Structure of the Programme

Programme Structure

The BPS-accredited MSc programme extends over one full calendar year for full-time students and two years (27 months) for part-time students.

The core taught component of the programme extends over two semesters. There are seven core modules. Main teaching sessions for these modules are timetabled for Mondays and Wednesdays.

  • PSYC 6001: Biopsychosocial Aspects of Health
  • PSYC 6002: Psychology & The Delivery of Health Care
  • PSYC 6003: Psychosocial Aspects of Illness and Disability
  • RESM 6009: ARM: Qualitative Methods
  • RESM 6010: ARM: Group Comparisons
  • RESM 6011: ARM: Correlational Methods
  • RESM 6012: ARM: Designing Research

In addition to the core modules, you will be expected to take one or two optional modules. Some tutorial and seminar teaching may also be scheduled on other days.

Students proceeding to MSc after successful completion of the taught modules (Diploma) will carry out and present an original piece of research in Health Psychology, an MSc Dissertation.

Private Study

On days of the week when lectures are not scheduled, students will be expected to work in the library, engage in practical work, attend tutorials and seminars in and outside the department and arrange study groups.

Attending Research Seminars

The Centre for Clinical and Community Applications of Health Psychology (CCCAHP) holds regular seminar series with presentations once a month. This series is viewed as an integral part of the MSc research methods training and attendance is compulsory. Students are also encouraged to join the staff and visiting speakers after the presentations for more informal and social interaction. Each year we have an exciting range of both internal and external speakers. The seminar series will give you an opportunity to meet some of the leading figures in UK and European health psychology and related disciplines and to learn about new and innovative research projects.  The seminar programme can be found on the CCCAHP noticeboard in the Psychology Department (Level 3) and you will also receive email invitations during the year.

The Psychology Department also holds regular seminars (in term-time) , given by invited speakers and staff members.  Please check the website for upcoming seminars.  Students are very welcome to attend these seminars and you are strongly encouraged to do so, especially when they are on health psychology topics!

Continuing Education

Individual modules may also be taken as free-standing Continuing Education programmes.

Studying Part-Time

Part-time students study alongside full-time students.  The following structure usually applies.

Year 1

  • PSYC 6001: Biopsychosocial Aspects of Health
  • PSYC 6002: Psychology & The Delivery of Health Care
  • RESM 6009: ARM: Qualitative Methods
  • RESM 6010: ARM: Group Comparisons
  • RESM 6011: ARM: Correlational Methods
  • RESM 6012: ARM: Designing Research

Year 2

  • PSYC 6003: Psychosocial Aspects of Illness and Disability
  • Optional Module(s)
  • PSYC 6022: Dissertation