Name of Programme
MSc Health Psychology
Final Award
MSc
Location
Buckingham
Awarding Institution/Body
University Of Buckingham
Teaching Institution
University Of Buckingham
School of Study
School of Psychology
Programme Code(s)
PMSF1PHP / Full Time / 1 Year
Professional Body Accreditation
British Psychological Society
Relevant Subject Benchmark Statement (SBS)
BPS Standards for the accreditation of Master's & Doctoral programmes in Health Psychology (2017)
Admission Criteria
Graduate Basis for Chartership (GBC) from the British Psychological Society, 2:1 or higher in psychology
Applicable Cohort(s)
Spring 2023
FHEQ Level
7
UCAS Code
Summary of Programme
Bridging the gap between medicine and psychology, the course focuses on understanding the behavioural processes around health and sickness. The programme covers a wide-range of approaches, from advanced research methods, through to a working and evidence-based knowledge of theory and behaviour-change interventions. Over the course of the programme, students will develop a strong knowledge base and skill-set appropriate for professional practice in Health Psychology. They will learn to analyse, debate, discuss and devise behaviour change interventions for use in primary, secondary and community care. We encourage autonomy in design and analysis of research, allowing students to develop skills towards becoming an independent researcher, with an increased awareness of the practical reality of working with short- and long-term health conditions.
This programme offers a starting point in the route to chartered Health Psychologist status, through completion of Stage 1 training. This facilitates access to Stage 2 training, either via the British Psychological Society's(BPS) Qualification in Health Psychology (QHP Stage 2) or a BPS accredited docorate in Health Psychology, permitting registration with the Health and Care Professions Council.
This programme offers a starting point in the route to chartered Health Psychologist status, through completion of Stage 1 training. This facilitates access to Stage 2 training, either via the British Psychological Society's(BPS) Qualification in Health Psychology (QHP Stage 2) or a BPS accredited docorate in Health Psychology, permitting registration with the Health and Care Professions Council.
Educational Aims of the Programme
1. To develop a strong knowledge base and skill-set appropriate for professional practice in Health Psychology, as required for a successful career as an HCPC-registered Health Psychologist.
2. To foster an ability to analyse, debate, discuss and devise behaviour-change interventions for use in primary, secondary and community care.
3. To encourage excellence in research and increased awareness of the practical reality of working with short- and long-term health conditions.
4. To promote autonomy in analysis and design of research and related ethical implications
5. To recognise and exploit opportunities for integration of Health Psychology in social, cultural, organisational and political contexts.
2. To foster an ability to analyse, debate, discuss and devise behaviour-change interventions for use in primary, secondary and community care.
3. To encourage excellence in research and increased awareness of the practical reality of working with short- and long-term health conditions.
4. To promote autonomy in analysis and design of research and related ethical implications
5. To recognise and exploit opportunities for integration of Health Psychology in social, cultural, organisational and political contexts.
