MSc Health Psychology

1 Year On Campus Masters Program

Birmingham City University

Program Overview

Program Overview:
The MSc Health Psychology at Birmingham City University offers a deep dive into how psychological principles influence health behaviours, illness, and wellbeing. It suits psychology graduates who want to pursue professional training and applied research to become chartered health psychologists.

Curriculum Structure:
Over the course, students study Health Psychology over the Lifespan to understand how health behaviour and needs change across different life stages. They then explore Application of Health Psychology Models, analysing social-cognitive models and advanced methods like systematic reviews and meta-analysis. Through Psychological Interventions and Behaviour Change they learn about designing, assessing, and delivering interventions such as CBT and motivational interviewing. The Applied Research Methods in Health Psychology 1 & 2 modules build strong quantitative and qualitative research skills, preparing them for the capstone Health Psychology Dissertation. The Professional Development in Health Psychology module ensures reflective growth, professional identity formation, and preparedness for Stage 1 BPS training.

Focus areas: “Health behaviour change; lifespan health; psychological intervention; health inequalities; professional development.”
Learning outcomes: “Develop theoretical and applied expertise in health psychology, design and evaluate interventions, conduct rigorous mixed-method research, and reflect on professional practice.”
Professional alignment (accreditation): Accredited by the British Psychological Society (BPS) as Stage 1 towards becoming a Chartered Health Psychologist. 
Reputation (employability rankings): Birmingham City University ranks 103rd in the Complete University Guide, and its Psychology subject ranks 90th overall.

Experiential Learning (Research, Projects, Internships etc.)

Students develop practical health psychology skills through applied research projects and professional training for Stage 1 accreditation. They utilise BCU's specialist facilities and have links with health organisations in the Birmingham region. 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

  • Applied Focus: Development of health behaviour change interventions

  • West Midlands Health Networks: Links with local NHS and health organisations

Progression & Future Opportunities

Graduates of the MSc Health Psychology at Birmingham City University gain in-depth knowledge and practical skills to influence health behaviour and design effective health interventions. Typical job roles include Assistant Psychologist, Public Health Practitioner, Health Promotion Specialist, and Research Officer.

Key points:

  • The university’s employability services offer tailored career coaching, mentoring, placement support, and access to job fairs and graduate events.

  • Graduate employment statistics indicate strong outcomes with many former students securing roles in NHS, public health, and private healthcare sectors; starting salaries generally range from £22,000 to £30,000.

  • Industry partnerships with NHS trusts, local health organisations, and research bodies provide research collaboration and practical placement opportunities.

  • The course is accredited by the British Psychological Society (BPS), fulfilling Stage 1 of health psychology training for professional chartered status.

  • Graduates demonstrate readiness for further training or impactful roles in health psychology research and practice.

Further Academic Progression: Graduates can advance to BPS Stage 2 doctoral training or pursue PhD research, moving toward Chartered Health Psychologist status and specialized clinical or research careers.

Program Key Stats

£18,970 (Annual cost)
Sept Intake : 30th Jul


No
No

Eligibility Criteria

2.7
3 or 4 Years

N/A
N/A
N/A
6.0
80
2:2

Additional Information & Requirements

Career Options

  • Stage 1 Trainee Health Psychologist (working towards Chartership)
  •  Health and Wellbeing Practitioner
  •  Research Assistant (in public health
  • universities
  • or the NHS)
  •  Health Coach
  •  Interventions Researcher
  •  PhD Researcher
  •  Patient Experience Manager
  •  Public Health Officer
  •  Occupational Health Advisor
  •  Chronic Condition Management Specialist

Book Free Session with Our Admission Experts

Admission Experts