Course summary
Do you work in an environment where performance truly matters, (military, fire service, police, emergency medicine, or non-governmental rescue organisations) where the consequences of not performing can be grave? If so, BNU would like to offer you the opportunity to develop your knowledge, skills, and expertise in the field of Human Performance Optimisation (HPO). Representing the first programme of its kind in the UK, our MSc in HPO has been developed in conjunction with key stakeholders within Defence and relevant subject matter experts from around the world. Why study MSc Human Performance Optimisation? Future focused We are drilling down on key areas such as physiological readiness, applied performance psychology, cognitive capabilities, advanced performance nutrition, sleep science, and contemporary issues in preparation and training. Flexible online delivery Recognizing the demands on professionals in high-performance fields, the course is delivered online over a span of 24 months, allowing you to balance studies with existing commitments. Use our expert facilities With access to our state-of-the-art Human Performance Laboratory (HPL), you'll have the opportunity to work with cutting-edge equipment, including a 30m Mondo indoor running track, high-performance HP Cosmos treadmills, Vyntus Jaeger breath-by-breath gas analysers, Hawkin Dynamics portable force plates, a Cybex Isokinetic dynamometer, a Qualisys 3D motion capture system, and top-tier Eleiko strength and conditioning equipment. This programme is eligible for funding under the UK Ministry of Defence Enhanced Learning Credits (ELC) scheme – our ELCAS number is 1682
Entry requirements
The University’s general entry requirements apply to admission to this programme with the following additions / exceptions: Applicants must be working directly for, or with, the military or emergency services (i.e., fire service, police, emergency medicine, or non-governmental rescue organisations). This programme is only open to UK nationals or nationals from countries who are members of the North Atlantic Treaty Organisation (NATO) including Australia and New Zealand. Applicants will be expected to have achieved a 2.1 or above classification in a relevant undergraduate degree programme (i.e., sports science, sports psychology, policing, medicine, or allied health profession). However, consideration of a candidate with a 2.2 classification may be permissible if aspects of their profile demonstrate an ability to engage and succeed in postgraduate study. If you do not meet the entry requirements you may, if you have relevant professional experience, still be invited for an interview, where you will be required to demonstrate the necessary knowledge and understanding for entry onto the course. Previous study, professional and / or vocational experiences may be recognised as the equivalent learning experience and permit exemption from studying certain modules in accordance with our Accreditation of Prior Learning (APL) process. If you require further information or wish to enrol upon this programme, please email [email protected]
Fees and funding
Tuition fees
| England | £5470 | Year 1 |
| Northern Ireland | £5470 | Year 1 |
| Scotland | £5470 | Year 1 |
| Wales | £5470 | Year 1 |
| Channel Islands | £5470 | Year 1 |
| Republic of Ireland | £5470 | Year 1 |
| EU | £8100 | Year 1 |
| International | £8100 | Year 1 |
Tuition fee status depends on a number of criteria and varies according to where in the UK you will study. For further guidance on the criteria for home or overseas tuition fees, please refer to the UKCISA website .
Additional fee information
Buckinghamshire New University tuition fees cover the cost of instruction, assessment, and core academic materials. However, additional costs may be incurred for course-related items or requirements, such as, but not limited to:
- Text books and supplementary reading materials
- Specialised equipment or resources required for specific courses
- Field trips, placements, or external activities
- Printing, photocopying, and binding
- Accommodation, travel, and living expenses
Additional costs will vary by course. It is your responsibility as a student to budget for any additional expenses associated with your studies.
For further details on what is included in your tuition fees, please check bnu.ac.uk/fees-and-funding
Sponsorship information
There are several ways you can fund your studies, including sponsorship and student loans. You may be able to use ELCAS credits for some of our courses. We also have scholarships and bursaries to help support our students, and if you’re a recent BNU graduate, you may even qualify for a fee discount on your postgraduate studies.
Provider information
Buckinghamshire New University
Queen Alexandra Road
High Wycombe
HP11 2JZ
Course contact details
Visit our course page Enquiry form