MSc Sport Psychology | Part-time
- Entry year:
- 2026/27
- Start date:
- September
- Study mode:
- Part-time
- Course duration:
- 2 years
- Campus:
- City
About this course
Complete a BPS-accredited Masters in Sport Psychology at LJMU under the guidance of world-leading academic staff who carry out internationally recognised research.
- The School of Sport and Exercise Sciences is ranked first in the North West and top 20 in the world for Sports Science (QS World University Rankings 2026)
- Study part-time (2 years) or full-time (1 year)
- This programme is British Psychological Society (BPS) accredited for applicants with Graduate Basis for Chartered Membership (GBC)
- It is one of the first courses to be endorsed by the Chartered Association of Sport and Exercise Sciences (CASES) SEPAR Endorsement Scheme (PSES)
- Completion enables you the opportunity to apply for LJMU's Professional Doctorate in Sport and Exercise Psychology, the British Psychological Society's Stage 2 training programme, or the British Association for Sport and Exercise Science's SEPAR training programme. All of these routes make you eligible to register as a sport and exercise psychologist
- Benefit from high levels of academic and pastoral support and access to world-class facilities in the award-winning Tom Reilly Building
- Learn from applied practitioners in the field including an opportunity to undertake a professional practice work-related learning experience in a sport or exercise setting
- This course is in high demand and applications exceed places available. The final application deadline is 28 February 2026, however we recommend you apply as soon as possible. Decisions on all applications will be communicated on 24 March 2026 and the deadline for responding to offers is 16 May 2026. Please note that offers not responded to by this date will be withdrawn as a reserve list will be in operation for places
The School of Sport and Exercise Sciences has been delivering the MSc Sport Psychology programme for over 20 years, yet we keep our course design current so that you can apply the most relevant theory and research within your practice. We have a strong ethos of theory and applied knowledge, and it is this learning that we instil in our postgraduates.
The programme philosophy seeks to critically engage you with a broad spectrum of sport psychology perspectives, drawing on a range of research and applied methodologies. Founded on an academically rigorous knowledge base, studies focus on the impact that research and psychological theory has on applied practice.
Our academic team members have been selected for their specialist expertise in sport psychology research and applied practice. As a postgraduate on this programme, you will experience a rich and highly-relevant education. We aim to develop your knowledge of applied practice skills relevant to supporting the performance, development and welfare of sports people.
Find out more about studying MSc Sport Psychology
Find out more about studying MSc Sport Psychology
Go on a tour of the School of Sport and Exercise Sciences
Course modules
Discover the building blocks of your programme
Your programme is made up of a number of core modules and a research project as detailed below.
Further guidance on modules
Modules are designated core or optional in accordance with professional body requirements, as applicable, and LJMU’s Academic Framework Regulations. Whilst you are required to study core modules, optional modules provide you with an element of choice. Their availability may vary and will be subject to meeting minimum student numbers.
Where changes to modules are necessary these will be communicated as appropriate.
Core modules
Research Project
60 credits
60 credits
This module provides the opportunity for students to further develop and extend their knowledge and practical experience of the research process, and to learn and make use of advanced research skills.
After completing the module students should be able to:
- Produce a piece of independent research in journal article format
- Critically evaluate the concepts, methodologies and associated literature underpinning the research
- Assimilate, integrate and critically discuss the research findings
- Justify and critically discuss the research and research process
Research Methods and Training in Sport Psychology
20 credits
20 credits
The module allows you to acquire the necessary knowledge and skills tocritically explore the philosophical approaches appropriate to sport psychology research, and to develop and extend students' skills in quantitative research design, and qualitative research methods, data analysis, and representation relevant to Sport Psychology
Performance and Development Issues in Sport Psychology
40 credits
40 credits
This module invites you to study contemporary topics in Sport Psychology from a performance and development perspective. This enables performance and development issues to be explored in different contexts and also enables individual differences to be embedded and considered within the delivery.
Professional Practice in Sport Psychology
20 credits
20 credits
This module requires students to provide theoretically informed accounts and engage in critical discussion and reflection about professional practice issues in the field of sport and exercise psychology, and experiences associated with work-related learning
Frameworks, Approaches and Skills in Sport Psychology
40 credits
40 credits
Consideration of salient Applied Sport Psychology frameworks and their impact on performance enhancement and athlete development will enable students to critically extend their appreciation of therapeutic perspectives, including cognitive behavioural and humanistic approaches to practice and critically evaluate their impact and contribution. Students will also learn about the counselling and interpersonal skills that are relevant to sport psychology work. The theory-to-application underpinning mental training is explored, and specific psychological skills and strategies that assist the development of 'behaviour change' in both sport and exercise populations are reviewed. The social processes involved in working with groups and organizations are explored, with specific focus on the impact of organisational culture and interpersonal / social relationships on athlete development. The module content also enables individual differences to be embedded and considered throughout the delivery.
