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Health Psychology MSc (online)

Create impactful change in healthcare with a Health Psychology Masters

Overview

Features and benefits of the course:

  • A BPS-accredited online Masters – Gain critical Stage 1 training on your journey to becoming a Registered Health Psychologist in the UK.
  • Study anywhere, anytime – Our flexible online programme allows busy professionals to balance their studies with existing commitments.
  • Find your research specialism – Conduct your own Research Project in a health psychology specialism of your choice.
  • Help tackle society’s biggest health challenges – Be at the forefront of a groundbreaking field and help transform healthcare delivery through your research.
  • Advance your career – Gain specialist knowledge and apply your learnings immediately to boost your prospects in the field.
  • Excellent student support – A dedicated Student Success Advisor will be available to answer all your queries and give you guidance from registration right through to graduation. 
    • Type
      MSc Online
    • Length
      Two years minimum, four years maximum, part-time
    • Intakes
      January, May, July & September (2023)
    • Fees
      £707.85 per 15-credit module
    • Typical Entry Requirements
      UK 2:1 Honours degree in Psychology conferring eligibility for GBC membership of the British Psychological Society (OR a national or an international equivalent e.g. PSI).
    • *This programme is only open to Psychology Graduates*

Do you have an undergraduate or conversion degree in psychology? If so, this programme could be for you.  

Our MSc in Health Psychology is BPS-accredited and constitutes Stage 1 Training towards becoming a Registered Health Psychologist in the UK. 

The programme will allow you to specialise in the increasingly critical area of health and illness management, placing you on the pathway to becoming a Registered Health Psychologist or working in research, public health, healthcare consultancy, community healthcare or charity. 

Upskill on your terms with our 100% online distance learning Masters.

British Psychological Society - BPS accreditation logo

Entry Requirements

Typical Entry Requirements

  • 2:1 honours degree in Psychology conferring eligibility for GBC membership of the British Psychological Society (OR a national or an international equivalent e.g. PSI).
    OR
  • An accredited MSc Psychology conversion course with a merit grade or above.
  • Applicants will have to provide evidence of competence in written and spoken English (GCSE grades A-C or equivalent).

APPLICANTS WITHOUT A PSYCHOLOGY DEGREE WILL NOT BE CONSIDERED

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Modules

Modules

  • Bio-Behavioural Mechanisms underlying Health
  • Individual Perspectives in Health Psychology
  • Methods and Issues in Research and Practice
  • Social, Cultural and Family Perspectives in Health Psychology
  • Context and Perspectives in Health Psychology
  • Models and Applications in Health Psychology
  • Dissertation for Health Psychology
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Fees & Funding

Fees

Cost per 15-credit module: £707.85

Fees are payable on a module-by-module basis as you progress through the course*. In the 2022/23 academic year, modules are priced at £47.92 per credit point, so a 15-credit module will cost £707.85. In the 2023/24 academic year, modules are priced at £49.75 per credit point, so a 15-credit module will cost £746.20.  

The number of credits you take will be determined by your chosen award, as outlined below:  

Master of Science: 180 credits

*Tuition fees may be subject to an annual inflationary increase each academic year in line with Ulster University’s terms and conditions. The increase will come into effect for the September teaching period each year.   

Funding

Flexible options allow students, sponsors or their employers to make payment as easy as possible.

A 10% Alumni Discount is available for eligible candidates.

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Faculty

Academic Expertise

Dr Lynn Dunwoody

Dr Lynn Dunwoody

Dr John Mallett

Dr John Mallett

Dr Jenny Davison

Dr Jenny Davison

Dr Marian McLaughlin

Dr Marian McLaughlin

Dr Liz Simpson

Dr Liz Simpson

Dr Niamh Kennedy

Dr Niamh Kennedy

Professor Melanie Giles

Professor Melanie Giles

Dr Gavin Breslin

Dr Gavin Breslin

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Dr Liz Simpson, Course Director

“Within public health, there’s a real need to understand the underlying mechanisms for unhealthy behaviours. […] Health psychologists can be instrumental in designing more effective interventions to try and combat those unhealthy choices… providing better support to mediate the process and change those problematic areas of lifestyle.”

