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Clinical Health Psychology and Wellbeing MSc

Enhance your career opportunities with this master's course examining the relationship between mental and physical health. It is designed for psychology graduates and allied health professions
Code
PGC851
Start
September 2024
Duration
1 year full-time
2 years part-time
Attendance
Full-time
Part-time
Fees
£10,500 (UK) *
£16,800 (INT) *
Course leader
Camille Alexis-Garsee
Nicky Payne

Supporting physical and mental health is central in all areas of life and employment. This master's degree integrates the promotion of health and wellness with a focus on mental and physical health and wellbeing.

Why choose Clinical Health Psychology and Wellbeing MSc at Middlesex?

This degree course is for psychology graduates or those with qualifications in health and mental healthcare who want to further their studies, knowledge and skills and enhance their career opportunities.

On this course, you'll gain the knowledge, clinical practitioner and professional skills you need for a career working with clients and patients in health-related settings.

Placement

We have strong partnerships with many health psychology organisations which means that you'll be able to undertake an eight-week work placement and gain valuable hands-on work experience. Previous placements have included working in addiction, cancer screening, pain management, exercise, health promotion, stroke rehabilitation, mental health and trauma.

What you will gain

You'll focus on developing your professional skills including clinical, counselling and research skills, analysing and appraising the usefulness and application of psychological theories, and becoming an ethical and reflective practitioner.

You'll develop your skills in intervention, working with clients and developing professional and clinical skills which you can practice on an eight-week professional placement with one of our industry partners. This placement experience can build confidence, provide useful work experience for your CV, and help you build your future career network.

You could go on to work in sectors such as the NHS or the private health sector, charities, organisations and academia.

You could also choose to continue your studies by training as a Psychological Wellbeing Practitioner to work in Improving Access to Psychological Therapies (IAPT) services, applying to study for a PhD or, if you have the Graduate Basis for Chartership (GBC) with the British Psychological Society, you could apply for training to become a counselling or clinical psychologist.

Please note that this course does not itself lead to a therapy practitioner qualification.

3 great reasons to pick this course

  • Broad career prospects
    You can work in sectors such as the NHS, private health sector, charities, public health departments, mental health, teaching and academia
  • Use specialist facilities
    You’ll study by using our state-of-the-art facilities and specialist equipment including EEG, eye-trackers, the Baby lab and specialist testing booths and cubicles
  • Valuable Placements
    Opportunity to undertake an eight-week placement with one of our industry partners in areas such as addiction, chronic illness or mental health.

Find out more

Sign up now to receive more information about studying at Middlesex University London.

This master's degree will help you understand how psychology is applied to physical health and psychological wellbeing, and mental and physical ill health. You'll also focus on health promotion and health behaviour change.

During the course you will study counselling skills; interventions to promote health and well-being and to treat mental ill health; chronic illness and its management; health promotion and health behaviour change; and research methods.

During the course, you'll be examining health, wellness and illness to understand the relationship between psychological variables and biomedical conditions as well as physical and mental health and wellbeing.

You'll focus on application and intervention and have the opportunity to apply your knowledge and practice professional and clinical skills. These can include communication with clients, ethical and reflective practice, judgment and decision-making, and skills related to formulation and assessment, cognitive-behavioural therapy, and health behaviour change.

  • Modules - Compulsory

    • Quantitative Research Methods (15 credits)

      This module aims to provide your with core skills and knowledge in quantitative research methods in Psychology. The focus is on understanding how research questions relate to design and appropriate analyses. Across the suite of MSc programmes in Psychology, it provides you with advanced skills in a variety of statistical analyses and enables you to conduct psychological research at master’s level. The module enables you to understand and critically evaluate published quantitative psychological research. It prepares you for your dissertation and enables you to choose appropriate methodologies and analyses for research.

    • Research: Practice and Reporting (60 credits)

      This module aim to provide you with an opportunity for an in-depth, advanced study in a specific area of applied psychology, pertinent to the degree for which you are registered, guided by, but largely independent of, tutor support. You will apply appropriate principles of empirical research, and present your research study in the form of a written journal article, using appropriate styles and conventions.

    • Trauma Impacts and Interventions (30 credits)

      On this module, you will develop a critical understanding of current research evidence and perspectives on psychological trauma and its effects. The impact of trauma on different groups and at different stages of the lifespan will be reviewed. Models of intervention for psychological trauma will be critically examined and the current debates around ameliorating factors and developmental outcomes will be explored.