Programme Outcomes
Knowledge and Understanding
1. How to conduct qualitative and quantitative research of relevant to health psychology2. Develop a critical understanding of historical and current theories and approaches in health psychology
3. Appraise and evaluate evidence relating to the epidemiology of health and illness
4. Develop the knowledge and skills to enable progression to working with a range of client groups across the lifespan
5. Critically evaluate theoretical models of health-related behaviour and cognitions
6. Compare and contrast a range of interventions applicable to health psychology settings and health and wellbeing outcomes
7. Develop the knowledge and skills to enable working within a range of settings and contexts relevant to health psychology
8. Develop a critical understanding of psychometric and psychobiological outcome measures
9. Understand the principles and utility or critical self-reflection for development as a trainee health psychologist
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Teaching/Learning Strategy
1. Lectures, seminars and tutorials in all modules, particularly Advanced Quantitative Methods, Advanced Qualitative Methods and the Dissertation in Health Psychology2. Lectures, seminars and tutorials in all modules particularly in Context and Communication in Health Psychology, Health Behaviour, Cognitions and Interventions, and Managing Chronic Illness: Behaviour & Interventions 3. Lectures, seminars and tutorials in all modules, particularly in Physiological and Psychosomatic Disease Processes
4. Lectures, seminars and tutorials in all modules particularly in Context and Communication in Health Psychology, Professional Issues in Health Psychology and Managing Chronic Illness: Behaviour & Interventions
5. Lectures, seminars and tutorials in all modules, particularly in Health Behaviour, Cognitions and Interventions, and Managing Chronic Illness: Behaviour & Interventions
6. Lectures, seminars and tutorials in all modules, particularly in Health Behaviour, Cognitions and Interventions, and Managing Chronic Illness: Behaviour & Interventions 7. Lectures, seminars and tutorials in all modules, particularly in Context and Communication in Health Psychology, Professional Issues in Health Psychology and Managing Chronic Illness: Behaviour & Interventions and the Placement in Health Psychology
8. Lectures, seminars and tutorials in all modules, particularly in Health Behaviour, Cognitions and Interventions, Managing Chronic Illness: Behaviour & Interventions, Physiological and Psychosomatic Disease Processes and Advanced Quantitative Methods
9. Lectures, seminars and tutorials in all modules, particularly in Context and Communication in Health Psychology, Professional Issues in Health Psychology, Managing Chronic Illness: Behaviour & Interventions and the Placement in Health Psychology
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Assessment Strategy
1. Research report assignments and dissertation2. Assessed by coursework/exam on all modules
3. Assessed by coursework/exam in Physiological and Psychosomatic Disease Processes
4. Assessed by coursework/exam on all modules
5. Assessed by coursework/exam on all modules
6. Assessed by coursework/exam on all modules
7. Assessed by coursework/exam on all modules
8. Assessed by coursework/exam on all modules
9. Assessed by coursework/exam in Professional Issues in Health Psychology and the Placement in Health Psychology
Programme Outcomes
Cognitive Skills
1. Critically evaluate the current knowledge, theory and evidence base relevant to the discipline2. Apply critical reasoning and thinking to psychological aspects of health issues
3. Identify and solve problems using appropriate research strategies and skills in Health Psychology
4. Develop analytical and reasoning skills to present cogent arguments for research, interventions and theories.
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Teaching/Learning Strategy
1. Lectures, seminars and tutorials2. Self-study and tutorials
3. Self- study, seminars and tutorials
4. Self- study, seminars and tutorials
→
Assessment Strategy
1. Coursework and examination2. Coursework and examination
3. Coursework
4. Coursework and examination
Programme Outcomes
Practical/Transferable Skills
1. Identifying and developing skills and capabilities relevant to progression in health psychology practice2. Using a range of techniques and research methods applicable to psychological enquiry
3. Applying relevant ethical, legal and professional practice frameworks and maintaining professional boundaries
4. Communicating effectively with colleagues, research supervisors and a wider audience
5. Critically reflecting on and synthesising all of the above to inform a developing professional identity as a trainee health psychologist
