Program overview
This English-taught Master of Science prepares graduates for research-focused roles in sport and exercise psychology at both national and international levels. The programme combines theoretical foundations and applied methods so that students become capable researchers who can design, seek funding for, carry out, analyse and interpret theory-driven studies in the field. It is aimed at students who want to translate scientific knowledge into practice and to pursue careers in research, consulting, or management within sport and exercise contexts.
What you will gain
Graduates leave with a broad and practice-oriented skill set: the ability to produce evidence-based recommendations and to communicate those recommendations effectively to diverse target groups; advanced methodological, social and interpersonal competencies for leading sport psychology consulting and team-management processes in individual, group and international settings; and strong English-language spoken and written communication skills for working with stakeholders across cultures. The programme also emphasizes conflict recognition and constructive resolution strategies, as well as personal and professional development—helping students build a sport/exercise psychology–related professional identity and self-management abilities useful for academic and applied careers.
Entry & application
The programme begins with a concentrated first semester that revisits the core theories and topics in sport and exercise psychology while introducing current research trends and methods. Students also take foundational courses in research methodology and intercultural communication, and expand their specialist vocabulary in the discipline. Expected outcomes from this semester include a solid theoretical base, improved research literacy, and the ability to communicate professionally about sport and exercise psychology across cultural contexts.
In the second semester the focus moves to more advanced and applied subject matter. Building on the fundamentals, students study in greater depth the applied fields of sport and exercise psychology—examining how theoretical principles are translated into real-world practice. Learning outcomes here include enhanced skills in designing and critically evaluating interventions, and the capacity to apply psychological methods to performance, wellbeing, and coaching settings.
The third semester is devoted to gaining practical or international experience: students choose either a research-oriented internship or a study-abroad placement worth 30 ECTS. Those pursuing a double degree must complete their stay at the University of Thessaly and submit an additional application; in this arrangement the student’s original institution is called the host university and the other institution the partner university. The programme concludes in the fourth semester with an independent Master’s thesis, allowing students to carry out an original research project and demonstrate readiness for professional practice or further academic study.
Key requirements and milestones
This program looks for applicants with a relevant undergraduate background and strong English skills, plus a clear motivation and, where relevant, evidence of research, practical experience, or international exposure. If you do not hold a full bachelor’s degree in sport science or psychology, you may still be eligible if you have at least 60 ECTS credits in sport science, psychology, research methodology, or a combination of these areas. All applicants must demonstrate advanced English proficiency.
The application also requires a focused motivation letter that explains your academic and professional goals and how this master’s fits into them. Where applicable, you should submit documentation of research experience, hands-on work in sport or sport psychology, and any periods spent studying or working abroad — these materials strengthen your application and help the admissions committee assess fit and readiness for graduate-level study.
Required application documents:
Winter Semester (International)
30 April 2026
Winter Semester (EU/EEA)
31 May 2026
Graduates are prepared for research-related positions and applied roles in sport and exercise psychology at national and international organisations, sports clubs, performance centres, and research institutions. The programme’s emphasis on empirical methods enables alumni to pursue roles that require designing and conducting studies, evaluating programmes and translating evidence into practice.
The training in consultative leadership, team management and professional communication also supports careers as sport psychology consultants, mental skills coaches or project leads in multidisciplinary sport science teams. Graduates who wish to remain in academia can use the degree as preparation for PhD studies in sport psychology or related research fields.
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