Leeds Beckett University - City Campus,
Woodhouse Lane,
LS1 3HE
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Course overview
-
L27 -
City Campus -
Full-Time -
1 Year -
21 Sep 2026
As part of this course, you’ll:
- Gain expertise in health psychology underpinned by current research
- Study how we advance understanding about the possible causes, progressions and consequences of health and illness
- Evaluate and apply a range of methodological techniques to research in health psychology with due regard for ethical considerations
- Practise using a range of qualitative and quantitative techniques and research methods in accessing, processing and evaluating information
- Understand how to apply ethical, legal and professional practice frameworks including those from the British Psychological Society and the Health and Care Professions Council
- Demonstrate originality and creativity in the application of knowledge
- Explore how new knowledge is created and synthesised across the core areas of health psychology as you complete an extensive piece of independent empirical research
- Communicate your work through a range of formats
Professional accreditation
This course has been granted ongoing accreditation by the British Psychological Society (BPS), subject to the conditions from the 2024-25 accreditation visit being met.
Your learning
You’ll develop critical thinking skills as you study:
- Research and research methods
- Contexts and perspectives in health psychology
- Physiological and psychosomatic disease processes
- Client groups and other stakeholders
- Health-related behaviour and cognitions
- Social dimensions of health
- Interventions
- Applications of health psychology
- Healthcare and professional settings
- Measurement and professional issues
Why study Health Psychology at Leeds Beckett University...
- This course has been granted accreditation by the BPS, subject to the conditions from the 2024-5 accreditation visit being met
- Research-active, internationally recognised expert teaching team
- A diverse and dynamic academic community
- Specialist facilities including a biopsychology lab and a newly equipped research suite
- Opportunities to be involved with the Centre for Psychological Research (PsyCen)
Everything you need to know
Discover all there is to know about the course, from entry requirements and fees to exploring the school you’ll be joining - we’ve got it covered.
Entry requirements
Applicants should have at least an upper second class honours degree in Psychology (or MSc conversion course equivalent) and Graduate Basis for Chartered Membership (GBC) status with the British Psychological Society (BPS).
All applications should be supported by a reference, either academic or professional; you can download our reference template for completion.
All applicants should satisfy our English Language requirements . Please note the IELTS requirement for this course are IELTS 6.5 with no skill below 6.0. Further details about acceptable equivalent qualifications can be found on our International Student information pages .
Entry requirements
Applicants should have at least an upper second class honours degree in Psychology (or MSc conversion course equivalent) and Graduate Basis for Chartered Membership (GBC) status with the British Psychological Society (BPS).
All applications should be supported by a reference, either academic or professional; you can download our reference template for completion.
All applicants should satisfy our English Language requirements . Please note the IELTS requirement for this course are IELTS 6.5 with no skill below 6.0. Further details about acceptable equivalent qualifications can be found on our International Student information pages .
IELTS
All applicants should satisfy our English Language requirements . Please note the IELTS requirement for this course are IELTS 6.5 with no skill below 6.0. Further details about acceptable equivalent qualifications can be found on our International Student information pages .
Selection Criteria
We may use selection criteria based on your personal attributes; experience and/or commitment to the area of study. This information will be derived from your personal statement and reference and will only be used if you have met the general entry requirements.
Independent study is a crucial part of learning at university and you will be required to undertake many hours of self-directed research and reading, and preparation and writing of assessments. Your course is delivered through a number of modules, which will help you to plan your time and establish a study routine. Outside of your lectures, workshops and tutorials, a range of support is available to assist with your independent study. Our subject-specific librarians will be on hand to direct you to the specialist learning and study-skill resources. You’ll also be assigned an academic advisor to give you tailored feedback and support.
Modules, teaching and learning
What you'll learn
Gain the information and skills to critically evaluate the current knowledge, theory and evidence base relevant to health psychology. In doing so, you'll draw upon both psychological theory and knowledge, from other disciplines where relevant such as medical sociology, medical ethics, medicine, behavioural medicine, health policy, and/or health economics. This module will communicate the importance of this information as an important first step for all work and activities as a future health psychologist.
Develop the knowledge and skills you'll need to use a range of research methods. You'll understand how to synthesise evidence in an area relevant to health psychology to plan and propose a study protocol for an empirical research study.
