Psychological Approaches to Health MSc

University of Leeds

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.

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.

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 careers by choosing to study for a PhD.