• Study important topics facing society such as obesity, lifestyle and stress, and examine them from the viewpoint of staff currently researching these topics
• Explore the explicit links between scientific theory and practice by showing how a critical understanding of theory may guide the collection and interpretation of empirical data within a given context
• Develop a systematic understanding of knowledge and a critical awareness of current problems, and acquire new insights into the theory and practice of health psychology
• Gain a high level of knowledge of qualitative and quantitative research methods that will allow you to perform complex data analysis, interpretation, evaluation and synthesis, and develop your competence in a range of techniques including multivariate analyses
• Benefit from the development of a strong sense of personal responsibility and professionalism that will enable you to practise or conduct research within ethical guidelines.

Units

• Advanced Research Methods For Health Psychologists (PSY001-6) Compulsory
• Dissertation (Health Psychology) (PSY009-6) Compulsory
• Health Psychology In Context (PSY005-6) Compulsory
• Lifestyle And Individual Differences (PSY003-6) Compulsory
• Mechanisms Of Health And Disease (PSY006-6) Compulsory
• Perceptions And Actions (PSY002-6) Compulsory
• Professional Skills For Health Psychologists (PSY008-6) Compulsory
• Public Health (PSY004-6) Compulsory
• Stress, Coping And Chronic Disease (PSY007-6) Compulsory

The primary focus is to ensure build upon the core skills developed through successful achievement of the completed Graduate Basis for Chartered Status (via an approved undergraduate degree or conversion postgraduate course) and to move towards the competences required of a Health Psychologist as outlined in the Subject Benchmark statement for Psychology (QAA, 2016) and aims and objectives of a Stage 1 Qualification in Health Psychology as set out by the British Psychological Society (2017). The assessment strategy therefore reflects the academic rigour required for a BPS accredited MSc degree. The assessments are designed to test your academic knowledge, oral and written skills, use of literature using primary and secondary sources, critical analysis of ideas, connections made between theory, practice, real life situations and the understanding and application of professional values, to include ethical issues as detailed by the BPS. The ability to engage in research at a high level and to analyse data using advanced statistical techniques are assessed as these are important skills for health psychologists as well as important in many employment settings. Communication skills are assessed through videotaped role play as these are very important in any career. The ability to analyse and understand issues and apply theory to practice are assessed through a consultancy brief. Finally the important career skill of project management is assessed mainly through the research dissertation involving self-directed problem-based enquiry, managing time, reviewing evidence, generating and analysing data and communicating results in an extended piece of writing.