Course Overview
Thank you for your interest. This course is now full for September 2024. For alternative start dates see the attendance options above.
Course summary
Health psychology plays a key role in improving the health and wellbeing of the population. Our Health Psychology MSc, based in the heart of London, was one of the first Master's in Health Psychology and has been accredited by the British Psychological Society (BPS) since 1999. It includes an innovative portfolio of assessments geared to developing transferable skills, and relating directly to the world of work. Our course also provides the opportunity to gain work experience and apply your knowledge in a health psychology setting, while considering future career plans.
The course is taught by a core team of enthusiastic and supportive research-active staff, with collaborative links to external institutions in London and beyond. Successful completion of the course (Stage 1) is a prerequisite for the further training (Stage 2) to become a health psychologist registered with the Health and Care Professions Council (HCPC).
In addition to the core taught programme, we work with a range of practitioners to provide additional professional training in areas such as resilience, coaching and clinical practice.
The Health Psychology MSc will give you an in-depth understanding of the theoretical and applied bases of health, illness and disease. The main aim is to help you to develop the theoretical and methodological skills essential for conducting independent research and applying health psychology in practice.
We provide a coherent programme of study covering the content, methods and application of health psychology. In particular, the course emphasises the importance of an evidence-based approach to health psychology, and develops the core skills needed for Stage 2 training. Within the core modules, there is considerable flexibility for you to choose particular areas of study of interest.
Top reasons to study with us
- Our course has been commended by the BPS for the innovative portfolio of assessments that reflect real world tasks and skills, geared to a future in professional health psychology
- You'll have the opportunity to undertake work experience, helping you to develop professional skills and prepare for Stage 2 training and work in applied settings
- You'll be taught by a dedicated and enthusiastic teaching team in a vibrant and highly supportive learning environment
- Our excellent facilities and range of specialist resources help to support student research
Course structure
The following modules are indicative of what you study on this course.
Core modules
This module takes a development approach to understanding relationships between psychology, biological and social factors that influence health and diseases through the lifespan. It emphasis the dynamics of change and a number of key topics are examined including children's health and the family context, normative transitions and life events, and vulnerability and resilience. Student-led panels explore the most current issues, controversies and methods within a lifespan framework.
This introductory module explores a broad range of topics in health psychology within a multidisciplinary framework. It considers the social and cultural context of health and illness, the importance of social cognition models in health care, and issues around communication and health care decisions. The module emphasises theoretical and methodological issues in health psychology research and application, including intervention design and evaluation.
Through lectures, seminars and practical classes, this module addresses the theoretical and practical issues involved in acquiring and analysing quantitative and qualitative data for health psychology.
This module examines a range of issues relating to health psychology practice, including client-related issues, ethical considerations, interventions, and professional development. You will have the opportunity to learn techniques such as mindfulness and motivational interviewing, with a range of practising psychologists contributing to the module. Personal and professional development is fostered through reflective practice and experiential learning, including designing and evaluating an individualised behaviour change intervention.
This module explores the role of individual differences (including social and cultural factors) in health and illness. It introduces the biological mechanisms by which stress can impact on physical and psychological health (psychoneuroimmunology), and how stress and well-being can be measured to enable evaluation of stress-management interventions. You will also explore the physiological and psychological correlates of acute and chronic pain, the theories and management of chronic illness, and the meaning and mechanism of action of the placebo effect.
This module will cover the areas of review writing skills, systematic review protocol, design critique, and grant application writing skills. Relevant professional issues will also be explored, including: inter professional working; research ethics; presentation skills; careers; portfolio development for project research; national and international perspectives on applied psychology; and practice specific issues.
Option modules
Students will choose to take either this 60-credit research project module:
This module is designed to enable you to realise your training in the context of a particular research problem or aspect of methodology. The area of work should bring together your occupational experience or preference with the substantive material covered during the taught components of the course. Projects are intended to give you maximum flexibility in selecting an appropriate area of application, and investigating and assessing potential research sources and their relevance to the existing field of knowledge.
or these two option modules:
This module provides the opportunity to apply psychology to a real-world work situation. You will work in voluntary or paid positions in health-related settings to gain valuable work experience and develop skills which will help to prepare you for the workplace. Students who take this optional module will then take a 40 credit Research Based Project.
