Masters degrees in Health Psychology explore the psychological factors and related behavioural processes that contribute to the maintenance and improvement of physical wellbeing.
Related postgraduate specialisms include Public Health and Psychology of Health. Entry requirements typically include an undergraduate degree such as Sport and Exercise Science, Medicine, Nursing or Psychology.
Health psychologists don’t only think about health in terms of biological wellbeing; they also consider how psychological factors (such as thoughts and beliefs), and behavioural factors (such as habits) can improve or damage it.
With this in mind, you may study how certain behaviours like excessive alcohol consumption may be harmful over time, and how a psychological approach can reduce these habits.
Alternatively, you might explore how the encouragement of habits such as increased exercise may improve health, and how approaches like psychotherapy or positive reinforcement can boost the development of normal behaviours.
Health psychologists typically work alongside other health professionals such as doctors and nurses within a clinical or healthcare setting. This could include inpatient departments, rehabilitation centres, community centres, probation services and prisons.
