- Health Psychology
MSc — 2026 entry Health Psychology
Study a British Psychological Society (BPS) accredited curriculum, designed to give you an insider’s perspective on theories, methods and techniques of health psychology, and the relationship these have with health and illness.
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Why choose
this course?
- Complete a British Psychological Society (BPS)-accredited course that will give you broad and transferable skills, suitable for a range of career paths or as part of a longer-term goal to become a chartered health psychologist.
- Learn from chartered health psychologists and lecturers who are world-renowned experts in health psychology and behaviour change, including Dr Phillippa Lally, Professor Mark Cropley, Professor Benjamin Gardner and Dr Sarah-Jane Stewart.
- Study applied topics including chronic conditions, maintaining health through the lifespan, and cognitive behavioural therapy (CBT). This course is unique for offering a CBT module, providing both a critical understanding and hands-on experience in applying CBT to chronic illness and health-related contexts.
- Access our state-of-the-art psychology facilities, which include a six-room virtual reality suite, a brain and behaviour lab, and an observation suite.
- Benefit from some shared modules with our other psychology masters courses, giving you valuable insight into different psychology disciplines and how they are relevant to health psychology.
We’re preparing you for the future by integrating AI into every course, building digital skills, confidence and creativity that employers value in tomorrow’s workplace.
Statistics
1st in the UK
Psychology is ranked 1st in the UK for overall student satisfaction in the Postgraduate Taught Experience Survey 2025
97%
Of our psychology masters graduates are in employment or further study within 15 months of graduating (Graduate Outcomes 2025, HESA)
Accreditation
What you will study
On our Health Psychology masters, you’ll study the psychological processes involved in maintaining health, the pathological responses to ill health and stress, and the promotion of wellbeing among the physically ill. You’ll learn theories and practical issues relevant to health psychology and gain an understanding of different approaches to research.
You’ll explore a range of applied topics, such as living with chronic conditions, health issues impacting health psychology, how we can help people to maintain their health across their lifespan, psychological aspects of healthcare, and the use of cognitive behavioural therapy for health psychology. We’ll also give you an insight into qualitative and quantitative research methods, ensuring you have a solid foundation to collect, analyse and interpret different kinds of data.
In the dissertation module, you’ll get to explore an aspect of health psychology that fascinates you. Examples of previous students’ dissertations include:
- “The faceless sort of people”: Exploring the lived experiences of ambulance Emergency Operations Centre personnel
- Thematic Analysis of How Young Professionals, Aged 26 to 35, Switch Off and Unwind from Work
- How Perfectionism and Rumination Relate to Stress and Sleep in Teachers
- Forming habits in the Virtual Reality Lab: A methodological study
- Healthcare professionals’ attitudes towards the use of Wegovy (Semaglutide) in the weight management of people with obesity. A qualitative thematic analysis study.
Professional recognition
MSc - British Psychological Society (BPS).
Successful completion of this programme fulfils stage one of the requirements towards Chartered Membership of the Society and full membership of the Division of Health Psychology.
School of Psychology seminars
The School of Psychology regularly hosts seminars for students and staff on different aspects of psychology. These are free to attend and are delivered by experts from Surrey and external guest speakers. Recent topics have included:
- Why habit theory has underperformed and how we can fix it
- Selective roles of sleep in memory across the lifespan
- How friendship groups influence our behaviour
- Coherence and decoupling in affective signalling.
Facilities
Our exceptional facilities will give you access to the latest equipment, including a virtual reality suite to simulate real-life scenarios and two observation labs. You’ll also have access to an extensive library of psychometric and clinical tests, 20 bookable project rooms, a breakout space, equipment lockers and a computer lab.
The structure of our programmes follows clear educational aims that are tailored to each programme. These are all outlined in the programme specifications which include further details such as the learning outcomes:
Modules
Modules listed are indicative, reflecting the information available at the time of publication. Modules are subject to teaching availability, student demand, and/or class size caps.
The University operates a credit framework for all taught courses based on a 15-credit tariff, meaning all modules are comprised of multiples of 15 credits.