Dr Liz Simpson, Course Director of Ulster’s Health Psychology MSc 

About the Course

A global rise in non-communicable diseases such as diabetes, obesity and chronic illness means the field of health psychology is more vital than ever in helping equip the healthcare sector with a better understanding of health behaviours and promote healthier lifestyles and well-being. 

Our Health Psychology Masters programme will enhance your professional skills and theoretical understanding of the field, while also teaching research methods and statistical techniques that will enable you to take your career to the next level. 

If you’re looking to train as a health psychologist, or work as a healthcare consultant, public health advisor or in another health-related field, our course will equip you with the necessary skills and knowledge to achieve your aspirations. 

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Learn more about BPS accreditation

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Why choose Ulster?

Ulster University is renowned for its world-class teaching and facilities and holds more than 20 years of experience in delivering online courses. The School currently ranks as a Top 10 UK university for psychology (Guardian University Guide 2024).

The School also has an excellent reputation for delivering world-class research. In the latest Research Excellence Framework, 100% of our research was assessed as having world-leading or internationally excellent impact. 

This Masters course was the first BPS-accredited online programme of its kind in the UK. It is designed by leading faculty at Ulster University, including professional health psychologists and chartered psychologists with strong academic and clinical backgrounds. 

2023 Awards for Ulster University and School of Biomedical Sciences

Fees

Cost per 15-credit module: £707.85

Fees are payable on a module-by-module basis as you progress through the course*. In the 2022/23 academic year, modules are priced at £47.92 per credit point, so a 15-credit module will cost £707.85. In the 2023/24 academic year, modules are priced at £49.75 per credit point, so a 15-credit module will cost £746.20.  

The number of credits you take will be determined by your chosen award, as outlined below:  

Master of Science: 180 credits   

*Tuition fees may be subject to an annual inflationary increase each academic year in line with Ulster University’s terms and conditions. The increase will come into effect for the September teaching period each year.

A 10% Alumni Discount is available for eligible candidates. 

Intakes

Start when it suits you with intakes (for psychology graduates only) in:

January, May, July, September (2023)

January, March, May, September, November (2024)

Entry Requirements

Please note, this is not a conversion course – you must have an existing Psychology degree to enrol. 

To enrol in the course, applicants will require

  • EITHER
    • At least a 2:1 honours degree in psychology conferring eligibility for GBC membership of the British Psychological Society (or National/international Equivalent e.g. PSI).
  • OR
    • An accredited MSc Psychology conversion course with a merit grade or above
  • PLUS
    • Evidence of competence in written and spoken English (GCSE grades A-C or equivalent).

Important information to note: If you have a Psychology degree but do NOT hold Graduate Basis for Chartered Membership (GBC) from the British Psychological Society (BPS), you will need to apply for it before joining this MSc programme. Speak to an Enrolment Advisor for guidance.

It can take up to 8 weeks for the BPS to review your application for GBC, so please make sure to apply as soon as possible so that you can be enrolled in the next intake. Read the blog for more information.

English language requirements

The minimum requirement for this course is Academic IELTS 6.0 with no band score less than 5.5. Trinity ISE: Pass at level III also meets this requirement. Ulster University also recognises a number of other English language tests and comparable IELTS equivalent scores.

These typical entry requirements apply to the 2022/2023 academic year of entry and may be subject to change.

