Program Overview

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Overview

The MSc Health Psychology course at the University of Derby is designed to provide students with a comprehensive understanding of the psychological factors that influence health and wellbeing. The course is accredited by the British Psychological Society (BPS) and provides students with the opportunity to develop the skills and knowledge required to pursue a career in health psychology.

Course Details

Study Options

• Part-time: 2-3 years (2 years with accelerated pace of study)

UK Fee

• £9,450 (2024/25) ‡

International Fee

• £9,450 (2024/25) ‡

Start Dates

• September, January

Location

• Online

Course Structure

The course is made up of six core 20-credit modules and a 60-credit Empirical Research Project.

Core Modules

• Psychology of Health and Wellbeing
• Psychology of Illness
• Advanced Psychological Research Methods in Context
• Clinical and Professional Skills for Practitioner Psychologists
• Empirical Research Project

Teaching and Learning

The course is delivered entirely online, with a combination of live sessions, pre-recorded videos, and online discussions.

Support for Learning

• Personal Academic Tutors
• Online Learning Advisors
• Study Skills Resources

Assessment

The course is assessed through 100% coursework, with a range of assessment methods including essays, oral presentations, and research project reports.

Careers

Graduates of the course have gone on to pursue careers in health promotion, public health, mental health, and chronic illness management.

Entry Requirements

• Normally a 2:1 Honours Degree in Psychology, recognized by the BPS for Graduate Basis for Chartership (GBC)
• Applicants with a 2:2 Honours Degree in Psychology may be accepted subject to a satisfactory interview
• English language qualification (e.g., IELTS 6.5)

Fees and Funding

• Flexible payment plans available
• Alumni discount for Derby graduates
• Postgraduate student loan available for eligible students

Research Areas

• Health psychology
• Behavioural science
• Public health
• Mental health
• Chronic illness management

Staff Profiles

• Dr Brenda Caldwell Phillips, Programme Leader
• Dr Vicki Staples, Programme Director
• Professor David Sheffield, Professor of Psychology
• Dr Amy Baraniak, Senior Lecturer in Health Psychology
• Professor James Elander, Professor of Health Psychology
• Dr Daniel Gaffiero, Lecturer in Health Psychology
• Dr Gulcan Garip, Programme Co-Lead in Psychology