Master of Science in Psychology of Physical Activity, Health and Wellbeing University of Jyväskylä

The Master's Degree Programme in Psychology of Physical Activity, Health and Wellbeing (PsyAct) provides both research and practice-oriented Master’s level education for future experts in the field of Sport and Exercise Psychology. This programme is centred around the systematic application of behaviour change theory and methods to design, implement and evaluate interventions in the area of physical activity promotion and sport performance enhancement. This approach equips students to address physical activity and health challenges. In addition, the PsyAct programme enables students to support the translation of evidence into practice across disciplines and sectors. Graduates from the programme will be employed in the private and public sectors as, for example, psychological health and well-being consultants, performance enhancement consultants, or academic researchers. The programme includes a practicum period to be carried out within sport and health facilities, private companies, sport academies, or training centers.

The PsyAct programme provides both research and practice -oriented master’s level education for future experts in the field of sport and exercise psychology. This programme is centred around the systematic application of behaviour change theory and methods to design, implement and evaluate interventions in the area of physical activity promotion and sport performance enhancement. In addition, PsyAct programme enables students to support the translation of evidence into practice across disciplines and sectors.

Our Master’s degree programme provides you with

• high quality teaching in English
• education given by leading international experts in the field
• an individual study plan
• 2-year full-time education
• experience of both the Finnish culture and an international campus
• comprehensive services organised by the International Office of the University

On completion of advanced studies, the Master graduate of Master's Degree Programme in Psychology of Physical Activity, Health, and Wellbeing:

Research competences (knowledge and understanding):

• is familiar with advanced concepts, current research findings, theories and research methods of sport and exercise psychology
• has the ability to employ a systematic conceptual approach to gathering, analysing and disseminating knowledge
• is able to conduct research work and the writing of the master’s thesis
• has the ability to apply theoretical knowledge to analyse and solve concrete problems, and is able to work as a researcher in sport and exercise psychology or public health research laboratories and higher education institutions
• is aware of the ethical dilemmas and moral problems concerning the field of sport and exercise psychology

Professional competences (subject specific skills and attributes):

• has the ability to critically evaluate and use scientific literature to enhance physical activity and sport behaviour
• apply theoretical knowledge to solve tangible issues in sport and exercise psychology
• has an in-depth understanding of the processes governing emotion, cognition and behaviour in the psychology of sport and exercise
• has the ability to facilitate performance with populations in the sports arena and psychological attributes such as well-being
• has the ability to design and evaluate sport and exercise interventions with a cross-cultural perspective.
• has the ability to consider ethical viewpoints in one’s actions and is motivated to act in a responsible manner, respecting the values of humanity, nature, equality and multiculturality.

Enabling competences (transferable skills and attributes):

• ability to develop self-directed learning skills to facilitate lifelong learning and continuous professional development
• has the ability to work in an expert position in an international environment
• has ethical sensitivity in the acquisition and application of information

Synthesis and presentation skills:

• oral and written skills in communicating knowledge to specialist and non-specialist audiences
• competence in using research evidence in practical work
• intercultural communication skills

The programme is designed to prepare students for careers in the private and public sectors as, for example, psychological health and well-being consultants, performance enhancement consultants, or academic researchers. The programme includes a practicum period to be carried out within sport and health facilities, private companies, sport academies, or training centers. As the programme is both research and practice oriented, alumni of our previous programmes in sport and exercise psychology have been well employable. In addition, graduates of the programme are also qualified to apply for PhD studies at the higher education institutions in Finland or in universities in other countries.