Course summary
Health psychology focuses on the roles of psychology, biology and social or environmental factors on health and health related behaviour. Health psychologists promote healthier lifestyles and seek to improve well-being by understanding the impact that health related thoughts, feelings and behaviour can have on the individual. Health strategy has been shifting from the treatment of disease to the maintenance of health and prevention of illness. The Well-being of Future Generations (Wales) Act (2015) aims to improve the nation’s social, economic, environmental and cultural well-being. This is particularly important given that relative to the rest of the UK, Wales has more older people and high burden of chronic illness (Public Health Wales Observatory, 2018). This Masters degree In Health Psychology aims to produce high quality graduates that are in a good position to improve health and well-being by using specific psychological knowledge and skills. The programme is specifically designed with future employability in mind and provides a student-centred approach to preparing graduates for future training and / or careers. Some graduates go on to complete further training to become qualified health psychologists, but many others go on to work in health-related career roles including health promotion, education, health and well-being at work, research or develop their own businesses. Possible exit points - MSc/PgD/PgC
Modules
Research Methods and Design This module aims to consolidate undergraduate research abilities and equip students with the skills necessary to undertake master’s level research; in doing so students will be equipped with the skills to critically review and evaluate a range of research methodologies including both qualitative and quantitative methodologies (conducting research and implementing methodologies will be done in the Project module). Applied Psychology Practice This module aims to introduce and develop skills that are relevant to Psychology in practice. Develop an understanding of the principles and approaches to effective communication. Develop an understanding of interprofessional working and ethical practice. Apply evidence-based knowledge to discipline specific areas of practice. Health Psychology and the Health Psychologist The module aims to develop an understanding of the way in which health psychology has developed and is continuing to evolve and explore professional issues in relation to the health psychologist. Health and Society: A Biopsychosocial Approach The module aims to explore the impact of biopsychosocial factors on health and health behaviour. Explore the way health and illness are portrayed and perceived in society. Recognise the changing nature of health across the lifespan. Understanding Long-term Health Conditions The module aims to critically analyses theories and models in relation to stress and pain and their management, and develop an understanding of the impact chronic conditions have on individuals and their carers and families. Changing Health Behaviour This module aims to explore social psychological theories and models in relation to health behaviour change. Examine the issues involved in designing and evaluating the effectiveness of behaviour change interventions. Project and Career Planning The aim of this module is to enable students to design and develop an advanced specialist project in their discipline to enhance their own and/or others’ learning, work, or practice. Students will also evaluate their own knowledge, skills, and experiences as researchers and how this informs their developing professional identity as they move towards becoming a trainee health psychologist. They will use this reflective activity to evaluate their current strengths and prioritise areas for improvement relevant to their own career goals and ambitions. Project The aim of this module is to enable students to work independently to investigate an area in their discipline relevant to their own learning, work, or practice, and to present and discuss their findings, demonstrating a systematic understanding and critical awareness of their discipline and area of professional practice.
Assessment method
Our programme and modules are designed to offer opportunities for formative tasks and feedback to help build confidence and develop your ability to evaluate your own progress. We use authentic assessment tasks which enable you to apply your knowledge and skills to scenarios, activities and settings commonly encountered in professional practice. The programme includes a range of assessment methods, including: Presentations Reports Essays Literature reviews Reflective reports Academic posters Research proposal and research paper To reflect the applied nature of your studies, the programme contains no unseen written examinations. We carefully plan our assessment schedule to avoid excessive bunching of similar types of assessment, and realistic deadlines. Every assessment includes a detailed briefing and clearly defined marking criteria, which have been developed and tested in partnership with students. Assessments are designed to help students develop the skills they will require during their future careers. There is a lot of choice in terms of the topics that students choose to base their assessments on, allowing them to develop their own areas of interest within the field.
Professional bodies
Professionally accredited courses provide industry-wide recognition of the quality of your qualification.
- British Psychological Society
Qualified teacher status (QTS)
To work as a teacher at a state school in England or Wales, you will need to achieve qualified teacher status (QTS). This is offered on this course for the following level:
- Course does not award QTS
Entry requirements
A good honours degree (normally 2.1 or above) in Psychology, usually from a BPS (British Psychological Society) accredited undergraduate course. Those without these qualifications may still be considered, please contact the Programme Director for more advice ([email protected]). International Applicants: Students whose first language is not English will need to provide evidence of fluency to at least an IELTS 6.5 standard or equivalent. For full details about how to apply and English Language qualifications please visit the International pages on the Cardiff Met website. Selection Procedure: Applicants for the MSc Health Psychology programme must complete the application form that is available on the website and submit a personal statement to clarify their reasons for applying for the course. Two references will be sought and each applicant will be interviewed. If applicants do not meet the normal entry criteria then additional information may be taken into account, e.g., work experience and other evidence of ability to study at master’s level.
Fees and funding
Tuition fees
| Republic of Ireland | £1225 | Module |
| England | £1225 | Module |
| Northern Ireland | £1225 | Module |
| Scotland | £1225 | Module |
| Wales | £1225 | Module |
Tuition fee status depends on a number of criteria and varies according to where in the UK you will study. For further guidance on the criteria for home or overseas tuition fees, please refer to the UKCISA website .
Additional fee information
No additional fees or cost information has been supplied for this course, please contact the provider directly.
Provider information
Cardiff Metropolitan University
Student Recruitment & Admissions
Western Avenue
Cardiff
CF5 2YB