Professional body recognition
MSc Sport Psychology is British Psychological Society (BPS) accredited for applicants with Graduate Basis for Chartered Membership (GBC) and offers a route into Stage Two training to become an HCPC Registered Sport and Exercise Psychologist. It is also one of the first courses to be endorsed by the Chartered Association of Sport and Exercise Sciences (CASES) SEPAR Endorsement Scheme (PSES).
With membership of ASET, the UK’s leading authority on work based and placement learning, LJMU’s School of Sport and Exercise Sciences is committed to providing Work-based and Placement Learning (WBPL) experiences to our students that are quality assured and supported in accordance with best practice guidelines.
Your Learning Experience
An insight into teaching on your course
Study hours
Semester 1: 1 x 20 credit module running on Tuesday and 1x40 credit module running on Wednesday
Semester 2: 1 x 20 credit module running on Tuesday and 1x40 credit module running on Wednesday
Year-long: 1 x 60 credit research project with submission deadline of last working day in July
Teaching methods
We offer you a fantastic and supportive environment in which to study a sport and exercise science-related postgraduate course. You will develop consultancy skills and the knowledge to counsel sportspersons. The results of your work, and the effect it will have on an athletes physical and conscious development, will become one of your key outcomes.
Applied learning
Studies focus on the impact that research and psychological theory has on applied practice. We pride ourselves on our long standing status as a preferred training route and we welcome applications from ambitious sports scientists keen to ultimately contribute to our portfolio of experience and produce their own research grounded in the real world.
How learning is monitored on your programme
To cater for the wide-ranging content of our courses and the varied learning preferences of our students, we offer a range of assessment methods on each programme.
The programme is designed to train sports psychologists in how to successfully improve performance, the mind/body connection and the wellbeing of elite sportspersons. Assessment methods for this course include: essays, oral presentations, consultancy reports, a research proposal and ethics application, research papers and a viva.
Where you will study
This programme is based in the City Campus. LJMU has invested £35 million in state-of-the-art laboratory facilities for our current and future sport scientists. All of our labs are furnished with the latest equipment which enables us to work with our students and partners to enhance our understanding of the science behind human performance and behaviour.
Course tutors
Professor Butt gained her MSc and PhD from Miami University, Ohio in the USA. Before joining LJMU, she worked at Sheffield Hallam University in the Centre for Sport and Exercise Sciences. Professor Butt has spent a significant portion of her career working in elite sport as a sport psychologist. This includes a secondment as Head of Performance Psychology for the English Institute of Sport and an assignment at the London 2012 Olympic Games.
She is currently working with individual performers in golf and tennis. Professor Butt also works for the British Equestrian Federation as a practitioner and as part of their youth coach development programme. Her research interests include: key psychological constructs that impact on athletes' performance, the factors influencing athlete development, and understanding how athletes can continue to thrive in pressure environments. Professor Butt has published over 50 journal articles and continues to take a research-informing practice approach to her work and teaching.
I enjoy helping our students at LJMU develop on their journey towards becoming a sport psychologist and sharing my research and consultancy experiences along the way. I particularly enjoy leading our Applied Sport Psychology research group as part of the Research Institute for Sport and Exercise Sciences (RISES)
Postgraduate research opportunities
At LJMU, you can take the next step in your academic journey with a PhD or MPhil, available on a full-time or part-time basis. International students also have the option to study remotely.
- PhD duration: Up to 4 years full-time, or up to 7 years part-time
- Funding options: Choose between funded projects (with supervisors already in place) or self-funded study
Our Doctoral Academy is here to support you every step of the way—from your first enquiry through to successful completion—working closely with Schools, Faculties, and Professional Services.
For more details on postgraduate research and full details on how to apply, visit the Doctoral Academy website.
Career paths
Further your career prospects
LJMU has an excellent employability record with 97% of our postgraduates in work or further study fifteen months after graduation (Graduate Outcomes Survey, 2025). Our applied learning techniques and strong industry connections ensure our students are fully prepared for the workplace on graduation and understand how to apply their knowledge in a real world context.
The integrated and critical nature of the programme promotes qualities and skills relevant to employability within the sport psychology field.
