Health Psychology MSc
If you already have an undergraduate degree in psychology or a related subject, you can benefit from this flexible online masters degree, which covers the practical, professional and theoretical issues in health psychology. It’s excellent preparation for many roles within the NHS, as well as for further clinical psychology training programmes. And since you’ll cover the latest research in this field and undertake your own research, it will also equip you to move onto a PhD.
Tutors that are experts in practice and research
You will be taught by our team of chartered psychologists, who are registered with the Health Professions Council and who work in research and practice. You won't just be looking at the theoretical side of health psychology therefore; you'll also be exploring the issues faced by today's health psychology professionals. Their comprehensive knowledge and recent professional experience will really help you learn. And their strong research profile means that you'll be part of a vibrant department at the forefront of developments in health psychology.
Flexible study to fit around your lifestyle
Studying online gives you the flexibility to study at the most convenient time and place for you. Course modules still operate within a fixed semester or term time, but you can choose to study during the day, in the evenings or at the weekend rather than having to attend fixed lectures. If you are employed full time or bringing up a family, this flexibility is invaluable. You also accrue qualifications along the way (a PG Cert or a PG Dip), not just at the very end, so if you really can’t complete the full programme, you can still gain an award.
Course Length:
2 years of part time study
Start Dates:
September and January
Entry Requirements:
You will normally have, or expect to obtain, at least a 2:1 undergraduate degree in psychology or a related subject.
What is the equivalent qualification in my country?
We'll consider your reference and personal statement carefully, and we'll normally invite you to come in for an interview.
Fees:
| Per Module | Modules | Total | Start | |
| UK | £380 | 12 | £4,560* | Sept/Jan |
| Non UK | £792 | 12 | £9,504* | Sept/Jan |
*Prices correct for 2011/2012. Subject to annual increase.
Career Information:
As well as developing core health psychology knowledge on this course, you'll refine your professional skills. We will cover a range of health psychology professional competencies in areas such as teaching and training, research and consultancy.
It’s this valuable content that has enabled previous graduates to:
- move into various roles within the NHS, such as health promotion, mental health and chronic illness management
- gain places on clinical psychology training programmes or access other related training including CBT and IAPT.
Some graduates have gone on to do stage 2 training while others have secured funded PhDs in health psychology related areas.
And the level and academic credibility of this qualification has enabled many graduates to pursue other, non-psychology related graduate professions, such as teaching and management.
Testimonials:
Stephanie Archer, one of our graduates, said: [pic of Stephanie from existing course page]
"I thoroughly enjoyed studying Health Psychology at the University of Derby. The lecturers were friendly and helpful in every aspect of the course.
“Although the course was hard work, I feel that I have developed both my academic understanding and my practical skills. I now feel a lot more prepared to go into a health profession with my newly acquired skills."
Heather Semper, a graduate who went on to undertake a PhD in a related area, said:
"It was one of the best investments I have made in my life, in terms of time, effort and money. It has led me to undertake a PhD in a related area, which without the MSc I would not have been able to pursue. For that I am very grateful to the staff and also the cohort of students I studied with."
Another graduate, Debbie Williams, said:
"During my time on the MSc, I received a great amount of support from both lecturers and peers. This was on a one-to-one basis if needed and also in the form of the online forum.
“The degree itself is very well structured and covers a range of very interesting topics. I would certainly recommend this course to anyone considering a career in any health area as it opens your eyes to other aspects within health care."
Course Leader:
Student Profile:
Stephanie Archer, one of our graduates, said: [pic of Stephanie from existing course page]
"I thoroughly enjoyed studying Health Psychology at the University of Derby. The lecturers were friendly and helpful in every aspect of the course.
“Although the course was hard work, I feel that I have developed both my academic understanding and my practical skills. I now feel a lot more prepared to go into a health profession with my newly acquired skills."
Heather Semper, a graduate who went on to undertake a PhD in a related area, said:
"It was one of the best investments I have made in my life, in terms of time, effort and money. It has led me to undertake a PhD in a related area, which without the MSc I would not have been able to pursue. For that I am very grateful to the staff and also the cohort of students I studied with."
Another graduate, Debbie Williams, said:
"During my time on the MSc, I received a great amount of support from both lecturers and peers. This was on a one-to-one basis if needed and also in the form of the online forum.
“The degree itself is very well structured and covers a range of very interesting topics. I would certainly recommend this course to anyone considering a career in any health area as it opens your eyes to other aspects within health care."
