Health Psychology, MSc
Introduction
This MSc programme in Health Psychology, which is accredited by the British Psychological Society, offers you the opportunity to expand on and apply your knowledge and skills to help solve some of the big health issues facing society today.
Study Information
At a Glance
- Learning Mode
- On Campus Learning
- Degree Qualification
- MSc
- Duration
- 12 months or 24 months
- Study Mode
- Full Time or Part Time
- Start Month
- September
- Location of Study
- Aberdeen
Health Psychology is the fastest growing field of psychology in the UK. This MSc programme aims to provide you with an understanding of theories and methods in this exciting field and the ability to apply them to play an active role in helping solve the health challenges our society faces.
Successful completion of the MSc Health Psychology confers Stage 1 of the BPS training requirements for Chartered Health Psychologist status.
Although the topics covered are diverse, the main areas of interest are:
- Health behaviours - understanding and changing participation in health damaging and health protecting behaviours
- Psychological aspects of illness and disability - examining the psychological impact of illness on individuals, families and carers, promoting positive 'illness behaviours'
- Health related cognitions and emotions - investigating the cognitive and emotional processes which explain health and illness behaviours
- Processes influencing the delivery of health care - studying factors that influence how health care professionals and organisations deliver care
- Professional practice - training in key skills such as cognitive-behavioural therapy, motivational interviewing and health coaching
What You'll Study
- Stage 1
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The MSc Health Psychology programme consists of an empirical research project, a literature review of an area of interest and a number of taught courses which cover topics relevant to real world application.
Project students have access to lab space in the University's clinical research facility and to a wide range of equipment (heart rate monitors, GPS trackers, activity monitors and electronic diaries), measures (health relevant questionnaires), and tests (standardised cognitive batteries).
View our Health Psychology Sample Project list here.
Compulsory Courses
- Getting Started at the University of Aberdeen (PD5006)
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This course, which is prescribed for all taught postgraduate students, is studied entirely online, takes approximately 5-6 hours to complete and can be taken in one sitting, or spread across a number of weeks.
Topics include orientation overview, equality and diversity, health, safety and cyber security and how to make the most of your time at university in relation to careers and employability.
Successful completion of this course will be recorded on your Enhanced Transcript as ‘Achieved’.
- Health Behaviour and Behaviour Change (PU5022)
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15 Credit Points
Unhealthy and risky behaviours – such as a poor diet, sedentary behaviour, not attending screening programmes, or not taking medication as prescribed – are leading causes of suboptimal health and premature death, health care expenditure, and sickness absence. Health Psychology examines what drives these behaviours and how they can be changed. This course aims to provide students with the core knowledge and skills for developing and implementing effective interventions to promote healthier behaviours.
- Health Psychology Research Review (PU5029)
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15 Credit Points
This course aims to provide students with (a) an opportunity to complete a thorough and comprehensive review of the existing literature on a clearly defined topic in an area of interest to Health Psychology, and (b) the academic skills to search, synthesise and clearly present in writing a large amount of research evidence.
Working largely independently with the support of an academic supervisor, students on this course will produce a substantial literature review of a publishable standard. Reviews may be either narrative or systematic depending on the topic area.
- Stress, Personality and Health (PU5053)
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15 Credit Points
Humans vary from one person to the next, both in terms of their stable characteristics and in terms of how they respond to different situations and environments. These individual differences can in turn influence health positively and negatively. This course explores key individual differences in stress and personality. We will explore differences in physical, psychological and behavioural responses to stress; methods of coping with stress; theoretical determinants of stress; and the role of personality in health and illness.
- Advanced Quantitative Methods and Analysis for Psychology (PU5054)
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15 Credit Points
This course teaches students in the field of health psychology how to conduct high quality quantitative research and how to think and operate within a professional, ethical framework. The structure of the course reflects the logical flow of the research process itself, moving week on week from the planning of research (generating and refining research questions, evaluating evidence, designing studies), through study conduct (ethical practice, quantitative methods, measurement issues, data handling, research governance) to the statistical analysis, interpretation, reporting and dissemination of research findings (to academic, policy, public, and media audiences).
- Stage 2
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Compulsory Courses
- Illness, Disability and Interactions with Healthcare (PU5517)
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15 Credit Points
This course aims to explore the psychological side of illness, disability and dying. Students will learn how symptoms are interpreted and responded to, how risk is perceived, how individuals live with chronic conditions and about end of life and bereavement.
- Health Professional Behaviour (PU5518)
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15 Credit Points
Health outcomes depend not just on an individual’s own behaviours, but also on the behaviour of health professionals, the behaviour of service providers and on the structure and organisation of health-relevant environments. This course equips students with basic professional practice skills and trains them how to identify and solve real world health problems using psychological theories and techniques.
