Health Psychology

Description: The MSc in Health Psychology at the University of the West of England is a comprehensive postgraduate programme designed to equip students with a deep understanding of the psychological factors that influence health and illness. This course provides a robust foundation in health psychology theories, research methods, and practical applications, preparing graduates for careers in health promotion, research, and clinical practice. Throughout the programme, students explore a range of topics including the biological, psychological, and social determinants of health; behaviour change techniques; chronic illness management; and health inequalities. The curriculum combines academic learning with practical experiences, including placements and client-based projects, enabling students to develop relevant skills and competencies. The course aims to foster critical thinking, research capability, and professional development, ensuring graduates are well-prepared for further doctoral training or employment in health-related settings. The programme is delivered through a blend of lectures, seminars, workshops, and independent study, supported by expert faculty members active in health psychology research. By the end of the course, students will have gained the knowledge and skills necessary to contribute meaningfully to health improvement initiatives, policy development, and evidence-based practice. The programme also prepares students for potential progression to chartered membership of the British Psychological Society, supporting their career advancement within the field of health psychology.

The course carries 180 M-Level credits available through seven M-Level modules. You will need to complete all seven to achieve the MSc qualification:

• Health, Stress and Cognition (30 credits) - Learn about health and illness perceptions and how these influence stress and coping behaviours.
• Bio-psychosocial Perspectives on Health (30 credits) - A holistic approach to understanding the pathways of health, disease and disorder.
• Conducting and Evaluating Psychological Research (30 credits) - Gain the skills you need to carry out and evaluate psychological research.
• Dissertation in Psychology (45 credits) - You will carry out a critical literature review and a piece of independent research in an area of health psychology, linking either to current Department expertise and/or to local health care providers.
• Applications and Professional Skills in Health Psychology (30 credits) - The opportunity to design and conduct a behaviour-change exercise and develop your skills as a professional health psychologist.
• Health Psychology In Action (work-based module) (15 credits) - Apply a critical analytic approach to a work placement carried out during the year.

You must have a minimum 2:1 honours degree in Psychology or a closely related discipline. In exceptional circumstances, applicants with substantive relevant work experience or further training and a strong academic background will be considered, however we are unable to accept applicants without an undergraduate degree in psychology or a closely related discipline. Please contact the programme leader if you are unsure whether your academic background is suitable preparation for this programme.

We particularly welcome graduates with appropriate experience in health psychology, and those who have been employed as health or related settings are encouraged to apply. Previous successful applicants have had a wide range of health-related experience including working as nurses, health care assistants, admin in a health setting, health promotion, psychology assistant posts, research assistants, teaching. Newer graduates with an academic background incorporating health psychology with a plan for acquiring health-related work experience alongside the programme are also welcome to apply.

Applicants should be able to demonstrate:

• Some experience with statistics, e.g. T tests, ANOVA, correlation, regression
• An understanding of experimental methods in psychology the scientific method, between subject designs, within subject designs, confounding variables, psychological measurement etc
• An understanding of basic cognitive processes memory, attention, schema
• An understanding of basic psychobiology the stress response, sleep
• An understanding of human learning operant and classical conditioning, social learning theory
• An understanding of depression, anxiety, other psychological disorders

The financing options for the Health Psychology program at the University of the West of England are designed to support both domestic and international students throughout their studies. For students residing in the UK, funding opportunities include government-funded maintenance and tuition fee loans provided by Student Finance England. These loans are typically repayable only after graduation, contingent on income levels, and are available to eligible students undertaking full-time programs. Additionally, the university offers a range of scholarships and bursaries aimed at supporting students financially, which are often awarded based on academic achievement, financial need, or a combination of criteria. Prospective students are encouraged to explore the university’s scholarships webpage to identify relevant funding opportunities for their circumstances.

International students enrolling in the program can also access various funding sources. While government funding options are limited compared to domestic students, the university provides specific scholarships for international applicants, including merit-based and country-specific awards. These scholarships may cover partial or full tuition fees and are highly competitive. Furthermore, international students may consider external funding bodies, government sponsorships from their home countries, or scholarship programs offered by charitable organizations.

The university also offers flexible payment plans to ease the financial burden on students. These plans allow students to spread their tuition fee payments over several installments, making budgeting more manageable throughout the academic year. For students seeking part-time employment, the university’s Careers Service provides guidance on part-time work opportunities both on and off-campus, which can help students supplement their income while studying.

Students are advised to contact the university’s Financial Support Office for personalized guidance regarding available funding options, application processes, and deadlines. It is essential for applicants to review the specific eligibility criteria for each funding source and to prepare necessary documentation in advance to ensure timely application submissions. Overall, the university strives to make its Health Psychology program accessible by offering a comprehensive range of financial support options tailored to meet diverse student needs.

Health Psychology at the University of the West of England is a comprehensive programme designed to equip students with an in-depth understanding of the psychological factors that influence health, illness, and healthcare practices. The course provides a multidisciplinary approach, combining theories and methodologies from psychology, health sciences, and social sciences to prepare graduates for a range of careers within healthcare settings, research, and policy development. The programme emphasizes the importance of psychological principles in promoting health and well-being, preventing illness, and managing chronic health conditions. Students will explore topics such as behaviour change, stress management, lifestyle interventions, patient-practitioner relationships, and public health initiatives. The curriculum integrates both academic learning and practical experience, often including placements or real-world projects that enable students to apply their knowledge in clinical and community settings.

The programme structure typically includes core modules that cover fundamental concepts in health psychology, research methods, and ethical considerations, alongside optional modules allowing students to specialize in areas such as clinical health, public health, or mental health. The course is delivered by experienced academics and practitioners who are active in their fields, ensuring that students receive current and relevant education. Assessment methods may vary and include coursework, exams, presentations, and research projects.

Graduates of the Health Psychology programme will possess transferable skills such as critical thinking, data analysis, communication, and problem-solving, making them suitable for roles in research, healthcare, policy-making, and community health initiatives. The programme also encourages students to consider further postgraduate study or professional training in related areas such as clinical psychology or health promotion. Networking opportunities, seminars, and collaborations with local health organizations are often part of the student experience, enhancing employability and professional development.

Overall, the University of the West of England’s Health Psychology programme aims to produce well-rounded graduates who are capable of contributing to improving health outcomes through psychological insights and evidence-based practices. The programme’s flexible structure and comprehensive content prepare students for diverse roles in an evolving healthcare landscape, reflecting current demands for expertise in health psychology and behavioural sciences.