Modules

You study a range of units that develop your scientific knowledge, professional practice and research skills, preparing you to make a real impact in health psychology and related fields. All units are worth 15 credits apart from your dissertation, which offers 60 credits towards your Master’s award. You complete your dissertation in the final semester but will conduct your research, design and draft it across all three semesters. Semester 1 In Lifestyle and Individual Differences, you explore how lifestyle factors and individual differences shape health and illness, evaluating the influence of demographic variables such as culture, age and gender. Professional Skills for Health Psychologists provides a strong foundation in the core professional skills you need to work as a health psychologist in areas including communication, ethical practice, reflective learning and professional development. Gain in-depth knowledge of advanced qualitative and quantitative research methods in the unit Advanced Research Methods for Psychologists, when you receive supervised training in using statistical and qualitative software. In Perceptions and Actions, you explore how health beliefs and psychological factors influence lifestyle choices. Semester 2 Develop a broad understanding of health psychology as a discipline and profession in Health Psychology in Context as you explore key models, methods and applications used to explain and improve health and wellbeing. Our Public Health unit focuses on the role of health psychology in public health practice, considering how psychological science contributes to disease prevention, health promotion and the reduction of health inequalities. Build your understanding of the biological foundations of health in Mechanisms of Health and Disease. You explore the major body systems, the biological mechanisms underpinning disease, and how these interact with psychological and social processes. Stress, Coping and Chronic Disease examines how stress influences both physical and psychological wellbeing, and consider how psychological interventions can support health outcomes. Semester 3: Dissertation completion Your independent research project provides an opportunity to investigate a specialised topic within health psychology. Guided by expert supervision across all three semesters, you will design and conduct an original piece of research for completion this semester, presenting it in the format of a publishable journal article. Every effort is made to ensure this information is accurate at the point of publication on the UCAS website. For the most up-to-date information, please refer to our website.

Assessment method

We use a diverse and inclusive range of assessments that mirror real-world professional practice, preparing you for Stage 2 training in health psychology. These assessments allow you to demonstrate your understanding beyond traditional essays or exams, linking theory directly to real-world health challenges. Assessments include:

• Applied consultancy projects that challenge you to apply theory to practical, real-world scenarios.

• Real-life case studies where you develop skills in psychological assessment and formulation, learning how to understand health-related behaviours and design personalised interventions.

• Build professional confidence through simulated roleplays, feedback and reflective practice, enhancing your ability to work effectively with clients and multidisciplinary teams.

• Mini systematic reviews to enhance your ability to evaluate and synthesise research evidence critically.

• Behaviour change intervention design, using behavioural science to address national and global health challenges.

• Creative assessments, such as podcasts, blogs, digital leaflets and webpages, allow you to communicate psychological ideas in accessible and engaging ways. They help you develop key professional skills in communication, digital literacy and evidence translation, preparing you to make a real impact in health and wellbeing settings.

• Independent research dissertation, where you plan, conduct and present your own research project, showcasing your ability to deliver rigorous, evidence-based work.

Professional bodies

Professionally accredited courses provide industry-wide recognition of the quality of your qualification.

• British Psychological Society