Career Information
As well as developing core health psychology knowledge on this course, you'll refine your professional skills. We will cover a range of health psychology professional competencies in areas such as teaching and training, research and consultancy.
It’s this valuable content that has enabled previous graduates to:
- move into various roles within the NHS, such as health promotion, mental health and chronic illness management
- gain places on clinical psychology training programmes or access other related training including CBT and IAPT.
Some graduates have gone on to do stage 2 training while others have secured funded PhDs in health psychology related areas.
And the level and academic credibility of this qualification has enabled many graduates to pursue other, non-psychology related graduate professions, such as teaching and management.
Modules
Stage 1
Core Module
Underpinning much of the activity within health psychology is the understanding of the processes which relate to the maintenance of health, prevention of disease and the promotion of psychological wellbeing of the physically ill individual. This module aims to provide you with a broad introduction and overview of these essential areas.
How will I be assessed?
You'll be assessed by coursework
Credits: 15
Core Module
In order to conduct and evaluate research within the field of health psychology, you must be familiar with a range of qualitative research methodologies and related issues. This module gives you a general introduction to these research methods and how they can be applied to health psychology.
How will I be assessed?
You'll be assessed by 100% coursework.
Credits: 15
Core Module
This module aims to build on the issues covered in the Research Methods by considering the issues related to the design, ethical conduct and planning of research in the field of health psychology. You will also examine the processes underpinning the development of measures and scales used in health psychology research.
How will I be assessed?
You'll be assessed by coursework and oral presentation.
Credits: 15
Core Module
In order to conduct and evaluate research within the field of health psychology, you must be able to draw upon a variety of quantitative research methods and assess their relevance, advantages and disadvantages.
The aim of this module is to provide you with a critical understanding of a range of quantitative research methods and statistical techniques used for each type of research design. We will also cover how statistical tests are performed and analysed using SPSS and how they are interpreted.
How will I be assessed?
You'll be assessed by 100% coursework.
Credits: 15
Stage 2
Core Module
The work of health psychologists relies on a broad range of professional skills and attributes. The aim of this module is to provide you with an understanding of the professional issues surrounding the practice of health psychology, as well as developing key skills that are required to work in this field.
How will I be assessed?
You'll be assessed by coursework
Credits: 15
Core Module
The first aim of this module is to provide you with an understanding of a range of factors that may influence health across the whole lifespan or for a relatively limited period. The second aim is to introduce you to current models and values that inform health promotion practice. Both of these are essential for health psychologists – it will allow you to successfully design a health-based intervention and to select and undertake the appropriate type of evaluation.
How will I be assessed?
You'll be assessed by 100% coursework.
Credits: 15
Core Module
Patient interaction with the health care system is an important issue. The aim of this module is to provide you with a broad understanding of the key issues related to the nature of, and outcome from, patient interaction with health care provision.
How will I be assessed?
You'll be assessed by 100% coursework.
Credits: 15
Core Module
The rise in the number of people suffering from, or caring for someone, who has a chronic condition, has proved to be a major challenge facing health psychologists. The aim of this module is to provide you with a critical awareness of the role of psychology in the aetiology (causation), onset, progression and management of various chronic conditions. You will examine the impact of diagnosis, how a person copes with a chronic condition, and the impact of social and family support.
How will I be assessed?
You'll be assessed by 100% coursework.
Credits: 15
Stage 3
Core Module
For any masters, you need to show evidence of your capacity to conduct a substantial piece of independent research that builds clearly upon your prior learning and which draws upon appropriate methodologies.
An Independent Study is often called a ‘dissertation’. In this module you will identify a research issue, review existing literature on the topic, formulate novel research questions and test these questions by applying psychological methodologies and appropriate data-analytic procedures.
How will I be assessed?
You'll be asked to submit a written dissertation and undertake an oral presentation via Skype or telephone.
Credits: 60
You will normally have, or expect to obtain, at least a 2:1 undergraduate degree in psychology or a related subject.
What is the equivalent qualification in my country?
We'll consider your reference and personal statement carefully, and we'll normally invite you to come in for an interview.
Apply Now
Applications for Online courses are made through the main University of Derby website.
By clicking on "Apply now" below you will be redirected to the University of Derby website to continue your application process.
Fees
| Per Module | Modules | Total | Start | |
| UK | £380 | 12 | £4,560* | Sept/Jan |
| Non UK | £792 | 12 | £9,504* | Sept/Jan |
*Prices correct for 2011/2012. Subject to annual increase.
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