MSc Health Psychology

The MSc Health Psychology at the University of West London offers a comprehensive, one-year full-time programme that meets Stage 1 training requirements of the British Psychological Society (BPS). It suits students who already have the BPS Graduate Basis for Chartered Membership (GBC) and wish to pursue a career as a health psychologist, combining theory, research, and applied practice. 

Curriculum structure

Over the year, students are introduced to core theoretical, methodological, and professional aspects of health psychology.

In the first term, students study Advanced Research Methods One, which grounds them in both quantitative and qualitative approaches, and Biopsychosocial Issues in Health Psychology, exploring how biological, psychological, social and cultural factors interact to influence health and illness.

In the second term, they progress to Advanced Research Methods Two, enhancing their data analysis and dissemination skills; Chronic Disorder and Health Psychology Interventions, focusing on designing and evaluating behaviour-change and health-promotion strategies; and Individual Differences in the Psychology of Health and Illness, which examines how personality, stress response, and wellbeing vary across people.

In the final part of the course, students complete the MSc Health Psychology Dissertation, where they propose, conduct, and present an original empirical research project under supervision. 

Focus areas:
“Biopsychosocial models; research methods; chronic illness and interventions; individual differences in health; professional issues and ethics; empirical health-psychology research”

Learning outcomes:
“Competence in advanced research (qualitative & quantitative), understanding of psychosocial determinants of health, ability to design and evaluate health-psychology interventions, professional and ethical practice, readiness for Stage 2 BPS training”

Professional alignment (accreditation):
Accredited by BPS Division of Health Psychology as a Stage 1 health psychology programme. 

Reputation (employability rankings):
The University of West London is rated highly for career-focused teaching and graduate employability; the course links with external health organisations, offering work experience and networking opportunities.