Leeds Beckett University - City Campus,
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Master of Science Health Psychology , Level 7, 2023/24 - Course Handbook
Welcome to the Course
Welcome to the MSc in Health Psychology. This handbook provides you with information that you will need on your course. You should find this information helpful when you first start, when you are preparing for assessment and at any time that you need help or advice in connection with your studies here.
You will also receive a Module Handbook for each module you study on your course. Please read each one and remember to refer to all these handbooks throughout your studies. Your module handbooks will give you information about the delivery, content and assessments of each of your specific modules.
The course team is looking forward to working with you this year and we hope that your time studying with us at Leeds Beckett University is both enjoyable and successful. On behalf of our University and the whole course team, I would like to wish you well in your studies.
The Course Director, Dr Lydia Windisch, will have general oversight of the course whilst the course in managed by Course Manager, Dr Kirsty Budds.
Whether you are joining us for the first time, or returning to your course, we welcome you at the start of what we are sure will be a stimulating, challenging and rewarding year of study with us.
Our aim is to provide all our students with a research- informed, innovative and relevant curriculum that informs understandings of the world we live in. Our courses are highly valued by employers, and our approach to student learning and support places you at the heart of everything we do. In addition to offering a diverse range of teaching approaches and a variety of different methods of assessment, we attach the greatest importance to providing you with constructive feedback on your work so you can develop your future learning.
Our learning environment is student-centred, and we value your opinions. We want to know about the things you enjoy and think we do well, and also to hear about ways in which you believe we can improve your experience with us. You can share your views with us through course representatives, evaluation of modules, or constructive comments to staff. Whichever route you choose, we are always interested in what you have to say.
Staff across the School of Humanities and Social Sciences will provide you with all the support we can to help you succeed on your chosen course, and we look forward to working with you as you achieve your academic ambitions. I hope you have an enjoyable and rewarding year.
Professor Andrew Cooper, Dean of School
Leeds Beckett Students' Union (LBSU) is led by students for students! Their mission is to make your uni life better! Your Student Officer Team is elected by you to lead the Students' Union into the academic year. They represent all Leeds Beckett students and campaign for the changes you want to see in the university and beyond. They do this by representing your interests, giving you the chance to socialise and meet new people, hosting CV-boosting opportunities, and providing advice and support when you need it most. Shape your own experience by submitting your thoughts through your Course Rep, or if you'd like to influence the Students' Union's policy stance on particular issues or share ideas for improving the student experience across the University, submit your ideas on the Have Your Say platform, which is designed to make change happen! Below you'll find information on a few of their services but if you've any questions, please feel free to get in touch.
Silas Ozoya, your Academic Experience Officer, also wanted to say a few words to introduce himself: "Hey There! I'm Silas, your Academic Experience Officer. It's my job to ensure your academic experience at Leeds Beckett is the best it can be! We're a friendly and open-minded bunch at LBSU, so don't hesitate to get in touch with us! I'm looking forward to meeting you very soon!"
Contact LBSU at:
Email: lbsu-welcome@leedsbeckett.ac.uk
Phone: 0113 812 8400
Website: www.leedsbeckettsu.co.uk
- Following the lifting of all pandemic restrictions and advice from the Department for Education, we currently anticipate that no social distancing measures will be in place on campus during the 2023/24 academic year, enabling a normal on-campus experience. Our aim is to ensure that our students experience Leeds Beckett University, our courses, campuses, facilities and services to the fullest extent possible, while maintaining an environment where students and staff feel safe.
- In all cases, the health and safety of students and staff is our priority and we will continue to follow guidance from the UK Health Security Agency, the Department for Education and all other recognised government agencies (such as the Office for Students) in full and keep matters under close review at all times. The advice and restrictions may change before and/or during the academic year, either nationally or in response to local conditions and rates of infection and include the need for social distancing measures and other restrictions. Our flexible delivery model allows us to revert to a blended and/or remote delivery model if this becomes necessary. In a worst case scenario it is possible our campuses may need to close.
- In the event that delivery is restricted as a consequence of pandemic restrictions, we will keep you informed of planned changes as they arise, to ensure you are provided with accurate information.
Key Contacts & Keeping in Touch
Your Academic Advisor will be an academic member of staff who teaches you on your course. Your Course Manager will make sure that you are given the contact details of your Academic Advisor at the beginning of each year, usually in your course induction. Further details on the role of your Academic Advisor are available on the Academic Advisor web page.
The name of your Course Administrator/s will be confirmed during induction, their contact details are:
psychologyadmin@leedsbeckett.ac.uk.
The School of Humanities and Social Sciences Admin Office Opening Times and Dates Calendar can be found in the appendices section at the end of this handbook.
Course Representatives are student volunteers who represent your views at course level, in formal and informal meetings with academic and support staff and at School Forums. Details about being a Course Representative are available at www.leedsbeckett.ac.uk/studenthub/course-representatives.htm
The Students' Union oversees Course Representatives and more information is available at https://www.leedsbeckettsu.co.uk/coursereps
Your Academic Librarian team can be contacted onHSSLibrary@leedsbeckett.ac.uk. To find out the key resources for your subject and to book an appointment with the Library's Academic Support Team, see your Subject Guides: https://libguides.leedsbeckett.ac.uk/schools/humanities_and_social_sciences.
Dr Kirsty Budds: Course Manager (K.M.Budds@leedsbeckett.ac.uk)
Dr Lydia Windisch: Course Director (L.E.Windisch@leedsbeckett.ac.uk)
Prof. Georgina Jones, Curriculum Development Advisor: https://www.leedsbeckett.ac.uk/staff/professor-georgina-jones/
The contact details of other key services, such as Student Advice, Disability Advice, Student Wellbeing, the Library, Student Money, Careers, Students' Union Advice Service and Students' Union Student Voice Team can be found on the Students web page.