Learn to critically evaluate a range of interventions applicable to health psychology settings and health and wellbeing outcomes such as cognitive-behavioural approaches and motivational interviewing. You'll develop knowledge of and critically evaluate: behavioural change techniques and interventions, health needs assessment, the process of formulation, based on assessment, which informs choice of intervention, management of acute and long-term conditions, health education and promotion, and barriers and facilitators to successful implementation.
Gain the skills and capabilities to progress to work with a range of different client groups experiencing health and illness. Such groups will include people at different stages of the lifespan, for example from childhood to late adulthood, and those who differ with respect to issues such as disability, gender, class and ‘race’.
Build a fundamental understanding of the interactions between physiological and psychological processes in health and illness. This module will focus on health-related conditions of significant public health importance, for example stress, pain, obesity and addiction. You'll be provided with an in-depth theoretical and evidence-based introduction to the characteristics, underlying mechanisms and current interventions for each of these conditions. You'll develop the skills and capabilities to critically appraise and evaluate methodologies, theory and research. As part of this module, you'll conduct a group research project which will provide you with the opportunity to apply your knowledge of the health psychology field in a research context. This will develop both your research and team-working skills.
Develop the knowledge and skills you'll need to work within a range of settings and contexts relevant to health psychology. This module will focus on your personal and professional development as health psychologists. You'll study the principles and utility of critical self-reflection and policy, legal and statutory obligations which may impact upon their development as trainee health psychologists. This module will also explore perspectives and restrictions on health psychology practice in the UK context and beyond.
Undertake a research project in psychology to demonstrate your practical, analytical, and communication skills. This module has a strong emphasis on self-management, with the support of academic staff members in the development of research ideas.
Fees and funding
£10,090
UK
The tuition fee for the year for students entering in 2026/27 is £10090. The amount you will pay may increase each year to take into account the effects of inflation.
£18,440
International 2026
The tuition fee for the year for students entering in 2026/27 is £18440. The amount you will pay is fixed at this level for each year of your course.
Fees and funding
£10,090
For students entering in 2026
The tuition fee for the year for students entering in 2026/27 is £10090. The amount you will pay may increase each year to take into account the effects of inflation.Postgraduate loans are now available for many of our Masters courses. See the Postgraduate Loan scheme page for more information.
Additional course costs
Tuition Fees
Your tuition fees cover the cost of registration, tuition, academic supervision, assessments and examinations.
The following are also included in the cost of your course:
- 24/7 Library and student IT support
- Free wifi via eduroam
- Skills workshops and resources
- Library membership, giving access to more than 500,000 printed, multimedia and digital resources
- Access to software, including five free copies of Microsoft Office 365 to install on your PC,laptop and MAC, and access to free high-end software via the Leeds Beckett remote app
- Loan of high-end media equipment to support your studies
In many cases, costs associated with your course will be included in your course fee. However, in some cases there are ‘essential’ additional costs (those that you will be required to meet in addition to your course fee), and/or ‘optional’ additional costs (costs that are not required, but that you might choose to pay). We have included those essential or optional additional costs that relate to your course, below.
Essential Costs
- Travel, accommodation and sustenance associated with your dissertation, research projects or data collection (the cost will vary depending on your topic and individual project and you could choose to undertake a project that doesn't have any associated costs or conduct it in a cost-effective manner). A typical day trip for fieldwork in the North of England would cost £20-40. An average two-day stay to use an archive or conduct interviews in London would cost £200-300 depending on travel times.
Optional Costs
- Student membership of the British Psychological Society (BPS) (The first year of student membership is free. It is currently £33 per year thereafter. Cost maybe subject to change.) Full details can be found by visiting the BPS web page]]
Other study-related expenses to consider: materials that you will need to complete your course such as books (whilst the library provides access to readings recommended for your modules, you may wish to purchase your own copies of some books); you can also make suggestions for books to be added to Library stock; placement costs (these may include travel expenses and living costs); student visas (international students only); printing, photocopying and stationery (you may need to pay for multiple copies of your dissertation or final project to be printed and bound); events associated with your course such as field trips; study abroad opportunities (travel costs and accommodation, visas and immunisations). Other costs could include academic conferences (travel costs) and professional-body membership (where applicable). The costs you will need to cover for graduation will include gown hire and guest tickets, and optional extras such as professional photography.
