About this course
Human behaviour is a leading cause of physical illness worldwide. MSc Health Psychology teaches you how psychology can be applied to improve well-being and prevent and manage long-term conditions.
On this British Psychological Society (BPS) accredited degree, you’ll be taught by expert lecturers who are currently developing and testing interventions and theory in the field.
Health psychology master’s graduates will be prepared to progress towards becoming a registered, chartered health psychologist.
This UK postgraduate health psychology master’s will help you become a scientist practitioner in a health care setting.
Health psychology applies the educational, scientific and professional psychological principles to:
- promote and maintain health
- study the cause of illness
- prevent, diagnose, treat and rehabilitate physical illness
- psychological, social, emotional and behavioural factors in physical illness
- improving health care
- the formulation of health policy
In Msc Health Psychology your taught study will focus around three themes:
- biopsychosocial aspects of health
- psychosocial aspects of illness and disability
- psychological aspects of the delivery of health care
On this master’s in health psychology, you’ll select optional modules to tailor the course to suit your career goals. Popular module choices include the study of CBT, sexual health and gerontology.
You have the opportunity to experience practical learning as an apprentice to a health psychologist over 12 weeks and develop your reading of research papers and discussing them in a journal club with students on the course.
天发娱乐棋牌_天发娱乐APP-官网|下载 health psychology master’s degree is taught by active leading researchers and experts across the different areas of health psychology, interventions and research methods. You’ll have the opportunity to attend seminars from researchers at the Centre for Clinical and Community Applications of Health Psychology.
Previous students have pursued careers in the public, private and third sectors, working as psychologists in research, education and professional practice.
Flexible study
If you prefer, you can apply to study this course as:
- a part-time master's - study the same course content over 2 or more years
Your modules and fees may vary if you choose a different study option.
We regularly review our courses to ensure and improve quality. This course may be revised as a result of this. Any revision will be balanced against the requirement that the student should receive the educational service expected. Find out why, when, and how we might make changes.
天发娱乐棋牌_天发娱乐APP-官网|下载 courses are regulated in England by the Office for Students (OfS).
Course lead
Dr Leanne Morrison is the course leader. She is a psychologist working on an interdisciplinary programme of mixed methods research around developing and evaluating digital health interventions to support the self-management of physical health issues. Find out more about Dr Morrison’s work and research by visiting their staff profile.
Accreditations

British Psychological Society (BPS)
Learn more about this subject area
Course location
This course is based at Highfield.
Awarding body
This qualification is awarded by the University of 天发娱乐棋牌_天发娱乐APP-官网|下载.
天发娱乐棋牌_天发娱乐APP-官网|下载 the Course Description Document
The Course Description Document details your course overview, your course structure and how your course is taught and assessed.
Entry requirements
You’ll need a 2:1 degree in Psychology or in a closely related subject.
Find the equivalent international qualifications for your country.
English language requirements
If English isn't your first language, you'll need to complete an International English Language Testing System (IELTS) to demonstrate your competence in English. You'll need all of the following scores as a minimum:
IELTS score requirements
- overall score
- 7.0
- reading
- 6.5
- writing
- 6.5
- speaking
- 6.5
- listening
- 6.5
We accept other English language tests. Find out which English language tests we accept.
If you don’t meet the English language requirements, you can achieve the level you need by completing a pre-sessional English programme before you start your course.
Pre-masters
If you don’t meet the academic requirements, you can complete a pre-master's programme through our partnership with OnCampus. Learn more about the programmes available.
Got a question?
Please contact us if you're not sure you have the right experience or qualifications to get onto this course.
Email: enquiries@southampton.ac.uk
Tel: +44(0)23 8059 5000
Course structure
This is a full-time master’s course. You’ll study for 12 months, from September to the following September.
You'll study the taught part of your course over semesters 1 and 2. This is made up of modules that everyone on the course takes, and 1-2 modules we’ll ask you to choose from out of a list of 10, these include topics include:
- cognitive behavioural therapy (CBT)
- apprenticeships in health psychology
- ageing societies
- social policy
You’ll also attend bespoke skills workshops, focusing on:
- psychological interventions
- research skills (including interviewing)
- communication to support behaviour change
- practicing professional skills
During semester 2 you’ll also begin preparing for your dissertation.
