Course content
Studying over one year full-time (or two years part-time), you’ll complete six compulsory modules, followed by an empirical piece of research that is presented in a journal-article format. The dissertation allows you to work independently, under supervision, to research a health psychology topic of your choice.
Professional body accreditation
Accredited by the British Psychological Society (BPS). Graduates from the programme are deemed to have met stage 1 of the requirements for Chartered Membership of the Society (CPsychol) and full membership of the Division of Health Psychology
Modules
The tables provide an indicative list of the modules that make up the course for the current academic year. Each module is worth a specified number of credits. Our teaching is informed by research, and modules change periodically to reflect developments in the discipline. We aim to ensure that all modules run as scheduled. If for any reason a module cannot be run we will advise you as soon as possible and will provide guidance on selecting an appropriate alternative module.
Introduction To Applied Therapeutic And Clinical Skills
This module will begin by covering the core skills that are common to all psychological intervention. This relates to the establishing of positive relationships and therapeutic alliances alongside working in teams. Assessment and formulation processes, introduction to several models of intervention, psychological approaches to change and personal and professional development form core elements of the module.
Module code: PSYC70847
Dissertation: Conducting And Disseminating Psychological Research
This module supports students in conducting and disseminating rigorous and ethically-sound MSc-level research in the students topic area of choice within the field of clinical psychology. Following ethical approval, students will independently manage, execute and disseminate their dissertation research with support from an academic supervisor.
Module code: PSYC70849
Professional Development In Health Psychology
Students will be required to engage in a professional development programme consisting of interactive workshops, student-led journal clubs, departmental research seminars and asynchronous activities. Content of will cover: professional issues such as codes of conduct, legal and statutory obligations and restrictions on health psychology practice in the UK context; European and international perspectives on health psychology; the future of health psychology in the UK; and how health psychology relates to other disciplines. In addition, students will be supported to engage in reflective practice relating to the knowledge and skills gained to enable them to progress to working within a range of settings and contexts relevant to health psychology. To support this, course alumni will be invited as guest speakers to share information about their own career pathways.
Module code: PSYC70853
Applied Health Psychology Placement
In this module students will develop skills in applying health psychology in the context of a placement by undertaking a minimum of 50 hours paid, unpaid or voluntary work experience in a relevant setting. Students will attend content workshops covering topics such as working with different client and professional groups, behaviour change techniques, health promotion and health behaviours and engage in scheduled supervision to reflect on the placement experience.
Module code: PSYC70854
Psychological Research Design And Planning
In this module students will be supported to design and plan rigorous, coherent and ethically-sound research in the students topic area of choice within the field of clinical psychology. Students will be allocated an academic supervisor who will provide guidance and support in developing a research proposal.
Module code: PSYC70848
The Impact And Experience Of Physical Health Conditions
In this module you will explore the psychology of physical health conditions. This will involve examination of key moments in the patient journey for a range of conditions. You will be introduced to psychological theory relating to experiences such as help seeking, diagnosis and self-management and develop a critical understanding of Health Psychology interventions for supporting patients.
Module code: PSYC70851
Psychology Research Methods
In this module training will be provided in the main research methodologies employed by psychologists, with a focus on methods frequently employed within health research. The emphasis will be upon psychological research which can be analysed by quantitative multivariate and qualitative techniques. Statistical techniques explored will include multiple regression, ANCOVA and MANOVA. A range of qualitative techniques will be covered, including thematic analysis, discourse analysis, IPA, and grounded theory. A critical understanding of psychometric issues will also be gained, though exploring the development and implementation of psychometric measures.
Module code: PSYC70846
Contexts And Perspectives In Health Psychology
This module will introduce students to a range of areas and concerns in health psychology and the theoretical constructs that guide its work. Students will examine the broad context and different perspectives of the discipline and be aware of current debates within the field. Content will cover theoretical models of health-related behaviour and cognitions; health beliefs and attitudes; the physiological mechanisms of health and illness; and issues across the lifespan. In addition, students will examine factors which influence health and illness, ranging from individual characteristics to wider determinants of health, and the impact of health inequality on the experience of health and illness. Students will be encouraged to think critically in relation to methods, design, and measurement across these areas.
Module code: PSYC70850
Applications Of Health Psychology
In this module students will develop skills in applying health psychology. They will attend content workshops covering topics such as working with different client and professional groups, behaviour change techniques, health promotion and health behaviours.
Module code: PSYC70852