COURSE CURRICULUM

The MSc Health Psychology curriculum provides a comprehensive combination of psychological theory, health research, behaviour change, public health, and evidence-based practice to prepare students for professional careers in health psychology and related healthcare fields. Accredited by the British Psychological Society (BPS), the programme develops the knowledge and competencies required for further professional training while promoting a holistic understanding of health and wellbeing. Students begin with Research and Evidence Based Practice, where they develop advanced research skills, critical appraisal techniques, data analysis, and the ability to apply scientific evidence to improve healthcare practice and outcomes. Being a Health Psychologist introduces the professional role of health psychologists, covering ethical practice, professional standards, multidisciplinary working, behaviour change, and the application of psychological principles within healthcare settings. Intersectional Practice explores how factors such as age, gender, ethnicity, disability, culture, socioeconomic status, and inequality influence health experiences, healthcare access, and wellbeing, promoting inclusive and socially just psychological practice. Understanding Health Contexts: From Cell to Society examines health from biological, psychological, social, environmental, and policy perspectives, enabling students to understand how multiple interacting factors shape health across individuals and populations. Experiencing Health and Illness focuses on the psychological and emotional experiences of illness, chronic disease, disability, recovery, caregiving, and patient-centred healthcare. Healthy Communities: Social Contexts and Social Change investigates community health, health inequalities, social determinants of health, public health policy, and strategies for promoting healthier communities through collaborative action. Healthy Lives: Mental and Physical Wellbeing explores psychological approaches to improving physical and mental health, promoting healthy lifestyles, preventing illness, and supporting long-term wellbeing. Making a Difference: Intervention and Change develops expertise in designing, implementing, and evaluating evidence-based health interventions, behaviour change programmes, and health promotion initiatives across diverse populations. The programme concludes with a Dissertation, where students undertake an independent research project addressing a significant issue in health psychology, applying advanced research methods and critical analysis. Throughout the programme, students strengthen research, communication, critical thinking, leadership, and professional practice skills while engaging with current health psychology research and real-world healthcare challenges. Overall, the curriculum prepares graduates for careers in the NHS, public health, community health services, charities, health promotion, research organisations, policy development, healthcare consultancy, and academic research, while also providing an excellent foundation for Stage 2 Health Psychology training and professional registration as a Health Psychologist.