The course comprises six core modules that aim to develop your knowledge of how psychology can be employed to facilitate and protect health, and develop your ability to effect change and suggest alternatives in healthcare provision.
You will explore current issues in health psychology, and gain transferable and practical skills to facilitate progression in the field of health psychology. Supported by a research methods team with expertise in both quantitative and qualitative methods, you will critically evaluate the nature and practice of research in health psychology, study research ethics and integrity and systematic reviewing, and develop skills in advanced research design and analysis.
The programme aims to develop writing and presentation skills that are transferable to practice, including conference presenting and writing for publication. Throughout the programme, you will be encouraged to think critically and reflect upon your skills development. Emphasis is given to the study of clinical and professional skills and you will be equipped with theoretical knowledge and practical skills to enable effective communication with patients and health professionals. You will explore our range of physiological measures, have an opportunity to practice assessment techniques and will gain knowledge of interventions including mindfulness, guided imagery and cognitive behavioural therapy.
Opportunities are provided for you to gain work experience in healthcare practice as well as to work alongside academic staff to conduct health psychology research and evaluation. The programme has strong links to organisations providing a range of volunteering opportunities as well as external agencies, including the NHS and within the public health sector.
Course structure
Core modules
Applied Qualitative Research Methods
You will gain the requisite skills needed to analyse, conduct and assess qualitative research within the applied psychology setting. You will also gain an understanding of key theoretical approaches in designing qualitative research projects as well as practical experience in collecting and analysing qualitative data. The module aims to facilitate the development of a knowledge of and skills in using advanced qualitative research designs, specifically it will develop your knowledge and skills in qualitative research design and methods as applicable to applied psychology at MSc level. You will understand the relationship between theory and practice of interpretative approaches in psychological research, and explore different modes of investigation and analysis employed within these interpretative approaches.
Applied Quantitative Research Methods
You develop knowledge of and skills in using advanced research designs, including the use of quantitative analysis techniques. Specifically, you will develop additional knowledge and skills in research design and methods, appropriate statistical analysis, as applicable to applied psychology at MSc level. Quantitative analysis of advanced research designs includes effect size, power analysis, confidence intervals, multiple regression, logistic regression, factor analysis and reliability analysis, mediation analysis, moderation analysis.
Clinical and Professional Skills in Health Psychology
This module considers clinical and professional skills in health psychology. Key theories, concepts and current issues are discussed in relation to these skills. Collaborative working, leadership and teaching/training others, communication skills and professional development are considered in addition to the assessment of health and well-being needs and providing consultation and advice. The in-course assessment is a report discussing a professional issue in health psychology. The end-course assessment is a reflective report on the development of clinical, generic professional, and research skills.
Current Topics in Health Psychology
You will be introduced to contemporary issues in health and illness. You will be challenged to critically evaluate these topics in terms of health psychological theories, methods and research. The in course assessment is an essay on the contribution of health psychology to a current topic and the end course assessment is a two hour seen exam.
Health Psychology in Context
You will consider the history of health psychology and its relation to other disciplines, such as medical sociology and behavioural medicine. The examination and evaluation of the biopsychosocial model will be the main focus of the module. Key theories and concepts associated with specific components of this model will be explored each week, before evaluating its application to specific health issues, such as stress and pain. The in course assessment is a critical evaluation of two research papers from competing perspectives, and the end course assessment is a poster presentation based on a case study conducted during the module.
Health Psychology Project
You consider the principles of evidence-based practice and develop research skills including systematic reviewing, research ethics and integrity, and project management. You will apply your learning from previous modules by conducting a self-initiated research project. You are allocated a supervisor who acts in a role as a consultant. The in-course assessment is a research proposal including mini systematic review of the literature. The end-course assessment is the write up of your final research project in the form of a research article.
Interventions in Health Psychology
You will consider the design and evaluation of interventions. The application of health related behaviour models to psychological interventions will be the main focus. Key theories and concepts associated with specific components of this model will be examined each week, before evaluating its application to specific clinical and health psychological interventions, such as Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT), mindfulness, stress management and motivational interviewing. The in course assessment is a critical essay comparing and contrasting two interventions, and the end course assessment is a ten minute video of a stress management intervention (plus a supplementary case study report).