Academic and administrative staff at our University use your student email address to contact you. It is important that you check this account regularly. You can forward emails from your student email address to a preferred personal email address, however, quarantine and spam filters needed by our University mean that emails sent from external email addresses may be delayed, blocked or deleted. It is therefore important that your student email address is the only email address that you use to contact University staff. Information on how to access your student email address can be found on the Library Student IT Support page (http://libguides.leedsbeckett.ac.uk/it_support/office365/outlook)
Please make sure that you inform your Course Administration team whenever you change your address and contact details. It is important that you also update your records yourself. You can do this via the My Account/Update my Data tab on MyBeckett. This will ensure we can always contact you in an emergency, and that you receive any important University communications that we may need to send you.
We will inform you of class activities and course notifications, including any cancellations via email, in addition to posting announcements on MyBeckett so please check these regularly.
For each module, the Module Handbook will include the preferred method of communicating general information about that module to you.
MS Teams is part of the Office 365 suite used by staff and students for communication and collaboration:
- Access via MyBeckett on University devices as well as on personal mobiles via a free downloadable app.
- Participate in online meetings and video conferencing in groups or one-to-one.
- Work on shared content, ideas, projects and online learning.
- Utilise breakout rooms to create more dynamic sessions
Further information is available on the Library's MS Teams FAQ web page.
Your course team will advise how Skype for Business will be used on your course and make guidance available as required.
Timetable Information
The University’s standard term dates are available on our Academic Calendars web page.
Taught sessions, both mandatory and optional, will be scheduled and included in your online timetable. Depending on your course, this may also include scheduled online teaching and learning sessions where student engagement is required at a specified time or tutor pre-recorded lectures.
Normally, timetables will be made available to continuing students on 31st July and during induction week for new students via:
- The Student Portal (MyBeckett)
- The Leeds Beckett app
You should discuss any difficulties relating to your engagement with timetabled sessions with your Course Administrator.
Course Overview
The aims of the programme are to provide an in-depth knowledge and understanding of the psychological methods and theories that are used to advance understanding about the possible causes, progressions and consequences of health and illness. The content of the curriculum has been developed to meet the requirements for Stage 1 accreditation by the British Psychological Society (BPS). An application for accreditation has been submitted to The British Psychological Society.
As stipulated by the BPS, the Stage 1 modules will encourage the development of critical thinking skills and will cover: 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.
Once the course is fully accredited, successful completion of these modules as part of the Stage 1 training, will then enable students to progress onto Stage 2 of their Health Psychology training which confers eligibility for registration as a Practitioner Health Psychologist with the Health and Care Professions Council. The Stage 2 training is not delivered as part of this MSc course and is something that students will undertake in the future if desired.
1. Demonstrate an in-depth knowledge and understanding of health psychology informed by current scholarship and research, including a critical awareness of current issues, theories and developments in the discipline.
2. Critically evaluate and apply, with due regard to ethical considerations, a range of methodological techniques applicable to research in health psychology.
3. Show competency in the use of a range of techniques and research methods (both qualitative and quantitative) including employment of digital literacy skills in accessing, processing and evaluating information applicable to health psychology.
4. Demonstrate that you can communicate and collaborate effectively with colleagues, research supervisors, and a wider audience in academic settings.
5. Demonstrate knowledge and a critical understanding of health psychology which is relevant to progression to Stage 2 training.
6. Demonstrate appropriate and relevant application of ethical, legal and professional practice frameworks (e.g. BPS, HCPC).
7. Demonstrate originality and creativity in the application of knowledge and an understanding of how new knowledge is created and synthesised across the core areas of health psychology and in an extensive piece of independent empirical research.
8. Disseminate your work appropriately in a range of appropriate written and oral formats.
Assessment & Feedback
There is a varied diet of assessments across the modules, designed appropriately in order to assess the full range of learning outcomes and provide a discriminator across the grade classifications. This Level 7 course is predominantly assessed by coursework, with some examinations and practical assessments, as befits a Masters level course where the deepened knowledge of the area is being evaluated.
Assessment tasks include a wide range of individual assessments and a smaller number of group assessments. All of these assessments are designed for students to develop and extend their key skills, including written and oral communication skills. The combination of assessments is designed to foster group working collaborative skills but also independent working abilities.
Please note the exam/assessment periods in the academic calendar and make sure that you are available during those periods. Further details of your schedule of examinations can be found on your timetable once the examination schedule is released.
Your course team will make you aware of any examinations that fall outside of the usual exam periods (e.g., mid-term examinations). Coursework submission deadlines can normally be found on MyBeckett, on course noticeboards or in individual Module Handbooks/other module guides.
Disabled students requiring adjustments to assessments/examinations should contact Disability Advice as soon as possible. We can only guarantee that adjustments can be put in place if students have contacted us by the following deadlines:
Semester 1 - 10th November 2023
Semester 2 - 8th March 2024
Contact us:
Email: disabilityadvice@leedsbeckett.ac.uk
Tel: 0113 812 5831
Website: https://www.leedsbeckett.ac.uk/student-information/disability-advice/
Coursework
Within Psychology at Leeds Beckett University we aim to be transparent and informative with the feedback we offer students on assessed work. For each piece of marked work that is globally graded, the work will be assigned a grade that is "anchored" at a clear point, ending in either -2, -5 or -8. These anchors each depict a clear grade that is typical of a low, mid or high standard within each classification.
For other assessments, your grade may be an accumulation of smaller components. In these instances, your grade will be the sum (or average) of these components. In addition, the MSc Psychology course utilises a Masters Assessment Criteria framework that provides consistency in expectations across assessed coursework.
