Study with our dedicated Health Psychology Section, pioneers of postgraduate training in this discipline since 1987. Intended for graduate psychologists who want to go on to obtain British Psychological Society recognition as a chartered health psychologist. Combines classroom teaching, individual study, practical work in statistics and a supervised research project. Students are provided with placement opportunities.
KEY BENEFITS
- This programme is accredited by the British Psychological Society (BPS).
- The Health Psychology Section of Kings College London has pioneered postgraduate training in this discipline since 1987.
- The MSc Health Psychology attracts visiting lecturers who are recognised as leaders in their field.
- The Health Psychology Section has active colloborations within many clinics across Kings Health Partners who welcome the opportunity to support graduates on placements and engaged in research.
- Students have access to first class dedicated facilities.
- Department of Psychology has an international reputation for its course in Health Psychology.
KEY FACTS
Student destinations
Research Assistants, PhD studies, continue to complete BPS Stage 2 and practice as a Health Psychologist in clinical settings, jobs in behaviour relevant to health, illness and health care delivery, e.g. smoking cessation adviser.
Programme leader/s
Professor Rona Moss-Morris; Dr Joe Chilcot
Accreditation
British Psychological Society as Stage One training towards becoming a Chartered Health Psychologist.
Awarding Institution
King's College London
Credit value (UK/ECTS equivalent)
UK 180/ECTS 90
Duration
One year FT, September to September (two days per week plus additional clinical placement sessions).
Location
Psychology Unit, Guy's Campus.
Year of entry 2013
Offered by
Institute of Psychiatry
Department of Psychology
Closing date
17 May 2013
Intake
15 FT.
Fees
FT Home: £7900 (2013)
FT Overseas: £22000 (2013)
CONTACTS
Contact information
Dr Joe Chilcot, Admissions Tutor
Email
Website
PURPOSE
The principal educational aims are to:
- provide an up-to-date and thorough grounding in the theories, concepts and empirical findings in Health Psychology;
- provide formal training in quantitative and qualitative research methods, so that students are able to evaluate, plan and conduct research;
- prepare students for a subsequent research degree or professional training in Health Psychology (i.e. PhD and/or BPS Stage 2);
- equip students to apply the scientific and theoretical basis of Health Psychology using a scholarly and critical approach;
- enable students to disseminate psychological approaches.
DESCRIPTION
Module teaching will account for two full days each week, a research project is self-directed with supervision.
Students will also have a clinical placement for one day a week lasting 8-10 weeks.
STRUCTURE OVERVIEW
Core programme content
All students are required to complete the following modules:
- Basic and Advanced Research Methods and Statistics
- Health Related Behaviours, Cognitions and Emotions
- Psychosocial factors in Chronic Illness and Disability
- Psychology and Health Care Delivery
- Health Psychology in Action & Professional Development (clinical placements).
At the end of the programme, modules will enable students to demonstrate knowledge and understanding of:
- Health psychology as an applied science;
- The relevance of theory to professional practice;
- Theory and evidence pertaining to the core areas as detailed by the British Psychological Society;
- Basic and advanced research design and methods of investigation (qualitative and quantitative);
- Data analysis principles and techniques;
- The contemporary economic and political context of health care work;
- The place and value of health psychology within an interdisciplinary framework.
FORMAT AND ASSESSMENT
Assessment by coursework including: systematic review, research protocol, critical reviews, placement report, essays, written examinations and a research project on an approved topic, (and oral examination, at the examiners' discretion).
ACADEMIC ENTRY REQUIREMENTS
General entry advice
A psychology degree (minimum 2:1) accredited by the British Psychological Society (BPS). Students who are applying from outside the UK, or who do not have a BPS accredited degree in Psychology, must check with the BPS to see if they qualify for Graduate Basis for Chartered Membership (GBC). To apply for GBC, download the form at www.bps.org.uk. The application process should take two to three weeks.
APPLYING TO KING'S
To apply for graduate study at King's you will need to complete our graduate online application form. Applying online makes applying easier and quicker for you, and means we can receive your application faster and more securely.
King's does not normally accept paper copies of the graduate application form as applications must be made online. However, if you are unable to access the online graduate application form, please contact the relevant admissions/School Office at King's for advice.
APPLICATION PROCEDURE
Apply through the King's online application form. Selected applicants will be interviewed.
PERSONAL STATEMENT & SUPPORTING INFORMATION
Please supply a personal statement.
FUNDING
Graduate School Funding Opportunities:
http://www.kcl.ac.uk/graduate/funding/database/
Student profiles
Health Psychology MScThe Health Psychology MSc covered a broad range of interesting topics from smoking cessation to doctor-patient communication to religiosity and health. The course provided some excellent guest lecturers who were specialists in these fields.
The lecturers, course directors and administrative team were very supportive throughout the year and always happy to help whenever questions arose.
Undertaking a dissertation may seem like a daunting challenge, however, I greatly value the experience I gained by conducting my own research in the NHS, in a subject of my choice and with great supervision from a Health Psychologist.
The MSc has given me great insights into the field of public health and the workings of the NHS. I have gained a thorough knowledge and understanding of research methodology, statistics and epidemiology. I am currently working as a Research Assistant in the Health Psychology Department at King's College London and I am considering completing a PhD.
Currently Josie is a Research Assistant with the Centre for the Study of Incentives in Health where she is supporting a pilot study in Chesterfield, Big Change for the Little One, testing the effectiveness of incentivising pregnant mothers to stop smoking, in partnership with Derbyshire PCT. In March 2012, Josie will be taking up a new post as Project Worker at the Royal College of Psychiatrists.
Health Psychology MScI enjoyed every minute of this programme and really appreciated the fact that we had specialist lecturers in all of our subjects. I think that was a huge bonus on the King's course, as I was able to speak about future careers with a vast array of professionals. I am busy working on my PhD now!
Naomi came to the MSc Health Psychology as a qualified medical nutritionist. Over the last few years her clinical work has included working at a specialist musculoskeletal clinic, where she developed an interest in non-adherence to physiotherapy exercises. She has a King's Studentship to research this further for a PhD with supervision from the IoP Health Psychology section.
Health Psychology MSc
I came across Health Psychology during my undergraduate degree and was immediately interested in the ways in which psychology can be applied in interventions with chronically ill patients. Despite not having a medical background, I have always wanted to help those with chronic illness and the MSc in Health Psychology will make that possible.
I was aware that the Head of Health Psychology at the IoP, Professor Rona Moss-Morris, had done a lot of admirable work relating to Multiple Sclerosis, Irritable Bowel Syndrome and Chronic Fatigue Syndrome and knew that with her years of experience in the field this was the right course for me.
I’ve really enjoyed the lectures on the course – we are lucky to have had many well-known guest lecturers coming in and giving us interesting talks on topics as diverse as smoking cessation, pain management and clinical skills. The opportunity to gain work experience through a three month clinical placement within reputable healthcare settings has also been invaluable and we were fortunate to work with very knowledgeable, dedicated placement supervisors. The MSc Health Psychology department houses hardworking and supportive lecturers as well as administrative staff who are friendly and always ready to help which has made my experience studying at King's College London a pleasant and enjoyable one.
After graduating, I would like to take the knowledge and skills that I have gained back to South East Asia and introduce psychology to healthcare settings. As Health Psychology is still relatively new there, I believe that I can make a valuable contribution by expanding this field and improving the lives of chronically ill patients. In the near future, I also hope to pursue a PhD degree in the Health Psychology area.