MSc Health Psychology

1 Year On Campus Masters Program

University of Westminster

Program Overview

The MSc Health Psychology at the University of Westminster provides a solid grounding in both the theory and applied practice of health psychology, with a strong emphasis on research and real-world intervention. It's suited for psychology graduates who aim to become Chartered Health Psychologists or work in public health, consultancy, or research.

Curriculum structure:
In the year-long full-time course, students explore Health Psychology: A Lifespan Development Perspective, examining how biological, social, and psychological factors shape health across different life stages. They also study Theories and Perspectives in Health Psychology, developing conceptual tools for understanding health behaviour, illness, and intervention design. The Data Handling & Research Methods for Applied Psychology module equips them with both quantitative and qualitative research skills for evaluating health-related phenomena. Through Individual Differences, Health, Stress & Illness, students analyse how stress, personality, and biology interact to affect well-being, including psychoneuroimmunology and chronic illness. In Health Psychology in Practice, they apply their learning via behaviour-change interventions, ethical decision-making, and professional reflective work. Specialist Topics for Applied Psychology allows them to engage with systematic reviews, grant-writing, and professional portfolio development. The programme culminates in a Research-Based Project, where students design and conduct independent health psychology research.

Focus areas:
“behaviour change; lifespan health psychology; stress & illness; applied intervention; evidence-based research”

Learning outcomes:
Graduates will critically understand health-psychological theory, apply research methods to evaluate health issues, design and implement interventions, reflect on professional and ethical practice, and carry out an independent empirical project.

Professional alignment (accreditation):
The course is accredited by the British Psychological Society (BPS) and supports Stage 1 training for becoming a Chartered Health Psychologist.

Reputation (employability rankings):
Westminster is centrally located in London, with its MSc strongly tied to public health and clinical practice: graduates often enter roles in health consultancy, NHS settings, behavioural insights, or continue to doctoral-level training.

Experiential Learning (Research, Projects, Internships etc.)

Students develop practical health psychology skills through applied research projects and professional training for Stage 1 accreditation. They utilise Westminster's specialist facilities and have links with London's diverse health organisations. The programme's experiential components include:

Research Project: A dissertation in health psychology
Professional Training: Stage 1 training towards Health Psychologist registration
London Health Networks: Access to diverse health settings and organisations
Applied Focus: Development of health behaviour change interventions
Research Methods: Training in both quantitative and qualitative health research approaches

Progression & Future Opportunities

Graduates of the University of Westminster MSc Health Psychology program typically pursue careers such as Health Psychologist Trainee, Public Health Specialist, Wellbeing Advisor, and Research Associate. This BPS-accredited course equips students with theoretical knowledge and practical skills essential for applied health psychology roles.

The university’s Careers and Employability Service offers personalized mentoring, placement support, and access to professional networks including NHS trusts and public health organisations.
Graduate employment rates are high, with average starting salaries ranging from £22,000 to £35,000 depending on the role.
Partnerships with local NHS trusts, public health bodies, and research institutions provide opportunities for applied learning and professional development.
The program fulfills Stage 1 accreditation with the British Psychological Society, essential for progression to registered Health Psychologist status.
Graduates develop skills in behavioural change, health promotion, research methods, and ethical practice.

Further Academic Progression: Graduates can advance to Stage 2 professional doctorate training in Health Psychology or pursue PhD research to specialize academically and professionally.