Meet your Programme Director

Our unique sporting environment and opportunities to work alongside world-leading athletes and industry professionals, also allow you to gain the practical experience sought after by graduate employers. This unrivalled student experience is just one of the reasons we are ranked as the number 1 university in the world for sport-related subjects (QS University Rankings).

By studying on our British Psychological Society (BPS) accredited programme, you will gain a thorough understanding of:

• motivation and individual differences in sport and exercise
• performance psychology and management
• psychology of exercise for clinical populations
• mental health in sport and exercise
• professional practice in sport psychology
• the psychology of the coach-athlete relationship, and more.

Teaching in all of these areas is delivered by research-active academics, like Robin, who are driving forward understanding of the skills and techniques required to excel within the sector.

Alongside his research, Robin worked as a sport psychologist and performance analyst for GB Wheelchair Rugby. He also worked on anticipation, deception and decision-making with the Lawn Tennis Association, England football, Rugby Football Union, Leicester Tigers, New York Yankees and Aston Villa FC academy.

How perceptual and cognitive skills impact performance

I am interested in how perceptual and cognitive skills impact performance, and how these skills are affected by psychological pressure. My research is most closely related to content in the Performance Psychology and Management module and I have supervised many projects on anticipation, deception, and ‘choking’ in sport.

Let me give you two examples. With my colleague, Donghyun Ryu, I am leading a project to evaluate and revise the evidence-based classification criteria in goalball. This will have a significant impact on the sport for future Paralympic Games. Second, I am working with a virtual reality company to develop training protocols to enhance anticipation skill and detection of deception under pressure.

All my colleagues who lead the taught modules and supervise your project are passionate about their research and many bring a wealth of experience as practitioners. The collective strength of the programme team gives you a fantastic opportunity to engage with cutting edge research and learn about the core skills for working as a practitioner.

Impact of research on your learning

It is the opportunity to benefit from world-leading research alongside excellent facilities, which makes this programme so exciting. Most importantly, you will be learning and gaining insights from the cutting-edge research of our international academic staff throughout your time at the University.

Our programme will give you the knowledge - and the inspiration - you need to succeed.

MSc in Sport and Exercise Psychology

Programme Leader Dr Robin Jackson provides a brief overview covering learning outcomes and opportunities, teaching expertise and the careers available to our graduates.

If you have any questions about your offer or your course, please get in touch with us.