Master of Science Health Psychology

This course is designed to give students an advanced knowledge and understanding of Health Psychology theory and practice, and of the application of health psychology across all aspects of health, illness and disability. As such, a good understanding of basic psychological concepts, research methods and statistics is required for success.

The MSc Health Psychology course is accredited by the British Psychological Society (BPS), providing the first stage of training for becoming a Health Psychologist, and equipping students with the necessary qualification to undertake stage two training in Health Psychology accredited by the Health and Care Professions Council (HCPC) for those wishing to pursue a career as a Practitioner Psychologist in Health.

On this MSc, students will undertake a work placement as part of the course. Graduates are well-placed to offer a variety of placements, having good links with external placement providers such as NHS Trusts and clinicians, schools, and public health domains, and BU also offers the opportunity for students to gain experience as research assistants, working on academically led research. Students who undertake placements with external placement providers tend to have relevant work experience.

Uniquely, this course offers expertise in the area of stress and resilience across the lifespan. This child health psychology focus is not currently offered on any other MSc in the UK.

The course also provides a sound, broad training in health and psychology-related skills suitable for entering a number of professional avenues across academic, healthcare, and public health settings. If students have an upper second class honours degree or above at undergraduate level, they could go on to consider a career in research, including research psychologist positions, or PhD or Doctoral level study and postdoctoral research in health psychology, or in a variety of medical settings.