    • Clinical Health Psychology: Perspectives, Practice and Placement (30 credits)

      This module aims to introduce you to clinical health psychology applied to behaviour change and chronic health conditions, covering wellness and illness and the promotion and enhancement of health and wellbeing. It provides you with an insight into and helps you develop the skills required to work in health psychology settings and you may choose to undertake a placement as part of this. The module focuses on developing your knowledge on the application of theory to health care delivery and wellbeing, and aids your professional development in three areas a) personal development, including self-confidence, self-awareness, self-reflection and awareness of strengths and areas for improvement b) development of professional skills, including clinical skills, analysing and appraising the usefulness and application of psychology theory to practice and becoming an ethical and reflective practitioner, and c) preparation for future employability.

    • Counselling and Psychotherapy in Applied Psychology (30 credits)

      The aim of this module is to provide you with an introduction to the main schools of psychological therapy, their theoretical origins and how the theory is applied in practice. The module will also introduce you to the basic principles of communication skills that form the foundation of all counselling and therapy. Finally, the module will familiarise you with the role of counselling and therapy within all areas of applied psychology.

    • Qualitative Research Methods (15 credits)

      This module aims to introduce you to qualitative research methods, and to provide you with knowledge and practice by equipping you with a combination of practical and theoretical skills. You will be introduced to and familiarised with a range of qualitative methodologies and methods of generating and analysing data in-depth. The module allows the time and space necessary for sustained immersion. The module aims to enable you to become proficient in your qualitative research knowledge and skills. You will also develop reflexive practice, which is an essential aspect of qualitative research.

      This module also aims to prepare you to conduct qualitative research in the future, such as in your MSc dissertation projects – it will enable you to choose suitable methodologies and analyses for your research. Therefore, this module is both ideal for, and provides a rich learning opportunity for, students who are undertaking a qualitatively-based or mixed methods dissertation project; those who want to study Psychology at a doctoral level; and for those planning a career in research.

To find out more about this course, please download the Clinical Health Psychology and Wellbeing MSc specification (PDF).

How we'll teach you

You'll attend interactive classes and workshops where you'll take part in discussions, role-play and problem-solving exercises and group work. There is an opportunity to undertake a short placement as part of the programme.

You'll be taught by an experienced teaching team with a wide range of expertise and professional experience. Your personal tutor will support you with help and advice throughout your studies.

Where will I study?

You will be based at our north London campus in Hendon.

Teaching vs independent study

In a typical year, you’ll spend about 1200 hours on your course.

Outside of teaching hours, you’ll learn independently through reading articles and books, working on projects, undertaking research, and preparing for assessments including coursework and presentations.

Timetable

Whether you are studying full or part-time – your course timetable will balance your study commitments on campus with time for work, life commitments and independent study.

We aim to make timetables available to students at least 2 weeks before the start of term. Some weeks are different due to how we schedule classes and arrange on-campus sessions.

Typical weekly breakdown

A typical week looks like this:

Learning

Approximate hours per week

On-campus

12

Online

4

Independent study

12

Placements will normally be eight full-time equivalent weeks in total. Most will take place between 4 and 5 days a week for eight consecutive weeks after the taught part of the course ends (i.e. May–August). However, some placements may involve working between 1 and 3 days a week both during the summer and during some of term time. This will depend on both your availability and the nature of the placement.

Learning terms

On-campus: This includes tutor-led sessions such as seminars, lab sessions and demonstrations as well as student-led sessions for work in small groups.

Online learning: This is teaching that is delivered online using tools like Skype or Zoom, as well as work that you do yourself using online teaching resources.

Independent study: This is the work you do in your own time including reading and research.

Part-time study

You can also study this course part-time.

Academic support

We have a strong support network online and on campus to help you develop your academic skills. We offer one-to-one and group sessions to develop your learning skills together with academic support from our library, IT teams and learning experts.

Coursework and assessments

You'll be assessed on the basis of a variety of types of coursework including log books and reflections on practice, case studies, intervention design and reports. A major part of your assessment will be your 6,000 to 10,000-word research report in the style of a journal article.