The masters project in applied psychology is an extended piece of research on a relevant topic selected by the student with the approval of the Course Leader. The topic will draw on knowledge, skills and methodological techniques covered by the course. This may involve an in-depth exploration of one aspect of the taught course or a related aspect not formally covered in depth.
Course accreditation
![The British Psychological Society logo](/sites/default/public-files/styles/logos_150px_/public/accreditation-logos/British-Psychological-Society-logo.png?itok=_iZ_j8x7)
This course is accredited by the British Psychological Society (BPS).
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For more details on course structure, modules, teaching and assessment Download the programme specification (PDF).
To request an accessible version please email [email protected]
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Get your copy of the University of Westminster prospectus and browse the range of courses on offer.
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Contact us for general course enquiries:
+44 (0)20 7911 5000 EXT 65511
(Mon–Fri, 10am–4pm BST)
Live chat with us
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Open evenings
Join us at an open evening online or on campus. Get a feel for student life at the University of Westminster and talk to course leaders and our support teams.
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Careers
The Health Psychology MSc course is a prerequisite for pursuing Stage 2 training leading to Registration with the HCPC as a Health Psychologist. This route is only available if you have Graduate Basis for Chartership (GBC) with the BPS.
This course can also serve as a precursor to a PhD in Psychology, and other areas of applied psychology such as clinical or counselling psychology.
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Get career-ready
At Westminster, practical experience is at the core of our teaching. We assess you on real-world tasks and skills, preparing you for a future in professional health psychology.
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Graduate success
The majority of our graduates have gone on to work in academic or health-related professions, for example: psychology researcher or lecturer, smoking cessation advisor, chronic pain therapist, health consultant.
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Fantastic central London location
You'll be based at our Cavendish Campus in the heart of central London, with access to a huge range of library, archive and cultural resources.
Work experience
You can choose to undertake a work experience placement within a health related setting by taking the optional ‘work experience in a psychological setting’ module. You'll work with the Placements Team to find a placement and arrange suitable supervision.
Some recent examples of work experience opportunities include:
- Charities (Age UK, London Air Ambulance, Alzheimers UK)
- Health consultancy (health psychology services)
- NHS Trusts (Barts, Frimley, Central London, South London and Maudsley, Tavistock)
- Organisations (Thrive Tribe,PrEPster, Social Action for Health)
Job roles
This course will prepare you for a variety of roles, including:
- Behavioural insights advisor
- Health consultant
- Health psychologist
- Public health specialist
- Psychology assistant
- Research associate or lecturer
- Sexual health advisor
- Smoking cessation advisor
- Wellbeing officer
Westminster Employability Award
Employers value graduates who have invested in their personal and professional development – and our Westminster Employability Award gives you the chance to formally document and demonstrate these activities and achievements.
The award is flexible and can be completed in your own time, allowing you to choose from a set of extracurricular activities.
Activities might include gaining experience through a part-time job or placement, signing up to a University-run scheme – such as mentoring or teaching in a school – or completing online exercises.
Read more about our Westminster Employability Award.
Course Leader
![Cartwright, Tina's profile photo](/sites/default/public-files/styles/profile_380x380_/public/staff-profile-photos/cartwright-tina.jpg?itok=VDmu1AHO)
Dr Tina Cartwright
Reader
Tina is a chartered health psychologist registered with the Health Care Professions Council (HCPC). She has been teaching health psychology to both undergraduates and postgraduates for many years and never loses her passion and enthusiasm for the subject! She has been running the MSc Health Psychology course since 2014 and leads one of the introductory modules, Theories & Perspectives in Health Psychology, as well as teaching on other core modules.
Tina’s research investigates issues around the management of long-term conditions and patient experience with a view to improving healthcare. Increasingly her research has focused on factors associated with wellbeing, with a particular interest in the role of meditation and yoga in facilitating health and wellbeing in patients and the wider population. Current projects include designing and evaluating interventions for use in schools and the NHS.
As well as running the Health Psychology MSc, Tina supervises a number of PhD and Professional Doctorate students within the College.