- Systematic Reviewing (PU5526)
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15 Credit Points
This course will equip students with the relevant skills to interpret and conduct systematic reviews on the effectiveness of healthcare interventions. Using lectures and practical sessions, students will understand the principles of systematic reviewing and the differences between narrative and systematic reviews. They will learn to formulate a clear research question and undertake each stage of systematic reviewing of randomised controlled trials. They will also learn about the importance of the levels of evidence and systematic reviews of other different study designs. This course will also introduce the students to advances in systematic reviews such as network meta-analysis and use of Individual Patient Data (IPD)
- Qualitative Health Research (PU5529)
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15 Credit Points
This course provides a sound overview of the methods involved in qualitative health research. You will consider the relevance and value of different qualitative methodologies which respond to current health agendas. The course covers planning to conduct qualitative research and a range of methods to generate, handle and analyse qualitative data. You will gain insight into issues of rigour, quality and ethics, and understand the importance of engaging with relevant audiences. The course is delivered by experienced qualitative researchers, and you will gain insight into the practicalities of undertaking qualitative research via practical workshops and lecture sessions.
This course provides a sound overview of the methods involved in qualitative health research. You will consider the relevance and value of different qualitative methodologies which respond to current health agendas. The course covers planning to conduct qualitative research and a range of methods to generate, handle and analyse qualitative data. You will gain insight into issues of rigour, quality and ethics, and understand the importance of engaging with relevant audiences. The course is delivered by experienced qualitative researchers, and you will gain insight into the practicalities of undertaking qualitative research via practical workshops and lecture sessions.
- Stage 3
-
Compulsory Courses
- Health Psychology Research Project (PU5909)
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60 Credit Points
This course offers students the opportunity to complete a substantial piece of data-driven, empirical work within the field of Health Psychology, under the supervision of an experienced Health Psychology researcher.
Topics available will be varied but within the domain of Health Psychology. Students will identify a suitable topic area, develop a research protocol, design and implement an empirical study and write up the results in the format of a journal article.
We will endeavour to make all course options available. However, these may be subject to change - see our Student Terms and Conditions page.
| Fee category | Cost |
|---|---|
| EU / International students | £23,800 |
| Tuition Fees for 2024/25 Academic Year | |
| UK | £11,100 |
| Tuition Fees for 2024/25 Academic Year |
Fee Information
Additional Fee Information
- In exceptional circumstances there may be additional fees associated with specialist courses, for example field trips. Any additional fees for a course can be found in our Catalogue of Courses.
- For more information about tuition fees for this programme, including payment plans and our refund policy, please visit our Tuition Fees page.
Funding Opportunities
The following options are available to support your studies. Please click the links for full details and eligibility criteria.
- Alumni Discount Scheme - a 20% discount for University of Aberdeen alumni.
Scholarships
Self-funded international students enrolling on postgraduate taught (PGT) programmes will receive one of our Aberdeen Global Scholarships, ranging from £3,000 to £8,000, depending on your domicile country. Learn more about the Aberdeen Global Scholarships here.
To see our full range of scholarships, visit our Funding Database.
How You'll Study
The course emphasises active learning and repeated exposure to best practice. A variety of teaching methods are used to help students achieve the three main course aims of; understanding (lectures, tutorials, self-study), application (observational analysis, practical tasks, problem based learning), and the development of a critical academic attitude (small group discussion, debate, self-reflection).
Much of the teaching is participatory and students are expected to consolidate all taught content by completing related tasks and activities and engaging in independent study.
Learning Methods
- Group Projects
- Individual Projects
- Lectures
- Research
- Tutorials
Assessment Methods
There are different types of assessment throughout the programme including formative assessment (in class presentations or online quizzes) and summative assessment (assignments, presentations, written/oral tests/examinations, research review and thesis).
Why Study Health Psychology?
- The programme has a strong emphasis on multi-disciplinary working which provides an excellent learning environment for future health psychologists.
- The University's Aberdeen Health Psychology Group (AHPG) is an internationally recognised academic centre in Health Psychology. The group co-ordinates the MSc and various members of the research staff are involved in the teaching.
- You will benefit from the AHPG's close working relationship with other disciplines and specialities (like epidemiology, health services research, health economics, pharmacy, exercise physiology, public health nutrition and academic primary care).
- The programme runs from the Foresterhill Health Campus which includes a large teaching hospital, Medical School and the Rowett Institute of Nutrition and Health, providing easy access to facilities and specialists from a range of disciplines.
