MSc Psychology (Conversion) (Sport)
Please note: This page is for 2027 entry. Click here for 2026 entry.
| UCAS code | 1234 |
|---|---|
| Duration | 1 year full time |
| Entry year | 2026 |
| Campus | St Luke's Campus |
| Typical offer | 2:1 Honours degree |
|---|---|
Why study MSc Psychology (Conversion) (Sport) at Exeter?
- Discover a unique pathway into the fascinating world of Sports Psychology.
- Study across Exeter’s Streatham and St Luke’s campuses, with access to cutting-edge research and specialist laboratories
- Learn in an interdisciplinary environment from experts in both Psychology and Sports Sciences.
- Kickstart your journey to becoming a sport and exercise psychologist, this MSc gives you the eligibility to apply for BPS Graduate Membership (GBC).
- Intended for graduates who wish to obtain a British Psychological Society (BPS) accredited degree
- Gain an understanding of the core areas of psychology from experts in their field, as required by the BPS
Top 100 in the world for Psychology
Ranked 87th in the Times Higher Education World University Rankings by subject 2026 and 82nd in the QS World University Subject Rankings 2026.
Top 10 for Psychology in 3 major UK league tables
6th in the Guardian University Guide 2026; 7th in the Complete University Guide 2027; 10th in The Times and The Sunday Times Good University Guide 2026
Top 5 in the UK for Sports Science
5th in The Times and Sunday Times Good University Guide 2026 and the Complete University Guide 2027
This course is accredited by the British Psychological Society. BPS accreditation confers eligibility for the Graduate Basis for Chartered Membership. This is the first step towards becoming a Chartered Psychologist.
Entry requirements
We usually require a minimum 2:1 Honours degree. No specific subjects are required.
Please note that, in some cases, students undertaking research projects as part of a dissertation may be required to complete a Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) check.
Please also see our guidance on essential documentation required for an initial decision on taught programme applications.
Entry requirements for international students
English language requirements
International students need to show they have the required level of English language to study this course.
The required IELTS test scores for this course fall under Profile B2.
Please visit our English language requirements page to view the required test scores and equivalencies from your country.
Course content
Explore the fascinating intersection of mind and sports performance through our innovative curriculum. You’ll build a strong foundation in psychology while gaining specialist insight into sport and exercise psychology and research skills through our dynamic curriculum.
Our teaching combines theoretical knowledge with practical application, preparing you for real world challenges in sport psychology. You'll work closely with leading academics who are actively shaping this growing field.
This programme is modular and flexible, carrying 180 credits in total and offering flexibility in choice of modules studied.
The modules below provide examples of what you can expect to learn on this degree course based on recent academic teaching. The precise modules available to you in future years may vary depending on staff availability and research interests, new topics of study, timetabling and student demand.
Please note that the module information displayed here is subject to change.
180 credits of compulsory modules.
Compulsory modules
| Code | Module | Credits |
|---|---|---|
| Compulsory 1 | ||
| Cognitive and Developmental Psychology | 15 | |
| Personality and Individual Differences | 15 | |
| Research Project | 60 | |
| Introduction to Statistics | 15 | |
| Research Methods and Conceptual Issues in Psychology | 15 | |
| Social Psychology | 15 | |
| Biological Psychology | 15 | |
| Rethinking the Field: Critical Issues in Sport and Exercise Psychology | 30 | |
ERPM006: Cognitive and Developmental Psychology
This module provides an introduction to two core areas of psychology: cognitive and developmental psychology. Cognitive psychology concerns the study of mental processes and developmental psychology deals with the changes that happen as we grow.
Through research-led teaching in combined seminar and lecture sessions you will be introduced to a variety of different perspectives in order to develop your knowledge and understanding of cognition and development across the lifespan.
The module will introduce you to classical and contemporary theoretical viewpoints and it will offer you an opportunity to engage with recent research in the fields of cognitive and developmental psychology You will also be encouraged to apply this knowledge and understanding to key societal issues and consider implications for education and wider society
This module is a compulsory module for MSc Psychology Conversion programme students, and it has no pre-requisites.
The aim of the module will be to introduce you to cognitive and developmental psychology.
ERPM007: Personality and Individual Differences
This module focuses on current and historical understanding of personality and individual differences. We will review the main theories of personality and use contemporary empirical evidence to explore the complex relationship between personality and behaviour. In-depth examples of the complexity of individual differences will be provided, and some sessions will focus on personality disorders and problems assessing and classifying such disorders. The module will also enable you to examine some of the broader societal issues relating to individual differences in personality.
