MSc Applied Psychology: Health Psychology and Counselling

Program Overview

This MSc program in Applied Psychology focuses on Health Psychology and Counselling, with an emphasis on Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT). It combines theoretical knowledge with practical skills development through supervised clinical placement, preparing students for careers in health psychology and counselling settings. The program is rooted in both local and European/global frameworks and emphasizes real-life examples, case studies, and multiple assessment methods.

Program Outline

MSc Applied Psychology: Health Psychology and Counselling (with CBT)

Degree Overview:

• Focus: Health Psychology and Counselling with an emphasis on Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT)
• Collaboration: University of Derby (TOP 20 UK University)
• Experience: Mediterranean College - 45+ years in Psychology studies
• Target audience: Aspiring clinical or health psychologists and counsellors
• Learning Outcomes:
• Acquire essential theoretical and empirical knowledge in health psychology and counselling
• Develop therapeutic counselling skills with an emphasis on CBT
• Gain practical experience through supervised clinical placement
• Become proficient health psychologists capable of collaborating with patients, professionals, and other stakeholders
• Emphasis: Health promotion, risk prevention, behavior change, empirical evidence, legislation, ethical practices, and relevant contexts (social, political, health policies)

Outline:

• Structure: 6 20-credit modules + 60-credit dissertation
• Modules:
• Year 1:
• Semester 1:
• Applied Health Psychology and Well-being (20 credits)
• Living and Coping with Long-term Conditions (20 credits)
• Semester 2:
• Health Promotion and Behaviour Change (20 credits)
• Psychology of Illness (20 credits)
• Year 2:
• Semester 3:
• Quantitative and Qualitative Research Methods (20 credits)
• Semester 4:
• Therapeutic Counselling Skills in Action (20 credits)
• Dissertation:
60 credits
• Placement: Supervised clinical placement for practical experience (minimum 100 hours + 20 supervision hours)

Assessment:

• Modules: Continuous assessment through assignments, essays, presentations, and exams
• Dissertation: Research project evaluated by two independent examiners

Teaching:

• Methods: Lectures, seminars, discussion sessions, case-based teaching, interactive workshops, lab sessions
• Approach: Active learning, critical and academic thinking, academic writing and argument building, personal development, reflection, communication, investigation
• Faculty: Experienced academics and active professionals
• Resources: Fully-equipped observation suite, online resources, research facilities

Careers:

• Settings: Hospitals, clinics, health promotion programs, NGOs, health sector organizations, private practice
• Alternatives: PhD studies, work abroad
• Career Development:
• Personal development planning
• Continuing professional development
• Lifelong learning support

Other:

• Availability: Can be pursued as a Postgraduate Certificate (80 credits), Postgraduate Diploma (120 credits), or MSc (180 credits)
• Unique Features:
• Combines health psychology and counselling with CBT skills
• Rooted in both local and European/global frameworks
• MSc (not MA) emphasizes practical skills development
• High-quality teaching by experienced academics and practitioners
• Emphasis on real-life examples, case studies, and placement
• Multiple assessment methods
• Personal development opportunities
• Accredited by relevant bodies
• Benefits:
• Increased employability in health psychology and counselling fields
• Opportunities for personal and professional growth