The general framework is available on the MyBeckett portal and students will have the opportunity to explore this framework in the Induction information before Semester 1. This general framework is adapted for coursework assessments as appropriate to each assessment type.
Submission of assignments
The assignments that you submit will need to be referenced according to the APA guidelines. A copy of the most recent (7th edition) of the APA Referencing Guide is available at the library. Assignments will also need to be prepared in accordance with the guidance on required length.
It is important for your progression and achievement that you submit all work for all assignments in a timely manner. It is also important that you keep copies of all work submitted until after you have graduated. You should also keep any receipts confirming the submission of assignments. In the event of your submitted work being lost you may be required to produce a copy of the work and submission receipt. If you are unable to do so, your work will not be marked.
Word limits
Assignments that exceed the required length will be penalised in accordance with the extent of the deviation from the word limit. The main body of your essay or report (including citations and quotes in the text but excluding your reference list) should not exceed the stated word limit.
Part of the skill of academic writing is to write concisely as well as with clarity, and this reflects the world of employment where reports, articles and other publications will have to be produced within strict guidelines. In assessment terms, writing more content will often give a student an unfair advantage over those who adhere to the word limit. As a result, assessments of excessive length will be penalised as follows:
- Up to 10% over the word limit (e.g., 300 words over a 3000 word limit) will be penalised at 5% of the total marks available (i.e., you will lose 5 marks out 100).
- A further 5% will be deducted from the total mark available for each additional 10% over the word limit (e.g., up to 600 words over a 3000 word limit, you would lose 10 marks in total etc.).
Late submissions
It is important to note that submitting all assignments is a requirement of your course. Should you experience extenuating circumstances which prevent you from submitting on time please make yourself aware of the Mitigation and Extenuating Circumstances process. Without any form of extenuating circumstances, standard penalties apply for late submission of assessed work. Full details of the penalties for late submission of course work are available in section 3.11 of the Academic Regulations. Please check the penalties that apply to this course as some Professional, Statutory and Regulatory Body requirements may mean that different penalties apply.
If you have been recommended 'flexibility around deadlines' as a reasonable adjustment in a Reasonable Adjustment Plan, your Course Administrator will be able to advise you of the process.
Submission Integrity
All work completed and submitted as part of your studies needs to be your own. For information on plagiarism and how to avoid it, see https://www.leedsbeckett.ac.uk/studenthub/plagiarism.htm.
Submission facilities
All assignments will need to be submitted electronically, using Turnitin or Assignments links, via your modules within the MyBeckett site. You will be given instructions (including the date and time) on how to submit your assignments electronically from your module leaders.
Assignments submitted electronically or via MyBeckett will be the responsibility of the module leader arranging the hand-in via that method. All submissions online will be due at a specific UK time (GMT or GMT Summertime depending on the time of year) deadline on the day of submission. Work submitted after that time, even if still on the day of submission, is considered a late submission and your mark will be penalised.
Please be aware of that time deadline and make adjustments accordingly for the equivalent time in your location. It is important for your progression and achievement that you submit all work for all assignments in a timely manner. It is also important that you keep copies of all work submitted until after you have graduated.
You should also keep any receipts confirming the submission of assignments. In the event of your submitted work being lost you may be required to produce a copy of the work and submission receipt. If you are unable to do so, your work will not be marked.
Please do not write your name on any piece of work, or its coversheet, when you submit it. It is important to note that submitting all assignments is a requirement of your course.
You will be expected to declare that the work submitted is your own. Submitting work through Turnitin or Assignments requires you to accept the following declaration:
"I understand that by submitting my work online I agree and am stating that:
1. This work is my own
2. This work has been completed within the University regulations"
Module tutors place Turnitin links in MyBeckett modules to help you with your academic work. When you submit your work through Turnitin it will 'match' your work with a massive global database of books, e-books, journals, websites and other students' work.
You can see if parts of your work 'match' work in the database and you can see if you have attributed this to the source. Turnitin can only help you if you submit drafts of your work a reasonable length of time before the submission deadline.
Please be aware that Turnitin guarantees to 'match' your work and return the result to you within 48 hours. Sometimes it may be quicker than this, but there is no guarantee. The second time you submit a draft of this work Turnitin guarantees that it will 'match' and return your work within 24 hours. Again, it may be quicker, but do not rely on this. If you submit a third draft of the work through Turnitin it will again only guarantee a 'match' and return within 24 hours.
Therefore, if you want to use Turnitin to help you check your work you must start to submit drafts for matching at least four days before the deadline. Turnitin cannot detect plagiarism, it can only 'match' text. If you are not sure how to interpret the 'originality report' which Turnitin makes available to you, please ask your module tutor.
Further information on Turnitin is available.
Assessed work will normally be returned with appropriate feedback within four weeks of your submission. The four weeks allows for processing, marking, moderation, and final cross-checking of all results. Each Module Handbook will provide you with specific guidelines on how and when you will receive feedback on your assessments. Preparation for assessment is enhanced through the use of the VLE to provide both content and activities in the lead-up to assessments, as well as during the assessments. In many modules assessment support is also built into the teaching sessions.
Results from module assessments and decisions on progression to the next level of study (e.g., from Level 4 to Level 5 of an undergraduate degree) or awards (if you are in the final level) are available on the Results Online system: https://www.leedsbeckett.ac.uk/studenthub/results-online/.
Results will appear in Results Online within five working days of the date of the Progression and Award Board meeting (the meeting where your end of level outcome will be decided) or the Module Board meeting (the meeting where modular outcomes are decided).
If you are unsure about when you might receive your results or have queries relating to your results, you should contact your Course Administrator.
