Health Psychology MSc/PG Dip/PG Cert

Course modules

The MSc consists of theoretical, work-related and research-based modules which are described below. Please note that ALL modules are compulsory for successful completion of the award and for recognition by the accrediting body. There are no optional modules

Theories and Perspectives in Health Psychology (15 credits) - explores the biopsychosocial model of health and evaluates the ways in which lifestyles and health-enhancing and health- compromising behaviours (such as exercise, smoking and alcohol consumption) impact on our well-being

Mind, Body and Health (15 credits)- investigates the ways in which mind and body interact to affect health, and also explores the role of personality factors and social support

Understanding and Managing Chronic Health Conditions (15 credits) - develops a detailed understanding of how living with a long-term health condition affects the individual, their caregivers and family members
Critical and International Perspectives on Health Psychology (15 credits) - integrates psychological and sociological perspectives to develop understanding of health and illness among disadvantaged communities in the UK and around the world

Psychology of Health and Food through The Lifespan (15 credits)- focuses on adaptive and maladaptive eating behaviours through the human lifespan

Health Psychology in Theory and Contemporary Practice (15 credits) - explores the theoretical perspectives that inform the work of modern day health psychologists and discusses how these are applied in practice. There is a particular focus on working in inter-professional and multi-disciplinary teams.
Research Methods and Data Analysis for Applied Psychologists (30 credits) - introduces you to a range of ways of collecting, analysing, and presenting research data

Advanced Applied Psychology Dissertation (60 credits) - is an independent research project in a health-related topic area of your choice

Teaching and assessment

Teaching typically includes lectures, group seminars and individual tutorials, You are encouraged to become an independent and proactive learner, and we will recommend reading and electronic resources for independent study to help develop the breadth and depth of your knowledge.

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. There is a significant focus on developing skills that are transferable to a variety of careers and contexts on an international level.

Learning activities are designed to help you develop your teamwork, presentation and problem-solving skills, plus more traditional academic skills such as synthesis, evaluation and application. We also help you to develop your skills and understanding in professional areas such as ethics and reflective practice.

You will benefit from the support of a personal academic tutor, who you are encouraged to meet with regularly. We also offer a range of additional support services to help you develop the skills required for master’s level study.

Assessment includes project work, essays, critical and systematic literature reviews, problem-based activities, reflective writing and electronic-learning tasks. There is one formal unseen examination. Bespoke guidance materials are provided for all forms of assessment on the course.

Teaching contact hours

Contact hours in a typical week for a full-time student will depend to some extent on the optional modules you choose to study. However, typically you will have up to 9 contact hours of teaching and this will break down as:

Personal tutorial/small group teaching 1 hour of tutorials (or later, project supervision) each week

Medium group teaching: 4 hours of practical classes, workshops or seminars each week

Large group teaching: 4 hours of lectures each week

Personal study: 28.5 hours studying and revising in your own time each week, including some guided study using hand-outsand online activities.

Academic expertise

The Health Psychology course is delivered by a team of academic health psychologists, based at DMU, in collaboration with practitioner psychologists working within the National Health Service.

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
• European Eating Disorders Review
• Journal of Health Psychology
• European Journal of Cancer Care
• Appetite
• Our research informs our teaching on several modules.