Master's degree program "SPORTS PSYCHOLOGY"

Program Documentation - Master’s Program "Sports Psychology"

Educational Qualification Level: Master’s Degree

Field of Higher Education: 7.0 Healthcare and Sports

Professional Field: 7.6. Sports

Specialization: "Sports Psychology"

Study Mode: Full-time, Part-time

Program Duration: One year

I. Rationale for the Need for Specialists:

Sports psychology is characterized by its scientific and distinctly applied nature. Over the years, it has established itself in both the scientific and practical fields. Today, it is dedicated to supporting individuals, groups, and organizations engaged in sports and physical activity, enhancing their effectiveness, elevating the social role of sports, and preserving its integrity and allure.

Society's need for psychological work in sports requires the specialized training of a wide range of professionals – coaches, instructors, methodologists in various sports, physical education teachers, kinesitherapists, and rehabilitation specialists. In response to the growing demand for sports psychology knowledge, the National Sports Academy "V. Levski" offers the Master’s Program in "Sports Psychology" as an advanced level on top of a bachelor’s degree education. This Master’s program was established in 2005.

II. Qualification Standards:

II.1. Knowledge Domain and Scope

Gaining knowledge of the scientific foundations of modern sports psychology.

Expanding and deepening knowledge in general, social, and educational psychology, developmental psychology, and personality psychology.

Studying the theory and methods of experimental research and psychodiagnostics in sports, psychological support, and preparation.

In-depth knowledge of statistical data analysis in psychological research.

II.2. Skills Domain and Scope

Conducting psychodiagnostic and experimental research in sports psychology.

Methods and tools for psychological selection and sports orientation.

Methods and tools for psychological preparation in sports.

Targeted psychological interventions to regulate the mental states and behavior of athletes and coaches.

Applying methods for psychological recovery, correction, assistance, and prevention of overtraining and negative psychological states.

II.3. Professional Realization of Graduates

Upon completion of the master’s program in sports psychology, graduates may pursue roles in:

• Sports teams, clubs, and federations as sports psychologists and consultants;
• The Ministry of Youth and Sports, and private and public organizations involved in sports and related activities;
• Schools at various levels as sports psychologists;
• Higher education institutions as assistants in sports psychology;
• Doctoral studies in sports psychology topics.

The Master’s program is suitable for coaches, instructors, physical education teachers, physiologists, kinesitherapists, and specialists in recreation and tourism departments. In comparison with North American standards, the program corresponds to the levels of Master Coach of Sport Psychology and Certified Coach of Sport Psychology.

III. Requirements for Obtaining the Degree in the Specialization:

Bachelor’s degree holders in "Sports" with a professional qualification as a sports coach, bachelor’s degree holders in "Pedagogy of Physical Education" with a qualification as a physical education teacher, bachelor’s degree holders in "Kinesitherapy" with the qualification of kinesitherapist, or other bachelor’s or master’s degree graduates who meet the requirements of NSA "Vasil Levski" are eligible.

IV. Program Organization:

The study modes are "full-time" and "part-time." The program duration for full-time and part-time studies is two semesters. Bachelor’s graduates without the professional qualifications of "coach" or "physical education teacher" study for three semesters.

V. Graduation:

Graduation in the Master’s program is achieved through a thesis defense or a final state examination.