Course options
Year 1
Semester 1
Compulsory
This module provides students with advanced knowledge and understanding of methods, theory and practice in developing and maintaining health throughout the life span. This module has been designed in accordance with requirements (stage 1) of the British Psychological Society's Division of Health Psychology accreditation criteria. This module addresses the following curriculum areas for a British Psychological Society accredited Health Psychology Masters degree: contexts and perspectives in health psychology, physiological and psychosomatic disease processes, client groups and other stakeholders, health-related behavior and cognitions, interventions, measurement issues and professional issues. This module will help students to better understand how health psychology theory can be used in health across the lifespan.
View full module detailsThis module introduces students to the core principles and practices of qualitative research and provides the skills needed to design, conduct, and critically evaluate a small-scale qualitative project. Students will learn a range of qualitative data collection methods and analytic approaches, and will develop an understanding of how these methods are applied within psychological research.The module is suitable for those with little or no prior experience, while also offering opportunities for more experienced students to deepen their knowledge. Advanced captured content on SurreyLearn enables students to explore additional analytic methods, and those with prior experience are encouraged to extend their practical skills by applying a new analytic procedure in their project.Students will also develop reflective skills to consider how their cultural background, social identity, gender, experiences, and prior knowledge influence data collection, analysis, and interpretation. The module prepares students to undertake a qualitative dissertation project, should they choose to do so.
View full module detailsThis module will provide students with knowledge, skills, and practical experience of advanced research methods and design. It emphasises a critical and creative approach to evaluating research methods and design and applying them to scientific questions. It will support the development of novel, theoretically significant, rigorous, and impactful research proposals.
View full module detailshis module provides students with an understanding of core theories and concepts in health psychology, and the skills and methods used to translate, and reflect on the translation of, health psychology into real-world contemporary health behaviour contexts. The module thus covers transferrable skills useful for a career in health psychology research and practice. Students will also gain an awareness of professional issues in behavioural health psychology. We will encourage students to think reflexively on how to apply professional and transferrable skills in the context of different issues that impact contemporary health psychology. The module has been designed in accordance with requirements (stage 1) of the British Psychological Society's Division of Health Psychology accreditation criteria. This module addresses the following curriculum areas of a British Psychological Society accredited degree: professional issues, core skills, contexts and perspectives in health psychology, health-related behaviors and cognitions, interventions and healthcare and professional settings. This module will help students to learn to think critically and reflexively about the application of health psychology theories, concepts, methods and skills within different contemporary health behaviour domains.
View full module detailsSemester 2
Compulsory
This module builds on the modules covered in Semester 1 (Contemporary Health Psychology and professional practice and Maintaining health throughout the lifespan). A range of chronic conditions are covered, some which are a global challenge and others which are less well known. Students will learn about these conditions and how the different health psychology theories are used to understand the various beliefs and behaviours associated with these conditions and how they may be targeted in interventions for change. This module provides students with advanced knowledge and understanding of the application of theory to practice relating to chronic conditions. This module has been designed in accordance with requirements (Stage 1) of the British Psychological Society's Division of Health Psychology accreditation criteria. This module addresses the following curriculum areas for a British Psychological Society accredited Health Psychology Master's degree: contexts and perspectives in health psychology, physiological and psychosomatic disease processes, client groups and other stakeholders, measurement issues, health-related behavior and cognitions, interventions and healthcare and professional settings. This module builds employability skills by broadening knowledge of chronic conditions and interventions, and will help students to understand how to apply health psychology theory and practice to different chronic conditions and patient populations.
View full module detailsThis module covers psychological factors that influence the patient's passage through the health care system from symptom perception to help seeking to the consultation with a focus on specific aspects of health care such as surgery and vaccinations. This module has been designed in accordance with requirements (stage 1) of the British Psychological Society's Division of Health Psychology accreditation criteria. This module addresses the following curriculum areas for a British Psychological Society accredited Health Psychology Masters degree: contexts and perspectives in health psychology, client groups and other stakeholders, health-related behaviour and cognitions, interventions, measurement issues and healthcare and professional settings. This module will help students to better understand how health psychology theory can help us understand the patient experience of healthcare.