Modules

Graduates of this programme will emerge with skills covering an extensive range of disciplines. The course comprises six core modules: 

  • Bio-Behavioural Mechanisms Underlying Health 
  • Individual Perspectives in Health Psychology 
  • Methods and Issues in Research and Practice (MIRP)
  • Social, Cultural and Family Perspectives in Health Psychology
  • Context and Perspectives in Health Psychology
  • Models and Applications in Health Psychology (MAHP) 

Dissertation 

  • You will also be required to conduct in-depth research and write a Dissertation on an area of particular field interest at an appropriate Masters level of scholarship. 

Our flexible programme is structured to allow you to take on the course at your own pace and enable you to fit studies around your work and life commitments. 

To complete the full MSc degree, you need to successfully complete all modules as well as the dissertation to earn the necessary 180 credits. Through your dissertation, you will have the opportunity to apply your newly acquired skills and knowledge to solve health and illness challenges.

Programme Learning Outcomes

Through our course, successful students will:

  • Display in-depth knowledge and understanding or the appropriate and ethical use and application of qualitative and quantitative methods and statistical analyses used in health psychology.
  • Demonstrate critical awareness and understanding of professional behaviour, in a variety of contexts with other health professionals and client groups.
  • Critically evaluate theories of behaviour change applied to health-related behaviours and cognitions.
  • Identify and apply the techniques appropriate to research in the field.
  • Identify and apply the skills necessary for the assessment of psychological factors in the field.
  • Achieve Stage 1 Training in becoming a Registered Health Psychologist.

Careers

Students undertaking the BPS-accredited Health Psychology Masters will gain Stage 1 training, an essential step to becoming a Registered Health Psychologist.  

According to the BPS, Health Psychologists are found in a range of settings, including, but not limited to, hospitals, community health settings, research units, local authorities and public health departments. 

After graduation, opportunities include: 

  • Further study – specialising in advanced research areas such as pain management, aging, drug abuse, addiction behaviours and beyond. 
  • Human health sector careers – helping people deal with the psychological and emotional aspects of health and illness and to encourage healthier lifestyles. 
Learn about the top health psychology careers

Flexible online learning

Our 100% distance learning programme gives you the freedom to tailor your learning around other commitments and study flexibly. 

Unlike many traditional institutions, Ulster offers multiple start dates throughout the year, module-by-module payment plans and the opportunity to pause your studies if needed. 

As an Ulster Online student, you’ll benefit from an immersive curriculum, 24/7 access to materials and a wide variety of learning methods, including interactive study sessions, directed learning exercises and practical activities.  

You’ll also have the opportunity to grow your global network through collaboration and discussion with fellow students from around the world.

Discover the benefits of Ulster’s online Health Psych MSc

Excellent student support

Student success is at the heart of everything we do and one of the most popular aspects of online learning at Ulster is the excellent level of student support.  

As a distance learning student, you’ll receive support from course academics and a Student Success Team, who will be on hand to guide you from day one right through to graduation. What our students are saying about our support services:

“The best support out of the other three unis I’ve been to.”

– John Hughes, Health Psychology MSc student

“All the support was fantastic, and the monthly calls are very helpful and reassuring.”

– Emma Spittles, Biomedical Science MSc student

Oteri Kueberuwa, online Health Psychology student

“I have developed my skillset at a pace that suits me. I have been able to delve deeply into topic areas that interest me and apply this learning in the real world. I feel more confident in myself as I have refreshed my theoretical knowledge and sharpened my analytical skills.” 

Oteri Kueberuwa, online MSc Health Psychology student at Ulster

The Faculty

Ulster’s Faculty of Life and Health Sciences is a leading provider of health-related education, with a strong reputation in the field. The School of Psychology at Ulster is currently ranked 6th in the UK for psychology (Guardian University Guide 2024) and was the first UK university to provide a distance learning, BPS-accredited Masters in Health Psychology. 

Our teaching staff is composed of a dedicated and research-active group of academics, including registered health psychologists. Our psychologists have links with several professional organisations including the Public Health Agency and Health Trusts. The School of Psychology is also actively involved with the Division of Health Psychology at regional, national and international level. 

