MASTER OF SCIENCE (M.Sc.) IN
SPORT NEUROSCIENCE AND HUMAN PERFORMANCE
Graduate MQF-EQF Level 7
M.Sc. in Sport Neuroscience and Human Performance
Higher Education Programme
Qualification Level MQF-EQF: 7
ECTS: 90
Provision: FULL TIME Blended
Total Hours: 2250
Contact Hours: 450
Duration: 18 months / 2 years
Language: English and Italian
Subject Areas: Health-Welfare
Accreditation:
This programme is accredited by the Malta Further and Higher Education Authority (MFHEA) as a Higher Education Programme.”
Programme
Learning Outcome
Knowledge, skills and competence
STRUCTURE OF THE PROGRAMME
3
6
| COURSE/MODULE | Intake/Calendar | HOURS/ECTS |
|---|---|---|
| MSN1-FUNDAMENTALS IN SPORT NEUROSCIENCE | June/September 2025 | 300/12 |
| MSN2-RESEARCH METHODS AND DATA PROCESSING IN APPLIED NEUROSCIENCE | October/December 2025 | 300/12 |
| MSN3-APPLIED COGNITIVE NEUROSCIENCE IN SPORT AND PERFORMANCE | January/March 2026 | 300/12 |
| MSN4-APPLIED FUNCTIONAL NEUROSCIENCE IN SPORT AND PERFORMANCE | April/June 2026 | 300/12 |
| MSN5-APPLIED CLINICAL NEUROSCIENCE AND NEURO-ENHANCEMENT | July/September 2026 | 300/12 |
| MSN6-PROJECT WORK | October/December 2026 | 750/30 |
| TOTAL | ===== | 2250/90 |
FIRST YEAR
Enrolment in a single module is permitted. Each module can be an exit point from the programme and awards the corresponding academic certificate with 12 ECTS credits
MSN1 - FUNDAMENTALS IN SPORT NEUROSCIENCE
12 ECTS - 300 hours
Total Contact Hours -60:
30% face to face (18 hours)
70% online (42 hours)
Training Site: 550 West, St Paul’s Street, St Paul’s Bay, Malta
Supervised practice: 40 hours
Assessment/Projects: 20 hours
Self study: 180 hours
Module description:
This first module aims to align participants' knowledge with the latest findings on the brain, mind-body processes and psychophysiological response in the context of sports performance.
This Module will provide students with an overview on core topics in neuroscience, with a focus on those playing a leading role in our everyday and sport behaviour and performance.
It also focuses on acquiring specific knowledge on central nervous activity during training and competition (e.g. mechanisms leading to fatigue, injuries, overtraining).
The content will focus on different learning modalities (literature-based, experimental, applied).
Learning outcomes:
The student must demonstrate specialist theoretical and practical knowledge of Neuroscience models and brain mechanisms of: perception, learning and memory, motivation and emotion., personality, social behaviour, performance.
The student must demonstrate mastery and critical judgement of relevant research and publications of applied sport neuroscience.
At the end of the module/unit the learner will have acquired the following skills:
a) managing and applying protocols and using tools to assess behaviour and performance in the light of psychological and neuroscientific methods.
b) design and manage projects with the application of neuroscientific and psychological methods.
c) apply questionnaires and tests appropriately to specific problems in the sport context
d) collect and analyse data in a thoughtful way to solve applied problems
“Human performance in sport originates in neural processes: effective training requires an understanding of the brain mechanisms that regulate movement, cognition, and emotion.”
MSN2 - RESEARCH METHODS AND DATA PROCESSING IN APPLIED NEUROSCIENCE
12 ECTS - 300 hours
Total Contact Hours -60:
30% face to face (18 hours)
70% online (42 hours)
Training Site: 550 West, St Paul’s Street, St Paul’s Bay, Malta
Supervised practice: 40 hours
Assessment/Projects: 20 hours
Self study: 180 hours
Module description:
This module aims to provide a theoretical and practical knowledge of the main investigation techniques used in Applied Neuroscience.
Students will be guided through the research process:
identifying a topic in sport exercise and performance;
search for relevant literature;
planning of methods;
choice of instruments;
develop skills for data collection and analysis, using common tools;
presentation of results, conclusions and
recommendations.
The use of reference and plagiarism software is also taught in this unit.
Learning outcomes:
To be able to collaborate in investigation/research relating to sensory-motor and cognitive processes in sport (perception, attention, memory, decision-making, and reaction time).
Manage the basic skills necessary for the management and processing of data through the use of dedicated software as SPSS, R, Excel, Calc,.
Demonstrate autonomy in learning and the ability to pursue studies independently.
