Master of Science in Applied Sport & Exercise Psychology

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Deadline October 20th 2025

Programme Overview

Programme Background

The Master of Science in Applied Sport & Exercise Psychology is a unique programme that has been designed in association with a panel of leading experts from the sport, health & fitness industries. With an industry focus, this programme is highly practical and applied, teaching many skills and tools for success in addition to covering the key theoretical components. This programme is designed for practitioners first and foremost, with routes to progress in academia facilitated also.

It is the first programme that has been designed to serve 2 different student streams across multiple international locations. Students from a psychological background enter the programme with ‘graduate basis for chartered membership’ (GBC) from their professional society accredited bachelor’s programme. The programme has been designed to meet the requirements of the main professional societies to continue that GBC pathway at grad-school level. Students coming from a sport science or S&C background will benefit from the structures put in place by the professional psychological societies but also gain exposure to the requirements of the more applied non-psychological industry societies.

This programme has been developed to facilitate the learning of working professionals as well as recent graduates who wish to gain experience while they study. Delivered in a flexible fashion over 18-24 months with weekly lectures delivered online and fitting flexibly into your current life commitments. Led by World-leading practitioners, this programme offers students the opportunity to learn from those who are active in the work environment alongside their research and teaching.

Modules covered:

Research Methods & Data Management
This module aims to develop the ability to evaluate different research designs when considering research evidence critically. The course will develop the appropriate skills and capabilities using a range of techniques and research methods to collect and analyse data (both qualitatively and qualitatively) relevant to sport and exercise psychology.
Students will master the techniques needed to critically appraise published research and carry out a piece of original research. Topics will include the scientific method applied to exercise sciences, literature search techniques, research design, sampling, the organisation of a research project, research ethics, measurement techniques, the analysis of new and extant quantitative data sets, the effective presentation of results and routes of dissemination.
Reflective Sport & Exercise Psychology in Practice
The reflective practice lies at the heart of the work of the influential coach, teacher, instructor, and sport and exercise psychologist, providing a core principle around which significant careers can be built. This course will use reflective practice as its core principle. Further, will explore critical topics for practicing sport and exercise psychologists, ensuring they develop the skills and competencies to undertake consultancy at individual, group, community, or population levels.
The course provides a comprehensive understanding of the importance of maintaining ethical standards and essential insight into the various frameworks adopted in applied work. It aims to develop the ability to work with a range of clients and to develop, monitor, and evaluate psychological interventions. It will also assess the potential role of emerging technology and the importance of entrepreneurial skills for a successful career.
Cognition, Perception & Neuropsychology
This course focuses on the advancement of expertise at a range of developmental levels. It explores a range of theories, processes, and techniques relating to the development of knowledge and perceptual-cognitive skill in several contextual settings. It aims to understand the issues around developing expertise, covering topics such as skill acquisition, learning and coaching styles, stages of development, practice types, and specialism/diversification. It also examines issues around expert perception and decision-making, as well as training critical perceptual-cognitive skills. The course explores recent developments in neuropsychology and the applied implications of this work for performers and practitioners.
Psychological Skills Training & Interventions
This course explores the application of a range of techniques used in applied sport and exercise psychology. The course is designed to provide a detailed understanding of the challenges of delivering a range of psychological interventions from a theoretical and applied perspective. From a theoretical perspective, it will develop knowledge of crucial behaviour change techniques and psychological strategies, including goal setting, self-talk, imagery, stress management, and concentration training. From an applied perspective, it will look at how these approaches can be deployed from the initial steps in applied consultancy (including gaining entry), through employing contextually appropriate needs assessment techniques to understand clients and their behaviours through to developing, applying, and monitoring effective methodologies via which to utilize critical techniques.
Social Psychology – Interpersonal & Group Processes
TSport and exercise do not happen in a vacuum and will always be affected by psychosocial processes. This course examines social, psychological, and individual difference issues relating to the context of sport and exercise. In addition to providing a theoretical underpinning to the psychosocial processes relevant to sport and exercise, methods will be demonstrated to equip students with various techniques to optimise these processes. This will involve the identification and assessment of individual differences. It will also evaluate the importance of interpersonal effectiveness as a critical factor in coaching, teaching, instructing, and applying psychological skills to optimise their application. The course will also focus on group interaction and the importance of building effective teams in various contexts.
Enhancing Health & Wellbeing
This course will explore contemporary topics in health and exercise psychology and focus on applying psychological principles to promote physical activity, health, and wellbeing. The course will promote an interdisciplinary approach to understanding the potential benefits of sport and exercise participation on a range of general health and wellbeing indicators and the importance of considering individual differences in designing any intervention. It will integrate a range of contemporary research evidence across several topics to investigate how psychological processes and approaches can increase and adhere to healthy lifestyles.Topics will include individual differences, motivation, lifestyle factors, behaviour change, the effects of exercise on self-concept, the impact of exercise on psychological illness, and social interaction on adherence. This information will design and evaluate potential approaches and strategies to public and individual health interventions.
Applied Project
This course is designed to allow the student to carry out an individual scientific investigation on a topic relating to the student’s interest and career direction. It is designed to pull together the learning from all of the previous courses and further develop the skills to review, synthesize, and critically appraise academic literature. Students will be expected to design, analyse and interpret data and present findings in a scientific paper format.

