DPsych Health Psychology
According to the British Psychological Society, the goal of health psychology is to study scientifically the psychological processes of health, illness and health care.
The aim is to apply health psychology to the promotion and maintenance of health, the analysis and improvement of the health care system and health policy formation, the prevention of illness and disability and the enhancement of outcomes of those who are ill or disabled.
Health Psychology as a discipline is the fastest growing field of Psychology in the UK. Given an ageing and obesogenic population, with associated long-term health conditions, the demand for behavioural health and wellbeing interventions (and, therefore, Health Psychologists), is only set to increase.
This programme is intended to equip students with the vital knowledge and skills to become a competent and effective Health Psychologist. The Doctoral programme is designed to meet the BPS accreditation standards for Stage 1 and Stage 2 training in Health Psychology, thus meeting the requirements for Practitioner Psychologist status.
The programme aims to prepare students for accreditation as a Chartered Psychologist by providing training and supervision in five key areas of competency, including research, teaching and training, consultancy, behaviour change interventions and professional skills.
- Principles of Person Centered Approaches in Applied Psychology Practice
- Professional Development in Applied Psychology 1
- Consultancy & Training in Applied Psychology 1: Health
- Interventions in Applied Psychology 1
- Analytical Methods
- Advanced Research in Applied Psychology 1
For the award of MSc in Health Psychology: 180 credits at MSc Level
For the award of Professional Doctorate in Health Psychology: Minimum of 540 credits with a maximum of 420 at Doctorate level, including the above modules and the following:
- Professional Development in Applied Psychology 2
- Consultancy & Training in Applied Psychology 2
- Interventions in Applied Psychology 2
- Advanced Research in Applied Psychology 2
- Professional Development in Applied Psychology 3
- Consultancy & Training in Applied Psychology 3
- Interventions in Applied Psychology 3
- Advanced Research in Applied Psychology 3
Download the Programme Specification for a detailed breakdown of its structure, what you will learn and other useful information.
Study Options
- 2019/20
Study Options
- 2020/21
All entry requirements listed here should be used as a guide and represent the minimum required to be considered for entry. Applicants who are made a conditional offer of a place may be asked to achieve more than is stated.
Typical entry requirements
UK honours degree 2:1 (or equivalent) in psychology that meets British Psychological Society (BPS) standards for the Graduate Basis for Chartership (GBC), plus relevant work experience.Subject to DBS, PVG and/or occupational health checks. If successful in your application, you will be shortlisted and invited for interview.
Direct access to year two with an MSc in Health Psychology (BPS accredited) will be considered in line with GCUs Recognition of Prior Learning policy.
English language
Academic IELTS score of 7.0 (or equivalent) with no element below 7.0.
Please note: if you are from a majority English speaking country, you may not be required to provide further proof of your English Language proficiency.
Additional requirements
Applicants must also demonstrate a level of maturity and experience commensurate with the personal and professional requirements of the programme.Students should provide an example of demonstrating relevant voluntary or paid work experience within a relevant field, for example, experience of voluntary or paid work relevant to the field.
Applicants will be required to attend an interview as part of the admissions process, and will be subject to a CRB check. Acceptance onto the programme will be subject to the outcome of the CRB check and sufficient demonstration of the relevant skills and motivation required to undertake the programme.
Please note, students are expected to source their own potential placements prior to registration on the programme.
Additional information
Other academic and vocational qualifications
Each application to GCU is considered on an individual basis. If you do not have the typical academic entry qualifications, but can demonstrate relevant work experience and/or credits from recognised professional bodies, you may be eligible to enter this course via the University's Recognition of Prior Learning scheme.
International pathways
If you do not meet the English language requirements, you may be eligible for our pre-sessional English programme which is taught at our Glasgow campus.
Approved by the Health and Care Professions Council. Students receiving this award are eligible to apply for registration with the HCPC as a Health Psychologist.
Accredited by the British Psychological Society. Students receiving the D.Psych in Health Psychology are eligible to apply for Chartership as a Health Psychologist.
The tuition fees you pay are mostly determined by your fee status. What is my student fee status?
Tuition fees 2020/21
Home: £7,000
RUK: £7,000
EU: £7,000
International: £13,500
Tuition fees 2019/20
Home: £6,835
RUK: £6,835
EU: £6,835
International: £15,120
Part-time and distance-learning tuition fees
View our part-time and distance-learning fee schedules
Fees are subject to change and published here for guidance only. Fees and refund policy.
Additional costs
As a student at the University, there are additional fees and costs which may or may not apply to you, but that you should be aware of.
Scholarships
We provide high-quality education for a fair price; as the University for the Common Good, we are committed to offering accessible higher education for talented students by keeping our tuition fees low and providing a generous scholarship package of over £2.5 million per year.
For new international students, particular care is taken around our induction events which begin on 13 September 2019 to welcome you to the UK and GCU prior to the start of teaching. There will be a whole host of fun and informative activities taking place during this period, including campus tours, city tours and social events where you can meet other international students. Where possible, we encourage you to arrange travel to allow you to arrive in time to enjoy these.