The University recognises that, from time to time, students may encounter issues which may prevent them from being able to submit or take assessment. Where this is the case, students may be able to submit their 'extenuating circumstances' for consideration. Please see the Mitigation and Extenuating Circumstances web page for further information.
If you have not passed a module at the first attempt you will be eligible for re-assessment. See your Module Handbook for details of the relevant re-assessment process (e.g., whether it is coursework, an examination, a presentation or other form of assessment/when it will take place/what the deadline is). You will be advised via Results Online of your options for re-assessment. You are advised to contact your Course Director, Course Administrator or Academic Advisor for any necessary clarification.
Details about our Appeals process can be found on the appeals web page.
Academic integrity means intellectual honesty and is part of good academic practice. Further information can be found on our academic integrity web page.
Teaching & Learning
The students' experience of the delivery of this course is through a range of teaching methods and learning activities. While the lecturers and tutors are there to disseminate knowledge and facilitate learning, there is an emphasis on students' collaboration in the learning experience.
In addition to this course handbook, students receive an on-line module handbook for each module, providing details about the module, how the module will be delivered in terms of types of teaching elements and the main topic for each unit, how it will be assessed, a reading list and other material relevant to the module. In order to deliver core knowledge, facilitate understanding of theories and concepts and develop practical and applied skills, we employ a range of teaching methods. These may include (as appropriate): lectures, seminars, group work, practical/laboratory classes, presentations, problem-based projects/briefs, tutorials, and on-line activities on the university's VLE.
The range of learning activities not only provides an opportunity for students to develop communication skills via different media, but also encompasses different learning styles amongst students.
All members of staff are aware of the need for all teaching and learning contexts to be (i) non-discriminatory and tailored for each student with a reasonable adjustment plan; (ii) respectful and valuing the perspectives and experiences each individual can offer; (iii) promoting the values and practices associated with inclusive attitudes and behaviours in others.
Use of the Virtual Learning Environment
The course makes extensive use of the VLE in terms of the use of the course site and module sites on MyBeckett. It is used to keep all students properly informed of information about their studies and changes to practice, changes to the timing of the return of coursework etc.
Students are able to access their individual, cohort and course timetables from MyBeckett as appropriate.
On the course site, this course handbook and a wealth of information about the course itself is put up for students and regularly updated.
Use of Blended Learning
Face-to-face on-site delivery includes elements of blended learning where online activities support and extend classroom learning.
Contexts and Perspectives in Health Psychology (20 credits)
Advanced Research Methods for Health Psychology (30 credits)
Client Groups across the Life Span (20 credits)
Physiological and Psychosomatic Disease Processes (20 credits)
Personal Development (10 credits)
Dissertation (60 credits)
Overall Workload for the Course | |
Teaching, Learning and Assessment | 234 hours |
Independent Study | 1566 hours |
Placement | 0 hours |
Details of School academic staff can be found on the School of Humanities and Social Sciences Website.
Attendance & Absence
The University expects you to attend and contribute fully to all mandatory sessions on your timetable as set out in your student contract. Engagement in your lectures, seminars and practicals is an important part of your learning - contributing both to the University community and the learning experience of your fellow students on the course. This includes engagement in scheduled virtual learning and activities and meetings in online environments related to your studies.
We monitor your engagement at the University as regular attendance and academic achievement are closely linked. Moreover, by monitoring your engagement and attendance we can identify students who may need our guidance or support at an early stage to help them progress in their studies. This is part of our commitment to ensuring an excellent education and experience and supporting your success at Leeds Beckett.
The University does understand that from time to time there is good reason why you cannot attend a class, and in this instance you must contact your School office to let them know. This may then be recorded as an 'authorised absence'.
Please note that any attendance reports can be shared with you and your Course team. You might be asked to contact your School office so that appropriate academic or pastoral support can be offered, should your attendance record give cause for concern.
Our most important aim is to support your studies, but we are also required to report attendance to various external bodies such as the Student Loan Company and the Home Office. There are measures in place for students who seek to falsely register either their own or fellow students' attendance.
Our Academic Engagement Policy is available under 'Student Contract' on the Student Regulations web page.
Please note that if your course carries professional accreditation or recognition, there may be additional course-specific attendance requirements detailed elsewhere in this handbook.
You must notify your Course Administrator if you are absent (for example for an interview, emergency unforeseen circumstances, or for compassionate leave). If you are going to apply for mitigation you will need to provide written evidence of the reason for your absence.
Please note that if your course carries professional accreditation or recognition, there may be additional course-specific absence reporting requirements detailed elsewhere in this handbook.
If you are unable to study due to Covid-19 (coronavirus) symptoms, please see the guidance available on our Covid-19 web page.
If you are unable to study because of another illness for more than 14 consecutive days (including weekends), you must provide us with a Fit Note.
You can send a digital copy of your Fit Note to your Course Administrator, and then send the original by post.
If you are absent through illness on the day of an examination or assignment deadline and you intend to apply for mitigation, you must also provide us with details as possible. Your submission for mitigation may be made online and the circumstances surrounding it may be self-certified unless your period of absence is prolonged. Generally, all absences of 2 weeks or more will require the submission of verifiable documentary evidence.
For more information on 'fit to sit' and mitigation please visit our Mitigation web page.
Please note that if your course carries professional accreditation or recognition, there may be additional course-specific absence reporting requirements detailed elsewhere in this handbook.
Any Leeds Beckett student who suspects they may have, or have been diagnosed as having a serious infectious disease such as coronavirus, Mumps, TB, measles, meningitis or chicken pox should not attend campus. For notifiable diseases, students should notify their Course Director or Course Administrator as soon as possible giving information regarding which groups of students (and/or colleagues and clients on placements) you have been in contact with and when. For some diseases, such as TB and meningitis, your doctor and our Student Wellbeing Team have a responsibility to notify the West Yorkshire Public Health Protection Team who may also wish to speak to you (or your family) to determine if others require screening or medication. You should follow advice given by the hospital or your GP about when it is safe to return to University. Further information is available on the Student Wellbeing web page.
