The MSc Health Psychology at University of Surrey explores the psychological factors that shape health, illness and healthcare, offering a blend of theory, research and practical skills. It suits psychology graduates seeking BPS Stage 1 accreditation to progress toward becoming Chartered Health Psychologists, or professionals aiming to apply psychology in health-care and behavioural change roles.
Curriculum Structure:
Year 1 (Full-time):
In the first semester, students engage with modules such as Contemporary Health Psychology: Research and Practice and Advanced Research Methods and Design, learning to translate psychological theory into real-world health behaviour change and to design rigorous research studies.
In the second semester, core units include Psychological Aspects of Health Care and Cognitive Behavioural Therapy for Health Psychology, where students explore patient help-seeking behaviours, adherence, and the design of CBT-based interventions in healthcare settings.
Through the year students complete a major research project (dissertation) which demands independent empirical investigation of a health psychology topic, applying qualitative and quantitative methods learned during taught modules.
Focus areas: "Health behaviour change, clinical psychology of health, cognitive-behavioural interventions, applied research methods"
Learning outcomes: "Students will develop advanced skills in designing, conducting and evaluating health psychology research, interpret and apply psychological theory to health-related challenges, and be ready for professional practice in health psychology."
Professional alignment (accreditation): Accredited by the British Psychological Society (BPS), fulfilling the requirements for Stage 1 training toward Chartered Health Psychologist status.
Reputation (employability rankings): The University of Surrey is recognised for its strong psychology research and graduate outcomes, with the Health Psychology MSc forming part of a department ranked among the UK’s top for postgraduate student satisfaction and employment.
Students develop practical skills through applied research and Stage 1 health psychology training. They utilise specialist facilities and have access to the School of Psychology's research laboratories. The programme's experiential components include:
Research Project: A substantive empirical dissertation in health psychology
Professional Training: Stage 1 training towards becoming a Chartered Health Psychologist
Software: Training in SPSS for statistical analysis of health data
Laboratory Access: Use of the School of Psychology's specialist research facilities
Applied Research: Development of health intervention and behaviour change skills
Graduates of the MSc Health Psychology at the University of Surrey gain comprehensive knowledge of psychological factors concerning health, illness, and wellbeing, equipping them for applied health roles, research, and further clinical training. Typical roles include Health Psychologist Trainee, Public Health Officer, Clinical Researcher, and Behaviour Change Specialist.
Surrey’s Careers and Employability Service offers personalised career coaching, placements in NHS and community health settings, and workshops on professional skills.
97% of Surrey psychology masters graduates are employed or in further study within 15 months, with competitive salaries in healthcare and research sectors.
The program is accredited by the British Psychological Society (BPS), fulfilling Stage 1 of professional training to become a Chartered Health Psychologist.
Partnerships with NHS trusts, public health agencies, and research institutions provide practical experience and research opportunities.
Graduates typically transition into clinical training, public health roles, research, and consultancy.
Further Academic Progression:
Graduates generally proceed to Stage 2 professional training, clinical doctorates, or PhD research in health psychology and related fields.



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