Health Psychology

This module will develop an understanding of research principles, both quantitative and qualitative, which will enable you to critically appraise and undertake their research project.   

This module will allow students to develop a philosophical understanding of different approaches and principles of conducting research in a clinical, health, and forensic context. Through completion of the module students will develop both quantitative and qualitative research skills and consider the appropriateness of methodological decisions in applied research.

This module will develop and apply independent relevant research skills. You’ll identify a discipline relevant research question, for which they will complete a research proposal and gain ethical approval prior to commencing collection of data.  You’ll design and carry out your research under the supervision of a member of staff. All projects should aim to involve the collection of empirical data.  Research may utilise whatever methods or methods most suitable to address the identified aims.  Depending on the design of the project, qualitative, quantitive or mixed methods approached could be used.   

How can we best understand illness, disabilities and long-term health conditions and use health psychology to promote wellness within illness? In this module, you'll explore the experience and impacts of illness for individuals and those around them, before turning to health psychology’s role in developing and evaluating interventions to help improve people’s experience and management of conditions. 

How do psychosocial factors get ‘under the skin’ to influence our health? This module will focus on the associations between physiological and psychological processes, building a critical understanding of the multifaceted, bidirectional relationships and processes involved, with a particular focus on neuropsychology. 

Which psychological factors best predict our health-related decisions and actions and what kind of interventions can change these, for individuals, groups or societies? In this module you'll critically appraise theories and models of health behaviour and learn key approaches to behaviour change intervention design, testing and evaluation particularly for use in promoting health.

When it comes to health behaviours and health outcomes, why does where you live, your income or gender matter? In this module, you'll look at the big picture, including the social determinants of health and health inequalities and health psychology’s historical and current role in the changing face of healthcare in the 21st century. 

Health psychology is the fastest growing branch of psychology, but what does a health psychologist working in applied research or practice do, and what skills are needed? This module will focus on your reflective development as a trainee health psychology professional and knowledge and skills to help you progress to further training and professional roles in health psychology.