Psychological Approaches to Health MSc
Year of entry 2023
- Start date
- September 2023
- Delivery type
- On campus
- Duration
- 12 months full time
- Entry requirements
- A bachelor degree with a 2:1 (hons) in psychology or related subject.
Full entry requirements - English language requirements
- IELTS 6.5 overall, with no less than 6.0 in any component
- UK fees
- £12,750 (total)
- International fees
- £28,000 (total)
- Contact
- psyc-admissions@leeds.ac.uk
Course overview
This course combines the application of psychological theory with current research to improve health and healthcare delivery. Psychological Approaches to Health (MSc) is ideal for those students inspired by psychology and wanting to pursue a career in psychology, health promotion, research or healthcare.
Areas you’ll explore more in-depth include:
obesity
medical error
behaviour change and psychological wellbeing
impact of new health interventions
the effects of multidisciplinary teamwork in healthcare
concerns of healthcare delivery such as patient safety, government policy and economics
The course draws on theories derived primarily from health and social psychology but also cognitive, biological and clinical psychology. The topics delivered will develop your understanding and knowledge of how to promote healthy behaviours and reduce unhealthy behaviours, issues around patient safety such as the causes and consequences of medical error, as well as obesity, weight loss, malnutrition and anorexia of ageing. You will also develop a range of statistical, methodological and practical skills around systematic reviewing of evidence from primary studies and conducting health-related studies/experiments, as well as transferable skills including critical thinking, team working and communication. The course will be delivered through interactive seminars, practicals, tutorials, lectures and group/problem-based learning approaches.
On this course, you’ll be taught and supervised by subject experts at the forefront of current research; actively publishing in their areas of expertise.
This gives you the opportunity to learn from those currently working with the NHS, industry, and charities to improve health outcomes.
We offer high quality research-led teaching and you’ll be actively encouraged to engage in ongoing research. Much of this research is collaborative with government departments, research councils, the NHS and industry.
We offer a lively learning environment with modern facilities for teaching and research, which aims to produce graduates equipped with current knowledge and the ability to apply this to key health issues.
Course details
The modules you study initially lay firm foundations for your later study and dissertation. You’ll consolidate your research skills and consider the broader issues in psychological approaches to health.
Later modules introduce a unique combination of applied perspectives.
Course structure
The list shown below represents typical modules/components studied and may change from time to time. Read more in our terms and conditions.
Year 1 compulsory modules
| Module Name | Credits |
|---|---|
| Advanced Research Issues in Psychology | 15 |
| Advanced Research Methods | 20 |
| Systematic Review | 25 |
| Health Behaviour Change: Theories, Methods and Interventions | 20 |
| Theory and Intervention in Food and Nutrition | 20 |
| MSc Research Project | 60 |
| Psychology of Patient Safety | 20 |
Learning and teaching
The course incorporates a range of teaching methods including workshops, presentations, problem solving approaches and small group discussions, alongside traditional lecture and seminar formats.
We expect our students to spend the remainder of their study time in independent learning, guided by reading lists and assessments.
On this course you’ll be taught by our expert academics, from lecturers through to professors. You may also be taught by industry professionals with years of experience, as well as trained postgraduate researchers, connecting you to some of the brightest minds on campus.
Assessment
Innovative forms of assessment such as online group work, short reports, individual and group presentations and case studies sit alongside exams and essays to extend the repertoire of students' skills.
Applying
Entry requirements
A bachelor degree with a 2:1 (hons) in psychology or a discipline containing a substantial amount of psychology and research methods training. In addition, successful applicants will normally have at least a UK upper second class grade or equivalent in research methods-related modules taken as part of their undergraduate degree.
We accept a range of international equivalent qualifications. For information contact the School of Psychology Taught Postgraduate Admissions Team.
English language requirements
IELTS 6.5 overall, with no less than 6.0 in any component. For other English qualifications, read English language equivalent qualifications.
Improve your English
International students who do not meet the English language requirements for this programme may be able to study our postgraduate pre-sessional English course, to help improve your English language level.
This pre-sessional course is designed with a progression route to your degree programme and you’ll learn academic English in the context of your subject area. To find out more, read Language for Science (6 weeks) and Language for Science: General Science (10 weeks).
We also offer online pre-sessionals alongside our on-campus pre-sessionals. Find out more about our six week online pre-sessional.
You can also study pre-sessionals for longer periods – read about our postgraduate pre-sessional English courses.
How to apply
The ‘Apply’ link at the top of this page takes you to information on applying for taught programmes and to the University's online application system.
If you're unsure about the application process, contact the admissions team for help.
The Psychological Approaches to Health is a very popular programme. We strongly encourage you to apply as soon as possible to have the best chance of securing an offer as applications are processed on a first come first served basis.
The selection process for taught postgraduate courses is primarily based on the past and predicted academic performance of the applicants.
We also consider applicants’ motivation and enthusiasm to continue their studies in psychology.
Read about visas, immigration and other information in International students. We recommend that international students apply as early as possible to ensure that they have time to apply for their visa.
Admissions policy
University of Leeds Taught Admissions Policy 2024
This course is taught by
Contact us
School of Psychology Taught Postgraduate Admissions Team
Email: psyc-admissions@leeds.ac.uk
Telephone:
Fees
UK: £12,750 (total)
International: £28,000 (total)
Read more about paying fees and charges.
For fees information for international taught postgraduate students, read Masters fees.
Additional cost information
There may be additional costs related to your course or programme of study, or related to being a student at the University of Leeds. Read more on our living costs and budgeting page.
Scholarships and financial support
If you have the talent and drive, we want you to be able to study with us, whatever your financial circumstances. There may be help for students in the form of loans and non-repayable grants from the University and from the government. Find out more at Masters funding overview.
Career opportunities
The majority of our former students have gone on to work in healthcare, as assistant psychologists, research assistants and clinical psychologists. Others have developed careers in training departments, health promotion and health and safety roles in both public and private sectors.
A substantial proportion of our students further develop their research interests and academic careersby choosing to study for a PhD.
Careers support
The School of Psychology organises several careers events throughout your time at Leeds.
You’ll also have a personal tutor, who’ll offer support through our Leeds for Life approach.
We encourage you to prepare for your career from day one. That’s one of the reasons Leeds graduates are so sought after by employers.
The Careers Centre and staff in your faculty provide a range of help and advice to help you plan your career and make well-informed decisions along the way, even after you graduate. Find out more about Careers support.