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On our MSc Health Psychology course, we'll give you an insider’s perspective on theories, methods and techniques of health psychology, and the relationship these have with health and illness. This includes a study of the psychological processes involved in maintaining health, the pathological responses to ill health and stress, and the promotion of wellbeing among the physically ill.
On successful completion of this course, you’ll have the Stage 1 training needed to progress onto Stage 2, in order to become a Chartered Health Psychologist.
What you will study
You’ll learn theories and practical issues relevant to health psychology and an understanding of different approaches to research. You’ll learn about a range of applied topics, such as living with chronic conditions, health issues
Read more about this course
A minimum of a 2:2 UK honours degree in Psychology, or a recognised international equivalent.
Alternatively, a postgraduate conversion diploma in psychology following completion of another degree subject.
This is a regulated course that requires declaration of criminal convictions at the application stage, please visit our criminal convictions webpage for more information.
Please see course website for further details.
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The University of Surrey is one of the UK's top professional, scientific and technological universities. Surrey has a world-class profile, a leading reputation in teaching and research, and received a prestigious Gold award in the first ever Teaching Excellence Framework (TEF)
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“Although the demands on my time and energy were challenging, I received unbeatable support from the team at Surrey.”
Sarah, a Practice Development Midwife with 15 years’ experience as a qualified nurse and 11 years’ experience as a qualified midwife, explains how a Masters from the University of Surrey has boosted her career prospects.
“I wanted a course that would enable me to consolidate my previous experience and give me the qualification I needed for career progression. I chose the University of Surrey because it offers higher education as part of a contract with local Trusts. I was also looking to study at a university that could rival others at a national and even an international level.
The most challenging aspect of the course was juggling my academic work, working for the Trust and family life. The impact of studying for a Masters on family life can never be underestimated, so time management is key. For me, this often meant studying in the evening, which after a long day at work was gruelling.
Although the demands on my time and energy were challenging, I received unbeatable support from the team at Surrey. The emphasis wasn’t on taking away my challenges, but providing me with guidance so I could find a path that enabled me to achieve my full potential.
Now I have completed the course, the sense of achievement I have is immeasurable. At Surrey, you’re encouraged to think outside the box and consider new ideas.
Based on the results of my Masters, I have been awarded a full-time funded PhD studentship at Surrey. It’s thanks to the experience I had during my Masters that I had the confidence to even apply.”
What attracted you to choose the University of Surrey and to study your course here?
I chose the University of Surrey because of its reputation and the very good ranking it had in university tables. Regarding the specific programme that I chose I found that it had the most interesting course and the professors are some of the most prominent figures in the field of Health Psychology (Jane Ogden, Mark Corpley).
What is your strongest memory of your time at Surrey – what do you picture first when you think of being here?
Being at Surrey was one of the best experiences of my life and when I think about my time in the university a big smile always crosses my face. Even though I was away from my home country, the University offered me a great sense of security and hospitality. I knew that if I had any problem it would be solved in minutes.
Something that I will never forget is the first thing that Mark Corpley (the course director) told us in our first lecture: “be aware... during your MSc you have to remember that time flies.” He was so right.
Last but not least, one of the best things that happened to me was that I had the opportunity to meet some amazing people and to make new friends for life.
What were the best things about your course?
The best thing is that the course provided us with a variety of very interesting modules and taught us how to critically evaluate scientific data. I am grateful that after the completion of my MSc I further improved my research skills.
I really enjoyed the seminars that were held in the university campus addressed only to Health Psychology Postgraduate students. During these seminars I had the chance to learn very enlightening things related to my field and also useful information and tips about job opportunities.
What are your top tips for students aspiring to work in your profession?
Critically evaluate everything you read, be creative, be patient and enjoy the ride!
"I chose Surrey as I got the opportunity to combine my PhD with Stage 2 training in health psychology, which wasn't offered by many other universities."
My course
I chose the University of Surrey first of all because of the city - I love Guildford - and because the rankings for psychology were high. I liked that I got the opportunity to combine my PhD with Stage 2 training in health psychology, which wasn't offered by many other universities.
I studied on the MSc Health Psychology course and then completed PhD Health Psychology. The best things were the academic environment and the diversity of the teaching programmes.
My clinical placements
I did placements for my Stage 2 training in health psychology practice and this enabled me to enrich my CV.
"The best things were the academic environment and the diversity of the teaching programmes."
My most memorable moment
I picture the campus were I have spent some of the most amazing moments, both personal and educational, of my academic life.
My career and development
I'm a researcher at UCL in the Department of Applied Health Research. I enjoy collaborating with different people on diverse projects that satisfy my curiosity. When I first did my masters, I knew that I wanted to continue with a PhD and be an academic. The academic environment at Surrey inspired me to work in academia.
My advice
Consider carefully where you want to be in ten years. Plan ahead. Talk to the right people. And just do it!
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