About this course
MSc Health Psychology meets the Stage 1 training requirement for BPS accreditation. The course has a strong emphasis on psychological investigation and ethical issues.
- Study on this course which is fully accredited by the British Psychological Society for Stage 1 Training in Health Psychology
- Learn from an academic team that includes Health Psychologists registered with the BPS and HCPC and RAPPS Approved Supervisors for trainees continuing onto the BPS Stage 2 Qualification in Health Psychology or LJMU's Professional Doctorate in Health Psychology
- Access world-class facilities in the award-winning Tom Reilly Building
The primary goal of health psychology is to contribute to the understanding of how physical, intellectual, emotional and spiritual factors influence health and illness within a sociocultural framework.
If you have an interest in how psychology affects health and illness behaviour, and how it can be used to enhance wellbeing and encourage healthier lifestyles, this Masters is ideal. If you intend to, or currently work with clients with long term conditions, you will also benefit from the course.
The curriculum aims to examine issues of coping and adjustment as well as relationships with caregivers. It covers all aspects of health across the lifespan, making the course suitable if you are working with children or adults.
During your studies you will learn about the application of psychology for the promotion and maintenance of health, the analysis and improvement of the health care system and health policy formation, the prevention of illness and the enhancement of wellbeing in those affected by illness or disability.
Staff in the School of Natural Sciences and Psychology produce high quality research in a range of areas of expertise including: health psychology, long term conditions (e.g. pain, diabetes, obesity, cancer, coronary heart disease), design and evaluation of complex interventions to improve health, screening, appetitive behaviour, mindfulness and the development and evaluation of Patient Reported Outcome Measures (PROMs). The team have long-standing expertise in training and developing Health Psychologists.
Claire's story
Clare Austin studied Psychology for her first degree before coming to LJMU for her masters in Health Psychology.
I moved to LJMU as I had heard really good things about the place from friends who had already studied here.
Postgraduate study is very different to undergraduate as there are fewer formal lectures and much more independent study. This does, however, improve your timekeeping and organisational skills.
I have really enjoyed the freedom to do my thesis on a topic I am passionate about. LJMU is very good at supporting students and highlighting future opportunities – something that other universities don’t always do. I have always received constructive feedback on my assignments, enabling me to improve my weak areas, maximise my strengths and keep moving forward. Staff are helpful and flexible in their approach and this enables you to reach your true potential.
The University is also very good at preparing you for work and further study. We have had lots of career talks from alumni demonstrating the opportunities available to us. These have often been in areas we hadn’t previously considered.
Without LJMU I simply wouldn’t have had the great opportunities I have been given and I certainly wouldn’t have had the skills to carry out the PhD I am currently undertaking in the School of Sport and Exercise Science.”
Esther's story
Following her undergraduate degree in Psychology, Esther Gabriel joined LJMU to study for a masters in Health Psychology.
"I chose to study at Masters level because I want to be a Psychologist and therefore need a postgraduate qualification. I liked the fact that UK courses were just a year long and also that the standard of education is very good. I looked into a list of schools and discovered that LJMU was one of the best.
LJMU has good, innovative courses and my personal tutor and academic support group are always there to help whenever I need them. PG study is exactly what I was expecting: challenging, satisfying and fulfilling.
I am really keen to learn about holistic healing. Sustaining a patient's psychological wellbeing is an essential part of recovery. Mortality rates in a large number of long term conditions can often be attributed to depression or a sense of hopelessness which, in many cases, could be resolved.
My studies have given me a sense of empowerment, showing me that I can be what I want to be, they have expanded my research capacity and shown me that I can make a difference to those whose mental health issues are all too often ignored.
My personal tutor is a real source of motivation, encouraging me and showing me the way. I have never been made to feel uncomfortable when I have asked questions and no-one has given me the impression that my questions were foolish.
I feel a sense of safety in Liverpool and that, to me, is essential to my productivity. Liverpool is a friendly, serene city offering good value for money. I will certainly recommend it and LJMU to my friends.
On graduation I want to do a PhD in psychology and, long term, I want to become a leader in the field of health psychology for chronic conditions, including addictions."
Course modules
Discover the building blocks of your programme
Your programme is made up of a number of core modules and an empirical project. The specific programme aims include:
- providing an academically rigorous framework through which students can study scientifically the psychological processes involved in health, illness and health care with reference to the application of psychology for:
- the promotion and maintenance of health
- the analysis and improvement of the health care system and health policy formation
- the prevention of illness and the enhancement of wellbeing in those affected by illness or disability
- promoting students awareness of the range of applications of health psychology
- providing students with a qualification which meets stage 1 of the BPSs training towards Chartered Psychologist status
Further guidance on modules
Modules are designated core or optional in accordance with professional body requirements, as applicable, and LJMU’s Academic Framework Regulations. Whilst you are required to study core modules, optional modules provide you with an element of choice. Their availability may vary and will be subject to meeting minimum student numbers.
