MUSS2009 Music, Sport and Wellbeing (5 cr)

This course explores the intersection of music, psychological processes, and human movement, exploring how music influences our emotions, cognition, and performance in physical activity, sport and exercise. Students will examine how music may enhance motivation, emotional regulation, and other aspects of cognition across various levels of physical engagement, from recreational exercise to elite athletic performance.

Through an interdisciplinary lens, the course integrates perspectives from psychology, neuroscience, and exercise science to investigate the role of music in impacting affective responses—our fundamental experiences of pleasure and displeasure—during movement. Topics include music’s influence on exercise adherence, its effects on perceived effort and fatigue, and its potential to optimise focus in sport and physical activity.

Drawing from contemporary theories such as the Dual-Mode Theory (DMT) and empirical research on affective responses to exercise, students will critically assess the psychological and physiological mechanisms that underpin our reactions to music in movement-based settings. Additionally, the course will explore how music interacts with personal and environmental factors to impact well-being and resilience.

By the end of the course, students will develop an understanding of music’s role in sport and exercise and gain the tools to apply these insights in research, coaching, therapy, and performance settings.

After completing the course student:

· Understands theoretical foundations, methods and research goals of music, sport, and exercise psychology.

· Can critically evaluate research literature related to the topic and report it in English.

· Can design and execute a group presentation on music, sport, and exercise psychology.

· Assess the effects of music on pleasurable responses (affective responses) in physical activity, sport and exercise settings.

· Formulate practical recommendations for athletes, coaches, and researchers regarding the optimal use of music in training and competition.

Literature and learning material curated by experts in each topic for the Music, Music Therapy and European Master’s Studies in Sport and Exercise Psychology.