View full module detailsThis module is offered to students on specialised MSc programmes in the School of Psychology, who are required to take either this advanced module or PSYM188 Fundamentals of Quantitative Data Analysis depending on the extent of their prior statistics training. This module is designed to extend students' skills by equipping them with a range of advanced quantitative methods and associated statistical techniques that are used in research in psychology and closely related social science disciplines. This will help students to develop a broader and more advanced analytical skillset which enables a greater flexibility in how they can approach research datasets. These skills will be very good preparation for using quantitative techniques in doctoral research, professional psychology training, and/or careers that use data analysis (e.g., research, social statistics), enhancing students' employability in these sectors. This module is a suitable option for students who already have a good grounding in statistics from their undergraduate/prior studies, as this module assumes familiarity with basic statistical concepts and mainstream tests such as ANOVA and regression. Students who do NOT have a strong grounding in statistics from their prior studies should instead choose PSYM188 Fundamentals of Quantitative Data Analysis.
View full module detailsThis course is a lab-based, practical introduction designed for students with little or no prior experience in statistics. It focuses on developing foundational skills in data analysis using the freely available jamovi software, alongside an understanding of the underlying concepts. Students with more advanced statistical knowledge should consider PSYM187 - Advanced Quantitative Data Analysis instead.
View full module detailsOptional
This module will provide students with knowledge and theory of the evidence based Psychological Interventions applied in mental health settings in the United Kingdom. The module will focus on Cognitive Behavioral and Systemic approaches; with 3rd wave therapies such as Mindfulness, Acceptance and Commitment therapy and Compassion Focused Therapy also explored. Students will develop skill in critical appraisal of these models when applied to the treatment of mental health conditions, considering their parallels and key differences. Finally, students will be provided with the opportunity to develop basic skills in these approaches through self-practice and self-reflection.
View full module detailsThis module provides a critical examination of how contemporary neuroscience can be applied to understand human behaviour and improve quality of life. Drawing on research from human neuroscience, students will explore issues of societal relevance, such as sleep and cognitive functioning, and consider how neuroscientific insights may inform approaches to promoting healthier lifestyles and wellbeing. A central aim of the module is for students to apply critical thinking in constructive scientific debate and the evaluation of competing perspectives in collaborative contexts. Topics are approached from multiple theoretical and methodological perspectives, encouraging students to consider alternative interpretations, engage in informed debate, and promote fair and effective collaboration.
View full module detailsSemester 1 & 2
Core
It is a requirement of the University that taught postgraduate programmes include a dissertation and/or major project module. For this module, students will conduct their own piece of empirical research in an area relevant to their Masters course under the supervision of a member of the academic staff. For the assessment, students will write either a qualitative or mixed-method research report of a comparable length to a published single-study journal article.Overall student workload: 600 hoursThis includes 12 hours of tutor supervision. These hours will include development of theoretical framework, aims and hypotheses, recruiting samples, fieldwork and liaison with key personnel as appropriate, data recording and analysis, interpretation and writing up. Specific times for these subsections cannot be given as they vary from project to project.
View full module detailsOptional modules for Year 1 (full-time) - FHEQ Level 7
For further information regarding programme structure and module selection, please refer to the course catalogue.
Year 1
Semester 1
Compulsory
This module introduces students to the core principles and practices of qualitative research and provides the skills needed to design, conduct, and critically evaluate a small-scale qualitative project. Students will learn a range of qualitative data collection methods and analytic approaches, and will develop an understanding of how these methods are applied within psychological research.The module is suitable for those with little or no prior experience, while also offering opportunities for more experienced students to deepen their knowledge. Advanced captured content on SurreyLearn enables students to explore additional analytic methods, and those with prior experience are encouraged to extend their practical skills by applying a new analytic procedure in their project.Students will also develop reflective skills to consider how their cultural background, social identity, gender, experiences, and prior knowledge influence data collection, analysis, and interpretation. The module prepares students to undertake a qualitative dissertation project, should they choose to do so.
View full module detailsThis module will provide students with knowledge, skills, and practical experience of advanced research methods and design. It emphasises a critical and creative approach to evaluating research methods and design and applying them to scientific questions. It will support the development of novel, theoretically significant, rigorous, and impactful research proposals.
