| Program start date | Application deadline |
| 2023-09-19 | - |
| 2024-01-09 | 2023-11-04 |
| 2024-09-01 | - |
Program Overview
Health psychology is an expanding area of global employment with opportunities for graduates in hospitals, universities and community-based and local authority organisations. Designed and delivered in collaboration with researchers and practitioners within the field, this course will give you the opportunity to explore the many ways in which psychology can be applied to an understanding of health and illness and to modern healthcare systems.
You will also attend distinct interprofessional learning event for the equivalent of 2 days throughout the programme. These will focus on inter-professional relationships and interdisciplinary working in healthcare settings. All academic staff contributing to the course are research-active, have presented their research at national and international conferences and published in specialist journals including Social Science and Medicine, Psychology and Health, and Journal of Health Psychology.
There is a significant focus on developing skills that are transferable to a variety of careers and contexts on an international level. The course is designed to improve your understanding in professional areas such as ethics and reflective practice to enhance your employability across a range of health and social care careers. Successful graduates (who already hold a BPS-accredited undergraduate award in Psychology) can progress on to stage two training in Health Psychology in order to attain registration as a practitioner psychologist.
Key features
Scholarships
DMU offers a range of undergraduate and postgraduate scholarships and bursaries to help you realise your academic ambitions.
International student scholarships
Find out about available international scholarships or visit our fees and funding page for more information.
Program Outline
Outline:
Course Modules:
The MSc consists of theoretical, work-related, and research-based modules, all of which are compulsory for successful completion and recognition by the accrediting body.
Block 1: Theories and Perspectives in Health Psychology (15 credits)
- Explores the biopsychosocial model of health
- Evaluates how lifestyles and health-enhancing and health-compromising behaviors impact well-being
Block 2: Critical and International Perspectives on Health Psychology (15 credits)
- Integrates psychological and sociological perspectives
- Develops understanding of health and illness among disadvantaged communities in the UK and around the world
Block 3: Promoting Health, Managing Illness (30 credits)
- Focuses on applying theoretical perspectives to health promotion and living with illness
- Strong focus on developing professional skills
Block 4: Mind, Body, Food and Health (30 credits)
- Investigates how mind and body interact to affect health
- Special focus on stress and the psychology of eating behavior
Block 5 and 6: Advanced Applied Psychology Dissertation (60 credits)
- Independent research project in a health-related topic area of your choice
- Presented in the format of a journal article
Research Methods for Applied Psychologists (15 credits)
- Introduces research design and various approaches to data collection and analysis
- Particular emphasis on qualitative methods
Applied Statistics in Health Psychology (15 credits)
- Develops skills in applied statistics and psychometric theory for health sciences
- Enhances digital competencies
Assessment:
Assessment methods include reports, discussion boards, essays, presentations, and a mini systematic literature review.
Teaching:
Teaching typically includes lectures, group seminars, workshops, and individual tutorials. Independent learning is encouraged with recommended reading and electronic resources provided. Significant focus on developing transferable skills relevant to diverse careers and contexts on an international level. Learning activities enhance teamwork, presentation, and problem-solving skills alongside traditional academic skills like synthesis, evaluation, and application. Development of skills and understanding in professional areas like ethics and reflective practice is also supported. Personal academic tutors are assigned to each student for regular meetings.
Careers:
The Health Psychology course is designed to deliver a range of transferable skills and enhance employability across a range of health and social care careers. Health psychology is a growing area of global employment with opportunities in hospitals, universities, community-based organizations, and local authority organizations. Successful graduates can pursue doctoral study, including stage two training in Health Psychology, PhD, or training to become a psychological well-being practitioner. Opportunities also exist in public health (smoking cessation, weight management, safer-sex promotion).
Other:
- The program is professionally accredited by the British Psychological Society (BPS) and has been commended for the quality of student support, research methods training, and links with local communities and services.
- The course is distinctively designed to produce graduates who are global citizens, capable of leading positive contributions to address health-related challenges and inequalities in a rapidly changing world.
- Delivered in a block teaching format, providing an immersive learning experience.
- Built-in support for students caters to diverse learning needs and educational backgrounds.
- Suitable for recent graduates and experienced professionals aiming to enhance their specialist skills and career opportunities.
- The course places a strong emphasis on sustainability through addressing Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) and practices to reduce carbon footprint.
- Experienced academic staff and many graduates have presented innovative research at national and international conferences and published in academic journals.
2024/25 full-time tuition fees for UK students: £9,800. 2024/25 tuition fees for EU and international students: £16,800
