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.