Where changes to modules are necessary these will be communicated as appropriate.
Core modules
Fundamental Issues in Health Psychology
20 credits
20 credits
This module provides a historical overview of health psychology with particular emphasis on key philosophical, conceptual and theoretical developments. It covers theoretical models of health beliefs, anxiety, fear and perceptions of illness. Moreover, it focuses on health behaviours as well as theoretical analyses and criticism. It helps you to gain knowledge of fundamental issues and perspectives implicated in understanding and predicting health behaviour.
Analysis for Health Psychology
20 credits
20 credits
The module develops, to a professional level, your existing knowledge of, and skills in: data acquisition, validation, coding, analysis, interpretation and presentation of analysis in different formats. The module aims to:
- develop your understanding of the appropriate management of both qualitative and quantitative data
- provide an overview of, and training in, the use of mainstream computer packages used in the analysis of both qualitative and quantitative data
- develop your ability to conduct appropriate statistical tests and interpret the results obtained from complex, multivariate analyses within the context of the limitations of statistical methods and research design
- provide you with the skills to present data analyses in report format commensurate with publication guidelines for the field of study
- develop to a professional level, your existing knowledge of, and skills in, data acquisition, validation, coding, analysis, interpretation and presentation
Long-Term Conditions
10 credits
10 credits
This module aims to foster a profound understanding of the psychological aspects related to the course and outcomes of long-term conditions, particularly those relevant to the NHS and Public Health, such as diabetes, heart disease, cancer, and obesity.
Health Psychology: Context and Applications
20 credits
20 credits
This module introduces you to the ways in which theory and knowledge covered in other MSc modules can be applied in context. It aims to:
- investigate and practise the basic interpersonal, communication, technical and professional skills required of a practitioner in an applied setting
- examine the role interpersonal factors have on patients’ decisions to seek and comply with treatment
Psychosocial Factors and Health
20 credits
20 credits
This module enables you to develop in-depth understanding of behavioural, cognitive, emotional and individual difference factors that contribute to health and illness.
Stress, Health and Coping
10 credits
10 credits
This module covers the concept of stress and coping and how it relates to health outcomes.
Empirical Project (PT)
60 credits
60 credits
The aim of this module is to provide you with the opportunity to gain practical 'hands on' experience of empirical research in relation to a question of your own choosing. It allows you to gain a deeper understanding of the conceptual, methodological and logistical problems that may be encountered when conducting research.
Your Learning Experience
An insight into teaching on your course
Study hours
Teaching for full-time students is on Mondays and Wednesdays. There is a mixture of teaching hours from 9am to 6pm, which vary across semesters. Formal teaching occurs in semester 1 (September to December) and semester 2 (January to May), although you are required to attend university to meet with your dissertation supervisor and to attend presentation days, etc until your final thesis submission date at the end of August. Around 35 hours’ student learning per week is recommended.
Part-time students attend on Wednesdays in year 1 and Mondays in year 2. Your final thesis is submitted in August in year 2.
Teaching methods
The course provides a range of learning approaches. Workshop activities provide opportunities for formative feedback from peers and tutors and tutor support during the preparation of coursework also facilitates formative feedback.
Applied learning
Many students conduct their research project in applied health settings such as the NHS and charity sectors. As such, these research studies support you to build real experience in the working environment and create professional relationships outside of the university setting.
How learning is monitored on your programme
To cater for the wide-ranging content of our courses and the varied learning preferences of our students, we offer a range of assessment methods on each programme.
Where you will study
What you can expect from your School
The School is based in LJMUs City Campus at the Byrom Street site, which is located in the heart of Liverpool city Centre. We offer postgraduates excellent laboratory and research facilities, including appetite laboratories, psychology testing labs and neuroscience labs in our award-winning Tom Reilly Building.
Course tutors
Our staff are committed to the highest standards of teaching and learning
Dr Tara Kidd
Programme Leader
The most rewarding aspect of my role is supporting MSc students in developing their career ambitions, particularly those who aspire to become Health Psychologists.
The most rewarding aspect of my role is supporting MSc students in developing their career ambitions, particularly those who aspire to become Health Psychologists.
Lisa's career began in the NHS as a Programme and Commissioning Manager within public health. She moved into academia in 2011 to develop her interest in healthcare research and to promote the field of health psychology. Lisa is an HCPC Practitioner Psychologist; a BPS Chartered Health Psychologist and a BPS Health Psychology Stage Two Professional Supervisor and Assessor. She is currently carrying out public health research in smoking cessation, physical activity and obesity plus healthcare research in Type 2 diabetes, the treatment of obesity, improving patient adherence to clinical advice and experiences of care.
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Lecturer/Senior Lecturer -
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Lecturer/Senior Lecturer
Career paths
Further your career prospects
LJMU has an excellent employability record with 96% (HESA 2018) of our postgraduates in work or further study six months after graduation. Our applied learning techniques and strong industry connections ensure our students are fully prepared for the workplace on graduation and understand how to apply their knowledge in a real world context.