Meet Your Faculty

Dr Lynn Dunwoody

Dr Lynn Dunwoody

Lecturer

Dr Lynn Dunwoody is an HCPC registered Health Psychologist and a Chartered Psychologist with the BPS. After completing her PhD at Ulster University in 1994, Lynn worked in clinical practice for 15 years in a private clinic, before joining Ulster as a lecturer in Health Psychology in 1996.

Her research is health psychology focused in the areas of adversarial growth, CBT and quality of life in relation to cancer, among other areas.

Dr John Mallett

Dr John Mallett

Senior Lecturer

Dr John Mallett is a Senior Lecturer at Ulster University and a chartered Psychologist with the British Psychological Society. With over 20 years’ experience teaching statistics and research methods, John is widely published in the areas of psychology, health and social policy.
His expertise in advanced statistical analysis is reflected in many of his publications. He has obtained research funding from a wide range of organisations and has presented research findings to government departments.

Dr Jenny Davison

Dr Jenny Davison

Lecturer

Jenny Davison is a Lecturer in Psychology within the School of Psychology at Ulster University. A BPS Chartered Psychologist and Fellow of the Higher Education Academy (FHEA), Jenny has worked as a Research Fellow at both Ulster University and Queens University Belfast and has a specific interest in child and adolescent health and wellbeing.

She is also a full member of the Division of Health Psychology (DHP) and DHPNI.

Dr Marian McLaughlin

Dr Marian McLaughlin

Senior Lecturer

Marian McLaughlin is a Senior Lecturer within the School of Psychology at Ulster University. A fellow of the Higher Education Academy and the Centre for Higher Education and Research Practice, she is also a Chartered Psychologist and Associate Fellow of the BPS.

Marian’s main research interests are in the areas of child health and well-being, including theoretical applications to health for the design and evaluation of behavioural change interventions including sexual health, oral health and e-cigarette use.

Dr Liz Simpson

Dr Liz Simpson

Course Director

Dr Liz Simpson is Senior Lecturer at Ulster University and Course Director of the online BPS accredited MSc in Health Psychology. She is also a registered Health Psychologist, Chartered Psychologist (BPS), a member of the School of Psychology Research Institute and Chair of the Health, Education and Well-being RRG from 2012-2018.

She has over 20 years’ experience of research in health psychology and has contributed to research investigating factors that contribute to health and wellbeing with age.

Professor Melanie Giles

Professor Melanie Giles

Professor

Melanie Giles is a Professor of Psychology and Head of School. She is also a Chartered Psychologist and a registered health practitioner with the HCPC as well as a Senior Fellow of the Higher Education Academy and a Fellow of the Centre for Higher Education Research Practice.

Her main research interests are how social psychological theory can be applied to predict and increase our understanding of health-related behaviours.

Dr Gavin Breslin

Dr Gavin Breslin

Senior Lecturer

Dr. Gavin Breslin is a Senior Lecturer in Psychology in the School of Psychology, Ulster University, a member of the Sport and Exercise Sciences Research Institute and Bamford Centre for Mental Health and Wellbeing.

A British Psychological Society (BPS) Chartered Sport and Exercise Psychologist, Gavin is also the lead advisor for research underpinning Sport Northern Ireland and the Public Health Agencies ‘Wellbeing in Sport Action Plan 2019-2025’ which he authored.

Dr Niamh Kennedy

Dr Niamh Kennedy

Lecturer

Since 2017, Niamh Kennedy has worked as Lecturer in School of Psychology, Ulster University, where she is joint lead of the Cognitive Neuroscience lab.

As a cognitive neuroscientist, she specialises in researching neuroplasticity and neurorehabilitation following stroke and brain injury.

Prior to joining Ulster, she worked for 7 years as a Lecturer in Rehabilitation Neuroscience as a member of the Acquired Brain Injury Alliance in University of East Anglia (UEA).

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