Master of Science - Health Psychology

The MSc in Health Psychology at Derby provides advanced learning in the theory, research, and practice of health psychology. The programme is led by research-active psychologists who bring extensive expertise in both the theoretical foundations and practical applications of the field. Students gain foundational skills essential for clinical and professional practice in health psychology and learn to apply these skills across roles in the NHS, public, private, and charity sectors. Opportunities for inter-professional learning are offered across the College of Health and Humanities, and students can engage with the wider health psychology community, including attending events such as the Midlands Health Psychology Network conference.

The teaching team is actively involved in a range of research projects, including studies on long-term recovery and aging in Alcoholics Anonymous, behavioural interventions to reduce sugar consumption in primary school children, the role of stress and cardiovascular reactivity in health behaviour change, self-monitoring of blood glucose in type 2 diabetes patients, and analyses of cognitive and behavioural responses in atrial fibrillation. Students are supported to conduct their own research, with guidance provided for potential publication. Participation in the department’s research activities is actively encouraged.

The course provides Stage One training in Health Psychology and is accredited by the British Psychological Society (BPS) for individuals who already hold Graduate Basis for Chartered membership (GBC). Completion of both GBC and Stage One training is a prerequisite for Stage Two training required to become a practitioner Health Psychologist. Successful completion of Stage One and Stage Two training allows eligibility for Chartered Psychologist status with the BPS and registration with the Health and Care Professions Council (HCPC) as a practitioner Health Psychologist. For those without a GBC, eligibility can be obtained through a BPS-accredited conversion programme, either before or after completion of the MSc programme.