For the last 3 months, over the summer, you’ll work independently to research and write your dissertation. You’ll have one-to-one meetings with your supervisor during this time to discuss your progress.
Part-time study
The part-time study option of this course runs for 27 months, starting in September and running to December the following year.
You’ll study the taught part from September to May of year 2, and the remaining months are spent on your dissertation.
Want more detail? See all the modules in the course.
Modules
The modules outlined provide examples of what you can expect to learn on this degree course based on recent academic teaching. As a research-led University, we undertake a continuous review of our course to ensure quality enhancement and to manage our resources. The precise modules available to you in future years may vary depending on staff availability and research interests, new topics of study, timetabling and student demand. Find out why, when and how we might make changes.
For entry in academic year 2025 to 2026
Year 1 modules
You must study the following modules :
Biopsychosocial Aspects of Health
This module introduces you to the scope of health psychology as an academic and applied branch of psychology. We explore patterns and causes of health and ill-health and examine a selection of major theoretical models. Key questions that we examine includ...
Designing Research for Psychology
This applied research methods module aims to cover common research training needs for all students in their first year of postgraduate study in psychology. You will develop the knowledge and skills you need to begin to design your own research project, an...
MSc Dissertation
The aim of this module is to provide students with an opportunity to work with a member of the academic unit to develop a research question and implement a project that generates new knowledge in the field of psychology and that serves to extend the disci...
Psychosocial Aspects of Illness and Disability
The module will examine the psychosocial aspects of a range of illnesses, and explore the current theoretical models and research findings that inform clinical practice.
Qualitative Research Methods for Psychology
The module progresses through the key phases of qualitative research design and implementation, emphasising the (often iterative) links between these activities: epistemological concerns, research questions, data collection and analysis techniques, and th...
Quantitative Analysis for Psychology
The purpose of this module is to refresh and build upon statistics knowledge and skills acquired during undergraduate psychology quantitative research methods training. It is divided into 11 sessions that cover a range of quantitative methodological conce...
You must also choose from the following modules :
AI Applications in Psychology
This module will provide an overview of how machine learning and Artificial Intelligence can be used to answer questions in different fields of psychology.
Advanced Statistical Methods in Psychology
This module is divided into two components that focus on cutting-edge statistical techniques. The first half focuses on Structural Equation Models, covering Path Analysis, Confirmatory Factor Analysis, Structural Equation Modelling, Multigroup Models ...
Apprenticeship in Health Psychology
Working as a health psychology apprentice will improve your understanding of what it means to work in health psychology and permit you to develop subject-specific and generic professional skills. Supported by module staff, you will select a suitable psych...
Building Digital Health Interventions L7
This module will provide an overview of how to build a digital health intervention for behaviour change.
CBT for Anxiety Presentations (Short)
The aim of this module is to extend your knowledge and understanding of CBT assessment and formulation and to examine CBT change methods in depth - as applied to anxiety presentations. You may take the full module (PSYC6107) covering a full range of pr...
Concepts & Skills
Evidence Synthesis
Evidence synthesis practices are a cornerstone of modern scientific research, enabling researchers to quantify, with great precision, different aspects of large volumes of experimental and other work. This module will equip you with the skills and underst...
Human Sexual Diversity
This module will provide an overview of human sexuality, sexual behaviour, and sexual diversity.
Introduction to CBT Theory & Skills
The aim of this module is to give you a basic understanding of the principles of CBT assessment, formulation and change methods. The module focuses on generic therapeutic and basic competencies, as well as specific behavioural and cognitive therapy techni...
Moral Psychology
This module will arm you with the skills and experience to examine and evaluate empirical psychological research on morality. We will examine classic and modern research examining questions like how people decide what is right and wrong, what motivates pe...
Open Science in Psychology
The Open Science in Psychology module focuses on training students in current open science practices – practices which are becoming increasingly popular in modern psychology research.
Philosophy of Social Science Research
This module will look at the dominant traditions in the philosophy of social science and how these have shaped substantive research within the study of the social sciences.