6. Disseminating work appropriately in a range of appropriate written and oral formats
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Teaching/Learning Strategy
1. Lectures, seminars and tutorials2. Lectures, seminars and tutorials
3. Seminars and tutorials
4. Seminars and tutorials
5. Lectures, seminars, tutorials and self-study
6. Tutorials and seminars
→
Assessment Strategy
1. Coursework and examination2. Coursework and examination
3. Coursework and examination
4. Coursework
5. Coursework
6. Coursework and examination
External Reference Points
• Framework for Higher Education Qualifications (Link);
• Relevant Subject Benchmark Statement(s) (Link); The British Psychological Society’s Standards for the accreditation ofMasters & Doctoral programmes in health psychology (Link)
• The British Psychological Society’s Supplementary guidance on research and research methods on Society-accredited postgraduate programmes (Link)
• The British Psychological Society’s Guidance on teaching and assessment of ethical competence in psychology education (Link)
• The British Psychological Society’s Supplementary guidance for providers of accredited programmes on the roles and contributions of professional administrative staff (Link)
• The British Psychological Society’s Supplementary guidance on the roles and contributions of psychology technical staff (Link)
• Relevant Subject Benchmark Statement(s) (Link); The British Psychological Society’s Standards for the accreditation ofMasters & Doctoral programmes in health psychology (Link)
• The British Psychological Society’s Supplementary guidance on research and research methods on Society-accredited postgraduate programmes (Link)
• The British Psychological Society’s Guidance on teaching and assessment of ethical competence in psychology education (Link)
• The British Psychological Society’s Supplementary guidance for providers of accredited programmes on the roles and contributions of professional administrative staff (Link)
• The British Psychological Society’s Supplementary guidance on the roles and contributions of psychology technical staff (Link)
Please note: This specification provides a concise summary of the main features of the programme and the learning outcomes that a typical student might reasonably be expected to achieve and demonstrate if he/she takes full advantage of the learning opportunities that are provided. More detailed information on the learning outcomes, content and teaching, learning and assessment methods of each course unit/module can be found in the departmental or programme handbook. The accuracy of the information contained in this document is reviewed annually by the University of Buckingham and may be checked by the Quality Assurance Agency.
Date of Production
October 2018
Date approved by School Learning and Teaching Committee
2nd November 2018; Revised March 2023
Date approved by School Board of Study
Autumn 2018; Revised March 2023
Date approved by University Learning and Teaching Committee
Autumn 2018; Revised March 2023
Date of Annual Review
In line with the University Annual Monitoring Review process
PROGRAMME STRUCTURES
MSc Health Psychology
PMSF1PHP / Full Time / January Entry
Term 1
Winter
Winter
Advanced Quantitative Methods [L7/15U] (SPFAQNM)
Advanced Qualitative Methods [L7/15U] (SPFAQLM)
Health Behaviour, Cognitions & Interventions [L7/15U] (SPFHBCI)
Term 2
Spring
Spring
Professional Issues in Health Psychology [L7/15U] (SPFPIHP)
Dissertation in Health Psychology [L7/60U] (SPFDIHP)
Placement in Health Psychology [L7/15U] (SPFPIHS)
Term 3
Summer
Summer
Managing Chronic Illness: Healthcare and Professional Settings [L7/15U] (SPFMCIL)
Dissertation in Health Psychology [L7/60U] (SPFDIHP)
(Continued)
(Continued)
Placement in Health Psychology [L7/15U] (SPFPIHS)
(Continued)
(Continued)
Postgraduate Examination
Term 4
Autumn
Autumn
Context and Communication in Health Psychology [L7/15U] (SPFCCHP)
Physiological and Psychosomatic Disease Processes [L7/15U] (SPFPPDP)
MSc Health Psychology
PMSF1PHP / Full Time / September Entry
Term 1
Autumn
Autumn
Context and Communication in Health Psychology [L7/15U] (SPFCCHP)
Physiological and Psychosomatic Disease Processes [L7/15U] (SPFPPDP)
December Examination
Term 2
Winter
Winter
Advanced Quantitative Methods [L7/15U] (SPFAQNM)
Advanced Qualitative Methods [L7/15U] (SPFAQLM)
Health Behaviour, Cognitions & Interventions [L7/15U] (SPFHBCI)
Term 3
Spring
Spring
Professional Issues in Health Psychology [L7/15U] (SPFPIHP)
Dissertation in Health Psychology [L7/60U] (SPFDIHP)
Placement in Health Psychology [L7/15U] (SPFPIHS)
Term 4
Summer
Summer
Managing Chronic Illness: Healthcare and Professional Settings [L7/15U] (SPFMCIL)
Dissertation in Health Psychology [L7/60U] (SPFDIHP)
(Continued)
(Continued)
Placement in Health Psychology [L7/15U] (SPFPIHS)
(Continued)
(Continued)
Postgraduate Examination