Entry requirementsApplicants with a good honours degree, usually 2.1 or above, that confers eligibility for Graduate Basis Recognition of the British Psychological Society (BPS) will be considered. Suitable applicants may be called for interview. Students applying from outside the UK or who do not have a BPS accredited Bachelor’s degree in Psychology, must check with the BPS to see if they qualify for Graduate Basis Registration (GBR). Aston offers a Graduate Diploma in Psychology which can supplement your existing qualifications and give you GBR status. Once you have obtained GBR you may apply for the MSc Health Psychology. Overseas applicants will also need to demonstrate their English Language ability (IELTS 6.5 with a minimum of 6.00 in each subset; TOEFL 600 or equivalent).
Academic titleMaster in Science in Health Psychology
Course descriptionIntroduction
The MSc Health Psychology at Aston is accredited by the British Psychological Society as Stage 1 training toward becoming a Chartered Health Psychologist. Stage 2 of the training involves developing and demonstrating competences in research, teaching and training, practice and consultancy. Dr Helen Pattison and Dr Rachel Shaw are Accredited Stage 2 Supervisors.
Outline of programme
The programme follows the BPS curriculum for professional training in health psychology. There are seven compulsory modules involving a range of teaching methods (lectures, seminars and workshops), group work and independent study. Students are expected to carry out a research project under supervision in an area of health psychology that is of interest to them. All students will receive additional support through a tutorial system. The core modules are:
* Qualitative Research Methodology: 20 Credits
* Quantitative Methods and Advanced Statistics: 20 Credits
* Theoretical Models: 20 Credits
* Health Inequalities: 20 Credits
* Biopsychosocial Processes: 20 Credits
* Applications and Professional Issues: 20 Credits
* Research Project: 60 Credits.
Assessment
The programme is assessed through examination, research thesis, and a variety of coursework assignments.
Career opportunities
A Masters in Health Psychology will prepare students towards full membership of the BPS Division of Health Psychology, and towards further training and employment in health psychology. Becoming a health psychologist offers the chance to contribute to promoting and improving health through the diverse career opportunities available. Health psychologists conduct research to help understand experiences of health and illness so that treatments to help people change debilitating behaviours can be developed. They are involved in evaluations of existing health services and the re-design of evidence-based techniques to ensure effective practice. Health psychologists also work day to day with patients to help them come to terms with and manage chronic diseases like diabetes or coronary heart disease. As a Chartered Health Psychologist you could be involved in training other health professionals and in the supervision of trainee health psychologists as well as undergraduate and postgraduate students. Health psychology is a varied and challenging profession that opens up opportunities in an expanding and dynamic field in teaching, research and practice.