Health Psychology MSc

1 Year On Campus Masters Program

University College London

Program Overview

The MSc Health Psychology at UCL provides in-depth training in theory, research, and practice relevant to health and illness across the lifespan. It suits psychology graduates who want to become chartered health psychologists or lead research and interventions in healthcare settings. 

Curriculum Structure:
In the first phase, students take Chronic Illness from the Health Psychology Perspective, Physical and Mental Health, Stress & Ageing, and Individual, Social & Cultural Perspectives in Health Psychology, gaining a solid theoretical foundation. They also study Health Related Behaviours & Cognitions and are trained in Quantitative & Qualitative Research Methods 1 and 2, thereby building rigorous methodological skills. The course includes Effective Research Practice and Healthcare & Intervention Delivery, where students learn how to translate theory into health intervention design, and culminates in a Project Report / Dissertation, which is written up in the style of a paper for the British Journal of Health Psychology

Focus areas: “Health behaviour; illness experience; social and cultural health; stress and ageing; mixed-methods research; intervention design.”
Learning outcomes: “Critically apply health-psychology theories, lead intervention development, conduct independent research, and engage in culturally sensitive practice.”
Professional alignment (accreditation): The course is Stage 1 accredited by the British Psychological Society (BPS)
Reputation: UCL is ranked #9 globally by QS, enhancing the degree’s value for academic and clinical career pathways.

Experiential Learning (Research, Projects, Internships etc.)

This programme focuses on applying behavioural science theories to real-world challenges through practical projects and hands-on research. Students develop intervention design and evaluation skills using UCL's specialist labs and research centres. This applied approach is delivered through:

  • UCL's Behavioural Research Labs: Access to the Bridget Dolan Laboratory and other experimental facilities for designing and testing behavioural interventions.

  • Industry and Policy Projects: Opportunities to work on live briefs with external partners through the UCL Centre for Behaviour Change.

  • Substantial Research Project: A major dissertation where students design, implement, and evaluate a full behaviour change intervention.

  • Practical Workshops: Hands-on training in qualitative and quantitative research methods, including data analysis software like R and SPSS.

Progression & Future Opportunities

Graduates of the Health Psychology MSc at UCL develop a thorough understanding of how psychological factors influence health and illness, and gain practical skills for research and healthcare delivery. Typical job roles include Health Psychologist Trainee, Researcher, Healthcare Consultant, and Public Health Advisor.

Key points:

  • UCL offers dedicated employability support including personalized career counseling, global internship opportunities, networking events, and workshops focused on research dissemination and professional development.

  • Graduate employment is strong, with many students securing roles in healthcare, public health, and research; salary ranges generally start around £30,000 and vary by sector and experience.

  • The MSc is accredited by the British Psychological Society (BPS) as Stage 1 professional training, an essential step toward becoming a Chartered Health Psychologist.

  • UCL’s partnerships with NHS trusts, public health organizations, and research institutes provide rich placement and research opportunities enhancing graduates' job readiness.

  • Graduates demonstrate high success rates in progressing to doctoral training or taking on impactful health psychology roles.

Further Academic Progression: Graduates can pursue doctoral clinical psychology or health psychology training or embark on PhD research at UCL or other leading institutions.

Program Key Stats

£39,200 (Annual cost)
£ 90
Sept Intake : 31st Mar


30 %
No
Yes

Eligibility Criteria

3.3
3 or 4 Years

N/A
N/A
N/A
7.5
109
2:1

Additional Information & Requirements

Career Options

  • Social research officers
  • Access coordinator
  • Policy research assistant
  • Health & wellbeing coach
  • Business change manager
  • Workspace assistant

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