This is a compulsory module on the MSc Psychology Conversion programme. There are no pre-requisites to this module.
The module will aim to introduce you to theories, research and practice in relation to the psychology of personality and individual differences. In the pursuit of this we aim to:
- Develop in you a broad and critical understanding of the ways in which personality and individual differences influence various aspects of human behaviour
- Introduce you to a range of instruments and tools used in this psychological study, including for example, questionnaires and psychometric tests
- Develop your awareness of the issues, controversies, challenges and potential problems in measuring personality and individual differences
PSYM220: Research Project
This module is the culmination of the practical training and learning on the Masters degree and allows you to demonstrate your competencies, incorporating many of the research skills and data analysis techniques you will have developed. You will negotiate your project topic through a structured process and be closely supervised throughout the duration of your research project by an academic member of staff whose personal research focus aligns with your topic.
You may be allocated to a supervisor in either the Department of Psychology or the School of Education. All supervisors have expertise in some area of psychology. You will usually work with a project partner, another student engaged in the same piece of research and may work in groups, depending on the nature of the project. Your supervisor will carefully manage this aspect, in order to ensure that each student recognises their individual responsibilities. Working in a team helps you learn useful skills that employers value and gives you great experience for future jobs.
Whether you are working in a group or not, you will write the final report on your own, and will prepare an individual research poster to be submitted with your final report.
PSYM221: Introduction to Statistics
This module will give you training on a variety of different statistical techniques commonly used in research conducted by psychologists. As such, it provides core skills required for the research project that you will take as part of your Masters. The aim is to provide you with knowledge of commonly used tests such as analysis of variance (ANOVA) and linear regression. The module discusses conceptual issues and provides hands-on experience of using statistical software (Jamovi) for carrying out such analyses in the practical classes accompanying the lectures. Whilst basic mathematical skills are required, the module does not assume Mathematics A level or degree- level experience.
The central objective of this module is to provide you with the skills to carry out research in psychological domains, analyse relevant datasets using statistical software to carry out between and within-subjects ANOVA and multiple linear regression, and interpret the results, allowing you to then report your findings using relevant reporting conventions. These skills will assist you in your Research Project.
A broader objective is to equip you with the skills to understand published research papers that employ these methods and forms of analysis, allowing you to understand the Methods and Results sections of such papers and provide opportunities for critical appraisal of the methods used to collect and analyse data, and to critically assess the conclusions drawn by the authors.
PSYM222: Research Methods and Conceptual Issues in Psychology
This module will provide you with basic skills necessary to understand and conduct research in psychology. You will gain an understanding of the main scientific research methods, both quantitative and qualitative, their advantages and disadvantages, and areas of application. You'll get first-hand experience of participating in psychological research. You will also acquire skills in writing (scientific) reports and using library and online resources for scientific research. Finally, you will gain an understanding of ethical issues related to conducting research in psychology. This module is the basis for the rest of your Masters degree.
The aim of this module is to introduce you to important issues such as:
- the methods of scientific psychology and, in particular, an understanding of the strengths and limitations of both quantitative and qualitative approaches
- scientific reporting of empirical research
- essay and report writing skills for psychology
- the evaluation and critique of journal articles
- practical and professional skills pertaining to the conduct and management of psychological research including ethical issues
- the use of library and online resources.
PSYM223: Social Psychology
Social psychology seeks to understand how people think, feel and act in relation to others and the world around them. As such, the topics of interest to social psychologist cover much of what humans do, from personal choices to helping others and interactions in groups. Because social psychology is applicable to so many domains, it is also directly relevant to everyday life - by learning about social psychology, inevitably you also learn something about yourself.
This module is structured in two core activities, lectures and practicals/tutorials. The lectures will provide you with a good oversight of key topics in social psychology. Specific areas will be introduced in each lecture; we will identify why it is important,and discuss both classic studies in social psychology as well as new directions in this evolving and exciting field. Practicals/tutorials will be focused on giving you an understanding of research methodologies used in social psychology and their limitations as well as teaching you how to run basic social psychological analyses on a set of data. You will also learn to write about social psychological research. Learning will also be based on Question & Answer sessions.
