Program Overview

MSc Health Psychology

The MSc Health Psychology is a rapidly growing discipline that can make a huge contribution to some of the big health issues currently facing society, such as chronic health conditions, health inequalities, and health-risk behaviors. This course is accredited as a Stage 1 MSc Health Psychology by the British Psychological Society (BPS), the first stage to becoming a qualified health psychologist.

Course Overview

On this course, students will ask questions about the key health issues facing communities, from the aging population to pressurized health services, global health challenges, and health inequalities. Students will explore human behavior, health behavior change, neuropsychology, and research methods. They will learn about ways to improve health, illness, and healthcare systems through applying psychological theory and practical methods.

Course Information

The course will cover the following modules:

• Research Principles and Methods
• Research for Innovation Dissertation
• Illness, Disability and Long-Term Conditions
• Biological Mechanisms and Neuropsychological Health
• Understanding and Changing Health Behaviour
• Healthcare and Communities
• Health Psychology Practice

Features and Benefits

• Accredited course by the British Psychological Society (BPS)
• Work-integrated learning opportunity in a relevant organization or live project
• Research project with real-life applications
• Contemporary teaching by practitioners and academics with experience in the NHS and private practices
• Enhanced student support with a Personal Tutor and Programme Support Tutors
• Research-active department with expertise in cancer care and prevention, rare diseases, chronic pain, women’s health, and health behavior change
• Innovative mix of assessments, including practical and skills-based assessments and a reflective practice log
• Access to specialist facilities for psychology demonstration and practice

Entry Requirements

A 2:1 or above in a BPS-accredited psychology undergraduate degree (or equivalent through a psychology conversion course) conferring Graduate Basis for Chartered Membership (GBC) is typically required. International applicants must show evidence that their undergraduate degree is eligible for GBC. Overseas applicants will require IELTS with an overall score of 6.5 with no less than 5.5 in any category, or an equivalent accepted English qualification.

Fees and Funding

• UK and Channel Island students: £10,250 per year (full-time), £1139 per 20 credits (part-time)
• EU and non-EU international students: £20,000 per year (full-time), £2223 per 20 credits (part-time)
• Additional costs: estimated £400 for optional expenses, including books, printing, and laptop

Careers Support and Prospects

The course will enable students to apply for graduate roles in many sectors, including NHS teams, commercial, charitable, or research organizations. Students may also pursue a PhD or train to become a qualified health psychologist. To practice as a health psychologist in the UK, students will need to have Graduate Basis for Chartered Membership (GBC) and complete doctoral-level health psychology training, registering with the Health and Care Professions Council (HCPC).

Study and Assessment

• Full-time: 25% lectures, seminars, or similar; 0% placement; 75% independent study
• Part-time: 25% lectures, seminars, or similar; 0% placement; 75% independent study
• Assessment: 100% coursework; 0% practical; 0% examination

Placements

A 70-hour work-integrated learning opportunity in a relevant organization or live project is available, applying knowledge and skills to solving real-world problems. A full Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) check is required to ensure students can undertake the suitable placement component. The cost of the DBS check is included in academic fees.