For guidance on what to do if you have symptoms of Covid-19 (coronavirus), please visit our Covid-19 web page.
If you are thinking about changing course or withdrawing from your course, further information can be found on our Student web pages.
International Students
Please be aware that our University fully complies with United Kingdom Visas and Immigration (UKVI) policy at all times. There are legal reporting requirements for all students in the UK on a Student visa, and full attendance is mandatory for all students who have a Student visa. Failure to meet UKVI attendance and engagement requirements could lead to your academic sponsorship being withdrawn and your visa being revoked.Students who hold a Student visa need to be aware of their responsibilities whilst in the UK, please see www.ukcisa.org.uk or our Student Immigration Advice and Compliance web page for full information.
For up-to-date information about visas, immigration issues and other matters relating to international students, please visit the International Students' web pages on the Students website or email the Student Immigration Advice and Compliance Team on siac@leedsbeckett.ac.uk.
You should have been enrolled on the International Student's Academic Introduction module in MyBeckett when you began your studies - if you missed this you can self-enrol and explore the content which introduces you to making the academic transition to a UK university. Please refer to Library page supporting international students
Professional Accreditation or Recognition Associated with the Course
An application for accreditation has been submitted to the British Psychological Society.
The MSc in Health Psychology has been designed to meet the criteria for Stage 1 professional accreditation by the British Psychological Society (BPS) (accreditation will be sought but is not yet confirmed).
Once BPS accreditation is confirmed, successful completion of this MSc programme will enable students to progress onto Stage 2 of their Health Psychology training which confers eligibility for registration as a Practitioner Health Psychologist with the Health and Care Professions Council in the future if desired. To be eligible, students have passed all modules (180 credits) with a minimum 50% grade in each module.
Once BPS accreditation is confirmed, successful completion of this MSc programme will enable students to progress onto Stage 2 of their Health Psychology training which confers eligibility for registration as a Practitioner Health Psychologist with the Health and Care Professions Council in the future if desired. To be eligible, students have passed all modules (180 credits) with a minimum 50% grade in each module.
Skills, Employability & Graduate Opportunities
All of the skills listed below are addressed during the MSc Health Psychology course and are reflected in the philosophy, aims and objectives of the course.
Technical Skills
The technical skills involved in the study of psychology include the ability to use IT to word-process assignments, to access electronic information sources including databases and electronic journals, and the ability to access and use information provided on MyBeckett - the University's virtual learning environment (VLE). Specific to Psychology, you will also develop technical skills in the use of SPSS, one of the main statistical analysis programmes used in the discipline of Psychology worldwide. You may also utilise Qualtrics for your data collection which will enhance your technical survey development skills.
Organisation and Planning
Organisation and planning are intrinsic to any study at a higher level, and particularly at Masters level if you are also working and/or managing a family. You will be required to organise your own time and develop effective time-management skills to allow you to prioritise work, meet deadlines and develop the skills you already have as an autonomous learner.
Communication
Written and oral communication skills form the basis of most assessment in psychology at Masters level. You will be required to produce written assignments and to produce and deliver oral presentations. You will also learn advanced communication skills relevant to working with client groups and becoming a reflexive practitioner - which are essential for health psychology practice.
On a more general level, you will also be required to develop the skills of communicating clearly with peers as a component of group and interpersonal skills.
Group and Interpersonal
The ability to function effectively and constructively in groups is a major component of psychology. It is an essential skill to develop if you wish to work as a psychologist - most professionals need to demonstrate an ability to work in multi-disciplinary teams. You will work in groups to complete learning activities and to discuss information in workshops and seminars.
Data Collection and Interpretation
Data collection and interpretation are skills that are central to psychology. You will receive training in data collection and interpretation techniques in the Research Methods module and will demonstrate your competency in the execution of these skills in the Dissertation. The interpretation of evidence is the lifeblood of psychology, and you will develop interpretation skills in all modules. Specific attention is paid to the development of appropriate numerical skills and to the collection and interpretation of qualitative data.
Intellectual Capabilities
In addition to these transferable skills, more specific intellectual capabilities are addressed during the course:
- Use of Theory and Principles.
- Analysis and Reflection.
- Application of Knowledge and Theory.
- Synthesis and Evaluation.
- Creativity.
The understanding of theories and principles and their application to a range of questions is at the very heart of psychology. Consequently, these capabilities will be developed in students in all psychology modules. There will, however, be cases in which specific modules may provide a particularly strong basis for the development of certain skills. The key skills addressed within each module are indicated in the module handbooks, along with a clear indication of how these skills are assessed.
You will have opportunities to gain recognition during your time at Leeds Beckett University for the extra activities you do in addition to your studies, including volunteering, student societies, playing in our University sports teams and being a Course Representative.
By joining a society with Leeds Beckett Students' Union, you can make new friends, have fun, try something new and enhance your CV - societies provide a great opportunity to learn new skills and improve your existing ones. It can be difficult to get to know new people at university but don't worry, everyone is in the same boat! Our Leeds Beckett Students' Union believe that joining a student-led society is the best way to meet new people and make lifelong friends. There are so many societies out there - from course-based to hobby-based to religious to political and campaigning. Whether you're just starting out at Leeds Beckett or working on your last year of study, it is never too late to find the right society for you - or start one yourself!
