Health Psychology MSc
Key information
Why choose this course
How does mental wellbeing have an impact on physical health and vice versa? If you’re driven and motivated to find answers to questions such as this, our forward-thinking British Psychological Society (BPS) accredited MSc in Health Psychology could be the postgraduate course you’ve been searching for.
We will give you an insider’s perspective on theories, methods and techniques of psychology, and the relationship these have with health and illness. This includes a study of the psychological processes involved in maintaining health, the pathological responses to ill health and stress, and the promotion of wellbeing among the physically ill.
Five reasons to study for a masters in health psychology
Read moreWhat you will study
Our MSc in Health Psychology will equip you with a sound knowledge of the theories and practical issues relevant to health psychology and an understanding of different approaches to research. You will consider both physical and psychological responses that people have to ill health, while acquiring an impressive level of knowledge about how society and community influence these behaviours and, by association, the way healthcare is managed.
Giving you an overview of the research methods used in health, illness, wellbeing and health psychology interventions, our course provides stage one of the academic component on your route towards becoming a chartered health psychologist or chartered psychologist. To benefit, you’ll need to meet the basis for registration with the British Psychological Society.
Study and work abroad
There may be opportunities to acquire valuable European experience by working or conducting research abroad during your degree or shortly afterwards. It is possible to do this in the summer period with an Erasmus+ grant working on your dissertation or as a recent graduate. In order to qualify your Erasmus+ traineeship must be a minimum of two months.
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.
Careers and graduate prospects
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.
Schools and departments
Modules
Modules listed are indicative, reflecting the information available at the time of publication. Please note that modules may be subject to teaching availability, student demand and/or class size caps.
The University operates a credit framework for all taught programmes based on a 15-credit tariff. Modules can be either 15, 30, 45 or 60 credits, and additionally for some masters dissertations, 90 credits.
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:
Optional modules for Year 1 (full-time) - FHEQ Level 7
Complete all compulsory modules.
Optional modules for Year 1 (part-time) - FHEQ Level 7
Choose two modules to take in each semester.
Split the modules across two years as agreed with the Programme Leader. Part-Time students should consult with the Programme Leader at an early stage to discuss how best to address the course requirements across two years
Optional modules for Year 2 (part-time) - FHEQ Level 7
Complete remaining two modules in each semester.
Split the modules across two years as agreed with the Programme Leader. Part-Time students should consult with the Programme Leader at an early stage to discuss how best to address the course requirements across two years
Timetable
Course timetables are normally available one month before the start of the semester. Please note that while we make every effort to ensure that timetables are as student-friendly as possible, scheduled teaching can take place on any day of the week (Monday–Friday). Wednesday afternoons are normally reserved for sports and cultural activities. Part-time classes are normally scheduled on one or two days per week, details of which can be obtained from the course administrators. View our Timetabling Policy (PDF).
Entry requirements
A minimum of a 2:2 UK honours degree in Psychology, or a recognised international equivalent.
Alternatively, a postgraduate conversion diploma in psychology following completion of another degree subject.
This is a regulated course that requires declaration of criminal convictions at the application stage, please visit our criminal convictions webpage for more information.
View entry requirements by country
English language requirements
IELTS Academic: 7.0 overall with 6.5 in each element.
View the other English language qualifications that we 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 is based upon a candidate’s application, references and an informal interview. In special circumstances, a student may be set work for assessment before being offered a place on the programme.
Credit transfer
The University of Surrey recognises that many students enter their higher education course with valuable knowledge and skills developed through a range of professional, vocational and community contexts. If this applies to you, a process called recognition of prior learning (RPL) may allow you to enter your course at a point appropriate to your previous learning and experience, or to join the start of a course without the formal entry requirements. This means that you may be exempt from certain elements of study in the course for which you have applied and be awarded credit based on your previous qualifications/experience. There are restrictions on RPL for some courses and fees may be payable for certain claims.
Please see the code of practice for recognition of prior learning and prior credit: taught programmes (PDF) for further information. Please email Admissions with any queries.
Fees
Please note:
- These fees apply to students commencing study in the academic year 2020-21 only. Fees for new starters are reviewed annually.
- If you are on a two-year or three-year part-time structured masters course, the annual fee is payable in Year 1 and Year 2 of the course.
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 student finance.
Scholarships and bursaries
We're committed to making sure that we offer support for students who might need it.
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Admission information
Our postgraduate admissions policy provides the basis for admissions practice across the University and gives a framework for how we encourage, consider applications and admit students. You can also read our postgraduate applicant guidance.
Terms and conditions
When you accept an offer of a place at the University of Surrey, you are agreeing to comply with our policies and regulations, and our terms and conditions. These terms and conditions are provided in two stages: first when we make an offer and second when students who have accepted their offers register to study at the University. View our offer terms and conditions and our generic registration terms and conditions (PDF) as a guide as to what to expect.
Please note: our offer terms and conditions will be available in the September of the calendar year prior to the year in which you begin your studies. Our registration terms and conditions will vary to take into account specifics of your course.
Disclaimer
This online prospectus has been prepared and published in advance of the academic year to which it applies. The University of Surrey has used its reasonable efforts to ensure that the information is accurate at the time of publishing, but changes (for example to course content or additional costs) may occur given the interval between publishing and commencement of the course. It is therefore very important to check this website for any updates before you apply for a course with us. Read more.
Course location and contact details
Campus location
Stag HillStag Hill is the University's main campus and where the majority of our courses are taught.
- Phone: +44 (0)1483 682222
- Email: admissions@surrey.ac.uk
University of Surrey
Guildford
Surrey GU2 7XH