Course Duration

The programme duration is 24 months. This includes:

6 Online Modules (each module is 12 weeks in duration)
Final Project (additional 3 months to complete)

A joint programme by:

Setanta and the Irish American University

The Master of Science in Applied Sport & Exercise Psychology is awarded by Irish American University under its accreditation by the Middle States Commission on Higher Education, one of the world’s leading accrediting bodies. Furthermore, Setanta Professional Advisory Board, other subject matter experts, and international sporting organisations have informed, reviewed, and approved the programme content. This includes World Rugby, the Titleist Performance Institute, and the NSCA who recognise our programmes and qualifications.

Course Details & Enrolment

Delivery Method

This programme has been developed to facilitate the learning of working professionals as well as recent graduates who wish to gain experience while they study. The old graduate school model of suspending your life for a period of 12-24 months is no longer feasible in a world of disruption and fast-paced innovation. This programme is delivered in a flexible fashion over 18-24 months with weekly lectures delivered online and fitting flexibly into your current life commitments.

Delivery Method Video Sample

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Final Project and Assessment

You will submit a final project following the completion of the five online modules. During the online element you will receive guidance and mentoring from a tutor who will assist you in the selection of a final project.

Learning Outcomes

Upon completion of the MSc in Applied Sport and Exercise Psychology, students will be able to demonstrate knowledge, skills, and competencies in the following areas:

The ability to critically evaluate the current knowledge, theory, and evidence base relevant to the discipline of sport and exercise psychology.
To develop the advanced knowledge skills and capabilities required for effective sport and exercise psychology practice.
To evaluate sport and exercise psychology’s role in the broader discipline of sport and exercise science and to integrate methodologies in an interdisciplinary manner.
To utilise a range of appropriate practical techniques to enable a range of solutions to psychological challenges.
To evaluate and apply appropriate research methods applicable to psychological inquiry
The capacity to apply relevant ethical, legal, and professional practice frameworks and to maintain appropriate professional boundaries.
To communicate effectively (verbally and non-verbally) with a range of audiences and to disseminate their work in a range of appropriate formats.
The ability to synthesize information from multiple sources into comprehensive and appropriate support systems.
To be able to reflect on one’s practice critically and to develop a professional identity

Career Opportunities

Graduates of this Master of Science in Applied Sport & Exercise Psychology are uniquely positioned for successful careers in a variety of different areas. Graduates will typically pursue employment as psychologists in sport, exercise, performance, or health at professional sporting organisations, NGBs, government-led councils, or in consultancy practices. There is also the doctoral progression options that lead into academia and lecturing/research opportunities. Many other students will operate as mental skills coaches and performance coaches in sport, exercise, and even business settings. Having a knowledge of psychology and how to enhance human performance is an indispensable understanding and can lead graduates to success in many job areas outside of psychology driven career paths.