Many career opportunities are open to you on graduation, such as continuing your training to become a registered sport and exercise psychologist. You could go into applied work, teaching and lecturing in schools, colleges and universities or continue your studies with a doctoral research/training programme. Some graduates have engaged in sports science support and/or athlete support programmes with national governing bodies and professional sports clubs or acted as consultants in professional sport settings.
Many graduates continue in education, research or applied work, including BPS Stage 2 training, such as the Professional Doctorate in Sport and Exercise Psychology at Liverpool John Moores University. Some go into teaching and lecturing in schools, colleges and universities.
Past graduates have engaged in sports science support and/or athlete support programmes with national governing bodies and professional sports clubs or acted as consultants in professional sport settings.
Tuition fees and funding
- Part-time per credit:
- £70
Fees
The fees quoted above cover registration, tuition, supervision, assessment and examinations as well as library membership and student IT support with access to printed, multimedia and digital resources including programme-appropriate software and on campus wifi.
Financial Support
There are many ways to fund postgraduate study for home and international students. From loans to International Scholarships and subject-specific funding, you’ll find all of the information you need on our specialist postgraduate funding pages. The University offers a range of financial support for students. You'll find all the information you need on our specialist financial support pages including details of the Student Support Fund and other activities to support with the cost of living.
Additional Costs
In addition to fees, students should also keep in mind the cost of:
- Accommodation
- Travel costs and field trips unless paid for by LJMU
- Stationery, IT equipment, professional body membership and graduation gown hire
Entry requirements
You will need:
Qualification requirements
Undergraduate degree
- a minimum 2:1 honours degree in Sport Psychology, Psychology or a related combined award
Further information
-
Extra Requirements
- Graduate Basis for Certified Membership (GBC) – only for the BPS accredited award
- Applications from students with alternative qualifications: you are not eligible for the BPS accredited Stage 1 award, so cannot complete BPS Stage 2 training to become a HCPC Registered Sport Psychologist or have access to Chartered Membership of the Society
- Applicants for the non-BPS accredited MSc Sport Psychology award would normally be expected to have the same level of honours degree in a related discipline e.g. Sport Science, where significant evidence of sport psychology study can be demonstrated
Deadlines
Places on this course are in high demand and applications exceed places that are available. The final application deadline for this course is 28th February 2026, however we recommend that you apply as soon as possible. Decisions on all applications will be communicated on 24th March 2026 and the deadline for responding to offers is 16th May 2026. Please note that offers not responded to by this date will be withdrawn as a reserve list will be in operation for places.
-
RPL
- RPL is accepted on this programme
International requirements
IELTS
- IELTS score 6.5
Further information
-
Extra Requirements
- Graduate Basis for Certified Membership (GBC) – only for the BPS accredited award
- Applications from students with alternative qualifications: you are not eligible for the BPS accredited Stage 1 award, so cannot complete BPS Stage 2 training to become a HCPC Registered Sport Psychologist or have access to Chartered Membership of the Society
- Applicants for the non-BPS accredited MSc Sport Psychology award would normally be expected to have the same level of honours degree in a related discipline e.g. Sport Science, where significant evidence of sport psychology study can be demonstrated
Deadlines
Places on this course are in high demand and applications exceed places that are available. The final application deadline for this course is 28th February 2026, however we recommend that you apply as soon as possible. Decisions on all applications will be communicated on 24th March 2026 and the deadline for responding to offers is 16th May 2026. Please note that offers not responded to by this date will be withdrawn as a reserve list will be in operation for places.
-
RPL
- RPL is accepted on this programme
Please Note: All international qualifications are subject to a qualification equivalency check.
How to apply
Securing your place at LJMU
To apply for this programme, you are required to complete an LJMU online application form. You will need to provide details of previous qualifications and a personal statement outlining why you wish to study this programme.
Your university life
From accommodation and academic support to clubs and societies. Find out what LJMU has to offer.
Related Links
Talk to our students
Connect with a current LJMU student for advice and guidance on university life, courses and more.
See what our students are saying
At LJMU we want you to know you’re making the right choice by studying with us. You can see what our students are saying about their experience with us through their reviews on the following websites:
News and views
Browse through the latest news and stories from the university
The University reserves the right to withdraw or make alterations to a course and facilities if necessary; this may be because such changes are deemed to be beneficial to students, are minor in nature and unlikely to impact negatively upon students or become necessary due to circumstances beyond the control of the University. Where this does happen, the University operates a policy of consultation, advice and support to all enrolled students affected by the proposed change to their course or module.