mental toll physical setbacks can take on athletes. Techniques for promoting resilience, emotional regulation, and stress management are covered, offering practical applications for athletes and coaches. Additionally, the course explores the role of support networks, including teammates, coaches, and healthcare providers, in fostering a mentally healthy sports environment. The study concludes by discussing ethical considerations and best practices in mental health care within sports settings.
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This module is the culmination of the programme of study that requires you to undertake independent research that links theory to practice. The dissertation is designed for continual feedback throughout the module, with you having access to an individual online supervisor to enable close interaction.
TYPE
Master Degree Level 9
CERTIFICATION
Rushford Business School (Geneva)
DURATION
1 Year (Part-Time)
COURSE CODE
RBSMSCESP
DELIVERY METHOD
Blended online
COST
NORMAL PRICE €5500
DAYS
One session per week
Course Info.
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The MSc in Sports & Exercise Psychology offers a compelling opportunity for individuals passionate about psychology and sports to delve into a field that intersects physical activity, mental well-being, and performance enhancement. Through this course, participants deeply understand the psychological principles underlying athletic performance, motivation, and behaviour in sports and exercise contexts. By exploring stress management, goal setting, self-regulation, and team dynamics, students acquire valuable insights into optimising performance and fostering psychological resilience in athletes and exercisers. Moreover, the programme equips participants with practical skills and techniques for effectively applying psychological strategies to enhance performance, facilitate skill acquisition, and promote mental health and well-being in athletic and exercise settings. Whether aspiring to work as sports psychologists, coaches, trainers, or exercise specialists or seeking to apply psychological principles in other fields such as education, healthcare, or organizational settings, this course offers a solid foundation for career advancement and professional development. With a blend of theoretical knowledge, practical experience, and research opportunities, the MSc in Sports & Exercise Psychology prepares individuals to make meaningful contributions to the field and positively impact the lives of athletes, exercisers, and communities.
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The aims of the MSc in Sports & Exercise Psychology are multifaceted, encompassing both academic and practical objectives to prepare students for successful careers in the field. Some critical aims of the course include:
Developing In-Depth Knowledge: The course aims to provide students with a comprehensive understanding of the theoretical frameworks, principles, and methodologies relevant to sports and exercise psychology. Students develop a solid academic foundation in the discipline by delving into topics such as motivation, performance enhancement, and mental health.
Enhancing Practical Skills: Practical application of psychological principles is crucial in sports and exercise psychology. The course aims to equip students with practical skills and techniques for working with athletes, coaches, and exercisers to optimize performance, promote mental well-being, and facilitate behaviour change.
Fostering Critical Thinking: Critical thinking and analytical skills are essential for evaluating research findings, designing interventions, and solving complex problems in sports and exercise psychology. The course aims to cultivate students' ability to critically analyze information, assess evidence-based practices, and make informed decisions in professional contexts.
Promoting Ethical Practice: Ethical considerations are paramount in sports and exercise psychology, given the potential impact of psychological interventions on individuals' well-being and performance. The course aims to instil ethical principles and values in students, emphasizing the importance of professional integrity, confidentiality, and respect for diversity in practice.
Encouraging Research and Innovation: Advancing the field of sports and exercise psychology requires ongoing research and innovation. The course aims to foster students' research skills and cultivate a spirit of inquiry, encouraging them to contribute to the body of knowledge through empirical research, applied projects, and scholarly activities.
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The MSc in Sports & Exercise Psychology opens up a wide range of career opportunities for graduates. Some potential career paths include:
Sports Psychologist: Graduates may work directly with athletes and sports teams, providing psychological support to enhance performance, manage stress, improve motivation, and facilitate injury rehabilitation.
Coaching and Sports Performance: Graduates may pursue careers as coaches or consultants, applying psychological principles to optimise performance, develop leadership skills, and foster team cohesion in athletic settings.
Academic and Research Positions: Some graduates may pursue further academic study or research careers, conducting research in sports and exercise psychology, teaching at universities, or contributing to academic journals and publications.
Health and Wellness Promotion: Graduates can work in public health programs, corporate wellness initiatives, or community organizations, promoting physical activity, mental health, and overall well-being through educational programs and interventions.
Consulting and Performance Enhancement: Graduates may work as consultants for sports organizations, businesses, or educational institutions, providing expertise in talent development, performance evaluation, and organizational culture enhancement.
Education and Training: Graduates may work as educators or trainers, delivering workshops, seminars, or continuing education courses on sports psychology, exercise science, or mental skills training for coaches and athletes.
Please note: This degree does not entitle you to work as a psychologist.
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The Academic and English Language Proficiency entry requirements for the MBA programme.
Bachelor's Degree: A bachelor's degree from an accredited institution is typically a fundamental requirement for admission to the MSc degree.
Work Experience: Our MSc programs prefer applicants to have some work experience, often ranging from 2 to 5 years or more. Work experience is valued because it contributes to classroom discussions and brings real-world perspectives to the programme.
TOEFL or IELTS (for International Students): If you are an international applicant and English is not your native language, you may need to demonstrate English language proficiency through tests like TOEFL (Test of English as a Foreign Language) or IELTS (International English Language Testing System).
Transcripts and Academic Records: You must provide transcripts or academic records from all previous educational institutions you have attended. These documents verify your academic qualifications.
CV: A current resume or curriculum vitae is required to outline your professional and academic background, work experience, achievements, and relevant skills.
