MSc Health Psychology

The MSc Health Psychology at Sheffield Hallam University offers in-depth training in how psychological theory applies to health, illness, behaviour change, and wellbeing. It is ideal for graduates aiming to work in public health, consultancy, research, or to advance toward professional health psychologist training.

Curriculum Structure:
Since this is a one-year full-time programme, students begin by building strong research foundations through Fundamentals in Health Psychology Research & Academic Practice together with Quantitative and Qualitative Research Methods in Health Psychology, equipping them to both design studies and analyse data rigorously.  They also study Social Determinants of Health and Understanding Behaviour & Behaviour Change Interventions to explore how social, cognitive, and behavioural factors influence health. In parallel, the module Psychology of Illness & Disease addresses psychological responses to illness, while Adjustment to Long-Term Conditions & Bereavement helps students understand coping and adaptation processes.Students critically reflect on their professional development through the Critical Self-Reflection & Communication Skills module. Finally, their learning culminates in a Health Psychology Research Project, supported by a Mini-Systematic Review and Ethical Research & Practice, giving them real experience conducting and presenting health-psychology research. 

Focus areas:
“behaviour change; illness adjustment; health inequalities; research methods; reflective professional practice”

Learning outcomes:
Graduates will develop competence in designing and running health-psychology research, apply behaviour-change theory to real-world health challenges, critically reflect on their practice, and produce a substantial empirical project.

Professional alignment (accreditation):
The programme is accredited by the British Psychological Society (BPS) for Stage 1 Health Psychology. 

Reputation (employability rankings):
Sheffield Hallam is praised for its practitioner-led teaching, and its graduates go on to roles in public health, academia, consultancy, community services, or doctoral study.