MSc Health Psychology

The MSc Health Psychology at Staffordshire University trains students in how psychological theory and research apply to health, illness, and behaviour change. It is ideal for graduates seeking BPS-accredited training (Stage 1) to work in public health, healthcare, research or health promotion roles.

Curriculum Structure

During the one-year (or two-year part-time) course, students study Contexts & Perspectives in Health Psychology, gaining a broad understanding of psychological approaches to health and illness, and The Impact & Experience of Physical Health Conditions, where they explore how chronic disease affects cognition, emotion, behaviour, and social life. They also learn Introduction to Applied Therapeutic & Clinical Skills, building skills in behaviour-change interventions and patient communication.

In parallel, Psychological Research Design & Planning and Psychology Research Methods develop students’ competence in designing quantitative and qualitative studies. Professional Development in Health Psychology fosters reflective skills, professional identity, and ethical practice, while the Dissertation: Conducting & Disseminating Psychological Research allows them to carry out an original empirical research project to share in journal-style format.

Focus areas (string):
“Health psychology theory, chronic illness, therapeutic interventions, applied research methods, professional practice, empirical health-psychology research”

Learning outcomes (in a string):
“Apply psychological theory to health and illness; design and conduct mixed-methods health research; develop behaviour-change interventions; reflect on professional practice; and produce a publishable research dissertation”

Professional alignment (accreditation):
Fully accredited by the British Psychological Society (BPS) as meeting Stage 1 training in Health Psychology. 

Reputation (employability rankings):
Staffordshire University’s Health Psychology MSc is respected for its applied focus and research integration. Graduates go on to roles in health services, public health, behaviour insight, and continue to BPS Stage 2 training or doctoral research.