Qualitative Methods 2
Qualitative Methods II builds upon the material learnt in Qualitative Methods I and addresses a range of specialist qualitative techniques, their underpinning theoretical framework and their practical application.
Social and Psychological Approaches to Understanding Sexual Health
This module is designed to enable and encourage students to apply social psychological and related methods and theories to various aspects of sexual health, including both psychological and physical aspects.
Statistical Programming in R
The Statistical Programming in R Module is focused on extending existing skills in analyzing data from quantitative research. The focus of this course will not be on extensively expanding the mathematical knowledge of the techniques employed but will be o...
Learning and assessment
Learning
You’ll learn through engaging seminars with active class discussion and take part in individual, paired and group activities, debates and presentations.
As part of this project management MSc, you’ll take part in interactive workshops to help you develop your practical skills and competencies.
You’ll be encouraged to undertake independent study to consolidate your learning and grow your knowledge on topics.
Assessment
We'll assess you through:
- a behaviour change diary
- a mini systematic review
- 3 skills portfolios; containing professional development plans and training logs
- research methods reports on your own mini qualitative project and the analysis of quantitative datasets
- essays
- exams
Dissertation
As part of this course, you’ll complete a 10,000-word dissertation project.
Expert supervisors will present their research expertise and opportunities to you so you can select a supervisor for the dissertation.
You'll choose from a wide range of subject areas under the supervision of an expert in the field. Find out more about the health psychology research that our staff undertake at the Centre for Applications of Health Psychology.
Students have also been supervised by colleagues from other subject areas in The University of 天发娱乐棋牌_天发娱乐APP-官网|下载, including:
- Macmillan Survivorship Research Group
- psychologists based in medicine
Academic Support
We’ll assign you a personal tutor, and you’ll have access to a senior tutor.
Careers and employability
Employability skills
This degree will allow you to develop and evidence subject-specific and targeted employability skills. This includes the required skill set for a range of future careers, further study, or starting your own business.
The skills you can expect to focus on and gain from this course include:
- Research
- Critical thinking
- Self-management
- Confidence
- Leadership
- Communication
- Teamwork
- Creativity
- Networking
- EDI leadership
- Adaptability
- Problem solving
- Resilience
The employability and enterprise skills you'll gain from this course are reflected in the 天发娱乐棋牌_天发娱乐APP-官网|下载 skills model. When you join us you'll be able to use our skills model to track, plan, and benefit your career development and progress.
天发娱乐棋牌_天发娱乐APP-官网|下载 skills overview
Career pathways
Graduates commonly work in a range of organisations or sectors including:
Health and social work,
Education,
Professional,
Scientific and Technical,
Research,
Local government.
- Health psychologist
- Assistant psychologist
- Research assistant
- Psychological wellbeing practitioner
- High intensity therapist
- Behavioural therapist
- Health and wellbeing coach
- Smoking cessation advisor
- Progression coach
- Behaviour change officer
- Research officer
- Trainee accountant
- Trainee teacher
- Project manager
- Data analyst
- Data scientist
- Social researcher
- Operations manager
- Business intelligence analyst
- Counsellor
- Therapist
- Health psychologist
- Assistant psychologist
- Research assistant
- Psychological wellbeing practitioner
- Health and wellbeing coach
- Group facilitator
- Social prescriber
- Smoking cessation advisor
- Progression coach
- Health advisor
Job prospects for MSc Health Psychology graduates
*Example graduate job titles and job prospect statistics taken from The Graduate Outcomes Survey, which gathers information about the activities and perspectives of graduates 15 months after finishing their course.

Work experience opportunities
Choosing to do work experience is a great way to enhance your employability, build valuable networks, and evidence your potential. Learn about the different work and industry experience options at 天发娱乐棋牌_天发娱乐APP-官网|下载.
Careers services and support
We are a top 20 UK university for employability (QS Graduate Employability Rankings 2022). 天发娱乐棋牌_天发娱乐APP-官网|下载 Careers, Employability and Student Enterprise team will support you. This support includes:
- work experience schemes
- CV and interview skills and workshops
- networking events
- careers fairs attended by top employers
- a wealth of volunteering opportunities
- study abroad and summer school opportunities
We have a vibrant entrepreneurship culture and our dedicated start-up supporter, Futureworlds, is open to every student.
