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 PGDip include: research methods, health behaviour change, psycho-oncology and adjustment to long term physical illness.



This PGDip 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.

Core Modules

Health Behaviour Change (20 credits)

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

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

Applied Research Methods (20 credits)

Data Analysis (20 credits)



Optional Modules

Applied Psychology Experience (20 credits)

Introduction to Therapeutic Skills (20 credits)

Entrance requirements

Graduate

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



International Students

Our country/region pages include information on entry requirements, tuition fees, scholarships, student profiles, upcoming events and contacts for your country/region at https://www.qub.ac.uk/Study/international-students/your-country/



English Language Requirements

Evidence of an IELTS* score of 7.0, with not less than 6.0 in any component, or an equivalent qualification acceptable to the University is required (*taken within the last 2 years).



International students wishing to apply to Queen's University Belfast (and for whom English is not their first language), must be able to demonstrate their proficiency in English in order to benefit fully from their course of study or research. Non-EEA nationals must also satisfy UK Visas and Immigration (UKVI) immigration requirements for English language for visa purposes.



For more information on English Language requirements for EEA and non-EEA nationals see: www.qub.ac.uk/EnglishLanguageReqs.



If you need to improve your English language skills before you enter this degree programme, INTO Queen's University Belfast offers a range of English language courses. These intensive and flexible courses are designed to improve your English ability for admission to this degree.

Applicants are advised to apply as early as possible and ideally no later than 30th June 2026 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.

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

Entry Year: Academic Year 2026/27

Career Prospects

Introduction

The PGDip 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.



Employment after the Course

The focus of the course also supports graduates into careers in health policymaking, service development, public health, assistant psychology roles, and the charitable and voluntary sector. It also equips graduates with the skills and knowledge necessary to work in non-governmental organisations or other global health professional roles. The range of professional and research skills that our graduates develop support their employability in the third sector or private settings.



While the course offers an excellent starting point for those aspiring to become applied psychologists it does not provide a direct qualification for clinical practice in the UK. To become a Clinical Psychologist, a three-year doctorate in Clinical Psychology is required. This PGDip, however, lays groundwork for further clinical training and related career progression. For additional information on pursuing a career in psychology in the UK, the British Psychological Society website is an excellent resource.



Employment Links

Find your career in psychology on BPS website

https://www.bps.org.uk/find-your-career-psychology