Clinical Health Psychology

Overview

Clinical health psychology (sometimes referred to as behavioural medicine, medical psychology or psychosomatic medicine) is an applied discipline that focuses on people with a health condition that could be prevented, treated or rehabilitated using psychological techniques or procedures.



The primary interest is on problems that present as physical complaints rather than emotional or mental health issues. Nevertheless, clinical health psychology is concerned with the emotional problems that may arise because of a physical health complaint. The topics covered in the MSc include: research methods, health behaviour change, psycho-oncology and adjustment to long term physical illness.



This MSc aims to provide graduate students with an opportunity for advanced study in specialist topics in clinical health psychology. It prepares graduate students for more advanced research in clinical health psychology, professional training in psychology or other discipline-related professional training, and successful future careers.



Students will develop a critical awareness of issues in the scientific and applied areas of clinical health psychology, and the methodological skills to contribute to, and interrogate the discipline.



**Note: This course does not confer eligibility for Graduate Basis for Chartered Membership (GBC) with the British Psychological Society. This course does not provide the Stage 1 qualification in Health Psychology that is a prerequisite for stage 2/doctorate training in Health Psychology. Find further information from the British Psychological Society website.



Course Structure

This MSc is one-third research methods and analysis, one-third clinical health psychology content and one-third dissertation.

Year 1

Core Modules

Health Behaviour Change (20 credits)

Psychological Adjustment in Long-Term Physical Conditions (20 credits)

Clinical Health Psychology Dissertation (60 credits)

Psycho-oncology: Living with and beyond a cancer diagnosis (20 credits)

Data Analysis (20 credits)

Applied Research Methods (20 credits)



Optional Modules

Introduction to Therapeutic Skills (20 credits)

Applied Psychology Experience (20 credits)

Graduate

Normally a 2.1 Honours degree or above in Psychology or an acceptable related subject, or equivalent qualification acceptable to the University.



An external medical or dental student wishing to intercalate must have successfully completed all assessments at first attempt for the year in which they are applying. External intercalating applicants should also ensure they have the permission of the Head of Undergraduate Medical/Dental Education or equivalent from their home University.



In the absence of a formal qualification that meets the above criteria, applicants may apply for recognition of prior learning. The University's Recognition of Prior Learning Policy provides guidance on the assessment of experiential learning (RPEL). Please visit the link below for more information. http://go.qub.ac.uk/RPLpolicyQUB

Applicants are advised to apply as early as possible and ideally no later than 30th June 2025 for courses which commence in late September. In the event that any programme receives a high number of applications, the University reserves the right to close the application portal prior to the deadline stated on course finder. Notifications to this effect will appear on the application portal against the programme application page.



Please note: a deposit will be required to secure a place.

Assessment


We will assess your performance in a variety of different ways


Coursework essays

Literature reviews

Case studies

Practical reports

Portfolios

Presentations

Dissertation

1 year (Full Time), 2 years (Part Time).

Entry Year: 2025/26

Career Prospects

Introduction

The MSc Clinical Health Psychology provides a strong grounding in clinical health psychology including research, theory, and practical applications. Graduates who wish to pursue a career as an applied psychologist either progressing into research or a PhD, or into further clinical training such as clinical psychology will find this course of interest.