Your career ideas and graduate job opportunities may change while you're at university. So it is important to take time to regularly reflect on your goals, speak to people in industry and seek advice and up-to-date information from Careers, Employability and Student Enterprise professionals at the University.
Fees, costs and funding
Tuition fees
Fees for a year's study:
- UK students pay ?9,250.
- EU and international students pay ?30,300.
Deposit
If you're an international student on a full-time course, we'll ask you to pay ?2,000 of your tuition fees in advance, as a deposit.
Your offer letter will tell you when this should be paid and provide full terms and conditions.
Find out about exemptions, refunds and how to pay your deposit on our tuition fees for overseas students page.
What your fees pay for
Your tuition fee covers the full cost of tuition and any exams. The fee you pay will remain the same each year from when you start studying this course. This includes if you suspend and return.
Find out how to pay your tuition fees.
Accommodation and living costs, such as travel and food, are not included in your tuition fees. There may also be extra costs for retake and professional exams.
Explore:
10% alumni discount
If you’re a graduate of the University of 天发娱乐棋牌_天发娱乐APP-官网|下载, you could be eligible for a 10% discount on your postgraduate tuition fees.
Postgraduate Master’s Loans (UK nationals only)
This can help with course fees and living costs while you study a postgraduate master's course. Find out if you're eligible.
天发娱乐棋牌_天发娱乐APP-官网|下载 Psychology Postgraduate International Scholarship
A scholarship of ?3,000 is available to international students studying for a postgraduate master’s in Psychology.
Find out more about 天发娱乐棋牌_天发娱乐APP-官网|下载 Psychology Postgraduate International Scholarship, including eligibility and conditions.
Other postgraduate funding options
A variety of additional funding options may be available to help you pay for your master’s study. Both from the University and other organisations.
Funding for EU and international students
Find out about funding you could get as an international student.
How to apply
- Use the blue 'apply for this course' button on this page to take you to our postgraduate admissions system.
- Create an account which gives you access to your own application portal. .
- Search for the course you want to apply for.
- Complete the application form and upload any supporting documents.
- Pay the ?50 application assessment fee, (there are some exemptions, check terms and conditions).
- Submit your application.
For further details of our admission process, read our step by step guide to postgraduate taught applications.
Application deadlines
- International students: Tuesday 29 July 2025, midday UK time
- UK students: Tuesday 9 September 2025, midday UK time
Application assessment fee
We’ll ask you to pay a ?50 application assessment fee if you’re applying for a postgraduate taught course.
This is an extra one-off charge which is separate to your tuition fees and is payable per application. It covers the work and time it takes us to assess your application. You’ll be prompted to pay when you submit your application which won’t progress until you've paid.
If you're a current or former University of 天发娱乐棋牌_天发娱乐APP-官网|下载 student, or if you’re applying for certain scholarships, you will not need to pay the fee. PGCE applications through GOV.UK and Master of Research (MRes) degree applications are also exempt. Find out if you’re exempt on our terms and conditions page.
Supporting information
When you apply you’ll need to submit a personal statement explaining why you want to take the course.
You’ll need to include information about:
- your knowledge of the subject area
- why you want to study a postgraduate qualification in this course
- how you intend to use your qualification
You'll also need to submit two references, one academic reference and one academic or professional reference.
Please include the required paperwork showing your first degree and your IELTS English language test score (if you are a non-native English speaker) with your application. Without these, your application may be delayed.
What happens after you apply
You'll be able to track your application through our online Applicant Record System.
We will aim to send you a decision 6 weeks after you have submitted your application.
Unfortunately, due to number of applications we receive, we may not be able to give you specific feedback on your application if you are unsuccessful.
Equality and diversity
We treat and select everyone in line with our Equality and Diversity Statement.
Got a question?
Please contact us if you're not sure you have the right experience or qualifications to get onto this course.
Email: enquiries@southampton.ac.uk
Tel: +44(0)23 8059 5000
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