Course-based societies are a great way to meet people on your course, expand your networks and celebrate your achievements together such as end of year Society Balls. If you have a great idea for a society, we can help you get it up and running. There are resources and support available for all societies - including funding to help make your society goals a reality. For more information on starting your own society, visit: leedsbeckettsu.co.uk/societies/create.
The MSc in Health Psychology has been designed to meet the criteria for Stage 1 professional accreditation by the British Psychological Society (BPS). An application for accreditation has been submitted to the British Psychological Society. As stipulated by the BPS, the modules will encourage the development of critical thinking skills and will cover: 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.
Completion of this accredited MSc programme will enable students to undertake another course and progress onto Stage 2 of their Health Psychology training which confers eligibility for registration as a Practitioner Health Psychologist with the Health and Care Professions Council in the future if desired.
The BPS accreditation standards covering learning, research and practice stipulate that the course has to meet the teaching and learning standards outlined in the QAA Quality Code and the Standards of Proficiency set out by the Health and Care Professions Council.
Code of Practice: The programme incorporates the British Psychological Society Code of Ethics and Conduct (2009). This is available as a pdf file at the following link: http://www.bps.org.uk/sites/default/files/documents/code_of_ethics_and_conduct.pdf
An application for accreditation has been submitted to the British Psychological Society in January 2022.Once the course is fully accredited, successful completion of these modules as part of the Stage 1 training, will then enable students to progress onto Stage 2 of their Health Psychology training which confers eligibility for registration as a Practitioner Health Psychologist with the Health and Care Professions Council. The Stage 2 training is not delivered as part of this MSc course and is something that students will undertake in the future if desired. Students would also be well placed to advance to a PhD in Health Psychology and follow an academic career path.
Students on the course who have previously completed a BPS accredited undergraduate course in Psychology are eligible to become graduate members of the BPS. There are a number of benefits to membership, including permission to use the MBPsS title after your name; discounted access to continued professional development (CPD) courses run by the BPS; access to an archive of academic journals; opportunities to build your professional network through access to events and conferences, joining a member network, or collaborating within 'Member Connect', the BPS online community; and finally, monthly receipt of 'The Psychologist' magazine.
Learning Support
If you have a question or a problem relating to your course, your Course Administrator is there to help you. Course Administrators work closely with academic staff and can make referrals to teaching staff or to specialist professional services as appropriate. They can give you a confirmation of attendance letter, and a transcript. You may also like to contact your Course Rep or the Students' Union Advice team for additional support with course-related questions.
Your Academic Advisor will be an academic member of staff who teaches you on your course. Your Course Director will make sure that you are given the contact details of your Academic Advisor at the beginning of each year, usually in your course induction. Further details on the role of your Academic Advisor are available on the Academic Advisor web page.
If you need support, but you're not sure where to go, your Student Advice Team are here to help. The team are an essential part of your Student Support Network and are dedicated to ensuring you can access the advice and support you need, when you need it most.
Student Advice can also help in the practical elements of university. The team will produce your first campus card and assist you in replacing your campus card if needed throughout your time at Leeds Beckett. They can provide Confirmation of Enrolment and Bank Letters for our current students and full or partial transcripts for our graduates and fully enrolled students.
If you need help with more complex queries or concerns, our trained Student Life Advisers offer 1-1 appointments, providing a safe, confidential, and non-judgemental space to talk about your circumstances and identify support that you can access both within and outside of the university.
To contact the team, or to arrange an appointment, visit The Student Advice webpage for full details.
The Student Voice & Insight team at LBSU works alongside the elected Academic Experience Officer to effectively represent students' academic interests.
We provide support, training and ongoing development to over 1,000 Course Representatives, Postgraduate Research Reps, Student Community Leaders and Global Majority Student Ambassadors who represent you whilst you study at Leeds Beckett; and facilitate the collection of student feedback on your academic experience.
Unsure who your Course Rep is? Maybe you're interested in becoming a Course Rep or have feedback about your academic experience? Get in touch at:
- Email: studentvoice@leedsbeckett.ac.uk
- Telephone: 0113 812 8400
- Website: leedsbeckettsu.co.uk/your-voice
You can find information and resources online through the Support and Opportunities tabs in MyBeckett. In the Support tab, you can find details of a range of services that provide academic and personal support. These include Student Advice, Library Services, the Students' Union, Student Money, Disability Advice, Student Wellbeing, Student Immigration Advice and Compliance and Accommodation. There is also an A-Z of Support Services, and access to online appointments/registration.
In the Opportunities tab, you can explore the options you have for jobs, work placements, volunteering, and a wide range of other opportunities. For example, you can find out here how to get help with your CV, prepare for an interview, get a part-time job or a voluntary role, take part in an international project, or join societies closer to home.
If you have a disability, long-term physical or mental health condition, or a specific learning difference, we believe this should never be a barrier to studying at our University.
Please get in touch with us as soon as possible so we can ensure everything is in place before your course starts.
What should I do next?
- We will ask you to provide evidence of your disability, usually from a health professional or educational psychologist. Don't worry if you haven't got any, we can support you with this.
- Usually, we will arrange an appointment with your Disability Adviser to discuss any adjustments you might need and support you in applying for Disabled Students' Allowances (DSA).
- We will work with you to ensure any adjustments you need are available so you can fully participate on your course.
Please watch this short video about how the Disability Advice Team can work with you.
Disabled students can also access the Disability Resource Areas in each library and the support provided by the Library Learning Support Officer. More information is available on the Library website.
What is Disabled Students' Allowance (DSA)?
DSA is government funding to help with the cost of any additional support you might need while studying, such as: one-to-one support, specialist equipment (including useful software) and travel. For more information visit our website.
Contact Us:
Email: disabilityadvice@leedsbeckett.ac.uk
Tel: 0113 812 5831
Website: https://www.leedsbeckett.ac.uk/student-information/disability-advice/
The Library
The Library offers 24/7 support for your studies. You can access thousands of resources via MyBeckett or the Library website which also provides full details of all our services.
