University of Essex

MSc by Dissertation Sport and Exercise Psychology

University of Essex

Course overview

This is a Master of Science by Dissertation programme, which typically takes one year full-time or two years part-time to complete. Students conduct an independent investigation within the School of Sport, Rehabilitation and Exercise Sciences, working on a topic related to the psychological aspects of sport and exercise.

The course trains students as independent researchers, requiring them to critically evaluate research and develop expertise in their chosen area of focus. Learning is supported by an allocated supervisor and assessed through the submission of a thesis, which has a maximum length of 30,000 words.

Entry requirements

Candidates are required to submit a well-developed research proposal and will be required to take an interview, either in person or online for acceptance.

Grade Requirements:

  • Candidates need a good honours degree or a Master's degree (or international equivalent) in a related subject.
  • Other International qualifications equivalent are also accepted.

English Proficiency:

  • Candidates need to score at least 6.5 overall in the IELTS test, with a minimum of 5.5 in any other component.
  • Other English language test scores, such as PTE Academic and TOEFL IBT tests, are accepted, amongst others.

Scholarships

  • Alumni Loyalty Discount

    First Class or Distinction, 2.1 or Merit, 2.2 or successful completion of a Masters, Graduate or PG Diploma - 20%.

    Up to 20% of fees

  • Essex Futures BT– Masters Scholarship

    School of Computer Science and Electronic Engineering (CSEE) is delighted to be offering up to six scholarship worth £5,500 each for 1 year full time.

    Up to £5,500

  • Essex Preparation Programme Bursary

    £250 cash bursary.

    Up to £250

  • Global Talent Masters Scholarship

    You could be eligible for a scholarship worth £5,000, paid as a discount on your tuition fee.

    Up to £5,000

  • Hong Kong Undergraduate Scholarship

    The awards offered are a discount of £5,000 per year for a maximum of three years of full-time undergraduate study, up to a maximum of £15,000.

    Up to £15,000

  • Hugh Brogan Bursary

    If you are applying to study a History MA degree, you could be eligible for one of four available cash bursaries worth £2,500.

    Up to £2,500

  • International Baccalaureate Excellence Scholarship

    If you're starting at Essex in 2026-27 and achieve academic excellence in your International Baccalaureate, we will offer you a scholarship of £2,000 for your first year of study.

    Up to £2,000

  • Performance Sports Scholarships and Bursaries

    Tier 1 - Tuition fee discount up to 100%, Tier 2 - Cash bursary (of varying amounts), Tier 3 - Access to the above performance package benefits, with a value of up to £1,500.

  • Postgraduate Masters (PGT) International Health Bursary

    The University is offering a bursary of £776 for Masters (PGT) international students.

    Up to £776

  • Postgraduate Premium Pathway Scholarship

    You could be eligible for a tuition fee discount of £6,500, for your first year of study at Essex.

    Up to £6,500

  • Sociology and Criminology - Fuller PGT Scholarship

    The Department of Sociology and Criminology is offering scholarships of £11,025 to support six postgraduate students to study within the department in 2026-2027.

    Up to £11,025

  • The Always Essex Staff Discount Scholarship

    33% discount of the first-year tuition fee (first two years for part-time study).

  • The Eleonore Koch Travel Fund

    The School of Philosophical, Historical & Interdisciplinary Studies is offering a bursary of up to £5,000.

  • The Essex MBA Dean's Award

    The school is able to offer fee discounts between 10% - 100% of tuition fee value.

  • The International Undergraduate Scholarship

    The award is offered as a £5,000 discount on your tuition fees for the first year of study in 2026-27 only.

    Up to £5,000

  • The Ronald J. Hill Fund

    The department of Government is offering a bursary of £3,000 to assist one postgraduate student within the department of Government to assist with tuition fees or living costs.

    Up to £3,000

  • The Undergraduate Premium Pathway Scholarship

    You may be eligible for a tuition fee discount of £5,000, for each year of study at Essex up to a maximum of 3 years.

    Up to £5,000

  • University of Sanctuary Scholarship

Career opportunities

Graduates of the MSc (by Dissertation) Sport and Exercise Psychology programme from the University of Essex can work as a/an:

  • Sport Psychology Consultant
  • Academic Researcher
  • Performance Coach
  • Further Education Teacher
  • Research and Development Scientist

Cost of study

The international students’ tuition fee for the MSc (by Dissertation) Sport and Exercise Psychology at the University of Essex is £22,550. Note that this tuition fee is subject to change.

Admission

Admission to the MSc (by Dissertation) Sport and Exercise Psychology programme is made through the university’s application system. If you need further assistance, we at AHZ can assist you with your application process.

Ready to start?

Book a free consultation and we'll map your fastest route to your place.

Apply Now
Download Free Guide