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The next step in your journey to become a health psychologist

1 year Full Time, or 2 years Part Time
Bishop Otter and Bognor Regis campuses

Top 10

University for psychology

Guardian University Guide 2022

1st

for research intensity out of 101 UK psychology departments

Complete University Guide League Tables 2021

14th

for teaching quality

Times and Sunday Times Good University Guide 2021

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Overview

Develop your skills and knowledge of health psychology

Our research-based MSc Health Psychology provides you with an extensive overview of health psychology theories, methods, and research, as well as statistics and different research methods.

You will learn the skills and knowledge required for Stage 1 training in health psychology, as well as prepare you to progress onto Stage 2 doctoral-level training, which allows you to become a chartered psychologist and register with the Health and Care Professions Council (HCPC).

At the same time, you will develop the skills and knowledge you need to successfully complete an independent health psychology research project.

Learn from internationally renowned experts

Our staff are nationally and internationally recognised for their research. We specialise in the provision of rigorous evidence-based solutions to enable people to reach their full potential in their wider lives.

The University of Chichester has an active health psychology research culture embedded in the POWER centre.

Study on an accredited and commended course

Our British Psychology Society (BPS) accredited MSc Health Psychology course was established in 2021 and received a commendation from the BPS in July 2022.

British Psychological Society logo

A gateway to becoming a chartered psychologist

The course is the first step towards gaining chartered psychologist status with the BPS and registration with the Health and Care Professions Council (HCPC) as a health psychologist.

When you graduate from our MSc Health Psychology course, you will be eligible to progress to Stage 2 doctoral-level training. Successful completion of Stage 2 provides eligibility to become a chartered psychologist and an HCPC registered health psychologist.

 

The Course

What you will study

You will study a selection of core modules. Each module is worth a number of credits and is delivered differently depending on its content and focus of study.

This list is indicative and subject to change.

Advanced Applied Research Skills in Psychology 2

In this module, 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 systematic review and meta-analytical approaches.

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

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.

Teaching and Assessment

How you will learn

Teaching

You will study modules taught through a mixture of lectures, seminars, workshops, student led learning and one-to-one supervision.

In addition to support from module leaders, you will be given an academic advisor (tutor), a dissertation supervisor, and you will also have access to our friendly and expert laboratory technicians.

Assessment

You will be assessed through a range of assignments including essays, scientific reports, presentations, and literature reviews.

Facilities

Use industry standard equipment

Use facilities including the Brain Imaging Unit, VR Immersive Suite, Psychological Test Centre, Interview and Observation Suite and individual fully equipped testing cubicles and use industry standard equipment and software throughout your studies.

Careers

Where you could go after your studies

A career in Health Psychology

Becoming a Health Psychologist is a two-stage process. Successful completion of the MSc Health Psychology (also known as Stage 1) provides you with eligibility to apply to complete Stage 2 training.

Successful completion of Stage 1 and Stage 2 training confers eligibility for a) Chartered status with the BPS and b) registration with the HCPC as a Health Psychologist.

Other doctoral training

The course is also suitable preparation for undertaking a PhD in Psychology and/or other postgraduate training.

Transferable Skills

Successful completion of the MSc Health Psychology means you will graduate with transferable skills suitable for working in sectors outside psychology.

You could work in:

  • Human Resources
  • Management and Communications
  • Market Research
  • Counselling
  • Government
  • Police and Justice
  • Social Research

Course Costs

Course Fees 2024/25

UK fee
£9,250
International fee
£15,840

For further details about fees, please see our Tuition Fee page.

For further details about international scholarships, please see our Scholarships page.

University of Chichester alumni who have completed a full undergraduate degree at the University will receive a 15% discount on their postgraduate fees.

To find out about any additional costs on this course, please see our Additional Costs page.

Entry Requirements

Having the relevant skills and qualifications helps us know that you’re ready to start the course. You’ll need to meet certain entry requirements when you apply for this accredited professional course:

  • A First or 2:1* (Hons) degree (or equivalent**) in Psychology which must be recognised by the British Psychological Society (BPS) as providing Graduate Basis for Chartership (GBC).
  • An academic reference.
  • A personal statement outlining your interest in Health Psychology.

* We may be able to accept a 2:2 UK Bachelor’s degree or equivalent with evidence of further study or relevant work experience.

**We may be able to accept a BPS accredited conversion course if you hold an undergraduate degree in a different subject.

Please submit your application by August 5 2024.

Additional requirements for overseas applicants

  • If you have not completed a British Psychological Society-accredited BSc at a UK university, you must obtain Graduate Basis for Chartership (GBC) from the BPS and include evidence of this with your application.
  • If English is not your first language you will need IELTS 6.5 overall (with no element lower than 6).
  • Deadline for overseas applications: June 24 2024.

Contact

Are you interested in this course and would like to learn more? Please email Dr Karen Rodham on: K.Rodham@chi.ac.uk for admissions queries.

FAQs

Frequently asked questions

How do I apply?

Where can I find out about the Graduate Basis for Chartership (GBC)?

The British Psychological Society website has details of the Graduate Basis for Chartership.

Where can I find out about career opportunities in Health Psychology?

The BPS Division of Health Psychology has developed resources showcasing health psychology careers.

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To apply for the full-time option of this course, please click the button below.

Part time

To apply for the part-time option of this course, please click the button below.

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