Feedback

You'll evaluate your work, skills and knowledge and identify areas for improvement. Sometimes you'll work in groups and assess each other's progress. Each term, you'll get feedback on your learning.

Psychology Specialist Facilities

The Hatchcroft building houses the specialist BabyLab allowing psychology researchers to carry out cutting-edge developmental work. It also houses advanced computing laboratories and specialist psychology cubicles for conducting individual projects. Also available are testing booths for measuring EEG and Biofeedback training, Eye-trackers for both adult and infant research, and facilities for electrical and magnetic brain stimulation.

The Sheppard Library

Our library is open 24 hours a day during the term and includes:

  • Dedicated Psychology Librarian
  • Over 1,000 study areas with rooms for group study and over 600 computer spaces
  • 350,000 books and e-books and more than 24,000 online journals
  • Free laptop loans, Wi-Fi and printing.

Student support

We offer lots of support to help you while you're studying including financial advice, wellbeing, mental health and disability support.

Additional needs

We'll support you if you have additional needs such as sensory impairment or dyslexia. And if you want to find out whether Middlesex is the right place for you before you apply, get in touch with our Disability and Dyslexia team.

Wellness

Our specialist teams will support your mental health. We have free individual counselling sessions, workshops, support groups and useful guides.

Work while you study

Our Middlesex Unitemps branch will help you find work that fits around uni and your other commitments. We have hundreds of student jobs on campus that pay the London Living Wage and above. Visit the Middlesex Unitemps page.

Financial support

You can apply for scholarships and bursaries and our MDX Student Starter Kit to help with up to £1,000 of goods, including a new laptop or iPad.

We have also reduced the costs of studying with free laptop loans, free learning resources and discounts to save money on everyday things. Check out our guide to student life on a budget.

How can the Clinical Health Psychology and Wellbeing MSc support your career?

Our university's postgraduate courses have been recognised for their ability to support your career.

95% of our postgraduate students go on to work or further study Graduate Outcomes, 2022.

Once you've completed this masters degree, you can choose to work in sectors such as the NHS, private health service, charities, organisations and academia.

Work may include helping people deal with diabetes, pain, or stroke; health promotion in communities, schools or the workplace; designing and delivering interventions for weight loss or smoking cessation; promoting well-being and mental health; and research and teaching.

Career paths

Our graduates have found successful careers as:

  • Child well-being practitioner in the NHS (Mary Oshinnaya)
  • Senior triage and engagement coordinator in a Stop smoking Service (Marcos Castejon)
  • Drug and alcohol recovery worker in the prison service (Dean Soobhen)
  • Specialist support office with young people with complex needs (Hamse Hassan)

You could also choose to continue your studies and training by training as a psychological wellbeing practitioner to work in Improving Access to Psychological Therapies (IAPT) services, applying to study for a PhD (i.e. a research degree) or, if you have the Graduate Basis for Chartership with the British Psychological Society, you could apply for training to become, for example, a counselling or clinical psychologist.

MDXWorks

MDXworks, our employability service, will help you make the most of your experience and connections to achieve your career goals. You'll have unlimited access to one-to-one advice and support from specialists in your sector plus 24/7 online support. You can also make the most of events and networking opportunities, on and off campus.

Global alumni network

You’ll be studying with students from 122 countries who’ll become part of your personal global network. You'll learn how to work with a global mindset and make invaluable connections on your course for your chosen industry.

Work placements

Placements and internships can greatly improve your future job prospects after you graduate. They usually boost your confidence and academic results by giving you the opportunity to practice what have learned in a professional setting.

Our specialist Employability Service will help you find placement opportunities.

As part of this MSc you have the opportunity to undertake an 8-week placement with one of our industry partners in areas such as addiction, chronic illness or mental health.

  1. UK entry
  2. International entry
  3. How to apply

The fees below are for the 2024/25 academic year:

UK students1

Full-time students: £10,500
Part-time students: £70 per credit
Part-time students: £35 per dissertation credit

International students2

Full-time students: £16,800
Part-time students: £112 per credit
Part-time students: £56 per dissertation credit

Additional costs

We cover your costs for the day-to-day things that you need to do well in your studies.

  • Free – laptop loans, e-books, Wi-Fi and printing
  • Free specialist software for your course
  • Free online training with LinkedIn Learning.

