What is Sport Psychology?

McGill University offers distinct concentrations within Sport and Exercise Psychology. A graduate degree in either sport or exercise psychology will help prepare you for a range of truly stimulating career options in teaching, research, coaching, consulting, or allied health. Dr. Bloom specializes in sport psychology, while Drs. Duncan and Sweet are primarily in exercise psychology.

In Canada, Sport Psychology is an interdisciplinary field that is acknowledged as a core discipline within Kinesiology and Physical Education. Sport Psychology involves the scientific study of people and their behaviours in sport and the practical applications of that knowledge. Most people study sport psychology with two objectives in mind: (1) to understand how psychological and social factors influence an individual’s behavioural outcomes (e.g., sport performance, exercise motivation) and (2) to understand how participation in sport and exercise influences psychological and social development, health, and well-being (Weinberg & Gould, 1999). Sport psychology can be applied to a broad population base, such as elite or recreational athletes, youth, older adults, physically and/or mentally disabled, and chronic disease.

McGill University is situated in the downtown core of Montreal, Quebec, Canada, which is a major cosmopolitan city. Founded in Montreal, Quebec, in 1821, McGill University is consistently ranked as one of the top universities, both nationally and internationally. It is a world-renowned institution of higher learning with research activities spanning two campuses, 11 faculties, 13 professional schools, 300 programs of study and over 40,000 students, including more than 10,200 graduate students. McGill attracts students from over 150 countries around the world, its 12,800 international students making up 31% of the student body.