PSYM225: Biological Psychology
In this module you are introduced to the basic concepts of the physiological and neurobiological mechanisms underlying the generation and control of behaviour. Topics covered include the structure and functions of brains including both typical and atypical development, neuronal communication, how genes, hormones and neurotransmitters in various physiological processes affect behaviour, cognition, emotions, motivation and development, comparative and evolutionary psychology. Although largely focused on the human body and brain, the module also transmits how research on different animal model systems has advanced the understanding of the mechanisms and functions of the human nervous system, cognition and behaviour.
The primary aim of this module is to introduce you to the fundamental biological mechanisms underlying human and animal behaviour with a focus on neurophysiology, functional anatomy of the human brain, perception, communication, development and evolution of nervous systems. You will develop a firm foundation of knowledge in neuroscience and physiology of behaviour that links to cognitive and clinical psychology.
SHSM065: Rethinking the Field: Critical Issues in Sport and Exercise Psychology
This module will encourage you to critically explore and rethink the foundations, assumptions, and practices of sport and exercise psychology through reflexivity and inclusivity. You will engage with psychological theories and research paradigms, examining their historical, cultural, and ethical contexts, and their impact on diverse populations. Emphasis shall be placed on practitioner identity, ethical complexities, and challenging traditional models and methods. You will develop critical thinking and creative approaches to applied practice in sport, integrating perspectives on power, identity, and social justice. No prior sport and exercise psychology knowledge is required, though an understanding of basic psychological concepts, ethics, and research will be beneficial.
Fees
2026/27 entry
UK fees per year:
£13,300 full-time; £6,650 part-time
International fees per year:
£28,900 full-time; £14,450 part-time
Scholarships
The University of Exeter offers a wide range of scholarships to support your education, with £7 million available for international students applying to study with us in the 2026/27 academic year, including our prestigious Exeter Excellence Scholarships. We also provide awards for sport, music and other achievements, as well as regional and partner scholarships with organisations such as Chevening, The Beacon Trust and the British Council. For more information on scholarships and other financial support, please visit our scholarships and bursaries page.
University of Exeter Alumni Scholarship
We are pleased to offer the University of Exeter Alumni Scholarship, a scholarship for University of Exeter alumni beginning a standalone postgraduate programme in 2026/27 with us a scholarship worth 20% of the cost of your first year tuition fees.
Terms and conditions, including deadlines, apply.
Teaching and research
Teaching and assessment
You will benefit from a blend of comprehensive psychological training and specialised sport psychology knowledge. Our programme includes modules covering social, biological, cognitive, developmental psychology and individual differences. As well as this, specific sports themes on Professional Identity, Applied Practice and Ethical Practice are at the core of many of our modules.
You will develop transferable skills such as time and project management and communication skills, computational techniques, data handling and analysis, problem solving, decision making and research methodology.
Personal Tutor
You will be allocated a Personal Tutor who is available for advice and support throughout your studies.
A research and practice-led culture
Study in our dedicated psychology laboratories equipped with latest research technology. Our outstanding facilities will act as the backdrop to your learning which includes the Sports Park with Athlete Development Centre. We are home to industry leading research facilities supporting innovative projects and sport and exercise psychology. With brand new state of the art labs at our St Luke's campus you will be using industry leading facilities as part of your studies.
Rebecca is a Lecturer in Applied Sport Psychology at the University of Exeter, teaching on the Exercise and Sport Sciences programme. A registered Sport and Exercise Psychologist (HCPC) with a doctorate in the field, she provides psychological support to the University’s performance athletes. Rebecca’s experience spans elite athletes across sports such as football, rugby, golf, netball and athletics.
Her research and applied interests focus on supporting university and dual-career athletes, with her doctoral work developing a cognitive behavioural intervention for competition anxiety and performance under pressure.
Read more from Dr Rebecca Legge
Dr Rebecca Legge
Programme Director
Careers
You will graduate with advanced theoretical and practical knowledge and skills from multiple disciplines – an attribute that is considerably in demand for professionals within this dynamic industry. We develop your research skills, personal skills and core academic skills, preparing you for a wide range of employment opportunities, or for further research in the area of smart monitoring for Industry.
We have an established reputation of training tomorrow's great minds, so when it comes to life after graduation you can be confident that you are starting your next professional adventure in a prime, leading position.
Dedicated careers support
You will receive support from our dedicated Career Zone team, who provide excellent career guidance at all stages of career planning. The Career Zone provides one-on-one support and is home to a wealth of business and industry contacts. Additionally, they host useful training events, workshops and lectures which are designed to further support you in developing your enterprise acumen. Please visit the Career Zone for additional information on their services.
