TheUlsterSports Academyat the University of Ulsteris celebrating the accreditation of its MSc in Sport and Exercise Psychology by the British Psychological Society.

This prestigious recognition by the professional body for psychology is a ringing endorsement for a programme, which has grown in popularity and continues to attract high calibre graduates interested in gaining employment in the exciting and expanding field of sport and exercise psychology.

Course Director, Dr Gavin Breslin,said: “This course is the first on the island of Ireland to be accredited by theBritishPsychological Society (BPS). This providesa wonderful opportunity for our students to come a step closer to becoming Chartered Sport and Exercise Psychologists and be recognised for their qualification.

“The demand for psychological support in sport settings has never been higher and accreditation at this time is a positive step to meeting this demand.

“Sport and exercise psychologists work with sports participants across both team and individual sports and from amateur to elite levels of competition. Their aim is predominately to help athletes prepare psychologically for competition and to deal with the psychological demands of both competition and training.”

Professor Marie Murphy, Head of the Ulster Sports Academy,said:“We are delighted to have received recognition from the most prestigious professional body for psychology for our course.

“As the leading university for sport on the island of Ireland, we are delighted to work in partnership with the British Psychological Society to prepare the next generation of sports and exercise psychologists to help meet the demands of sports performers at all levels.

“The MSc Sport & Exercise Psychology is one of a portfolio of high quality MSc programmes we now offer in the area of sportand exercise including an MScSports Development & Coaching, MSc Sport & Exercise Nutrition, MSc Physical Activity and Health andMSc Sport & Exercise Medicine.”

David Woods, an MSc student on the programme,said:“I have always had a strong interest in sport and exercise, with a particular interest in endurance sports, and wanted to combine this with my academic background in psychology.

"The course was, therefore, a perfect fit for me and provided an enjoyable mix of applied sport psychology, practical considerations for working with athletes, exercise psychology and the potential effects on psychological well-being for the wider population.

“The BPS accreditation of the course is excellent news as it will enable me to pursue my goal of becoming an accreditedSport and Exercise Psychologist.”

For those interesting in applying for a place on the course more information can be found at

http://study.ulster.ac.uk/prospectus/course/201415/2577

or by contacting the Course Director Dr Gavin Breslin ong.breslin1@ulster.ac.uk.

For an Interactive Q&A with course directors about employability apostgraduate open eveningwill take place onJune 12,2013http://www.science.ulster.ac.uk/sports/news.php. Or come along in person to the open evening in person to discuss theprogrammes on offer at the Ulster Sports Academyat the Jordanstown campus onthe same date.