Library Academic Support
The Library Academic Support Team can help you develop your academic skills such as critical thinking, academic writing and analysing data, and research skills such as how to find, use and evaluate information for your studies. The team liaises with your lecturers to provide the information resources you need for your subject and to arrange academic skills sessions to support you in your studies.
The team maintains a number of websites and modules to support your learning:
- In your Subject guide, you'll find a variety of information resources which have been selected as a good starting point for research in that area. These are available on the Skills and Subject Support web page or via My Beckett.
- On the Skills for Learning website, you'll find online resources covering topics such as essay writing, research and time management, English Language and academic English plus information to help you reference and avoid plagiarism, alongside details of workshops that are designed to help you succeed in your assessments. The Skills for Learning website can be found on the Library website or via My Beckett.
- LBU Study Smart is a module in MyBeckett which introduces you to the key skills and services you'll need to study successfully at Leeds Beckett. There are also additional modules you can take as you move through your course to help you transition between study levels. The Academic Integrity Tutorial is a module in MyBeckett which introduces you to academic integrity at LBU and will help you develop the skills you need to attain good academic practice, including avoiding plagiarism and academic referencing.
- The Academic Integrity Tutorial is a module in MyBeckett which introduces you to academic integrity at LBU and will help you develop the skills you need to attain good academic practice, including avoiding plagiarism and academic referencing.
Library and Student IT Advice Service
The Library and Student IT Advice Service team can answer your queries on borrowing, finding information, passwords, multi-factor authentication (MFA) ,Office 365, online meetings, saving your work, MyBeckett and more:
- online (including 24/7 chat) via the Contact Us web page
- by phone - 0113 812 1000 (24/7 IT support)
- face-to-face in either of our Libraries, check Library opening times for details of when staff are available
They also have a wide range of short tutorials available on the Library's YouTube channel.
Wi-Fi
Wi-Fi on the University campus is provided by eduroam, a secure wireless network, which also allows you Wi-Fi access if you visit other universities. To connect:
- Select eduroam from available Wi-Fi
- Your login details are:
Username followed by @leedsbeckett: e.g. c1234567@leedsbeckett.ac.uk
Password: your normal university password
*Android Users: Select under Phase 2 Authentication - MS-CHAPv2
Help is available on the Library's Wi-Fi web page.
Microsoft Office 365
You are provided with free access to Office 365 and the latest version of Office can be downloaded from the IT tab in MyBeckett or from office.com. All students who are registered for a qualification at Leeds Beckett University are eligible and you can use the subscription for the duration of your course. For instructions and more information, please see the Office 365 support page.
OneDrive
OneDrive Leeds Beckett is your individual file storage with 1TB of storage space. With OneDrive you can access and share your files across your devices. This is accessible on University PCs and off-campus through Office 365 portal. See the Saving your Work pages on the Library website for more information.
Leeds Beckett RemoteApp
The Leeds Beckett RemoteApp gives you access to a range of specialist software for your course on your personal devices. See the RemoteApp page on the Library website for more information.
Media Equipment - free loans
You can borrow high-end Media Equipment for free. Browse, reserve and collect equipment ranging from GoPros to Remote Presenters from the ground floor of the Shelia Silver and Headingley Libraries. Further information is available on the Media Equipment web page.
University life can have its ups and downs, and occasionally you may find yourself in need of advice. That's where we come in. Here at the SU we have a free advice service that is here just for you, the students at Leeds Beckett University.
The Advice Service at LBSU is a confidential, non-judgmental service run by professional advisers.
The service is independent from the University, so if you are having any problems with your course you can talk confidentially with us - although we do work with the University to find the best solutions, we would only contact them with your permission. We can advise on a range of topics including all aspects of the University Regulations and Procedures, housing issues and finance issues. We can guide you through any processes or procedures.
We're here to help you with any questions or problems you might have while you are studying at Leeds Beckett.
Get more information at www.leedsbeckettsu.co.uk/advice.
Resources
MyBeckett, the portal and virtual learning environment provides:
- access to your modules and timetables;
- your reading lists and email account;
- your personal storage area on our University IT servers;
- information on where to look for academic or personal support (Support tab);
- information on opportunities such as jobs, careers, part-time work, placements and volunteering (Opportunities tab)
- access to Library and student IT advice
Further information and support for using MyBeckett can be found on the MyBeckett Support Pages.
In addition to use of Univeristy lecture theatres, IT rooms and small classrooms for we have the following to teaching and resources that is dedicated to us:
Our physical course resources include:
- Biopsychology Laboratory (40 student capacity).
- Cognition and Language Laboratory (30 student capacity).
- Psychology Learning Support (technician) Office and Reception provide:
- One-to one support provision for ethics applications, experimental and non-experimental software support and statistical analysis support.
- Access and booking of physical resources.
- Access to: laser printer (networked to lab for printing of student research methods work), poster printer (a1), specialist AV equipment and consumables, psychology psychometric resource library and specialist research equipment.
- Research Reception (up to 20 capacity)
- Dedicated to support the meeting, briefing and debriefing of participants recruited to be part of FYP, Dissertation and PGR experimental and non-experimental research.
- Includes: 4 private cubicles for one-to-one research related briefing and de-briefing and a large reception and waiting area.
- Large Research Lab (10-15 student capacity)
- Dedicated to support single and large group student-practical experimental data collection and non-experimental data collection and analysis.
- Flexibly set-up to also house small group research practical and supervision teaching across all BPS core areas.
- Interview Room (8 student capacity)
- Large room with comfortable seating for conducting focus group practical work and larger student project group work.
