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Queen's University Belfast

Psychology - Clinical Health Psychology

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 MSc include: research methods, health behaviour change, psycho-oncology, long term physical illness and arts in health.

This MSc 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.

Career Development
•Students on the programme will be able to avail of placement opportunities in a range of applied clinical and health settings

Internationally Renowned Experts
•Students on the programme will be taught by internationally renowned researchers in clinical health psychology

Student Experience
•The programme's focus on clinical and health psychology distinguishes it from other programmes in the UK

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.

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

Entry requirements

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.

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).

QUB
Intercalating medical and dental students within QUB will be considered if they have successfully completed the 3rd/4th year of their course at first attempt and achieved at least a 2.1 Honours standard. Intercalating applicants should also ensure they have permission to intercalate from either the Director for Medical Education or Dentistry as appropriate.

External

An external medical or dental student wishing to intercalate must be ranked in the top half of their year cohort to have their application considered. Applicants must have passed all assessments at first attempt for the year in which they are applying (normally 3rd or 4th year).

International Students

For information on international qualification equivalents, please check the specific information for your country.

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.

Duration

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

Careers or further progression

Career Prospects

Introduction
The MSc 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.

Subjects taught

Course Structure

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

Optional placement
The optional Applied Psychology Experience module will give students the opportunity to undertake a short placement in a setting relevant to the course. This might include working with a Clinical or Health Psychologist or in a third sector organisation.

Assessment method

Assessment

We will assess your performance in a variety of different ways

Coursework essays
Literature reviews
Case studies
Practical reports
Portfolios
Presentations
Dissertation

Application date

PLEASE NOTE:
Applications for this course received after 30th June 2020 may not be accepted. In addition, a deposit will be required to secure a place.

How to Apply

Apply using our online Postgraduate Applications Portal go.qub.ac.uk/pgapply and follow the step-by-step instructions on how to apply.