Health Psychology MSc

To complete the MSc Health Psychology, you will need to complete all of the modules below. The order in which you take them will be dependent on your start date (i.e. February, May or September).  We will contact you with details of your study pattern before you need to register for enrolment.

Modules:

Masters

-Advanced Quantitative Methods

Code:7PS522

Info:

In order to conduct and evaluate research, you must be able to draw upon a variety of quantitative research methods and assess their relevance and their advantages and disadvantages in answering a particular research question.  You should also be able to assess the appropriateness of various statistical techniques and be able to use them and interpret the results. The aim of this module is to provide you with a critical understanding of a range of quantitative research methods and advanced statistical techniques used for each type of research design, how statistical tests are performed and analysed using SPSS and how they are interpreted.

On successful completion of the module, you will be able to critically evaluate the appropriateness of a range of quantitative research methods used in your area of discipline and demonstrate competence in selecting, conducting and interpreting a range of statistical techniques using appropriate computer software for statistical analysis (SPSS).

Topics covered include:

Quantitative research design, including survey and experimental methods

Data organisation and management

Questionnaire design and psychometric scale development

Reliability and validity of psychometric scales

Univariate and multivariate analysis

Regression techniques including hierarchical regression, logistic regression and path analysis

Factor analysis.

Credits:20

Stage:Masters

Core:Core module

–Health Care in Long Term Conditions

Code:7PS524

Info:

The aim of this module is to provide you with a critical awareness of the role of psychology in the onset, diagnosis, progression and management of various long term conditions.  Furthermore this module will provide you with a comprehensive understanding of key issues related to the nature of patient interaction with health care providers.  Finally, the role of the family and wider social environment in health and illness will be explored.

On successful completion of the module, you will be able to critically evaluate psychological theories relevant to the provision of health care and critically evaluate the role of psychology in the onset, diagnosis, progression and management of long term conditions.

Topics covered may include:

Incidence & range of long term conditions

Diagnosis and adjustment to LTCs

Coping & long term conditions; individual and social factors; interventions

Caregiving: stress, gender roles, spousal, familial and non-familial caregiving

Stigmatised conditions & identity: mental illness & physical disability

Long term conditions across the lifespan

Models of health care

Patient-practitioner communication

Treatment decision making

Breaking bad news; dying, death and bereavement.

Credits:20

Stage:Masters

Core:Core module

–Health Promotion and Behaviour Change

Code:7PS521

Info:

Understanding the complex interplay between psychological, biological, environmental, social and political factors that influence health is a necessary skill for health psychologists. The aim of this module is to provide you with an understanding of a range of factors that may influence health behaviour and behaviour change. In order to appreciate the potential role for health psychology, you will be introduced to current models and values that inform health promotion practice and provide the necessary knowledge and skills to successfully design and evaluate a health-based intervention.

On successful completion of the module, you will be able to critically evaluate the role of psychological theories and techniques in the promotion and maintenance of health; apply psychological theory to the design, development and evaluation of an intervention to modify a specific health related behaviour.

Topics covered may include:

Mediators of health and health behaviours

Psychological principles and techniques of behaviour change

Health promotion theory, models & approaches

Health Promotion in context

Design and evaluation of health promotion campaigns.

Credits:20

Stage:Masters

Core:Core module

–Professional Skills in Health Psychology

Code:7PS525

Info:

This module is about health psychologists in professional practice; how they work, what they do, how they are trained, and the skills they use, as well as contextual and policy issues that influence health psychologists in practice. In a series of interactive workshops, we explore and evaluate some of the key issues for professional practice and professional development. The module is also intended to support your own professional development, and a series of reflective activities are designed to enable you to reflect on, and plan for, your own professional development as health psychologists.

On successful completion of the module, you’ll be able to critically evaluate a range of professional issues in the practice of health psychology, and reflect on personal and professional development in the context of health psychology.

Topics covered may include:

UK and international training models

Dissemination and communication

Professional development planning

Health psychology consultancy

Behaviour change competencies

Health psychology teaching and training

Formative assessment planning and feedback

Health policy

Health practice ethics

Social and ethnic diversity

Respect and trust in healthcare.

Credits:20

Stage:Masters

Core:Core module

–Psychology of Health and Illness

Code:7PS520

Info:

Underpinning much of the activity within health psychology is the understanding of the processes that relate to the maintenance of health, prevention of disease and the promotion of psychological well being. It is also essential to understand the links between psychological factors, behaviour, physiological mechanisms and ill health.  This module aims to provide you with a broad knowledge base in these areas.