Our Alumni are highly employable throughout the world. Currently, our graduates are engaged in the following sectors:

Premiership Football
European Golf Tour
PGA Tour (USA)
AFL Australia
Australia Rugby Union
England Rugby Union
Irish Rugby Football Union
French Rugby Federation
NFL (USA)
World Rugby
International Sports Teams

Entry Requirements

Setanta College is committed to providing accessible and inclusive pathways to postgraduate education, while ensuring that applicants are prepared to successfully engage with postgraduate study. To this end, the following entry routes are available:

1. Academic Qualification Route (Direct Entry)
Applicants who have completed undergraduate studies (i.e. Bachelors degree or a qualification at Level 6 on the European Qualifications Framework (EQF) or equivalent) are eligible for direct entry to the programme.

2. Recognition of Prior Experiential Learning (RPEL) Route
Applicants who do not hold an undergraduate degree (EQF level 6) may still be considered for entry if they can demonstrate:

A minimum of five years of relevant professional experience in sport, fitness, health, or a related performance domain.
Relevant experience may include time spent as an athlete, coach, instructor, mentor, or practitioner across amateur or professional settings, community-based programmes, or performance environments.
Evidence of reflective practice, ongoing professional development, and the capacity to engage with academic content.

All RPEL applicants will undergo an individual assessment process to determine suitability.

3. Additional Documentation (Discretionary)
In some cases, particularly where applicants are applying through the RPEL route or hold a qualification from a non-cognate area, the College may request:

A Letter of Interest, outlining the applicant’s motivation, relevant experience, and goals.
A brief interview to discuss the applicant’s background and fit for the programme.

This step is intended to support the applicant and ensure readiness for study at Masters level (EQF level 7).

* Note: Applicants who are not deemed suitable following interview will be provided with a tailored entry pathway to the programme of interest. This may include:

Completing a programme at a more appropriate level of study (e.g., EQF Level 5 or 6), or
Undertaking a bridging programme specifically designed to support academic and personal success at Masters level of learning (EQF Level 7).

4. English Language Proficiency
Where English is not the applicant’s first language, proficiency must be demonstrated by one of the following:

IELTS: Minimum overall score of 6.5, with no individual component below 5.5
TOEFL iBT: Minimum score of 88
EF SET: Minimum score of C1

* Note: Other tests may be accepted. If you completed an alternative language assessment than those listed above, please enquire for acceptance.

Recognition and Accreditation

Setanta College holds a number of academic accreditations alongside industry recognitions. From a European perspective, Setanta College has programmes that are validated by Quality Qualifications Ireland (QQI), the Irish governmental accrediting agency. QQI programmes are recognised globally under various European and EU initiatives, which offers graduates a significant advantage globally. In North America, Setanta holds provisional State Authorisation to operate as a higher education institution in the USA under approval from the Commission of Independent Education (CIE) of the Florida Department of Education. Also, from a US perspective, this programme is regionally accredited by the Irish American University under their award of accreditation by the Middle States Commission on Higher Education (MSCHE), one of the world’s leading accrediting bodies and the accreditors of a large number of US Ivy League schools.

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Fees & How To Apply

Tuition for Complete Programme

€9,750

Annual Intakes: March & September

To secure your place on the MSc in Applied Sport & Exercise Psychology programme, you can pay a deposit of €500 and choose from five payment options, including paying in full, per module, or through instalments. See below for the full list of options:

Deposit €500 | Remainder Before Course Start Date
Deposit €500 | 50% Before Course Start Date and 50% Before Commencing Module 5
Deposit €500 | 6 Equal Installments Paid Before the Start of Each Module
Deposit €500 | 4 Installments of 25% before Modules 1,3,5,7
Deposit €500 | 18 Equal Monthly Installments

IMPORTANT: There is no automatic entry on to the Programme. To be considered for the Master of Science in Applied Sport & Exercise Psychology, please complete the Application Form by clicking the button below:

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