View full module detailsSemester 2
Compulsory
This module builds on the modules covered in Semester 1 (Contemporary Health Psychology and professional practice and Maintaining health throughout the lifespan). A range of chronic conditions are covered, some which are a global challenge and others which are less well known. Students will learn about these conditions and how the different health psychology theories are used to understand the various beliefs and behaviours associated with these conditions and how they may be targeted in interventions for change. This module provides students with advanced knowledge and understanding of the application of theory to practice relating to chronic conditions. This module has been designed in accordance with requirements (Stage 1) of the British Psychological Society's Division of Health Psychology accreditation criteria. This module addresses the following curriculum areas for a British Psychological Society accredited Health Psychology Master's degree: contexts and perspectives in health psychology, physiological and psychosomatic disease processes, client groups and other stakeholders, measurement issues, health-related behavior and cognitions, interventions and healthcare and professional settings. This module builds employability skills by broadening knowledge of chronic conditions and interventions, and will help students to understand how to apply health psychology theory and practice to different chronic conditions and patient populations.
View full module detailsThis module covers psychological factors that influence the patient's passage through the health care system from symptom perception to help seeking to the consultation with a focus on specific aspects of health care such as surgery and vaccinations. This module has been designed in accordance with requirements (stage 1) of the British Psychological Society's Division of Health Psychology accreditation criteria. This module addresses the following curriculum areas for a British Psychological Society accredited Health Psychology Masters degree: contexts and perspectives in health psychology, client groups and other stakeholders, health-related behaviour and cognitions, interventions, measurement issues and healthcare and professional settings. This module will help students to better understand how health psychology theory can help us understand the patient experience of healthcare.
View full module detailsThis module is offered to students on specialised MSc programmes in the School of Psychology, who are required to take either this advanced module or PSYM188 Fundamentals of Quantitative Data Analysis depending on the extent of their prior statistics training. This module is designed to extend students' skills by equipping them with a range of advanced quantitative methods and associated statistical techniques that are used in research in psychology and closely related social science disciplines. This will help students to develop a broader and more advanced analytical skillset which enables a greater flexibility in how they can approach research datasets. These skills will be very good preparation for using quantitative techniques in doctoral research, professional psychology training, and/or careers that use data analysis (e.g., research, social statistics), enhancing students' employability in these sectors. This module is a suitable option for students who already have a good grounding in statistics from their undergraduate/prior studies, as this module assumes familiarity with basic statistical concepts and mainstream tests such as ANOVA and regression. Students who do NOT have a strong grounding in statistics from their prior studies should instead choose PSYM188 Fundamentals of Quantitative Data Analysis.
View full module detailsThis course is a lab-based, practical introduction designed for students with little or no prior experience in statistics. It focuses on developing foundational skills in data analysis using the freely available jamovi software, alongside an understanding of the underlying concepts. Students with more advanced statistical knowledge should consider PSYM187 - Advanced Quantitative Data Analysis instead.
View full module detailsOptional
This module will provide students with knowledge and theory of the evidence based Psychological Interventions applied in mental health settings in the United Kingdom. The module will focus on Cognitive Behavioral and Systemic approaches; with 3rd wave therapies such as Mindfulness, Acceptance and Commitment therapy and Compassion Focused Therapy also explored. Students will develop skill in critical appraisal of these models when applied to the treatment of mental health conditions, considering their parallels and key differences. Finally, students will be provided with the opportunity to develop basic skills in these approaches through self-practice and self-reflection.
View full module detailsThis module provides a critical examination of how contemporary neuroscience can be applied to understand human behaviour and improve quality of life. Drawing on research from human neuroscience, students will explore issues of societal relevance, such as sleep and cognitive functioning, and consider how neuroscientific insights may inform approaches to promoting healthier lifestyles and wellbeing. A central aim of the module is for students to apply critical thinking in constructive scientific debate and the evaluation of competing perspectives in collaborative contexts. Topics are approached from multiple theoretical and methodological perspectives, encouraging students to consider alternative interpretations, engage in informed debate, and promote fair and effective collaboration.
View full module detailsOptional modules for Year 1 (part-time) - FHEQ Level 7
For further information regarding programme structure and module selection, please refer to the course catalogue.
