Course description
Programme description
- Unique programme run jointly with University College London.
- Students have access to facilities at both universities.
- Accredited by the British Psychological Society.
This programme is run jointly with University College London. The course is divided into six modules: Basic Research Methods & Statistics; Health-Related Behaviours & Cognitions; Coping with Chronic Illness & Disability; Advanced Research Methods & Statistics; Healthcare Delivery; Linked Themes & Related Disciplines.
Programme format and assessment
Assessment by coursework, including a systematic review; a research proposal, critical reviews, essays,written examination and a research project of approximately 12,000 words on an approved topic; an oral examination, at the examiners' discretion.
Programme modules for MSc Health Psychology
Basic & Advanced Research Methods & Statistics (40 Credits) (Core Module)
This module provides a revision of research methods and statistics, the majority of which students would have covered in their undergraduate degree, and includes a review of both quantitative and qualitative methods. The advanced part of this module is taught using SPSS and includes: ANOVA; factor analysis; cluster analysis; loglinear modelling and structural equation modelling.
Chronic Illness & Disability (20 Credits) (Core Module)
This module examines the following areas: stress; psychological aspects of chronic illness; coping with chronic illness; disability, social support; carers; perceived control; attributions and health behaviour; pain.
Health Related Behaviours & Cognitions (20 Credits) (Core Module)
This module includes: models of health behaviour; smoking and health; nutrition, food choice, weight and disease; dieting and eating behaviour; sexual behaviour and health; alcohol and substance use; exercise and health; accidents; health promotion; risk factors for cardiovascular disease; illness perceptions and symptom perception; risk perception.
Linked Themes and Related Disciplines (20 Credits) (Core Module)
This module examines the following areas: the influence of development and ageing on health and illness, health cognition, models of health care and help seeking behaviour; the influence of the cultural context on cognitions and health care; psychological aspects of specific gender related health care issues.
Psychological Aspects of Health Care Delivery (20 Credits) (Core Module)
This module examines the following areas: adherence to treatment; doctor-patient communication, decision making, medical accidents and risk management; screening; the structure of the NHS; purchasing within the NHS; quality of life and health status.
Research Project - Health Psychology (60 Credits) (Core Module)
Students are required to undertake a research project. The research project of approximately 12,000 words contributes to 30% of the final mark on the MSc. Students are assigned a supervisor early on during the programme. The supervisor is usually one of the programme directors or staff associated with the programme. The supervisor and student have regular meetings at every stage of the project. Statistical assistance is given by Matthew Hankins and students are expected to check their statistical analysis with him.
Duration
One year FT (two days per week for three terms), two years PT (one day per week for three terms), September to September.
