Psychology - 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 through the use of 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 as a result of a physical health complaint. The topics covered in the PGDip include: research methods, health behaviour change, psycho-oncology and long term physical illness.

This PGDip aims to provide graduate students with an opportunity for advanced study in specialist topics in the field of clinical health psychology and to prepare graduate students for more advanced research in clinical health psychology, professional training in psychology or other discipline-related professional training. It also provides graduate students with an opportunity for advanced study in specialist topics in the field of clinical health psychology and prepares them for more advanced research in clinical health psychology, professional training in psychology or other discipline-related professional training.

Clinical Health Psychology Highlights
Internationally Renowned Experts
Research in the School has been judged to be 'world-leading' and 'outstanding' by the 2014 Research Excellence Framework (REF).

Learning and Teaching
Lecturers on the programme are experts in Clinical Health Psychology and have active research programmes in the area. Thus, teaching on the programme is research-led.

We operate a proactive system of student support. The Postgraduate Advisor of Studies will guide and support you through your time with us, supported by the School's knowledgeable and friendly administrative staff. Good communication between staff and students is central and we operate a Student-Staff Consultative Committee specifically for taught MSc programmes. Membership of this committee includes elected representatives from each of the taught postgraduate programmes, the Director of Postgraduate Taught Education, programme directors and the School Manager. This Committee allows students to quickly raise matters of concern to them and enables the School to keep students appraised of matters affecting the School and wider University.

The School of Psychology at Queen's has a distinguished history in educating undergraduate and postgraduate students. The School operates a single honours undergraduate degree on which c500 students are enrolled, three taught MSc degrees, professional doctorates in Clinical Psychology and Educational, Child and Adolescent Psychology, and a highly active research PhD programme. Many of the members of staff teaching on our programmes have international reputations in their field. All are committed teachers and researchers.

Our aim as a School is to recruit the best students locally and internationally. We aim to build a supportive learning environment that stimulates students to do their best work.

We provide students with a range of opportunities to learn and have included some further information on these below.

Lectures
Lectures serve a number of purposes: they provide information about a topic and the basis for further self-directed study. They also provide an opportunity for class discussion, questions and feedback. In many cases lectures are followed by student-led seminars.

Placements
Students will have an opportunity to avail of the option of learning in the workplace by undertaking a short placement in a context that is relevant to Clinical Health Psychology. This may involve working with a clinician or in a health-focussed third sector organisation.

Self-guided Study
Self-guided study is an essential part of any taught PGDip course when private reading and research, preparation for assignments and reflection on feedback is carried out.

Course Structure
This PGDip is one-half research methods and analysis, one-half clinical health psychology content.

Core Modules
• Psycho-oncology: Living with and beyond a cancer diagnosis (20 credits)
• Psychological Adjustment In Chronic Physical Conditions (20 credits)
• Research Design and Essential Methods in Clinical Health Psychology (10 credits)
• Principles of Qualitative Research Methods and Data Analysis 1 (10 credits)
• Health Behaviour Change (20 credits)
• Research Skills (10 credits)
• Quantitative Data Analysis 1 (10 credits)

Optional Modules
• Introduction to Therapeutic Skills (10 credits)
• Applied Psychology Experience (10 credits)
• Principles of Qualitative Research Methods and Data Analysis 2 (10 credits)
• Quantitative Data Analysis 2 (10 credits)

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

International Students
Our country/region pages include information on entry requirements, tuition fees, scholarships, student profiles, upcoming events and contacts for your country/region. Use the dropdown list below for specific information for your country/region.

English Language Requirements
An IELTS* score of 6.5, with not less than 5.5 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.

• Academic English: an intensive English language and study skills course for successful university study at degree level

• Pre-sessional English: a short intensive academic English course for students starting a degree programme at Queen's University Belfast and who need to improve their English.

The deadline for applications is normally 30th June 2023. However, we encourage applicants to apply as early as possible. In the event that any programme receives a high number of applications, the University reserves the right to close the application portal earlier than 30th June deadline. Notifications to this effect will appear on the Direct Application Portal against the programme application page.

Please note:
Applications for this course received after 30th June 2023 may not be accepted. In addition, a deposit will be required to secure a place.

How to Apply
Applications should be submitted online via the Postgraduate Applications Portal for admission to the vast majority of postgraduate programmes.

New applicants will need to register via the Portal to create an application account. If you are already a Queen's student with an active Qsis account, you can log in using your student number and Qsis password. Guidance on how to complete an application is provided within the Portal and it is possible to save application data and return to complete it at a later date, if you wish. After core details about yourself and your academic background have been provided, you can submit an application, or multiple applications, if required.

If you applied in a previous cycle through the Portal and are re-applying, you should use your previous log in details. Please review and update your personal and contact details, academic and professional qualifications before submitting a new application.

Important – please ensure that the email address you provide is correct and active, as this will be used by us to communicate the progress of your application to you.

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

Teaching Times
Teaching will take place on two days each week.

Career Prospects
Introduction
The PGDip Clinical Health Psychology is likely to be of interest to students considering careers in Clinical or Health Psychology. We expect some graduates to go on to complete professional training in these areas whilst others may forge careers in the health service, or in the third sector.

Graduate Plus/Future Ready Award for extra-curricular skills
In addition to your degree programme, at Queen's you can have the opportunity to gain wider life, academic and employability skills. For example, placements, voluntary work, clubs, societies, sports and lots more. So not only do you graduate with a degree recognised from a world leading university, you'll have practical national and international experience plus a wider exposure to life overall. We call this Graduate Plus/Future Ready Award. It's what makes studying at Queen's University Belfast special.