- The MSc is embedded within a research-active Medical School which means that teaching and research projects reflect the real world workings of Health Psychology.
- The course is BPS accredited.
Entry Requirements
Qualifications
The information below is provided as a guide only and does not guarantee entry to the University of Aberdeen.
Applicants should possess a minimum of a 2:1 honours degree in Psychology (recognised as Graduate Basis for Chartered Membership by the British Psychological Society) or have completed a British Psychological Society-accredited conversion course in Psychology.
Applicants with a 2:2 may be eligible for entry under certain circumstances (e.g. where evidence of subsequent higher academic achievement is provided).
International students with degrees NOT accredited by the British Psychological Society (BPS) must contact the BPS Partnership & Accreditation Team to ask for written confirmation that their degree is considered equivalent to a BPS accredited degree. Obtaining this may take several weeks.
Please enter your country to view country-specific entry requirements.
English Language Requirements
To study for a Postgraduate Taught degree at the University of Aberdeen it is essential that you can speak, understand, read, and write English fluently. The minimum requirements for this degree are as follows:
IELTS Academic:
OVERALL - 6.5 with: Listening - 5.5; Reading - 6.0; Speaking - 5.5; Writing - 6.0
TOEFL iBT:
OVERALL - 90 with: Listening - 17; Reading - 21; Speaking - 20; Writing - 21
PTE Academic:
OVERALL - 62 with: Listening - 59; Reading - 59; Speaking - 59; Writing - 59
Cambridge English B2 First, C1 Advanced or C2 Proficiency:
OVERALL - 176 with: Listening - 162; Reading - 169; Speaking - 162; Writing - 169
Read more about specific English Language requirements here.
Document Requirements
You will be required to supply the following documentation with your application as proof you meet the entry requirements of this degree programme. If you have not yet completed your current programme of study, then you can still apply and you can provide your Degree Certificate at a later date.
- CV
- an up-to-date CV/Resumé
- Degree Certificate
- a degree certificate showing your qualifications
- Degree Transcript
- a full transcript showing all the subjects you studied and the marks you have achieved in your degree(s) (original & official English translation)
- Personal Statement
- a detailed personal statement explaining your motivation for this particular programme
Aberdeen Global Scholarship
Eligible self-funded postgraduate taught (PGT) students will receive the Aberdeen Global Scholarship. Explore our Global Scholarships, including eligibility details, on our dedicated page.
Aberdeen Global ScholarshipsCareers
With an ageing population, an obesity epidemic and an associated increase in chronic health conditions requiring behavioural interventions, the demand for Health Psychologists is expected to rise further.
Health Psychologists, because they have studied the general theory behind human behaviour and behaviour change, can work in a variety of environments and organisations.
Many will find excellent jobs at the NHS as healthcare practitioners or in academia. Others may choose career paths in the consumer and marketing sector, in health related commercial organisations (e.g. weight management companies), in charitable organisations, or in any other setting where behaviour or behaviour change is a focus.
Completion of the MSc confers Stage 1 of the British Psychological Society’s requirements for training as a Health Psychologist so students will be eligible to begin Stage 2 training (two years of supervised practice) upon graduation. In Scotland, several funded 'Health Psychologist in Training' posts are advertised each year to enable graduates to complete their Stage 2 training while employed by the NHS.
One thing is sure: whatever route you choose, you will have a qualification that there is significant demand for.
Industry Links
We have excellent links with NHS Grampian and are co-located on the Foresterhill Health Campus with a large teaching hospital.
Our Experts
- Other Experts
- Professor Marie Johnston
- Dr Clare Cooper
- Dr Julia Allan
- Dr Heather Morgan
- Dr Zoë Skea
- Professor Diane Dixon
- Dr Chantal den Daas
- Programme Coordinator
- Dr Daniel Powell
Information About Staff Changes
You will be taught by a range of experts including professors, lecturers, teaching fellows and postgraduate tutors. However, these may be subject to change - see our Student Terms and Conditions page.
Facilities
Health Sciences Building
The Health Sciences building, located on the Foresterhill Health Campus, houses the purpose built Clinical Research Facility, researchers from the Institute of Applied Health Sciences and the Imaging Department which boasts state-of-the-art equipment
Foresterhill Health Campus
The Foresterhill Health Campus is one of the largest clinical complexes in Europe which includes the Medical School, large teaching hospital, the Institute of Medical Sciences and the Rowett Institute.
Get in Touch
Contact Details
- Address
-
Student Recruitment & Admissions
University of Aberdeen
University Office
Regent Walk
Aberdeen
AB24 3FX