Psychology - Health Psychology

Your Course
This programme is the only MSc in Health Psychology accredited by the Psychological Society of Ireland (PSI). It is intended for psychology graduates seeking to develop their knowledge and expertise in Health Psychology. The MSc will enable students to conduct high-quality research and will prepare them to undertake further professional training in health psychology and other areas of psychology.

The course is concerned with the application of psychological theory, methods and research to health, illness and healthcare. Modules cover a wide variety of topics, including health behaviour change, adjustment to chronic illness, doctor-patient communication, management of chronic pain, and the nature of stress and its psycho-biological consequences. Students also take classes in research methods in health psychology and carry out an empirical research project in a health-related area.

Minimum Entry Requirements
The programme is intended for psychology graduates (at National Framework of Qualifications Level 8; www.nfq.ie/nfq/ eu) with at least a Second Class Honours primary degree in Psychology (or equivalent). The selection of candidates is based on academic merit. In recent years, candidates who have been offered a place on the programme have at least an upper Second Class Honours primary degree in Psychology. The degree (or equivalent) should be accredited by the PSI, or should be an equivalent international qualification that includes a major final year research project.

WHEN TO APPLY:
NUI Galway does not set a deadline for receipt of applications (with some exceptions). Offers will be issued on a continuous basis. Candidates are encouraged to apply as early as possible.

1MHP1: 1 year, full-time; 1MHP2: 2 years, part-time.

Career Opportunities
A range of career opportunities are open to graduates in areas such as health-related research and health promotion, working with health authorities or voluntary organisations, and providing support, education and training to those with health-related difficulties. This MSc also provides an excellent foundation for further postgraduate study (e.g., Psychology and Health PhD, Structured PhD in Health Psychology Practice or doctoral training in Clinical Psychology), or working as a researcher in the broad area of health service research.