MSc in Health Psychology

Programme outline and modules

The MSc in Health Psychology is accredited by the British Psychological Society (BPS) as Stage 1 training toward becoming a Chartered Health Psychologist. Stage 2 of the training involves developing and demonstrating competences in research, teaching and training, practice and consultancy. Dr Helen Pattison and Dr Rachel Shaw (course tutors) are accredited Stage 2 Supervisors (see Teaching Staff section below).

Further details of how to become a Chartered Health Psychologist are available from the Division of Health Psychology.

The programme follows the BPS curriculum for professional training in health psychology. There are seven compulsory modules involving a range of teaching methods. Students are expected to carry out a research project under supervision in a specific area of health psychology.

Modules:

• Qualitative Research Methodology 

• Quantitative Methods and Advanced Statistics 

• Health Behaviours 

• Health Inequalities and Developmental Processes 

• Illness Processes and Behaviour 

• Professional Issues and Applications

• Research Project 

 

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Entry requirements

• Applicants with a good Honours Degree, usually 2.1 or above, (makes student eligible for Graduate Basis Recognition of the British Psychological Society (BPS)) will be considered. Applicants may be called for interview.
  
• Students who are applying from outside the UK, or who do not have a BPS accredited Bachelor’s degree in Psychology, must check with the British Psychological Society (BPS) to see if they qualify for Graduate Basis Registration (GBR).
• Aston offers a Graduate Diploma in Psychology which can supplement your existing qualifications and give you GBR status. Once you have obtained GBR, you can apply for the MSc in Health Psychology.
  

International students whose first language is not English must demonstrate a satisfactory command of English language. They should meet our minimum English language requirement by taking one of the following tests:

• IELTS. Minimum requirement - 6.5 overall, 6.0 in each area.

• TOEFL IBT. Minimum requirement - 100 overall, (21 in listening and writing, 22 in reading and 23 in speaking).

• Pearson Academic. Minimum requirement - 61 overall, 59 in each area.

We do not accept a Password test.

Learning, teaching & assessment

Teaching and learning methods include:

• Lectures
• Seminars
• Workshops
• Group work
• Independent study

The programme is assessed through:

• Examination
• Research thesis
• Variety of coursework assignments

All students will receive additional support through a tutorial system.

Professional accreditation

The MSc in Health Psychology is accredited by the British Psychological Society as Stage 1 Professional Training in Health Psychology.

Career opportunities

A Masters in Health Psychology will prepare students for full membership of the BPS Division of Health Psychology and towards further training and employment in health psychology. Becoming a health psychologist offers the chance to contribute to promoting and improving health through the diverse career opportunities available.

Health psychologists conduct research to gain an understanding of health and illness. This research contributes to the development of new treatments. They are involved in evaluations of existing health services and the re-design of evidence-based techniques. Health psychologists also work day to day with patients to help them come to terms with and manage chronic diseases like diabetes or coronary heart disease. As a Chartered Health Psychologist you could be involved in training other health professionals and supervising trainee health psychologists and students.

Health psychology is a varied and challenging profession that opens up opportunities in an expanding and dynamic field in teaching, research and practice.

Personal development

Students develop a broad range of skills including written communication skills, presentation skills, experience of using different research methodologies, reviewing and evaluating literature and conducting a research project

Facilities & equipment

Students have access to modern lecture facilities and seminar rooms. Laboratories are available for experimental tests as well as space for conducting survey and qualitative data collection. The course is supported by a virtual learning environment and students have full access to electronic journals.

Course director

Dr Rachel Shaw - Lecturer in Psychology, Chartered Health Psychologist, HPC Registered Health Psychologist

Teaching staff

Find out more about our Psychology teaching staff.