An important goal of health psychology is to empower people to maximise their health and wellbeing ~ through preventing avoidable illness, coping with ill-health and living to one’s potential"
Course Team
Why study this course
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Dedicated and enthusiastic teaching team
The Health Psychology MSc is developed and delivered by a team of enthusiastic, supportive psychologists who are specialists in their fields, and we provide a highly supportive learning environment.
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Practical experience built into the course
The opportunity to undertake work experience as part of this course will help you to develop key professional skills and prepare for Stage 2 training and work in applied settings.
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Vibrant research culture
Our research culture is distinctive for its openness, collaboration and interdisciplinary approach. Our excellent facilities and range of specialist resources help to support student research.
Entry Requirements
An upper second class honours degree (2:1) in a psychology degree that grants eligibility for the Graduate Basis for Chartered Membership (GBC) of the BPS. Candidates with a lower second class honours degree (2:2) or without GBC will be considered. We will take into account your academic profile and work experience within health psychology or a related field. In the personal statement, we encourage applicants to reflect on the ways that their experience to date would enable them to succeed at Masters' level. You may be invited to an informal interview.
If your first language is not English, you should have an IELTS 7.0 overall with 6.5 in all components.
One academic reference is required, if the most recent degree is more than five years old we may be able to accept a work reference.
Recognition of prior learning and experience
If you have previously studied at university level, or have equivalent work experience, academic credit may be awarded towards your course at Westminster. For more information, visit our Recognition of Prior Learning page.
Application process
Visit our How to apply page for more information on:
- the application process
- what you need to apply
- deadlines for applications
An upper second class honours degree (2:1) in a psychology degree that grants eligibility for the Graduate Basis for Chartered Membership (GBC) of the BPS. Candidates with a lower second class honours degree (2:2) or without GBC will be considered. We will take into account your academic profile and work experience within health psychology or a related field. In the personal statement, we encourage applicants to reflect on the ways that their experience to date would enable them to succeed at Masters' level. You may be invited to an informal interview.
If your first language is not English, you should have an IELTS 7.0 overall with 6.5 in all components.
One academic reference is required, if the most recent degree is more than five years old we may be able to accept a work reference.
Recognition of prior learning and experience
If you have previously studied at university level, or have equivalent work experience, academic credit may be awarded towards your course at Westminster. For more information, visit our Recognition of Prior Learning page.
Application process
Visit our How to apply page for more information on:
- the application process
- what you need to apply
- deadlines for applications
More information
What our students say
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Danny Miller
Health Psychology MSc - 2018
I really enjoyed the Health Psychology MSc course, especially the passion of the lecturers. Being a father of two children I always felt supported as a mature student. I am a practising osteopath and I found I could apply what I learnt about communication and well-being to the patients I saw in the clinic, with positive outcomes.
![Ifrah Rafique's default avatar image](/sites/default/public-files/styles/profile_380x380_/public/default_images/default_avatar_0.png?itok=BQxvWrK2)
Ifrah Rafique
Health Psychology MSc - 2019
My experience of studying on the Health Psychology MSc course was overall very positive. My professors and my personal tutor Dr Tina Cartwright were incredibly supportive, welcoming and made it clear from the beginning that they were there to help us throughout the year. My peers were also super friendly.
As a result, I gained a wider understanding of global health matters from the perspective of a Health Psychologist as well as information on potential future career pathways. The course aided my personal development by working on my communication skills and presenting to large audiences. I very much look forward to the next steps after graduating, having secured a scholarship with the British Council to intern and work in China for two months.
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Sara Alexander
Health Psychology MSc - 2019
I highly recommend the Health Psychology MSc course to those seeking an in-depth understanding of this current field of study and how it can be applied in research and practice. I am confident that the skills I have learned on this course will continue to help me progress in the future.
Learn new skills
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Volunteer and gain new skills
We offer a number of different volunteering opportunities for you to learn new skills, create connections, and make a difference in the community.
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Develop your entrepreneurial skills
Our award-winning Westminster Enterprise Network offers industry networking events, workshops, one-to-one business advice and support for your start-up projects.
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Get extra qualifications
We provide access to free online courses in Adobe and Microsoft Office applications, as well as thousands of specialist courses on LinkedIn Learning.
