Health Psychology MSc

NA On Campus Masters Program

Edge Hill University

Program Overview

The MSc Health Psychology at Edge Hill University is a one-year (full-time) or two-year (part-time) programme designed for psychology graduates who hold the BPS Graduate Basis for Chartered Membership (GBC). It equips students with both theoretical and practical expertise in understanding health behavior, illness, and recovery, and trains them to design and evaluate evidence-based interventions.

Curriculum Structure

Over the course of the year, students first develop advanced research and statistical skills through modules like Advanced Research Methods and Advanced Statistics & Qualitative Analyses.
They then learn to apply psychological theory in health contexts via Applications of Health Psychology and Behaviour Change, exploring how to promote healthy lifestyles and support recovery.
In addition, they study Health & Wellbeing in Society, Psychological Processes, Promoting Recovery, and Professional Issues, gaining insight into social determinants of health, illness experiences, and professional ethics
The programme culminates in an Independent Research Project in Health Psychology, where students design, conduct, and present their own empirical study under supervision.

Focus areas (string):
“Health behaviour change; illness and recovery; social determinants of health; psychological processes; advanced mixed-method research; professional and ethical issues”

Learning outcomes (string):
“Advanced ability to design and analyse health psychology research; competence in applying theory to behaviour-change interventions; deep understanding of biopsychosocial aspects of illness; professional readiness for health psychology roles or doctoral training”

Professional alignment (accreditation):
Accredited by the British Psychological Society (BPS) as a Stage 1 health psychology training programme.

Reputation (employability rankings):
Edge Hill University’s MSc Health Psychology prepares graduates for careers in healthcare, public health, and academia, and is recognised in postgraduate course listings for its applied training and strong research-led teaching.

Experiential Learning (Research, Projects, Internships etc.)

Students on the MS Health Psychology c develop practical skills through supervised coaching practice, role-playing scenarios, and direct application of psychological models. The programme utilises the University's modern Psychology Department facilities, which include dedicated observation suites for reviewing practice sessions. This hands-on approach is central to the curriculum, structured around the following key components:

Practical Coaching Labs: Students participate in supervised skills practice in dedicated rooms, using audio-visual recording equipment for self-reflection and feedback.
Group Projects: The programme involves collaborative practice, where students work in triads (coach, client, observer) to develop and refine real-time coaching skills.
Digital Tools: Access to the PsychInfo database and online learning resources for research on coaching techniques and psychological theory.
Facilities: Training takes place in the contemporary Psychology building, which houses the specialist teaching and observation suites.

Progression & Future Opportunities

Graduates of the MSc Health Psychology at Edge Hill University are equipped with specialist knowledge and practical skills to influence health behaviour and improve public health outcomes. Typical roles include Health Psychologist, Mental Health Support Worker, Behaviour Change Practitioner, and Clinical Research Associate.

Key points:

The university’s Careers and Employability Service offers personalized mentoring, access to professional placements in NHS and community settings, interview preparation, and job search workshops focused on health psychology careers.
Graduates have strong employment prospects, with salaries typically starting around £28,000 and increasing with experience and specialization.
Edge Hill collaborates with NHS trusts, public health bodies, and research institutions, providing students with applied learning and networking opportunities.
The MSc is accredited by the British Psychological Society (BPS) as Stage 1 training for Health Psychology; this accreditation supports long-term professional development and chartered status.
Graduates successfully enter clinical, academic, and public health roles, contributing to health promotion and intervention design.

Further Academic Progression: Graduates may advance to BPS Stage 2 doctoral training or PhD research to become Chartered Health Psychologists or pursue related applied psychological specialisms.