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Overview

Explore the latest developments in health psychology, from behaviour change and mind-body interaction to digital health interventions. A blend of research and practice helps you develop the scientific understanding and hands-on skills to make a difference. Our British Psychological Society-accredited programme is the first stage of training toward becoming a registered Health Psychologist.

You’ll be embedded in our health psychology section, working alongside PhD students, researchers, academics and clinicians. Become part of this tight-knit international community based at Guy’s Hospital and the Institute of Psychiatry, Psychology & Neuroscience.

Understanding how theory applies to real interventions is central to this course. Practical skills-based modules, an empirical research project and an applied placement all contribute to your professional development. Join us to learn how to make a meaningful contribution to healthcare in the UK and around the world.

Key benefits

  • British Psychological Society accredited Stage 1 training in Health Psychology prepares you for Stage 2 training or further study towards a research or clinical career.
  • Assessed 100-hour placement, arranged by King’s with our partners in the NHS, third sector and private industry such as health tech startups.
  • Taught by researchers and practitioners with expertise in areas like longitudinal cohort studies, digital health, intervention development and testing, and symptom management.
  • Highly rated by students and awarded IoPPN Postgraduate Taught Programme Excellence Award for three years in a row.
  • No exams – we assess your through skills-based coursework such as your research project on your own topic or within our existing teams.
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One of the main reasons I chose the MSc at Kings was due to the brilliant range of placements they offered. I was fortunate to be selected for the placement at Dimbleby Cancer Care.
Nicola
NicolaHealth Psychology MSc

Course essentials

This Master’s is for anyone who wants to understand how psychological science can improve health outcomes across clinical, and community settings. You’ll be surrounded by academics and practitioners at the cutting edge of health psychology research, developing and testing psychological interventions, including digital health technologies. 

You’ll discover the theories, concepts and empirical findings behind health psychology. And develop the quantitative and qualitative research skills to plan, conduct and evaluate your own research. 

Some students join us directly from undergraduate study in psychology, while others have been working in healthcare, research, or entirely different professions. You will join a diverse and dynamic cohort to learn with and from.  

 

Course content

The course has a strong clinical focus, with plenty of interactive workshops and practical training. Core content covers topics ranging from psychological adjustment to motivational interviewing. 

Your applied placement allows you to observe health psychology in practice such as within NHS settings, third-sector organisations, research units and digital health startups. We’ll organise the placement for you and support you as you shadow health professionals and complete your coursework. Past students have audited NHS outpatient experiences, designed an information leaflet on health psychological measurement, and interviewed patients about their experiences of psychological therapy. 

The course finishes with a substantial research project, supervised by an expert in the subject. You can develop your own research proposal or join an existing research team, gaining first-hand experience of collaborative, professional research practice. In some circumstances, student have worked with supervisors to publish their research in a peer-reviewed journal. 

Application closing date guidance

Please note the course details apply to 2026 entry.

Base campus

King's Open Day Guy's Campus

Guy’s Campus

Located near London Bridge, Guy’s Campus offers a dynamic yet focused environment, ideal for health and science students. Offering cutting-edge labs and a close-knit academic community, at the heart of one of London’s most vibrant and historic areas.