Year 2
Semester 1
Compulsory
This module provides students with advanced knowledge and understanding of methods, theory and practice in developing and maintaining health throughout the life span. This module has been designed in accordance with requirements (stage 1) of the British Psychological Society's Division of Health Psychology accreditation criteria. This module addresses the following curriculum areas for a British Psychological Society accredited Health Psychology Masters degree: contexts and perspectives in health psychology, physiological and psychosomatic disease processes, client groups and other stakeholders, health-related behavior and cognitions, interventions, measurement issues and professional issues. This module will help students to better understand how health psychology theory can be used in health across the lifespan.
View full module detailshis module provides students with an understanding of core theories and concepts in health psychology, and the skills and methods used to translate, and reflect on the translation of, health psychology into real-world contemporary health behaviour contexts. The module thus covers transferrable skills useful for a career in health psychology research and practice. Students will also gain an awareness of professional issues in behavioural health psychology. We will encourage students to think reflexively on how to apply professional and transferrable skills in the context of different issues that impact contemporary health psychology. The module has been designed in accordance with requirements (stage 1) of the British Psychological Society's Division of Health Psychology accreditation criteria. This module addresses the following curriculum areas of a British Psychological Society accredited degree: professional issues, core skills, contexts and perspectives in health psychology, health-related behaviors and cognitions, interventions and healthcare and professional settings. This module will help students to learn to think critically and reflexively about the application of health psychology theories, concepts, methods and skills within different contemporary health behaviour domains.
View full module detailsSemester 2
Compulsory
This module builds on the modules covered in Semester 1 (Contemporary Health Psychology and professional practice and Maintaining health throughout the lifespan). A range of chronic conditions are covered, some which are a global challenge and others which are less well known. Students will learn about these conditions and how the different health psychology theories are used to understand the various beliefs and behaviours associated with these conditions and how they may be targeted in interventions for change. This module provides students with advanced knowledge and understanding of the application of theory to practice relating to chronic conditions. This module has been designed in accordance with requirements (Stage 1) of the British Psychological Society's Division of Health Psychology accreditation criteria. This module addresses the following curriculum areas for a British Psychological Society accredited Health Psychology Master's degree: contexts and perspectives in health psychology, physiological and psychosomatic disease processes, client groups and other stakeholders, measurement issues, health-related behavior and cognitions, interventions and healthcare and professional settings. This module builds employability skills by broadening knowledge of chronic conditions and interventions, and will help students to understand how to apply health psychology theory and practice to different chronic conditions and patient populations.
View full module detailsThis module covers psychological factors that influence the patient's passage through the health care system from symptom perception to help seeking to the consultation with a focus on specific aspects of health care such as surgery and vaccinations. This module has been designed in accordance with requirements (stage 1) of the British Psychological Society's Division of Health Psychology accreditation criteria. This module addresses the following curriculum areas for a British Psychological Society accredited Health Psychology Masters degree: contexts and perspectives in health psychology, client groups and other stakeholders, health-related behaviour and cognitions, interventions, measurement issues and healthcare and professional settings. This module will help students to better understand how health psychology theory can help us understand the patient experience of healthcare.
View full module detailsOptional
This module will provide students with knowledge and theory of the evidence based Psychological Interventions applied in mental health settings in the United Kingdom. The module will focus on Cognitive Behavioral and Systemic approaches; with 3rd wave therapies such as Mindfulness, Acceptance and Commitment therapy and Compassion Focused Therapy also explored. Students will develop skill in critical appraisal of these models when applied to the treatment of mental health conditions, considering their parallels and key differences. Finally, students will be provided with the opportunity to develop basic skills in these approaches through self-practice and self-reflection.
View full module detailsThis module provides a critical examination of how contemporary neuroscience can be applied to understand human behaviour and improve quality of life. Drawing on research from human neuroscience, students will explore issues of societal relevance, such as sleep and cognitive functioning, and consider how neuroscientific insights may inform approaches to promoting healthier lifestyles and wellbeing. A central aim of the module is for students to apply critical thinking in constructive scientific debate and the evaluation of competing perspectives in collaborative contexts. Topics are approached from multiple theoretical and methodological perspectives, encouraging students to consider alternative interpretations, engage in informed debate, and promote fair and effective collaboration.
