Psychology of Health

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This course aims to deliver a greater knowledge of psychological theory and the practical aspects of health maintenance and dealing with illness.

The programme also provides an opportunity to develop professional competencies in line with more advanced learning in health psychology. Students will benefit from Levels 1, 2 & 3 Smoking Cessation Training, and the chance to shadow a health psychologist in a multi-disciplinary weight loss clinic.

It is suitable for anyone with an interest in how psychology affects health and illness, and how it can be used to enhance wellbeing and encourage healthier lifestyles. In addition, it covers health across the whole lifespan, which makes it suitable for those working with children, as well as adults.

A multi-faceted degree suitable for anyone interested in how psychology affects health and illness behaviours. It attracts health professionals adding to their skills base and those without a BPS accredited undergraduate degree who wish to learn more about health psychology and how it might enhance their practice. This course includes a work placement.

Career opportunities
Students undertaking this MSc are often wanting to add to an existing skills base having a professional healthcare background. It is equally suitable for those wishing to pursue a career in research.

The course includes a range of applied and theoretical modules that will give you a strong grounding in the practice and delivery of health psychology.
Core modules:

* Placement and Practitioner Skills
* Cognitive and Emotional Influences on Health
* Health over the Life Span
* Context and Applications of Health Psychology
* Research Methods in Health Psychology
* Research Supervision and Support
* Responses to Illness

Assessment
Assessment is by a wide range of coursework. There are fifteen items of coursework. You submit one essay, a systematic review, a critical review and a reflective case study. You will complete a group task designing a health promotion leaflet and write up your contribution to the task. You will also write case formulations and consultancy reports. You also complete a practical data analysis exercise, make a short presentation to class about your placement, and submit written reports of your placement and research project. The project is triple-weighted by comparison to other parts of the assessment, and counts for one third of the overall grade, students give a poster presentation on their project which is also graded.

Applicants should normally have a 2:1 in a related degree such as psychology, joint psychology or health promotion, biomedical sciences, nutrition, dietetics etc. Those with a degree in another discipline but with substantial relevant work experience will also be considered on an individual basis.Applicants must have a good standard of spoken and written English. Proficiency in the English language is essential. If English is not your first language, you will require an IELTS 6.5 minimum with a minimum score of 6 in all components, TOEFL (old examination) 630, TOEFL (new examination) 267 or equivalent. English Language Requirements IELTS band: 6.5 TOEFL paper-based test score : 630 IMPORTANT NOTE: Since April 2014 the ETS tests (including TOEFL and TOEIC) are no longer accepted for Tier 4 visa applications to the United Kingdom. The university might still accept these tests to admit you to the university, but if you require a Tier 4 visa to enter the UK and begin your degree programme, these tests will not be sufficient to obtain your Visa. The IELTS test is most widely accepted by universities and is also accepted for Tier 4 visas to the UK- learn more.