Sport and Performance Psychology (MSc)

Examine how psychology can contribute to maintaining and enhancing high-level performance.

Sport and Performance Psychology explores human performance in high-pressure sectors. With an applied focus, our programme is ideal for those who wish to or are already working and consulting in:

  • sport
  • business
  • medicine
  • emergency response
  • military
  • performing arts

You will learn how to develop performers, individually and in groups, to ensure they reach their peak potential. Striking a balance between psychological theories and the skills needed to apply them, you will also leave with the knowledge and tools necessary to critically appraise and apply scientific literature and to plan, conduct and share your own research.

Our staff actively consult with high-level sports up to Olympic and World standards. Utilising these varied experiences, staff use applied psychological practice and research to enhance and enliven students’ education and learning in a variety of innovative ways. Staff hold academic and professional qualifications with recognised professional bodies for psychologists. 

Apply now

Visit the University’s Degree Finder for detailed entry requirements, fees, international grade equivalency, language requirements and to apply.

Postgraduate virtual open days

Join our online event to learn about Masters and PhD study at Moray House School of Education and Sport.

Date: 19-21 November

Location: Online

What you will study

Masters degrees at the University of Edinburgh comprise 180 credits.  

The first 120 credits are made up of taught courses, followed by a dissertation worth 60 credits.  

You must receive an average mark of 50% or more and pass at least 80 credits with a mark of at least 50% in each of the taught courses to progress to the dissertation.  

Once you successfully complete all 180 credits, you receive your MSc. You can complete the Masters degree in 11 months full time.

Our MSc draws extensively on sport psychology as well as wider performance domains. The Master's in Sport and Performance Psychology offers formal accreditation to students wishing to complete a Sport Psychology accreditation route in the UK.

Courses

Learning is in the form of lectures, seminars and directed reading. 

You will complete a series of four taught courses that cover key topics related to sport and performance psychology, as well as essential practitioner and research skills. 

As part of these courses, you will study and be encouraged to develop your: 

  • professional philosophy as a practitioner
  • knowledge of pertinent legal and ethical issues
  • research methods

Courses are designed to foster your ability to critically appraise scientific literature, understand the application of psychological theories and to apply research methods. To graduate with the Masters degree, you will also be required to undertake and complete an independent research project.

Compulsory courses

  • Psychological Preparation for Performance
  • Psychology for Performance
  • Practitioner Skills: Sport and Performance Psychology
  • Research Methods

Please note that courses and course content may change each year.

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The tutorials were very helpful in that we were able to have small-group discourse and dive deeper into subject matter that was discussed during lecture.

Peyton Pesavento 2024 graduate

Dissertation

Once you successfully complete your taught courses you may progress to the dissertation. You must complete the dissertation to receive the MSc. 

You may select any topic that reflects your interests as long as it remains within the overall rationale of the programme and appropriate supervision is available. 

Examples of recent topics include:

  • professional development issues in high-performance domains
  • decision-making in surgeons
  • mental toughness in military pilots
  • optimism and stress in trainee teachers
  • emotional intelligence and elite sport performance
  • talent development in high-performance domains
  • experiences of flow in dance
  • expertise development in international sport
  • change blindness’s effects moderated by experience level in sport

Submission format includes the option to submit in journal article style.

[The programme is] so unique in its broad perspective, connecting dots that I don’t think you could if you were only studying sport.

Matilda Mayne MSc Performance Psychology graduate

Support for your studies

You will have access to a range of support services if you need them throughout your degree.

We will assign you to a Student Advisor in your first few weeks at Edinburgh. This should be the first person to contact if you need help. They can guide you to other University service teams depending on what support you need.

Support for your studies

Careers

As public understanding of the role psychology plays in boosting sports performance increases, so does demand for those with the skills to apply that knowledge. This programme paves the way for careers in a variety of fields, in sports and beyond.

Our graduates have gone on to jobs that include:

  • private consultancy in sports, business, music/performing arts
  • management and technical roles in sporting bodies
  • sports psychology practice in the UK Sports Institute (publicly funded)
  • lifestyle management in the UK Sports Institute
  • military and training agencies (for example, primary medical care)
  • research (PhD in sports and business/management fields)
  • further professional training, such as for clinical or educational psychology
  • initial jobs in business to develop into Human Resource roles
  • teaching/lecturing (higher and tertiary education)
  • outdoor and adventure training

I can’t imagine doing what I do now without having studied this at Edinburgh.

Matilda Mayne MSc Performance Psychology graduate

The University of Edinburgh's Careers Service supports all current students (and graduates for up to 2 years) to develop their potential and achieve satisfying and rewarding futures.

Join in and make use of:

  • individual appointments
  • group sessions
  • wider campus-based activity
  • online services and resources

We also deliver a diverse programme of face-to-face and online events throughout the academic year.

Visit the Careers Service website


Our students

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'I really enjoyed my time there because the lecturers really know how to help us understand and incorporate what we learn in the class to the real case in the real world.'

Peyton Pesavento, 2024 graduate

'The Performance Psychology program at the University of Edinburgh broadened my knowledge in numerous areas which ranged from learning how to conceptualize specific scenarios with athletes to planning for competition to understanding codes of conduct within the mental performance space.'

'Having classmates from so many different backgrounds greatly contributed to my learning, because I was able to view mental performance from many perspectives, which I think is a true highlight of the University. Also, the enthusiasm, kind nature, and helpfulness from the professors within the program gave me confidence throughout the course. I was never afraid to ask questions or give my opinion during class.' 

'Now, because of my studies, I am able to work as a mental skills coach and guide athletes through various transition periods in their career such as moving to the next level or even transitioning out of sport!' 

Tania Reitelbach, 2024 graduate

'The MSc Performance Psychology at the University of Edinburgh was life changing for me. The network of people I met through the program, made me a better person and professional. My academic skills and confidence increased, and I am now a trainee psychologist pursuing SEPAR and FEPSAC accreditations. 

'I would recommend this program, especially to those who enjoy research and delving deeper into the growing literature in the field of Sports and Performance psychology.'

Xuan Wong, 2024 graduate

'I valued class discussions as they provided me with new perspectives and a deeper, critical understanding of theories and concepts relevant to performance across domains. The lecturers and my peers were incredibly supportive, and their contributions greatly enriched my learning experience. 

Following graduation, I have been fortunate to work with a team of sport psychologists at the High-Performance Sport Institute, Singapore, where I support athlete performance and well-being.'

Graduates talk about their experience on our sports programmes

Fees and funding

Annual tuition fees are listed on the Postgraduate Study Programme Fees pages related to your desired exit level and duration of study.

MSc Sport and Performance Psychology - 1 Year (Full-time)


Scholarship opportunities are subject to change each year. We are pleased to offer a number of School-specific scholarships, but students are encouraged to seek out opportunities from the University and external funding bodies.

More information about available scholarships and funding can be found on our Scholarships and Studentships page.

Scholarships and studentships


Contact us

Programme-specific enquiries

For programme-specific enquiries, contact the Programme Director.

Dr Urvi Khasnis

Programme Director

  • Moray House School of Education and Sport

Contact details

Questions about your application or how to apply

For enquiries about your application or how to apply, contact the Postgraduate Admissions office.

Postgraduate Admissions Office (Education)


College of Arts, Humanities & Social Sciences (CAHSS)

Contact details

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