A distinctive feature of this course is our commitment to authentic learning. Most of our assessments are linked to the type of work that practitioner health psychologists do on a day-to-day basis. For instance, you will have the opportunity to design a behaviour change infographic, develop and deliver a stress management intervention, write research proposals and write up your dissertation in the format of a journal article. This moves away from traditional exam-based assessments and allows you to showcase a wide range of skills.

Your teaching team are a strong core group of research and practice orientated staff covering a wide range of topics and research methodologies.

Increasingly we are beginning to see the benefits that psychology can bring to people’s health. A number of our esteemed colleagues in the UK were instrumental in forming the government’s response to the COVID-19 pandemic through participation in the SAGE committee. Studying for an MSc Health Psychology at Teesside enables you to become a part of a thriving community of psychology graduates who want to make a difference to people’s health.

The course has five core modules that aim to develop your knowledge of how psychology can be employed to facilitate and protect health, and develop your ability to effect change and suggest alternatives in healthcare provision.

You explore current issues in health psychology, and gain transferable and practical skills to facilitate progression in the field of health psychology. Supported by a research methods team with expertise in both quantitative and qualitative methods, you critically evaluate the nature and practice of research in health psychology, study research ethics and integrity and systematic reviewing, and develop skills in advanced research design and analysis.

You develop your writing and presentation skills that are transferable to practice, including conference presenting and writing for publication. Throughout the programme, you are encouraged to think critically and reflect upon your skills development. Emphasis is given to the study of clinical and professional skills and you are equipped with theoretical knowledge and practical skills to enable effective communication with patients and health professionals. You have the opportunity to practice assessment techniques and gain knowledge of interventions including mindfulness, guided imagery and cognitive behavioural therapy.

The programme has strong links to organisations providing a range of volunteering opportunities as well as external agencies, including the NHS and within the public health sector. In addition to working alongside academic staff to conduct health psychology research and evaluation.