The MSc in Psychology of Health & Illness aims to develop key competencies in health psychology. The course focuses on improving critical evaluation, independent learning, and research skills and applying these skills to address health psychology issues such as increasing physical activity or improving quality of life for individuals with chronic conditions, eg diabetes, Parkinson's disease.
The course is for:
- United Kingdom/European Union or Overseas students who have studied some psychology at undergraduate level and would like to focus their postgraduate training in applied health psychology.
- health professionals or others with some training in psychology and/or experience of working with the health sector seeking advanced training in health psychology.
This course is not suitable for psychology graduates with Graduate Basis for Certification with the British Psychological Society. For those seeking BPS accredited Stage 1 training in health psychology please see details of our MSc in Health Psychology.
The programme is based around a core of seven compulsory modules involving a range of teaching methods. The modules provide detailed study and practical experience in key areas of health psychology and in the development of professional skills. Students are expected to carry out a research project under supervision in a specific area of health psychology; this may be an empirical project, a systematic review or meta-synthesis of qualitative evidence.
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Modules are as follows:
- Qualitative Research 1 (20 credits)
- Quantitative Methods & Analysis (20 credits)
- Understanding Health Behaviour (20 credits)
- Inequality and Developmental Issues in Health Psychology (20 credits)
- Psychology of Illness (20 credits)
- Qualitative Research 2 (20 credits)
- Research Project (60 credits)
Applicants with a good honours degree of 2.2 or above in a relevant subject will be considered. Suitable applicants may be asked to attend for a formal interview.
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:
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IELTS. Minimum requirement - 6.5 overall, 6.0 in each area.
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TOEFL IBT. Minimum requirement - 100 overall, (21 in listening and writing, 22 in reading and 23 in speaking).
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Pearson Academic. Minimum requirement - 61 overall, 59 in each area.
We do not accept a Password test.
The programme is delivered using a combination of lectures and seminars. There is a mix of individual and group work.
We use Blackboard (a Virtual Learning Environment) for posting course materials.
Students are expected to complete a research project on a health psychology-relevant topic. Examples of previous projects include studies aimed at increasing stair use, comparing attitudes to condom use in the UK and Greece.
The programme has a diverse range of assessments including coursework essays, exams, qualitative report, oral and poster presentations and a systematic literature review
We expect graduates to work with universities and hospitals to complete PhD research or to work in applied fields such as smoking cessation services or weight management services.
Teaching takes place in modern lecture rooms suited to postgraduate study. One room is a computer suite to allow for teaching of statistical methods. The course uses the Blackboard Virtual Learning Environment to allow instant access to course materials, assessment information and for the electronic submission of coursework. Students on this programme will have access to up-to-date texts, and electronic access to journals via the library.
For research, students will have access to the psychology laboratory facilities which include labs for computer testing, a driving simulator, and eye-tracking facilities.
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