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Health Psychology (MSc)

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Course Overview

The MSc (Health Psychology) is a one-year full-time or two-year part-time programme of academic study in the discipline of health psychology.

Health Psychology is concerned with the application of psychological theory, research, and practice to the promotion and maintenance of health; the identification and amelioration of psychological factors contributing to physical illness and the improvement of the health care system and formulation of health policy.

This programme is accredited by the Psychological Society of Ireland (PSI).  Programme staff are active in developing and promoting health psychology in Ireland and internationally. A number of internationally recognised health psychologists contribute to the programme through a series of visiting specialist seminars. It is intended for psychology graduates seeking to develop their knowledge and expertise in Health Psychology. The MSc will enable students to conduct high quality research and will prepare them to undertake further professional training in health psyhology and other areas of psychology.

Applications and Selections

Applications are made online via The Postgraduate Applications Centre (PAC). Relevant PAC application code(s) above.

Who Teaches this Course

  • Dr. AnnMarie Groarke
  • Dr. Sinead Conneely
  • Professor Gary Donohoe
  • Dr. Gerry Molloy
  • Dr. Caroline Heary 
  • Ms. Anne Marie Keane
  • Dr. Padraig MacNeela
  • Dr. Jane Walsh
  • Dr. Jenny McSharry

Other members of staff also provide occasional contributions.

Requirements and Assessment

Semester One exams: December. Semester Two exams: April/May. A minor dissertation is submitted at the end of the summer semester. A range of assessment methods are used, including essays, projects, reports, presentations and written examination.

Key Facts

Entry Requirements

The programme is intended for graduates (at National Framework of Qualifications Level 8) with at least a Second Class Honours primary degree in Psychology (or equivalent). The selection of candidates is based on academic merit and applicants may be required to attend for interview.

In recent years, candidates who have been offered a place on the programme have at least an upper Second Class Honours primary degree in Psychology. The degree (or equivalent) should be accredited by the Psychological Society of Ireland (PSI), or should be an equivalent international qualification.


Additional Requirements

Duration

1 year, full-time
2 years, part-time

Next start date

September 2018

A Level Grades ()

Average intake

15

Closing Date

You are advised to apply early, which may result in an early offer; see the round offer dates.

Next start date

September 2018

NFQ level

Mode of study

Taught

ECTS weighting

90

Award

CAO

PAC code

GYA70, full-time
GYA74, part-time

Course Outline

The course is concerned with the application of psychological theory, methods and research to health, illness and healthcare.

Modules included on the programme are: 

  • Health Promotion and Behaviour Change
  • Research Methods in Psychology
  • Perspectives in Health Psychology
  • Biobehavioural Processes in Health and Illness
  • Psychological Processes in Health and Illness
  • Research & Professional Skills
  • Minor Dissertation

The modules cover a wide variety of topics, including adjustment to chronic illness, doctor-patient communication, management of chronic pain and the nature of stress and its psycho-biological consequences.

Students also take classes in research methods in health psychology and carry out an empirical research project in a health-related area. In addition, they have the opportunity to attend research seminars given by international experts in the field of health psychology.

Why Choose This Course?

Career Opportunities

Given the strong academic and research basis of this programme, this qualification has relevance for working in a diverse range of settings. Previous graduates have gained employment in research posts and health service evaluation. Other opportunities include working with health authorities or voluntary organisations, that provide support, education and training to those with health-related difficulties. Graduates may also find employment in the area of health promotion or health education.

In addition to helping to prepare for employment in which a background in psychology is an advantage, the MSc (Health Psychology) also provides an excellent foundation for further postgraduate study. Some previous students have progressed to PhD studies, and have gained employment in Universities and other higher education settings (eg. teaching psychology to health professionals or those in training, as well as psychology students and/or conducting research). Others have pursued studies in Clinical Psychology, with Clinical-Health Psychology a potential route in which to specialise.

Who’s Suited to This Course

Learning Outcomes

 

Work Placement

Study Abroad

Related Student Organisations

Course Fees

Fees: EU

€6,015 p.a. (full-time); €3,065 p.a. (part-time) 2017/18

Fees: Tuition

€5,791 p.a. 2017/18

Fees: Student levy

€224 p.a. 2017/18

Fees: Non EU

€13,250 p.a. 2017/18

Postgraduate students in receipt of a SUSI grant—please note an F4 grant is where SUSI will pay €2,000 towards your full-time tuition.  You will be liable for the remainder of the total fee.  An F5 grant is where SUSI will pay full-time TUITION up to a maximum of €6,270.  SUSI will not cover the student levy of €224.

Postgraduate fee breakdown = tuition (EU or NON EU) + student levy as outlined above.

Find out More

Dr Gerry Molloy
T: +353 91 495 123
E:  gerry.molloy@nuigalway.ie

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