Suggest, plan, collaborate on applied neuroscience studies in sport and research proposals to improve well-being and performance.
Perform critical evaluation and analysis in applied contexts to solve specific problems.
Design a research hypothesis in the field of sports neuroscience.
At the end of the module/unit the learner will have acquired the following skills:
Assessing behaviour and performance in the light of neuroscientific methods.
Apply the 5 main phases of a research project:
the conceptual phase,
the design and planning phase,
the empirical phase,
the analytical phase,
the dissemination phase.
“Scientific progress in applied neuroscience depends on rigorous research design and precise data processing, transforming neural signals into reliable knowledge and evidence-based practice.”
MSN 3 - APPLIED COGNITIVE NEUROSCIENCE
IN SPORT AND PERFORMANCE
12 ECTS - 300 hours
Total Contact Hours -60:
30% face to face (18 hours)
70% online (42 hours)
Training Site: 550 West, St Paul’s Street, St Paul’s Bay, Malta
Supervised practice: 40 hours
Assessment/Projects: 20 hours
Self study: 180 hours
Module description:
The course aims to provide students with an understanding of cognitive neuroscience as applied to sport and performance. In addition, the course will provide students with knowledge, understanding and correct use of cognitive neuroscience assessment and intervention tools in sport.
The course aims to present cognitive neurosciences in their clinical application dimension (e.g. Sport Neuropsychology), to well-being (e.g. Ergonomics and Design in sport) and to human performance (e.g. Neuroenhancement, Education, Neuroethics). Finally, possible emerging and 'frontier' areas in the near future will be addressed (e.g., intelligent interfaces).
Finally, the student will have a specialised knowledge of tools for detecting neurocognitive parameters in applied contexts.
Learning outcomes:
Demonstrate autonomy in learning and the ability to pursue studies independently.
Suggest, plan, collaborate on applied cognitive neuroscience studies in sport and research proposals to improve sport performance.
Perform critical evaluation and analysis in applied contexts to solve specific problems.
Design a research hypothesis in the field of cognitive sports neuroscience.
The student must demonstrate adequate and specialised knowledge concerning:
A. History and geography of cognitive neuroscience (approaches in experimental psychology, neuropsychology).
B. Neural Mechanisms of Memory in sport performance
C. Investigation in sport cognitive neuroscience
D. Intervention in sport cognitive neuroscience.
At the end of the module/unit the learner will have acquired the following skills:
a) use assessment methods such as questionnaires and tests (cognitive and neuropsychological) to assess behaviour and cognition.
b) use intervention methods such as cognitive strategies, mental training and coaching, CUE centred counselling
c) know how to design which parameters to collect (biofeedback, neurofeedback, HRV) in an assessment and intervention project.
“Performance excellence emerges from the interaction between cognitive processes and neural mechanisms; applied cognitive neuroscience translates this interaction into measurable and trainable performance outcomes.”
SECOND YEAR
Enrolment in a single module is permitted. Each module can be an exit point from the programme and awards the corresponding academic certificate with 12 ECTS credits
MSN4-APPLIED FUNCTIONAL NEUROSCIENCE IN SPORT AND PERFORMANCE
12 ECTS - 300 hours
Total Contact Hours -60:
30% face to face (18 hours)
70% online (42 hours)
Training Site: 550 West, St Paul’s Street, St Paul’s Bay, Malta
Supervised practice: 40 hours
Assessment/Projects: 20 hours
Self study: 180 hours
Module description:
The aim of the module is to understand how brain networks function and connect, and what specific functions of subjective experience they mediate.
Neural networks develop with the combined contribution of genes and experience from the bottom up, just as you build the foundation of a house first and then the roof.
In this module, students will learn the key principles for identifying critical signals in the operation of a brain network, as well as the basic concepts for integrating the seven brain networks in a bottom-up sequence in order to use specific protocols to improve wellbeing and performance, and to design specific interventions for integrating brain networks in the design and delivery of sports services.
Learning outcomes:
At the end of the module/unit the learner will have acquired the responsibility and autonomy to:
-understand the organization of the main brain networks and their specific functions in regulating our sensations, emotions, thoughts, and behaviors.
-understand the general principles to support the integration of brain networks to promote performance.
· suggesting, planning, collaborating in service activities to improve performance using the principles of regulation of brain networks.
Demonstrates specialist theoretical and practical knowledge of:
· The Seven main networks of the brain: sensorimotor network (SMN), visual network (VN), limbic network (LN), central executive network (CEN), default mode network (DMN), salience network (SN), dorsal attention network (DAN). How the seven main networks work together - Important ‘sub-networks’.
