Health Psychology

The first course of its kind to be accredited by The British Psychological Society (BPS), our MSc Health Psychology provides the initial step (Stage 1) towards gaining Chartered Psychologist status and registration with the Health and Care Professions Council (HCPC) as a Health Psychologist. The course follows the BPS Division of Health Psychology framework for teaching.

The Health Psychology MSc is for individuals seeking advanced training in the application of psychological theories, methods and research to the understanding of health, illness and healthcare.

Taught in our multi-million-pound Science Centre, the course will help you develop a comprehensive understanding of the core issues and debates within health psychology theory, research and application. This includes exploring models and theories of health behaviour, considering the impact of living with long-term conditions, contemplating communication issues in healthcare settings – and investigating how psychology can impact on practice through areas such as health promotion and behavioural change. You will also be introduced to the basics of therapeutic work in our exciting “Introduction to Applied Therapeutic And Clinical Skills” module.

Staffordshire University has a thriving Health Psychology research culture, focused in the Staffordshire Centre for Psychological Research, with an excellent national and international reputation. The Health Psychology Programmes at Staffordshire University have nine commendations from the BPS (2018) for:

• The positive and strong ethos of developing reflective practice of students; the exemplary support provided;

• Embedding employability skills and developing student’s critical evaluation and research skills;
• The development of applied skills through initiatives such as the journal club and giving students access to service users to develop their applied skills and communication skills at an early stage in their training;
• The use of real-world assessments such as the grants application is highly innovative and show students clear career progression.

In addition, to support from the teaching team, our award-winning technicians will assist you. Both are members of the Association of Technical Staff in Psychology and between them have extensive experience of working in the area of psychology. Our technicians provide high-quality support, particularly in terms of research and support is also available from our subject-specific librarian.

Full-time students are typically required to attend the University on Tuesdays and Thursdays during term-time. During part-time study, the seven compulsory full-time modules will be spread out over 2 years and are typically required to attend the University one day per week. 

The Health Psychology MSc is for individuals seeking advanced training in the application of psychological theories, methods and research to the understanding of health, illness and healthcare.

Taught in our multi-million-pound Science Centre, the course will help you develop a comprehensive understanding of the core issues and debates within health psychology theory, research and application. This includes exploring models and theories of health behaviour, considering the impact of living with long-term conditions, contemplating communication issues in healthcare settings – and investigating how psychology can impact on practice through areas such as health promotion and behavioural change. You will also be introduced to the basics of therapeutic work in our exciting “Introduction to Applied Therapeutic And Clinical Skills” module.

Staffordshire University has a thriving Health Psychology research culture, focused in the Staffordshire Centre for Psychological Research, with an excellent national and international reputation. The Health Psychology Programmes at Staffordshire University have nine commendations from the BPS (2018) for:

• The positive and strong ethos of developing reflective practice of students; the exemplary support provided;

• Embedding employability skills and developing student’s critical evaluation and research skills;
• The development of applied skills through initiatives such as the journal club and giving students access to service users to develop their applied skills and communication skills at an early stage in their training;
• The use of real-world assessments such as the grants application is highly innovative and show students clear career progression.

In addition, to support from the teaching team, our award-winning technicians will assist you. Both are members of the Association of Technical Staff in Psychology and between them have extensive experience of working in the area of psychology. Our technicians provide high-quality support, particularly in terms of research and support is also available from our subject-specific librarian.

Full-time students are typically required to attend the University on Tuesdays and Thursdays during term-time. During part-time study, the seven compulsory full-time modules will be spread out over 2 years and are typically required to attend the University one day per week. 

Studying over one year full-time (or two years part-time), you’ll complete six compulsory modules, followed by an empirical piece of research that is presented in a journal-article format. The dissertation allows you to work independently, under supervision, to research a health psychology topic of your choice. 

Studying over one year full-time (or two years part-time), you’ll complete six compulsory modules, followed by an empirical piece of research that is presented in a journal-article format. The dissertation allows you to work independently, under supervision, to research a health psychology topic of your choice. 

Professional body accreditation

Accredited by the British Psychological Society (BPS). Graduates from the programme are deemed to have met stage 1 of the requirements for Chartered Membership of the Society (CPsychol) and full membership of the Division of Health Psychology