On successful completion of the module, you will be able to critically evaluate how health psychology theory and research has aided our understanding of the influences on health-related behaviour, and how psychological and physiological processes are associated with ill health.

This module will cover topic areas such as:

Introduction to the psychology of health and illness; contexts and perspectives; socio-demographic factors in health and illness

Understanding and predicting health and health behaviour

Models of health behaviour

Attribution factors; locus of control; personal control and health care; learned helplessness; self efficacy

Understanding and reporting illness

Biological and physiological aspects of stress; models of stress; coping with stress

Personality factors associated with health and illness

Psychological aspects of pain and pain management

Psychoneuroimmunology and the links between stress and the immune system.

Credits:20

Stage:Masters

Core:Core module

–Research Project in Health Psychology

Code:7PS992

Info:

It is intrinsic to the award of MSc that you present evidence of their capacity to conduct a substantial piece of independent research that builds clearly upon their prior learning and which draws upon appropriate methodologies.  The aim of this triple module is to allow you to identify a research issue, review existing literature on the topic, formulate novel research questions and test these questions through the application of contemporary psychological methodologies and appropriate data analysis and scientific write-up.

On successful completion of the module, you will be able to:

Design a piece of health psychology research and demonstrate awareness of and competence in applying all relevant ethical guidelines and principles

Demonstrate an ability to critically evaluate relevant contemporary and classic sources relevant to the specified research question or hypothesis

Conduct a feasible and ethical empirical study to address novel research question(s) and analyse and interpret the findings of the study to form coherent conclusions about the research question(s)

Present your findings in a way that is consistent with the standards of presentation and clarity expected of a professional research report within the field of health psychology

Present your findings in a way that is consistent with the standards of an oral presentation within the field of professional health psychology.

For each student the content of the module is largely defined by the scope and nature of your research question and its investigation.  The programme team will help you explore and discuss topics prior to final decision as to the Independent Studies to be undertaken.  Examples titles of an appropriate piece of research in Health Psychology could include:

Adolescent Smoking and Friendship Groups: The Mediating Role of Parenting Style

Stages of Change and Condom Use in a Heterosexual University Population

The Role of Perceived Social Support in the Management of Type II Diabetes Mellitus.

This is a triple module worth 60 credits.

Credits:60

Stage:Masters

Core:Core module

You will normally have, or expect to obtain, at least a 2:1 UK undergraduate degree in psychology or a related subject. The course will take between 2-3 years to complete on a part time basis.

Are you an overseas student?

If you are an international student with a degree that is not accredited by the BPS or is accredited by a different association, you can apply independently to the BPS to see if your degree can be recognised. For further information or guidance, please contact us.

English language qualifications

If English is not your first language you will need an English language qualification. For this course you will need at least one of the following:

-IELTS 6.5

-TOEFL 580 (paper based) 237 (computer based) or 92 (internet based)

-Pearson Test of Academic English: 51

-Cambridge Advanced Certificate: Pass

-London Tests of English: we accept level 5 for postgraduate courses

-International GCE O Level English Language: Grade C

-International GCSE English/English as a Second Language: Grade C

Specialist online university
University of Derby Online Learning (UDOL) specialises in delivering higher education and its objective is to empower students to achieve their full potential through a first class educational experience supported by information, advice and guidance.

University experience enriched with support
UDOL recognises that studying online and at a distance comes with its own challenges and that it’s a very different experience to traditional campus based study. The university´s support services have been designed to ensure that you can make the most of your time at the UDOL; with a wide range of support and information readily accessible.

Student support services include:

– Academic Team and Online Tutor
– Online Learner Advisor
– Student Wellbeing
– IT Service Centre
– eLibrary and Resource Centre
– Study Skills Advisory Scheme
– Skills Diagnostic Self-Assessment Tool
– Careers and Employment Service

Read more below:

Academic Team and Online Tutor
UDOL has a large team of highly qualified academics from around the world, who are experts in their field. They are research active and many of them have a wealth of experience in industry as well as in academia, bringing great value to the programmes. The team also has a high level of expertise in online learning, using best practice techniques combined with online teaching methods to ensure your studies are rich and stimulating.

