MSc Human Performance Optimisation
- Study Mode: Part Time
- Location: Blended Learning
- Duration: Two Years
- Start Date: September 2026
Do you work in a high-stress, high-stakes, environment (i.e., military, fire service, police, emergency medicine, or non-governmental rescue organisations) where the consequences of failure can result to death or catastrophic loss? 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 not only in the UK but in the world, our part-time, online MSc in HPO has been developed in conjunction with a host of world leading sub-matter experts who share their knowledge and expertise across from across all the recognised domains of human performance.
This programme is eligible for funding under the UK Ministry of Defence Enhanced Learning Credits (ELC) scheme – our ELCAS number is 1682
Within this programme you will study topics specifically relevant to high-stress, high-stakes populations including physical readiness, applied performance psychology, cognitive enhancement, nutrition, sleep, and contemporary issues in HPO.
Recognising the demands on professionals in high-stress, high-stakes occupations, the course can be delivered over a span of 24 - 48 months, allowing you to balance studies with existing commitments.
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.
Why study at Buckinghamshire New University?
BNU is already successful at developing and delivering flexible and applied programmes, specific to the needs of military and emergency services students.
Within TAPC we have access to an extensive network of world leading academics and practitioners from all the domains of HPO. This unique network of subject matter experts will expose you to some of the latest ideas, concepts, and research within the field of HPO.
What facilities can I use?
With opportunities to use our Human Performance Laboratory (HPL), containing state of the art equipment such as a 30m mondo indoor running track, high-performance HP Cosmos treadmills, Vyntus Jaeger breath-by-breath gas analysers, Hawkin Dynamics portable force plates, Cybex Isokinetic dynamometer, Qualisys 3D motion capture system, and best in class Eleiko strength and conditioning training equipment, you will find technical support for any learning or research goal you want to pursue. In addition to this you will be able to use a range of online resources to study from where you are, whenever you need to.
What will I study?
On this course, you will develop an understanding of the concept of HPO and its application within real world settings. Areas of study will include optimising physiological readiness, applied performance psychology, optimising human cognitive capabilities, advanced performance nutrition, sleep science, and contemporary issues in HPO.
With an emphasis on using interdisciplinary expertise and experience from a range of backgrounds, our teaching team will aim to improve your knowledge across the areas of applied physiology, psychology, nutrition, and sleep science. Furthermore, they will aim to develop your abilities to interpret, analyze and critically evaluate contemporary HPO research.
This programme is predominantly delivered online, with weekly lectures and webinars to explore and discuss concepts relating to HPO. All course materials, resources and reading lists are posted on our virtual learning environment meaning you can work at your own pace across the course of each module.
The course also includes a 5-day residential period at the end of the first year to support your learning. This residential period allows you to directly interact with your tutors and peers, solidify your learning, get involved in discussions around topical areas of interest, present your work (and be presented to by other students), and build an invaluable network with other practitioners who work within the field of HPO.
How will I be taught and assessed?
Throughout the course, you'll be assessed in several ways including written assignments, reports, and poster and oral presentations. In your final year, you will also complete a research dissertation in an area of interest relevant to HPO.
The full MSc takes two years; however you can opt to take a three-year track meaning you have an additional year to focus solely on your dissertation project. You can also choose to complete just year one and receive a PGCert or two years without dissertation and receive a PGDip.
What are the course 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 tapc@bnu.ac.uk
Modules
This provides a guide of the modules that make up your course. You can find more information about how your course is structured on our Academic Advice section.
What are the tuition fees
Home
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Home, Academic Year 2026 - 2027: £5,685 per year *
International
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Overseas/International, Academic Year 2026 - 2027: £8,500 per year *
Please note all of the 2026/27 fees stated are subject to parliamentary procedure. Tuition fees are expected to increase each academic year in line with the maximum permitted value set by the Government for that academic year. The expected rise for Home undergraduate students (including those on a foundation year course), may impact both new and continuing students.
Please note, distance learning and international fees are subject to change for 2027/2028 intake.
Additional costs
Your tuition fees cover most course costs, but you may need to budget for additional expenses. These can include specialist equipment, project materials, professional memberships, field trips or placements, as well as everyday student costs like printing, books and stationery.
Contact us
If you have any questions about the fees above, contact our enquiries team by completing this form.
What are my career prospects?
With an MSc in HPO you’ll be well placed to pursue a career working with the Armed Forces or Emergency Services in addition to pursing new opportunities in the field of performance sport.