Fees and Funding
UK tuition fee: £10,500 (Price per academic year)
When you have enrolled with us, your annual tuition fees will remain the same throughout your studies with us. We do not increase your tuition fees each year.
Find out how we set our tuition fees.
Paying your fees
If you don't wish to pay the whole amount of your fees at once, you may be able to pay by instalments. This opportunity is available if you have a personal tuition fee liability of £2,000 or more and if you are self-funded or funded by the Student Loans Company.
Find out more about paying your fees.
Alumni discount
This course is eligible for an alumni discount. Find out if you are eligible and how to apply by visiting our Alumni discounts page.
Funding
There is a range of funding available that may help you fund your studies, including Student Finance England (SFE).
Find out more about postgraduate student funding options.
Scholarships
The University is dedicated to supporting ambitious and outstanding students and we offer a variety of scholarships to eligible postgraduate students.
Find out if you qualify for one of our scholarships.
Additional costs
See what you may need to pay for separately and what your tuition fees cover.
International tuition fee: £17,000 (Price per academic year)
When you have enrolled with us, your annual tuition fees will remain the same throughout your studies with us. We do not increase your tuition fees each year.
Find out how we set our tuition fees.
Paying your fees
If you don't wish to pay the whole amount of your fees at once, you may be able to pay by instalments. This opportunity is available if you have a personal tuition fee liability of £2,000 or more and if you are self-funded or funded by the Student Loans Company.
Find out more about paying your fees.
Alumni discount
This course is eligible for an alumni discount. Find out if you are eligible and how to apply by visiting our Alumni discounts page.
Funding
There are a number of funding schemes available to help you fund your studies with us.
Find out more about funding for international students.
Scholarships
The University is dedicated to supporting ambitious and outstanding students and we offer a variety of scholarships to eligible postgraduate students.
Find out if you qualify for one of our scholarships.
Additional costs
See what you may need to pay for separately and what your tuition fees cover.
Teaching and Assessment
Below you will find how learning time and assessment types are distributed on this course. The graphs below give an indication of what you can expect through approximate percentages, taken either from the experience of previous cohorts, or based on the standard module diet where historic course data is unavailable. Changes to the division of learning time and assessment may be made in response to feedback and in accordance with our terms and conditions.
How you’ll be taught
Teaching methods across all our postgraduate courses focus on active student learning through lectures, seminars, workshops, problem-based and blended learning, and where appropriate practical application. Learning typically falls into two broad categories:
- Scheduled hours: examples include lectures, seminars, practical classes, workshops, supervised time in a studio
- Independent study: non-scheduled time in which students are expected to study independently. This may include preparation for scheduled sessions, dissertation/final project research, follow-up work, wider reading or practice, completion of assessment tasks, or revision
How you’ll be assessed
Our postgraduate courses include a variety of assessments, which typically fall into two broad categories:
- Practical: examples include presentations, podcasts, blogs
- Coursework: examples include essays, in-class tests, portfolios, dissertation
Data from the academic year 2023/24
Research groups
Our research achieves real-world impact and we are proud to claim a rich and diverse profile of high-quality research and knowledge exchange in a wide range of disciplines.
Find out more about our research groups related to this course:
Supporting you
Our Student Hub is where you’ll find out about the services and support we offer, helping you get the best out of your time with us.
- Study support — workshops, 1-2-1 support and online resources to help improve your academic and research skills
- Personal tutors — support you in fulfilling your academic and personal potential
- Student advice team — provide specialist advice on a range of issues including funding, benefits and visas
- Extra-curricular activities — volunteering opportunities, sports and fitness activities, student events and more
Course location
With state-of-the-art science and psychology labs and refurbished computer suites, our Cavendish Campus offers our science and technology students a range of learning spaces that are both dynamic and inspiring,
Located in central London, our Cavendish Campus is just a five-minute walk from Oxford Street and Tottenham Court Road.
For more details, visit our Cavendish Campus page.
Contact us
Call our dedicated team on:
+44 (0)20 7911 5000 ext 65511
Opening hours (GMT): 10am–4pm Monday to Friday
Opening hours (GMT): 10am–4pm Monday to Friday
More information
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