MSc Health Psychology

1 Year On Campus Masters Program

De Montfort University

Program Overview

The MSc / PGDip / PGCert Health Psychology at De Montfort University (DMU) applies psychological theory and research to health, illness, and behaviour change in healthcare systems. It is suited for psychology graduates or professionals who want to understand and influence health behaviour, work in health or social care, or progress toward Stage 2 health psychology training.

Curriculum structure:
Over the one-year full-time (or extended PGDip) course, students build a strong foundation in health psychology through modules that integrate theory, research, and practice. In Theories and Perspectives in Health Psychology, they explore the biopsychosocial model, health-compromising behaviours, and models of illness; Critical & International Perspectives on Health Psychology challenges them to examine health inequalities, cultural contexts and global health practices. The Promoting Health, Managing Illness module focuses on applying theory to health promotion interventions and understanding chronic illness. Mind, Body, Food & Health investigates how psychology relates to stress, eating behaviour and physiological health. Students also study Applied Statistics in Health Psychology and Research Methods for Applied Psychologists, gaining quantitative and qualitative research skills. The programme culminates in a 60-credit Applied Psychology Dissertation, where students design, conduct, and report an original piece of health-psychology research.

Focus areas:
“behaviour change; chronic illness; biopsychosocial models; stress & eating; health inequalities; research methods”

Learning outcomes:
“critically apply health psychology theories, design and evaluate health interventions, analyse data using advanced methods, and conduct independent health-psychology research with ethical insight.”

Professional alignment (accreditation):
The programme is accredited by the British Psychological Society (BPS), qualifying for Stage 1 training toward chartered Health Psychologist status. De

Reputation (employability rankings):
DMU’s psychology division is research-active and well-connected to health and social care sectors; graduates can pursue careers in public health, NHS, community organisations, or continue onto doctoral training.

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 the university'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
Applied Focus: Development of health behaviour change interventions
Software: Training in statistical analysis for health data

Progression & Future Opportunities

Graduates of De Montfort University’s MSc Health Psychology develop advanced knowledge and skills to apply psychology to health, illness, and healthcare systems, preparing for roles such as Health Psychologist Trainee, Public Health Specialist, Researcher, and Psychological Wellbeing Practitioner.

University services include personal academic tutoring, career mentoring, placement support, and employability workshops specifically tailored for health and social care careers.
Employment rates are strong, with many graduates securing roles in NHS, public health organizations, and research settings. Salaries typically range from £22,000 to £35,000 depending on role and experience.
Partnerships with NHS trusts, local authorities, and community health bodies provide practical experience and professional networking.
The program is accredited by the British Psychological Society (BPS), forming stage one training toward becoming a practitioner Health Psychologist.
Graduates demonstrate skills in health promotion, behavioural change, research methods, ethics, and reflective practice.

Further Academic Progression: Graduates can progress to stage two professional doctorate training in Health Psychology, PhD research, or training as Psychological Wellbeing Practitioners.