Health Psychology (Taught)

On our MSc Health Psychology, you explore how the mind, body and environment interact to shape health and wellbeing. The course combines theory and research to help you understand the psychological, social and biological factors that influence health and illness while developing the practical skills and knowledge required for employment or research in the field.

To meet BPS accreditation requirements, applicants should normally hold a BPS-accredited undergraduate degree (or equivalent) in Psychology. However, if you do not hold a BPS-accredited (or equivalent) degree but are interested in studying health psychology, we may still be able to consider you for entry. We welcome applications from graduates and professionals with a background in psychology, health sciences, social care, nursing, public health or community development who wish to deepen their understanding of the psychological aspects of health and wellbeing. The course is particularly suited to those aspiring to work in healthcare, research, policy or behaviour change settings.

Course accreditation
This course is accredited to the British Psychological Society (BPS). It forms Stage 1 of the training you need to become a chartered psychologist member of the Division of Health Psychology within the British Psychological Society.

Facilities and specialist equipment
Within the Psychology department, we have dedicated, specialist, industry-standard psychology laboratories and computing environments including:

• Cognitive neuropsychology lab

• Biological and cognitive psychology lab

• Virtual reality lab

Research cubicles containing up-to-the-minute equipment and technology such as:

• Driving simulator

• Eye-tracking software

• Physiological data-acquisition system

• EEG recording equipment

• Podcasting equipment.

Industry links
Our courses are developed and regularly reviewed by a panel of industry professionals from the NHS, local authority and commercial organisations.

Student experience
This course equips you with in-depth knowledge and understanding alongside core skills, which will support you in progressing to your Stage 2 training, where you can develop your practice to become an accredited health psychologist.
Gain a systematic understanding and critical awareness of current issues in the field as well as a high level of knowledge of advanced research methods, allowing you to perform complex data analysis, interpretation, evaluation and synthesis.
Learn from an academic team actively involved in research in the field.Their research and practice expertise directly informs teaching, creating a focus on the real-life application of psychology.
Take advantage of opportunities to engage in research internships with local voluntary, community and social-enterprise groups.
Gain first-hand experience of psychology in action through course contributions from specialist speakers and alumni.
Benefit from membership of our Student Research Institute, providing opportunities to engage in research; work with staff as an assistant; and attend specialist research conferences.
Present your supervised research to your peers and psychology professionals at our annual Student Research Conference.

You study a range of units that develop your scientific knowledge, professional practice and research skills, preparing you to make a real impact in health psychology and related fields. All units are worth 15 credits apart from your dissertation, which offers 60 credits towards your Master’s award. You complete your dissertation in the final semester but will conduct your research, design and draft it across all three semesters.

Semester 1
In Lifestyle and Individual Differences, you explore how lifestyle factors and individual differences shape health and illness, evaluating the influence of demographic variables such as culture, age and gender.
Professional Skills for Health Psychologists provides a strong foundation in the core professional skills you need to work as a health psychologist in areas including communication, ethical practice, reflective learning and professional development.
Gain in-depth knowledge of advanced qualitative and quantitative research methods in the unit Advanced Research Methods for Psychologists, when you receive supervised training in using statistical and qualitative software.
In Perceptions and Actions, you explore how health beliefs and psychological factors influence lifestyle choices.

Semester 2
Develop a broad understanding of health psychology as a discipline and profession in Health Psychology in Context as you explore key models, methods and applications used to explain and improve health and wellbeing.
Our Public Health unit focuses on the role of health psychology in public health practice, considering how psychological science contributes to disease prevention, health promotion and the reduction of health inequalities.
Build your understanding of the biological foundations of health in Mechanisms of Health and Disease. You explore the major body systems, the biological mechanisms underpinning disease, and how these interact with psychological and social processes.
Stress, Coping and Chronic Disease examines how stress influences both physical and psychological wellbeing, and consider how psychological interventions can support health outcomes.

Semester 3: Dissertation completion
Your independent research project provides an opportunity to investigate a specialised topic within health psychology. Guided by expert supervision across all three semesters, you will design and conduct an original piece of research for completion this semester, presenting it in the format of a publishable journal article.

Every effort is made to ensure this information is accurate at the point of publication on the UCAS website. For the most up-to-date information, please refer to our website.

We use a diverse and inclusive range of assessments that mirror real-world professional practice, preparing you for Stage 2 training in health psychology. These assessments allow you to demonstrate your understanding beyond traditional essays or exams, linking theory directly to real-world health challenges.
Assessments include:

• Applied consultancy projects that challenge you to apply theory to practical, real-world scenarios.
• Real-life case studies where you develop skills in psychological assessment and formulation, learning how to understand health-related behaviours and design personalised interventions.
• Build professional confidence through simulated roleplays, feedback and reflective practice, enhancing your ability to work effectively with clients and multidisciplinary teams.
• Mini systematic reviews to enhance your ability to evaluate and synthesise research evidence critically.
• Behaviour change intervention design, using behavioural science to address national and global health challenges.
• Creative assessments, such as podcasts, blogs, digital leaflets and webpages, allow you to communicate psychological ideas in accessible and engaging ways. They help you develop key professional skills in communication, digital literacy and evidence translation, preparing you to make a real impact in health and wellbeing settings.
• Independent research dissertation, where you plan, conduct and present your own research project, showcasing your ability to deliver rigorous, evidence-based work.
  Many of these assessments can be tailored to your personal and professional interests, allowing you to explore areas that align with your career goals. We also take a developmental approach to assessment, with built-in learning support sessions to help you refine your academic writing, research and presentation skills throughout the course. 
  Every effort is made to ensure this information is accurate at the point of publication on the UCAS website. For the most up-to-date information, please refer to our website:
  https://www.beds.ac.uk/howtoapply/courses/postgraduate/next-year/health-psychology/

Professionally accredited courses provide industry-wide recognition of the quality of your qualification.

• British Psychological Society