MSc Health Psychology

12 Months On Campus Masters Program

Aston University

Program Overview

The MSc Health Psychology at Aston University examines how psychological processes influence health, illness and the design of interventions, preparing students for roles in health promotion, clinical services and research. It suits psychology graduates seeking an accredited training route toward health psychology practice or health-behaviour research.

Curriculum structure:
In the taught phase you study core units such as Advanced Research Methods in Health Psychology and Health Behaviours & Behaviour Change Interventions, where you develop quantitative and qualitative research skills alongside theory-in-practice for designing behaviour-change programmes. You also take modules like Health Inequalities & Public Health and Psychobiology of Illness & Long-term Conditions, deepening your understanding of social, physiological and contextual factors impacting health. The year (or programme) concludes with a substantial Research Project (60 credits) where you independently design and execute an empirical study in a specialist health-psychology topic using the methods and knowledge acquired.

Focus areas:
"health behaviours, behaviour change interventions, advanced research methods, psychobiology & public-health inequalities"

Learning outcomes:
"Graduates will apply psychological theory to health-related behaviours, master advanced research methods and deliver an independent empirical study in health-psychology contexts."

Professional alignment (accreditation):
The programme is accredited by the British Psychological Society (BPS) as Stage 1 training, enabling progression toward registered Health Psychologist status via further supervised practice. Aston

Reputation (employability rankings):
Aston University holds a Gold rating in the UK Teaching Excellence Framework and is ranked strongly for graduate outcomes; the MSc Health Psychology benefits from an internationally-excellent research environment and strong industry links, enhancing employability in health, policy and research roles.

Experiential Learning (Research, Projects, Internships etc.)

Students develop practical skills through health-focused research projects and professional training for Stage 1 accreditation. They utilise the School of Psychology's specialist facilities and have links with health organisations. The programme's experiential components include:

Research Project: A dissertation in health psychology
Professional Training: Stage 1 training towards Health Psychologist registration
Facilities: Access to psychology research laboratories and equipment
Applied Focus: Development of health behaviour change interventions
Software: Training in statistical analysis for health data

Progression & Future Opportunities

The MSc Health Psychology at Aston University produces graduates who are well-equipped for professional roles in health psychology and related fields, reflecting strong graduate outcomes: they typically secure employment within six months of graduation at a high rate. Graduates are prepared for specialist roles in clinical, occupational, and public health sectors, supported by the university's robust resources and partnerships that enhance career prospects.

Progression & Future Opportunities:

Aston University offers dedicated career services including tailored employability workshops, one-to-one career guidance, and access to health sector internships.
The program boasts a 94% employment rate within six months after graduation, with average salaries around £30,000.
The university maintains strong partnerships with local NHS trusts and health organizations, facilitating practical experience opportunities.
The MSc Health Psychology is accredited by the British Psychological Society, ensuring long-term professional recognition and a pathway to Chartered Health Psychologist status.
Typical roles for graduates include Health Psychologist, Clinical Researcher, Public Health Consultant, and Occupational Health Advisor.

Further Academic Progression:
Graduates can pursue doctoral training (e.g., a Professional Doctorate in Health Psychology) or related PhD research programs to become chartered practitioners or academic researchers in health psychology and related disciplines.