Health psychology graduates work in a variety of areas. Many go on to Stage 2 training and subsequently achieve Chartered Psychologist status and become HCPC Registered Health Psychologists.
Post MSc, some students work in research settings and go on to doctoral research (PhD/Professional Doctorate in Health Psychology).
A growing number of graduates work in health education, health promotion, health administration and health audit, others are involved in the organisational aspects of delivering health care and work within the health service.
Graduates from the programme have secured roles including PhD Researcher, Health Trainer, Health and Migration Consultant, Assistant Psychologist and Smoking Cessation Adviser. They work for organisations including Ps4SE, The NHS, The Adelphi Group and mental health care groups.
Professional accreditation/links
The programme is BPS accredited for Stage 1 Training in Health Psychology for those applicants with BPS Graduate Basis for Chartered Status (GBC). This means, by the end of the course, you will be provided with a qualification which meets the requirements of Stage 1 training.
Fees and funding
Tuition Fees:
There are many ways to fund postgraduate study for home and international students
Fees
The fees quoted at the top of this page cover registration, tuition, supervision, assessment and examinations as well as:
- library membership with access to printed, multimedia and digital resources
- access to programme-appropriate software
- library and student IT support
- free on-campus wifi via eduroam
Additional costs
Although not all of the following are compulsory/relevant, you should keep in mind the costs of:
- accommodation and living expenditure
- books (should you wish to have your own copies)
- printing, photocopying and stationery
- PC/laptop (should you prefer to purchase your own for independent study and online learning activities)
- mobile phone/tablet (to access online services)
- field trips (travel and activity costs)
- placements (travel expenses and living costs)
- student visas (international students only)
- study abroad opportunities (travel costs, accommodation, visas and immunisations)
- academic conferences (travel costs)
- professional-body membership
- graduation (gown hire etc)
Funding
There are many ways to fund postgraduate study for home and international students. From loans to International Scholarships and subject-specific funding, you’ll find all of the information you need on our specialist postgraduate funding pages.
Please be aware that the UK’s departure from the EU may affect your tuition fees. Learn more about your fee status and which tuition fees are relevant to you.
Entry requirements
You will need:
Qualification requirements
Undergraduate degree
- Minimum 2:1 honours degree in Psychology and to have satisfied the BPS conditions
for Graduate Basis for Chartership (GBC)
Further information
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Extra Requirements
Applicants must be in date and have current skill ( to ensure BPS professional standards and ability to engage in Level 7 MSc)– where an undergraduate degree is dated (beyond 5 years), the admissions process may request for the candidate to complete an assessment to demonstrate knowledge of current health psychology practice (short essay) and a brief research analysis test. Failure to demonstrate current practice or ability would result in decline- or recommendation to update skills for a conditional offer.
International students must be able to obtain GBC status from the BPS prior to commencing the MSC, and GBC confirmation is, therefore, a conditional offer.
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RPL
- RPL is accepted on this programme
International requirements
IELTS
- IELTS English Language at a minimum of 7.0 or equivalent, with no less than 6.5 in any single component
Other international requirements
- International students applying to study a full-time taught Masters, MRes, MPhil or PhD at LJMU should check if they require an Academic Technology Approval Scheme or ATAS certificate
How to apply
Securing your place at LJMU
To apply for this programme, you are required to complete an LJMU online application form. You will need to provide details of previous qualifications and a personal statement outlining why you wish to study this programme.
Your student experience
There's so much more to university than just studying for a degree.
Postgraduate life at LJMU
See the amazing support you will get from the university, the academic expertise of the staff here, the first-class learning environment, fabulous libraries, excellent career guidance and their ongoing love affair with the city of Liverpool.
Accommodation
As a new student at LJMU, we guarantee accommodation right in the heart of the dynamic city centre, with easy access to the main University campuses.
You can view our approved accommodation to see the halls that we offer to new students.
Your campus
We’re very proud of our campuses. Not only because they provide a modern and inspiring learning space for all our students but also because they’re a place people really want to be.
Living in Liverpool
Liverpool is one of Europe's most dynamic and cultured cities. Come find out why it's a great city to study in.
Go abroad
LJMU aims to make international opportunities available to every student. You may be able to study abroad as part of your degree at one of our 100+ partner universities across the world. You could also complete a work placement or apply for one of our prestigious worldwide internship programmes.
Sports, societies and lifestyle
Getting involved in sports, clubs and societies at Liverpool John Moores University is a great way to challenge yourself, meet people who share your interests, and feel more connected to the University community.
Talk to our students
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The University reserves the right to withdraw or make alterations to a course and facilities if necessary; this may be because such changes are deemed to be beneficial to students, are minor in nature and unlikely to impact negatively upon students or become necessary due to circumstances beyond the control of the University. Where this does happen, the University operates a policy of consultation, advice and support to all enrolled students affected by the proposed change to their course or module.