View full module detailsSemester 1 & 2
Core
It is a requirement of the University that taught postgraduate programmes include a dissertation and/or major project module. For this module, students will conduct their own piece of empirical research in an area relevant to their Masters course under the supervision of a member of the academic staff. For the assessment, students will write either a qualitative or mixed-method research report of a comparable length to a published single-study journal article.Overall student workload: 600 hoursThis includes 12 hours of tutor supervision. These hours will include development of theoretical framework, aims and hypotheses, recruiting samples, fieldwork and liaison with key personnel as appropriate, data recording and analysis, interpretation and writing up. Specific times for these subsections cannot be given as they vary from project to project.
View full module detailsOptional modules for Year 2 (part-time) - FHEQ Level 7
In Semester 1: Students must take both PSYM022 and PSYM151 (compulsory modules).
In Semester 2 IF students took PSYM183 or PSYM189 in Year 1 they now take PSYM004 and PSYM006. IF students took PSYM004 and PSYM006 in year 1 they now take the other and in addition can choose between PSYM183 or PSYM189 depending on interest.
Teaching and learning
You’ll be taught by lecturers who are active researchers, ensuring everything you learn is up-to-date and relevant to employers. These may include:
- Professor Mark Cropley, an expert in stress, health and fatigue
- Professor Benjamin Gardner, an expert in habit theory
- Dr Phillippa Lally, an expert in behavioural support for adults living with and beyond cancer
- Dr Sarah-Jane Stewart, a registered health psychologist and expert in treatment beliefs and health-related stigma
- Dr Alice Tunks, an expert in increasing access to mental healthcare and enhancing patient–professional communication in mental health settings.
Learning methods
- Group work
- Independent study
- Lectures
- Online learning
- Role play
- Seminars
- Workshops
Assessment
We use a variety of methods to assess you, including coursework, essays, examinations and presentations.
Check individual module information to see full details at a module level.
General course information
Contact hours
Contact hours can vary across our modules. Full details of the contact hours for each module are available from the University of Surrey's module catalogue. See the modules section for more information.
Timetable
New students will receive their personalised timetable during Welcome Week. In later semesters, at least one week before the start of the semester.
Scheduled teaching can take place on any day of the week (Monday – Friday), with part-time classes normally scheduled for one or two days. Wednesday afternoons tend to be for sports and cultural activities.
View our code of practice for the scheduling of teaching and assessment (PDF) for more information.
Location
This course is based at Stag Hill campus. Stag Hill is the University's main campus and where the majority of our courses are taught.
We offer careers information, advice and guidance to all students whilst studying with us, which is extended to our alumni for three years after leaving the University.
Of our psychology graduates are in employment or further study within 15 months of graduating (Graduate Outcomes 2025, HESA).
The broad and transferrable skills that you’ll develop on our Health Psychology MSc are highly relevant in many fields, including behavioural analysis and wellbeing. Our alumni have taken a range of job roles, including health adviser, prison therapy assistant, projects officer, and public health officer, working for NHS trusts, healthcare organisations, and charities. Alternatively, many have progressed to complete PhDs or Stage 2 training to be health psychologist.
To become a chartered health psychologist, you need to obtain Graduate Basis for Chartered membership (GBC) with the British Psychological Society (BPS) and complete Stage 1 and Stage 2 training. To be eligible for GBC, you must have successfully completed a BPS-accredited undergraduate degree or a BPS-accredited conversion course in the UK or Psychological Society of Ireland (PSI)-accredited course in Ireland. If you have an international psychology degree, you must apply to the BPS to find out if you are eligible for GBC.
On successful completion of this MSc course, you’ll have the necessary Stage 1 training. Once you’ve completed Stage 2 training, you’ll need to register with the Health and Care Professions Council (HCPC) to begin practising as a health psychologist.
If you have questions relating to becoming a chartered health psychologist, including what qualifications are required, please contact Dr Sarah-Jane Stewart, co-programme lead: sarah-jane.stewart@surrey.ac.uk.
Learn more about health psychology careers on the BPS website.
UK qualifications
A minimum of a 2:1 UK honours degree in psychology, or a recognised international equivalent.
A 2:2 UK honours degree or equivalent may be accepted with evidence of relevant work experience or a related graduate qualification (e.g. masters or postgraduate diploma).
