Health Psychology – (M.Sc.)

Course Content

You will be required to study the following core modules in semester one:

* Context and Perspectives in Health Psychology
* Theories in Health Psychology
* Biomedical Perspectives in Health
* Core Research Methods
* Health and Clinical Research Methods

You will also be able to choose one of the optional modules listed below:

* Organisations, Stress and Health
* Environmental Psychology and Design
* Introduction to Health Promotion and Psychology
* Clinical Skills Workshops

Semester two covers the core modules listed below:

* Chronic Illness, Disability and Stress
* Health Across the Lifespan
* Healthcare Contexts
* Practice and Evaluation of Health Interventions
* Analytical Research Methods

In addition, you will be able to choose one optional module from the following:

* Marketing Health Interventions
* Health Promotion, Culture and International Development

Please note that all module details are subject to change.
Over the summer period towards the end of the course, you will undertake an applied research project. This is your opportunity to complete a major piece of independent research in a topic related to health psychology under the supervision of a suitably experienced member of academic staff.

Course Structure
The MSc in Health Psychology is delivered on a full-time basis over one year or part-time over two years. It commences in late September. The course comprises 180 credits, split across 120 credits´ worth of core and optional taught modules and a 60-credit research project.

Part-time students on this course are taught alongside full-time students and the choice of modules (and therefore the timetable) is flexible and a matter for agreement between student and course director. In all cases, part-time students can access a wide range of teaching and learning facilities remotely via the student portal.

Modules
Organisations, Stress and HealthThe module explores the role of psychological, social and organisational factors in individual and organisational health. A major theme is the nature of work-related stress - its nature, causes and effects. The most common causes of work-related ill-health concern adverse aspects of the way jobs are organised and people are managed. The experience of stress offers one vehicle for understanding the link between those adverse working conditions and individual and organisational ill-health. The module also considers other major contemporary concerns such as absence from work and the implications of an ageing workforce. The focus of the module then shifts towards an exploration how these problems and others can be best controlled and managed. An overarching model of prevention and organisational interventions is suggested, and future challenges, both theoretical and practical identified.Environmental Psychology and DesignThis module explores some of the ways in which the physical environment influences peoples´ attitudes, behaviour and well-being. The focus of the module is upon the workplace and other organisational settings e.g. health care environments. Evidence is presented throughout the module to show that the Physical environment, whether natural or built, can influence attitudes, behaviour and well-being either directly or indirectly, i.e. in interaction with elements of the social environment. Loud noise, for example, is directly responsible for damage to the hearing system, while even low volume noise can make one feel very agitated if you are trying to sleep, or read a complex scientific paper! A range of what might be termed psycho-geographic concepts are covered in the module including personal space, privacy, window access, personalisation and `supportive design´. Applied Research ProjectEmpirical research project in applied psychology. Clinical SkillsThis module will introduce students to practical skills needed for working with clients in a health care setting. Practical training will be given in interviewing, assessment and counselling. Psychological models of assessment and intervention will be explored. Marketing and Health InterventionsThis module discusses the marketing strategies of selling health promotion to organisations, health professionals and to the wider community. It describes the application of marketing tools such as effective communication and presentation techniques for the successful implementation of health promotion initiatives. It also addresses issues of attracting participation of individuals to such initiatives.Practice & Evaluation of Health InterventionsThis module builds an appreciation of a) the design of health interventions and the evaluation of outcomes; b) health education and health promotion. This will be illustrated with reference to workplace interventions, community interventions and public health initiatives.Context & Perspectives in Health PsychologyThis module seeks to develop an appreciation of (a) historical & current perspectives in health psychology, (b) the biological and genetic basis of illness, (c) an awareness of related disciplines, e.g. evolutionary medicine and (d) the impact of social & cultural factors.Theories in Health PsychologyThis module seeks to develop an appreciation of (a) health-related behaviour, (b) health-related cognitions and (c) individual differences in health & illness. This will be illustrated with reference to key topics in the health & occupational health literature.Bio-medical Perspectives in Health PsychologyThis module seeks to develop understanding of (a) the body´s physical systems, (b) what happens when things go wrong and (c) psychoneuroimmunology.Health Across the LifespanThis module introduces key aspects of health psychology and facilitates debate about different approaches to the study of health. These include (a) reproductive health and decision making; (b) children's perception of illness; (c) the role of the family in the promotion and maintenance of health; (d) caring for a relative with a chronic illness; (e) changes in health across the lifespan and (f) death, dying and bereavement.Healthcare ContextsThis module develops an appreciation of key issues in the interaction between patients and health care contexts. These include (a) communication in health care settings; (b) the impact of screening; (c) the impact of hospitalisation on adults / children; (d) preparation for stressful medical procedures; (e) giving bad news; (f) adherence to medical treatment; (g) communication and patient satisfaction; and (h) the psychological affect of placebos.Chronic Illness, Disability & StressThis module explores issues related to coping with chronic illness and disability and the management of pain. Topics covered include (a) Models of coping with chronic illness; (b) theories of pain and pain management; (c) psychological interventions in chronic illness and disability and (d) the influence of culture, age and gender on health and illness.Health Promotion, Culture and International DevelopmentThis module allows students to study health issues in a cultural and international context. It considers the principles and approaches to health promotion that are specific to different cultures in for example the UK, and abroad eg developing countries.Personal and Professional DevelopmentThis module aims to provide students with an opportunity to explore their own personal and professional development within the context of applied psychologyPromoting Health via the InternetThis module aims to provide students with an appreciation of the role of the Internet to promoting health.Core Research MethodsThis module discusses the nature and philosophy of psychology as a social science. Students will be introduced to basic issues relating to the nature, philosophy and strategies of social science, to related issues of research methods and ethics. The module will consider the practical and social psychological issues involved in conducting research in field situations (eg obtaining participants, sampling, keeping records)Health and Clinical Research MethodsThe module will cover health and clinical scales and assessment, epidemiology, interviewing and qualitative analysis, RCTs, single case experimental designs, systematic reviews and meta-analysisAnalytical Research MethodsThis module builds on previous research methods modules and provides students with an introduction to a range of advanced research methods, including advanced experimental and multivariate techniques, and newer methods such as internet research. The focus will be on members of staff discussing the key methods used in their own research.