· Disfunctions resulting in change/dysregulation of Brain Networks (bodily experience and related symptoms, cognitive process, mental health, performance).
· Guidelines to support the functional integration of brain networks (stimuli to activate, inhibit, integrate them to promote well-being and performance).
At the end of the module/unit the learner will have acquired the following skills:
use the checklists learned in the program to recognize the functional quality (connection, disconnection, integration) of brain networks.
identifying the signs of functional disconnection deriving from the checklists, with a view to correct prevention and training.
apply and practice the principles of stimulation, regulation and integration of brain networks from the bottom up, according to the functional rules of neurodevelopment (spinal networks, brainstem networks, brain networks).
“Applied Functional Neuroscience transforms performance by turning brain function into a trainable skill. Elite performance is not just physical excellence, but optimal brain function under pressure.”
MSN5-APPLIED CLINICAL
NEUROSCIENCE AND NEURO-ENHANCEMENT
12 ECTS - 300 hours
Total Contact Hours -60:
30% face to face (18 hours)
70% online (42 hours)
Training Site: 550 West, St Paul’s Street, St Paul’s Bay, Malta
Supervised practice: 40 hours
Assessment/Projects: 20 hours
Self study: 180 hours
Module description:
The module focuses on the acquisition of specific knowledge - both applied and literature based – about:
the use of physical activity/sport as a tool for prevention, rehabilitation and wellbeing;
the functioning of the peripheral and central nervous systems during training and competition (e.g. mechanisms leading to fatigue, injury, overtraining);
the effects of appropriate stress management and functional recovery (recovery periods);
the symptoms and syndromes of disease and injury of the nervous system in the general sports/recreational athlete (e.g. different types of dementia, epilepsy, multiple sclerosis and, in particular, concussion).
The synthesis of this knowledge and expertise will enable students to use sport as a tool for mental health care.
Learning outcomes:
At the end of the module/unit the learner will have acquired the responsibility and autonomy to:
Collaborate in prevention, return-to-play and performance intervention activities with clients, families and other psychological, medical, rehabilitation, athletic training and coaching professionals involved in the athlete's health and performance.
Demonstrate practical knowledge on:
· theoretical models of the development and persistence of psychological difficulties and distress, as well as models of well-being
· neuropsychiatric and neurological disorders and their current treatment and management.
· assessments, formulations, and therapeutic approaches used in clinical sports neuroscience.
At the end of the module/unit the learner will have acquired the following skills:
· use the concussion recognition tool (CRT5 and SCAT5)
· applying cognitive strategies to improve motor performance.
· designing physical activity for cognitive enhancement.
· using biofeedback and neurofeedback for assessment and intervention.
· design a neuromodulation, neuro-enhancement and mental health intervention through sport.
“Applied Clinical Neuroscience translates brain science into targeted interventions for recovery, resilience, and enhancement.”
MSN6 - PROJECT WORK
DISSERTATION
30 ECTS - 750 hours
Total Contact Hours -150:
30% face to face (45 hours)
70% online (105 hours)
Training Site: 550 West, St Paul’s Street, St Paul’s Bay, Malta
Assessment/Projects: 20 hours
Self study: 580 hours
Module description:
This unit of study aims to improve students' knowledge and skills in academic research and report writing specific to the fields of sport neuroscience.
Students are required to carry out a research project in a specific area of sport neuroscience and to engage with a topic in depth. The process involves four basic steps:
the research proposal
the supervision of the research professor,
the plagiarism check
the presentation of the dissertation.
During the module/unit the learner will have acquired the responsibility and autonomy to:
create academic research and report writing specific to the fields of sport neuroscience;
critically evaluate and analyse current literature pertinent to their chosen research;
undertake research which meets appropriate ethical standards.
Learning outcomes:
During the module/unit the learner will have acquired the responsibility and autonomy to:
create academic research and report writing specific to the fields of sport neuroscience.
Critically evaluate and analyse current literature pertinent to their chosen research;
Undertake research which meets appropriate ethical standards.
By the end of the study-unit the student will be able to:
- Select the main literature related to the chosen area of study;
- Formulate research questions;
- Choose the right method/s for the formulated research questions;
- Develop appropriate research tools;
- Comprehend the process of carrying out a research project;
- Comprehend the ethical issues related to research studies;
- Analyse research data; critically and relate it to practice
- Formulate arguments backed by literature and data;
- Present research reports.
By the end of the study-unit the student will be able to:
- Critically review literature in the field chosen by the student;
- Plan and design a study and manage time to complete it within the
required time frame;
- Collect data to answer the research questions set;
- Analyse data collected and present a report of the result;
- Discuss the results obtained and present recommendations