As well as your mobile phone, you will also need access to a desktop computer and/or laptop to complete assignments and access university online services such as MyBeckett, your virtual learning environment. You can book and borrow AV equipment through the media equipment service accessed online via the student hub and located in the library at each campus. Equipment includes: 360 Cameras, iPads, GoPros, MacBooks, portable data projectors, portable projection screens, flipchart stands, remote presenters, digital cameras and camcorders, SLR cameras, speakers, microphones, headphones, headsets, tripods, digital audio recorders and PC/laptops (a laptop loans service is provided on campus in the library on both campuses). Student laptops are also available from the laptop lockers located in the libraries.
This list is not exhaustive, costs are approximate and will vary depending on the choices you make during your course. Any rental, travel or living costs are also in addition to your course fees. If you choose to study via distance learning, you may not be able to access all of the facilities listed if you are not able to visit us on campus.
£18,440
For students entering in 2026
The tuition fee for the year for students entering in 2026/27 is £18440. The amount you will pay is fixed at this level for each year of your course.Postgraduate loans are now available for many of our Masters courses. See the Postgraduate Loan scheme page for more information.
Additional course costs
Tuition Fees
Your tuition fees cover the cost of registration, tuition, academic supervision, assessments and examinations.
The following are also included in the cost of your course:
- 24/7 Library and student IT support
- Free wifi via eduroam
- Skills workshops and resources
- Library membership, giving access to more than 500,000 printed, multimedia and digital resources
- Access to software, including five free copies of Microsoft Office 365 to install on your PC,laptop and MAC, and access to free high-end software via the Leeds Beckett remote app
- Loan of high-end media equipment to support your studies
In many cases, costs associated with your course will be included in your course fee. However, in some cases there are ‘essential’ additional costs (those that you will be required to meet in addition to your course fee), and/or ‘optional’ additional costs (costs that are not required, but that you might choose to pay). We have included those essential or optional additional costs that relate to your course, below.
Essential Costs
- Travel, accommodation and sustenance associated with your dissertation, research projects or data collection (the cost will vary depending on your topic and individual project and you could choose to undertake a project that doesn't have any associated costs or conduct it in a cost-effective manner). A typical day trip for fieldwork in the North of England would cost £20-40. An average two-day stay to use an archive or conduct interviews in London would cost £200-300 depending on travel times.
Optional Costs
- Student membership of the British Psychological Society (BPS) (The first year of student membership is free. It is currently £33 per year thereafter. Cost maybe subject to change.) Full details can be found by visiting the BPS web page]]
Other study-related expenses to consider: materials that you will need to complete your course such as books (whilst the library provides access to readings recommended for your modules, you may wish to purchase your own copies of some books); you can also make suggestions for books to be added to Library stock; placement costs (these may include travel expenses and living costs); student visas (international students only); printing, photocopying and stationery (you may need to pay for multiple copies of your dissertation or final project to be printed and bound); events associated with your course such as field trips; study abroad opportunities (travel costs and accommodation, visas and immunisations). Other costs could include academic conferences (travel costs) and professional-body membership (where applicable). The costs you will need to cover for graduation will include gown hire and guest tickets, and optional extras such as professional photography.
As well as your mobile phone, you will also need access to a desktop computer and/or laptop to complete assignments and access university online services such as MyBeckett, your virtual learning environment. You can book and borrow AV equipment through the media equipment service accessed online via the student hub and located in the library at each campus. Equipment includes: 360 Cameras, iPads, GoPros, MacBooks, portable data projectors, portable projection screens, flipchart stands, remote presenters, digital cameras and camcorders, SLR cameras, speakers, microphones, headphones, headsets, tripods, digital audio recorders and PC/laptops (a laptop loans service is provided on campus in the library on both campuses). Student laptops are also available from the laptop lockers located in the libraries.
This list is not exhaustive, costs are approximate and will vary depending on the choices you make during your course. Any rental, travel or living costs are also in addition to your course fees. If you choose to study via distance learning, you may not be able to access all of the facilities listed if you are not able to visit us on campus.
Funding support for your studies
Discover more about our range of postgraduate funding options including a Master's Loan of up to £12,858, and our 20% alumni discount*
*Terms apply
The MSc Health Psychology is designed for you to develop in-depth knowledge and understanding of the discipline. You will work with research active staff who have internationally recognised expertise in health psychology, helping you to develop a critical awareness of current issues and developments in the discipline.
Dr Kirsty Budds
Course manager
Career prospects
There’s a lot to consider when choosing a course. Take a look at the team you’ll be working with, employability statistics and career prospects to help make up your mind.
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