MSc Health Psychology

Advanced Applied Social and Health Psychology

This module explores cutting edge developments and issues in Applied Psychology. You will apply psychological research to real world issues: for example, group violence, health, education, persuasion, media and advertising, industry (as faculty availability allows). You will critically appraise interventions for children and adults, and also consider how Psychology can be used in the conduct of everyday life (e.g., at home, in the work-place, in education, and in health care settings).

Advanced Research Methods and Approaches 1

You will be equipped with transferable knowledge and skills to solve real-world problems using advanced applied research skills relevant in a diversified range of applied psychology environments which require advanced specialist knowledge regarding complex multivariate approaches.

The module will enhance your in-depth knowledge and understanding of multivariate analysis of variance, regression-based approaches to process analysis and moderation analysis with continuous and categorical outcomes, and conditional process analysis.

The module will stimulate interactive discussion and critical evaluation of cutting-edge applied research designs and associated analytical techniques in the field of psychology at an advanced level.

The module will also enable the exploration of a range of qualitative research methodologies, such as Interpretative Phenomenological Analysis and Case Study research.

The module will enhance your knowledge, effective problem solving skills, self-directed learning, and effective collaboration skills through a diversified range of learning activities.

Clinical Psychology, Life Coaching, and Technological Applications

This module further develops your understanding of underlying theory and enhances your experience with practical skillsets across a wide range of professional psychology careers, including advanced research. You will cover aspects of psychotherapy and clinical diagnosis, life coaching/mentoring skills, and will work with a wide range of technical equipment with psychological applications. You will critique approaches to psychotherapy and clinical diagnosis, gain a good foundation in functional analysis of psychological problems, evaluate coaching/mentoring, gain experience in working with technical equipment such as Virtual Reality software and fNIRS, while further developing critical assessment and report writing skills.

Dissertation

All students complete a dissertation. You’ll decide on your topic and will be responsible for designing an empirical research project to address the research question. You will be expected to gain ethical approval before collecting and analysing your data. You will write up your research as a dissertation in the format of a journal article. Supervision will be provided throughout.

Health Psychology in the 21St Century

This module will introduce you to health psychology. You will discuss fundamental theoretical and empirical issues that require the attention and consideration of health psychologists and develop a broad understanding of the scope of health psychology.

Stress and Health

You will focus on the theories of stress and coping in relation to health and illness-related outcomes. You will address stress and coping in the context of a range of illnesses and life events, from the perspective of the patients and their friends, family and carers.

Understanding and Managing Long-Term Chronic Health Conditions

This module will develop your knowledge of theory and practice relating to the management of long-term health conditions. You will develop your understanding of the psychological, social and cognitive influences on chronic illness and people’s management of chronic health conditions.