Online Learner Advisors
Once enrolled onto your course, you will be assigned a dedicated Online Learner Advisor with extensive knowledge of your programme, who will be your main point of contact throughout your course.
To help you succeed in reaching your academic goals, your Online Learner Advisor will maintain regular communication with you, offering advice and guidance for any non-academic issues such as pace of study, fees and funding, authorised breaks from study, dealing with exceptional circumstances, and much more.

Student Wellbeing
Achieving success in your studies is affected as much by your wellbeing as it is by your academic ability. If you are happy and confident within yourself and your environment, then you will be far more able to achieve the success that you deserve.
The Student Wellbeing services offer support for anything that may impact on you, your academic performance or your experience as a student, from budgeting and anxiety to managing serious problems. The counsellors are especially trained in supporting students online, no matter the issue.
For students with disabilities, learning difficulties or long-term or mental health conditions, specialist support is also available. The student wellbeing team will assess your requirements and put Support Plans in place containing reasonable adjustments to the way you are taught or assessed.

IT Service Centre
The IT Service Centre is able to provide assistance if you are experiencing technical difficulties. They are available 24 hours a day so no matter your time zone, IT support is just a call away.

eLibrary and Resource Centre
The University’s library is accessible to online and distance learners. Investment has been made to make sure that your reading lists are in electronic format and that there is a wide range of online databases, digital texts and ejournals available to you.
As a UK based University of Derby student, you can also access other libraries via the SCONUL Access Scheme, which enables materials to be borrowed from higher-education libraries across the country. Many universities, HE colleges and national libraries throughout the UK and Ireland participate in the scheme making their resources widely available.
The library runs a comprehensive schedule of Support Sessions covering a wide range of topics. These live, one hourly webinars cover topics such as study skills, using the virtual library enquiry desk and dealing with assessment anxiety.

Study Skills Advisory Scheme
Developing your study skills is an integral part of studying. It is particularly important if you are returning to study after a long break and lack confidence in this area.
There is a wide range of resources including guides, audio-visual tutorials and live webinars covering:

– Writing essays and reports
– Writing a dissertation or Independent Studies
– Citing and referencing
– Reading and note taking
– Research skills
– Time management and coping with pressure
– Reflection and personal development planning
– And much more…

Skills Diagnostic Self-Assessment tool
To ensure you have the skills needed for online and academic study, our unique study skills diagnostic tool gives you the opportunity, at any point of your studies, to identify the skills that you are strong at and those which you may need additional help with. The tool will direct you to information and assisted support according to your needs.

Careers and Employment Service
Whether you’re just starting your career or are on a well-established pathway, the Careers and Employment Service has lots to offers. Live webinars, career coaching, CV tailoring and online resources are just some of the services that are freely available to help you develop your employability skills and to plan your next career move. The Careers and Employment service is equipped to help you explore what you will need to do to enhance your career and support you in applying for roles.
As an Alumnus of the University, you will have access to the Careers and Employment Centre for up to 3 years after graduation. You can access the service online, over Skype/ Hangout, on the phone, through e-mail or in person at our Derby campus.

Find out more about the careers and employment centre

– Step 1- Start your online application.

It’s free to apply and you have 28 days to complete your application so don’t worry if you don’t have everything to hand right now.

– Step 2 – Submit your online application.

Provide as much detail as you can and we will send you an email acknowledging receipt of your application.

Please, attach the following documents to your online application:

– Photo ID – this could be your passport or driving licence

– Written reference supplied on headed paper from either a manager, supervisor, tutor or teacher

– Copies of certificates or letter of testimony for previous qualifications

Don’t worry if you can’t attach your documents right away.  Simply write your name and unique application id onto them, email, fax or post them to us after you’ve submitted your completed application.

– Step 3 – Wait for a response.

Our Online Learning Advisors will review your application and contact you within 1 working week. If your application is successful, we will make you an ‘unconditional’ offer. If we still need some additional information from you (eg evidence of your qualifications and experience including certificates and references) we may make you a conditional offer. If your application is unsuccessful on this occasion, we will email you to let you know.

– Step 4 – Time to enrol

We’ll ask you to enrol onto your course about 4 – 6 weeks before the start of term.  For example, if you apply to start your course in September enrolment will open approximately mid-August.

– Step 5 – … and pay

Contact us for more details about payments and notes for sponsors.

– Need Help?

If you have any questions during your application, don’t hesitate to contact your friendly Online Learning Advisors for assistance.