Masters Programme in Psychology of Physical Activity, Health and Well-being

Jyvaskyla

 

INTAKE: August

Program Overview

The Master's Programme in Psychology of Physical Activity, Health, and Well-being at the University of Jyväskylä is an interdisciplinary program designed to equip students with the knowledge and skills necessary to understand and influence the relationship between physical activity, mental health, and overall well-being. This unique program focuses on the psychological factors that affect physical activity behaviors and health outcomes. Students are trained to work in various settings, including public health, sports psychology, and wellness programs, where they can help individuals and communities improve their physical and mental well-being. With an emphasis on evidence-based practices and a deep understanding of human behavior, graduates are well-prepared to make a meaningful impact in the fields of health promotion, physical education, and rehabilitation.

Curriculum: The curriculum of the Master's Programme in Psychology of Physical Activity, Health, and Well-being provides a thorough understanding of the psychological theories, research methods, and interventions related to physical activity and health. Students begin with foundational courses in psychology, physical activity, and health promotion. As the program progresses, they delve deeper into specialized topics, including behavioral change strategies, psychological interventions for health, sport psychology, and the mental health benefits of physical activity. The program combines theoretical knowledge with practical application, allowing students to gain hands-on experience through case studies, group projects, and research opportunities. In the final stage, students complete a Master's thesis, which allows them to contribute original research to the field of psychology and physical activity.

Research Focus: The University of Jyväskylä has a strong research tradition in the area of physical activity and health psychology. The research focus of the Master's Programme includes understanding the psychological mechanisms that motivate individuals to engage in physical activity, as well as the ways in which exercise can enhance mental health and well-being. The program explores topics such as the role of self-regulation in exercise adherence, the impact of physical activity on mental health disorders like depression and anxiety, and the psychological factors influencing behavior change in health interventions. The research also looks at the social and environmental factors that support or hinder active lifestyles, with a focus on creating interventions that are effective in diverse populations.

Industry Engagement: The Master's Programme in Psychology of Physical Activity, Health, and Well-being offers numerous opportunities for students to engage with industry professionals and organizations. Through internships, collaborative research projects, and guest lectures from experts in the field, students gain valuable insights into the practical applications of their studies. The program has established connections with a wide range of institutions, including health clinics, sports organizations, public health agencies, and rehabilitation centers. These industry partnerships provide students with the opportunity to work on real-world problems and gain experience that will be beneficial in their future careers. Additionally, the university's strong ties to the Finnish Institute for Health and Welfare (THL) and other public health organizations offer students a platform to collaborate on projects that influence public health policy and practice.

Global Perspective: The Master's Programme in Psychology of Physical Activity, Health, and Well-being at the University of Jyväskylä provides a global perspective by addressing the psychological and social determinants of health across different cultures and environments. The program draws on international research and best practices, ensuring that students are exposed to the latest trends and global challenges in physical activity and health psychology. Moreover, students have the opportunity to participate in international research collaborations and exchange programs with partner institutions, further enhancing their global outlook. This international perspective helps students understand how different cultures and societies approach health and wellness, and it prepares them to work in diverse global contexts.

Pollster Education

Location

Jyvaskyla

Pollster Education

Score

Pollster Education

Tuition Fee

€ 8000

Postgraduate Entry Requirements

Application Fee: €100

Academic Qualifications: Applicants for postgraduate programs typically require a minimum academic achievement of 60% or above in their bachelor's degree.

English Language Proficiency:

  • English language test waiver is applicable if the Bachelor's, Master's, Licentiate, or Doctoral degree is in English language.

The University of Jyväskylä offers a range of scholarship opportunities designed to support international students in their academic journey. These scholarships are aimed at easing the financial burden of studying abroad, enabling talented students from around the world to access high-quality education and become part of the university's vibrant academic community.