We may be able to take relevant work experience into consideration if you don't meet these requirements. If you have at least one year of relevant experience in a full-time graduate-level role (or a minimum of two years’ experience in a relevant graduate-level part-time role) please provide full details of your role and responsibilities in your personal statement and CV when you submit your application.
This is a regulated course that requires declaration of criminal convictions at the application stage, please visit our declaration of criminal convictions web page for more information.
English language requirements
IELTS Academic: 6.5 overall with 6.0 in each element.
These are the English language qualifications and levels that we can accept.
If you do not currently meet the level required for your programme, we offer intensive pre-sessional English language courses, designed to take you to the level of English ability and skill required for your studies here.
Selection process
Selection will be based on the information provided in the candidate’s application.
Credit Transfer and Recognition of Prior Learning
We recognise that many students enter their course with valuable knowledge and skills developed through a range of ways.
If this applies to you, the recognition of prior learning process may mean you can join a course without the formal entry requirements, or at a point appropriate to your previous learning and experience.
There are restrictions on some courses, and fees may be payable for certain claims. Please contact the Admissions team with any queries.
Scholarships and bursaries
Discover what scholarships and bursaries are available to support your studies.
Fees per year
Explore UKCISA’s website for more information if you are unsure whether you are a UK or overseas student. View the list of fees for all postgraduate courses.
September 2026 - Full-time - 1 year
- UK
- £11,300
- Overseas
- £25,900
September 2026 - Part-time - 2 years
- UK
- £5,700
- Overseas
- £13,000
- These fees apply to the academic year 2026-27 only. Fees are reviewed annually, and tuition fees may increase for courses running over more than one year.
Payment schedule
- Students with Tuition Fee Loan: the Student Loans Company pay fees in line with their schedule (students on an unstructured self-paced part-time course are not eligible for a Tuition Fee Loan).
- Students without a Tuition Fee Loan: pay their fees either in full at the beginning of the programme or in two instalments as follows:
- 50% payable 10 days after the invoice date (expected to be October/November of each academic year)
- 50% in January of the same academic year.
- Students on part-time programmes where fees are paid on a modular basis: cannot pay fees by instalment.
- Sponsored students: must provide us with valid sponsorship information that covers the period of study.
The exact date(s) will be on invoices.
Additional costs
- General programme related costs such as study materials
- Potential costs involved in conducting independent learning remotely e.g. internet connection etc.
Funding
You may be able to borrow money to help pay your tuition fees and support you with your living costs. Find out more about postgraduate student finance.
Apply online
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UK applications
Please note that we may have to close applications before the stated deadline if we receive a high volume of suitable applications. We advise you to submit your application as soon as it is ready.
ApplyOverseas applications
Please note that we may have to close applications before the stated deadline if we receive a high volume of suitable applications. We advise you to submit your application as soon as it is ready.
ApplyUK applications
Please note that we may have to close applications before the stated deadline if we receive a high volume of suitable applications. We advise you to submit your application as soon as it is ready.
ApplyOverseas applications
Please note that we may have to close applications before the stated deadline if we receive a high volume of suitable applications. We advise you to submit your application as soon as it is ready.
ApplyAdmissions information
Once you apply, you can expect to hear back from us within 14 days. This might be with a decision on your application or with a request for further information.
Our code of practice for postgraduate taught admissions explains how the Admissions team considers applications and admits students. Read our postgraduate applicant guidance for more information on applying.
About the University of Surrey
Need more information?
Contact our Admissions team or talk to a current University of Surrey student online.
Terms and conditions
When you accept an offer to study at the University of Surrey, you are agreeing to follow our policies and procedures, student regulations, and terms and conditions.
We provide these terms and conditions at the offer stage, and again at registration. You will be asked to accept these terms and conditions when you accept the offer made to you.
View our generic registration terms and conditions (PDF) for the 2025/26 academic year, as a guide on what to expect.
Disclaimer
This online prospectus has been published in advance of the academic year to which it applies.
Whilst we have done everything possible to ensure this information is accurate, some changes may happen between publishing and the start of the course.
It is important to check this website for any updates before you apply for a course with us. Read our full disclaimer.