Placement Costs

The placement is not paid but in most cases we will reimburse the costs of travelling via public transport to the placement, although if you live outside London, we would only be able to reimburse the travel costs within London.

If you are an EU/international student and wish to go on placement you will need to pay for a police check in your home country. This is required in order to apply for a DBS check in the UK and we will cover the cost of the DBS check.

Financial support

We offer lots of support to help you with fees and living costs. Check out our guide to student life on a budget and find out more about postgraduate funding.

Postgraduate scholarships

You may be eligible for one of our scholarships including:

  • The Alumni Postgraduate Award – for all UK/EU Middlesex alumni a 20% fee reduction
  • The Commonwealth Scholarship – full course fees, airfares and a living allowance
  • The Chevening Scholarship – full course fees
  • The European Academic Awards – £1000 to £7000 for students showing academic excellence
  • Regional or International Merit Award –up to £2,000 towards course fees

For international students, we also have a limited number of other awards specific to certain regions, and work in partnership with funding providers in your country to help support you financially with your study.

Find out more about our postgraduate scholarships.

Help from your employer

Your employer can contribute towards the cost of your postgraduate study as part of their staff development programme.

Work while you study

If you are not currently working, we can help you find work that fits around university and your other commitments. We have hundreds of student jobs on campus that pay the London Living Wage and above.

Fees disclaimers

1. UK fees: The university reserves the right to increase postgraduate tuition fees in line with changes to legislation, regulation and any government guidance or decisions. The tuition fees for part-time UK study are subject to annual review and we reserve the right to increase the fees each academic year by no more than the level of inflation.

2. International fees: Tuition fees are subject to annual review and we reserve the right to increase the fees each academic year by no more than the level of inflation.

Any annual increase in tuition fees as provided for above will be notified to students at the earliest opportunity in advance of the academic year to which any applicable inflationary rise may apply.

Dr Camille Alexis-Garsee
Associate Professor in Health Psychology

Dr Alexis-Garsee is a Chartered Psychologist with the BPS and is joint Programme Leader of the MSc Clinical Health Psychology and Wellbeing programme, joint Ethics Chair for the Psychology Department and Co-ordinator of the Health Psychology Lab. Her research focuses on the use of technology for behaviour change, smoking, vaping, obesity, chronic illness and COVID-19.

Dr Nicky Payne
Associate Professor of Psychology

Dr Payne is a Chartered Psychologist with the BPS and a Registered Practitioner Health Psychologist with the HCPC. She is joint programme leader of the MSc Clinical Health Psychology and Wellbeing, the Psychology Research Degrees Coordinator and leads the Psychology, Health and Wellbeing Research Group. Her research focuses on health behaviour change, infertility, work stress and work-life balance.

  • Khelan Raghoobar

    Postgraduate Psychology graduate

    Studying at Middlesex has been a fantastic experience. The modules taught have employed many wonderful, multi-disciplined professionals who used varying teaching styles to ensure that we were able to grasp the material, and no one was left behind. In particular, the practical skills and knowledge gained from taught modules have been very useful in preparation for the work placement module, and for the wider working world.

  • Hamse Hassan

    Postgraduate Psychology graduate

    Studying at Middlesex was a thoroughly pleasant and enjoyable experience. The modules improved my knowledge and understanding, analytical and thinking skills as well as enhanced my practical skills through supportive workshops and interactive activities. The placement module was a fantastic opportunity to demonstrate my learning in the work environment and reflect on my understanding. My employment prospects increased significantly after studying at Middlesex as it equipped me with essential tools that allowed me to succeed in my line of work.

  • Marcos Castejon

    Postgraduate Psychology graduate

    I thoroughly enjoyed my time on my degree. I especially liked the variety of health professionals that we got to learn from. The placement module was also excellent, I liked my time at the Behavioural Insights Team so much that I stayed for one more month volunteering after my placement was done.


We’ll carefully manage any future changes to courses, or the support and other services available to you, if these are necessary because of things like changes to government health and safety advice, or any changes to the law.

Any decisions will be taken in line with both external advice and the University’s Regulations which include information on this.

Our priority will always be to maintain academic standards and quality so that your learning outcomes are not affected by any adjustments that we may have to make.

At all times we’ll aim to keep you well informed of how we may need to respond to changing circumstances, and about support that we’ll provide to you.

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