Tuition Fee Scholarships: International students applying to degree programs at the University of Jyväskylä are eligible for tuition fee scholarships. These scholarships are primarily available to students from countries outside the European Union (EU) and the European Economic Area (EEA). The scholarship covers a significant portion of the tuition fee, reducing the financial load for international students. Students can apply for these scholarships when they apply for their program, and the university offers partial or full tuition fee waivers, depending on the specific scholarship and the applicant's qualifications.

University Scholarships for Master's Degree Students: For international students applying to Master’s degree programs, the University of Jyväskylä offers a number of Master's scholarships. These scholarships are merit-based and typically cover tuition fees for the duration of the program. In some cases, students may also be eligible for additional living cost allowances or stipends to support their studies.

Finland Scholarship Program: The Finland Scholarship is another key opportunity for international students. It is a national initiative that provides a combination of tuition fee waivers and a living allowance for students from outside the EU/EEA. This scholarship program is highly competitive and is designed to attract top international talent to Finland. The scholarship aims to promote Finland as a destination for high-level academic research and study, benefiting both the students and the Finnish higher education system.

External Scholarships and Funding: Apart from university-based scholarships, international students at the University of Jyväskylä may also explore external scholarship programs offered by the Finnish government, private organizations, and international institutions. These scholarships may be available for specific regions or academic fields and can provide additional financial support to students.

Graduates of the Master's Programme in Psychology of Physical Activity, Health and Well-being at the University of Jyväskylä are equipped with a diverse skill set, allowing them to pursue various career opportunities in both public and private sectors. This interdisciplinary program prepares students to address the psychological factors that influence physical activity behaviors and contribute to overall health and well-being.

Health Psychologist: Graduates can work as health psychologists, specializing in promoting physical activity, managing chronic conditions, and improving mental well-being. They can work in hospitals, rehabilitation centers, or health organizations, providing psychological support and interventions to help individuals lead healthier lives.

Sport Psychologist: For those interested in the sports industry, graduates can pursue careers as sport psychologists. They can work with athletes and teams to improve performance, manage stress, and promote mental health. This role is ideal for those interested in both physical activity and psychological well-being in high-performance settings.

Public Health Specialist: Graduates can work as public health specialists, focusing on community health promotion and wellness programs. They may design and implement strategies to encourage physical activity, prevent disease, and improve public mental health. This role often involves working with government agencies, NGOs, and international health organizations.

Exercise and Health Intervention Consultant: With expertise in psychology and physical activity, graduates can work as consultants, helping organizations develop and evaluate exercise and health intervention programs. These programs may target populations with specific health challenges, such as those suffering from mental health conditions, obesity, or chronic diseases.

Mental Health Counselor: Graduates with a background in both psychology and physical activity can pursue careers as mental health counselors. They may specialize in helping individuals with mental health disorders such as depression, anxiety, and stress through physical activity-based therapies or lifestyle modifications.

Rehabilitation Specialist: Many graduates go on to work as rehabilitation specialists in physical therapy or healthcare settings. They support individuals recovering from injuries or surgeries by designing personalized exercise programs that aid in physical and mental recovery.

University Lecturer or Researcher: Graduates interested in academic careers can pursue teaching or research positions in universities or research institutes. They may focus on the psychological aspects of physical activity, health promotion, and wellness. They can also engage in research projects that shape public health policies and practices.

Corporate Wellness Program Coordinator: Graduates can apply their knowledge in corporate wellness programs, helping organizations develop and implement strategies to promote physical activity and well-being among employees. This role focuses on enhancing employee health, productivity, and overall satisfaction by integrating physical activity into the workplace.

Fitness and Wellness Coach: With a strong foundation in the psychology of physical activity, graduates can work as fitness or wellness coaches. They may offer personalized training, motivation, and behavior change strategies to clients, helping them achieve their health and fitness goals while improving mental well-being.

Policy Advisor in Health and Well-being: Graduates can also work as policy advisors for governmental or non-governmental organizations. They may contribute to the development of public health policies, initiatives, and programs that promote physical activity and mental health at a national or international level.


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