- Psychology Group Project Rooms
- Dedicated to support single and large group student-practical experimental data collection and non-experimental data collection and analysis.
- PC's networked and loaded with Psychology standard software to facilitate experimental and non-experimental data collection and analysis).
Psychology Technical/Learning Support teams
- We work together with a locally-based, dedicated Psychology Technician/Learning Support team, and additionally use shared centralised academic support for routine IT support, online learning object support and distance learning teaching technologies support.
- We have 2 dedicated FTE Psychology Learners Officer posts, one of which is a Principal Learning Officer who manages our other Graduate Intern Psychology Learning Officer (GIPLSO). Both of which are dedicated to our courses.
- Our local Psychology Learners Officers are accommodated close to the School Hub and our Research-Suite. Students and academic staff regularly telephone, email, Skype, or arrive at their reception for drop-in support/advice or arrange later appointments.
Student Voice
We are committed to working in partnership with you and the Students' Union to provide you with an inclusive, safe and engaging learning environment which is conducive to study for all our students and our staff. An important element of your time studying with us is your engagement in developing your learning. Your engagement and attendance on your course enables you to further your learning and supports your achievement, course completion and aspirations for the future. There is an expectation that students will attend, engage in their learning and submit on time for assessment. We provide support for you to maximise your time studying with us and to develop your learning, skills and abilities to support you in your chosen career path.
We seek active participation by all our students in the continuous enhancement of our courses and through our monitoring, annual review and enhancement processes. These are formal processes used by our University for assuring the academic standards and quality of your course and its continuous improvement. These processes utilise your feedback, External Examiners' reports, feedback from staff and others, data relating to student outcomes on the course and student surveys to reflect on areas of good practice and areas for further enhancement. We invite all students to participate in a range of opportunities to provide us with feedback on your course and modules. This may include discussions with staff, focus groups, and meetings (e.g. with Course Representatives or with staff) and formalised student surveys e.g. mid module reviews, end of module evaluations and specific course or other surveys such as the Student Barometer, National Student Survey and Graduate Outcomes Survey. We utilise the outcomes of these surveys to benchmark our courses nationally and to inform annual course enhancements.
Informal feedback is also welcome at any time either via your Academic Advisor or module tutor or via your Course Representative. Our partnership with you enables us together to make the most of your learning experience with us and to enhance the quality and reputation of your course. You can find out what actions have been taken in response to your feedback through your Course Representative, the Students' Union, your tutors or through the Library.
Course Representatives (Reps) at undergraduate and postgraduate taught levels are student volunteers who represent you in formal and informal meetings with the University, and follow up on actions that have occurred because of student feedback. You can become a Course Rep, volunteering to represent the views of your peers in order to improve students' academic experience.
In the first few weeks of your time at Leeds Beckett, your Course Director will facilitate an opportunity to appoint Course Reps on your course.
LBSU provides support, training and ongoing development for Course Reps and supports their engagement in enhancement activities throughout the academic year.
Being a Course Rep provides you with an opportunity to enhance your own learning and the development of relevant professional and employability skills alongside your studies. As a Course Rep you would play an important role in:
- Acting as a point of contact and advocate for students on your course and in supporting their active engagement.
- Gathering feedback from students on your course to inform enhancements to the quality of your course and the student experience.
- Facilitating good communication between students and staff on the course.
- Working with the Course Director, members of the course team and the Students' Union to enhance your course.
- Facilitating and engaging in meetings about your course; and
- Being an ambassador for your course.
Further information about being a Course Representative is available at:
We invite all students to participate in a range of opportunities to provide us with feedback on your course and modules. This may include discussions with staff, focus groups, and meetings (e.g. with Course Representatives or with staff) and formalised student surveys e.g. mid module reviews, end of module evaluations and specific course or other surveys such as the Student Barometer, National Student Survey and the Graduate Outcomes Survey.
We are committed to providing a high quality experience for all our students. We welcome comments and compliments from students, and find them valuable for on-going improvements to our provision. Comments and compliments about your course can be raised with your Course Representative or directly with your Course Director or Academic Advisor.
If you have a specific complaint about an act or omission of our University, you may be able to make a complaint under the Student Complaints Procedure. In the first instance, you should raise the matter as soon as possible with the member of staff most directly concerned, or with the person who can best resolve it. If this does not resolve the matter, or if the complaint is too serious to be addressed in this way, then you should make a formal complaint in writing. Information about how to make a complaint, including the student complaints procedure and a complaints form, is available on the Students web pages.
General Information
PG Dip Health Psychology
PG Cert Health Psychology
Leeds Beckett University
Level 7 of the Framework for Higher Education Qualifications, with 180 credit points at Level 7 of the Higher Education Credit Framework for England.
Part-time delivery is usually at half the intensity of the full-time equivalent course, although there may be flexibility to increase your pace of study to shorten the overall course duration. Some modules may be delivered in a different sequence to that defined within this information set, but the modules offered within each level are consistent.
Course fees and additional course costs are confirmed in your offer letter. Course fees are presented to you annually through the online enrolment process. Please visit our Course and Tuition Fees Payment web pages for further information. Ongoing queries relating to additional course costs may be discussed with your Course Administrator.
Alternatively, you can contact any of the following teams:
For Student Finance related fee queries: studentfunding@leedsbeckett.ac.uk
Other fee related queries: fees@leedsbeckett.ac.uk
Payments: incomes@leedsbeckett.ac.uk
Policies, Standards & Regulations
Key University regulations and policies can be accessed on the following web pages:
- Academic Regulations (including assessment regulations) are available on our Academic Regulations web page
- The Student Contract is available on our Student Regulations web page
- The Student Charter is available on our Academic Regulations web page (Section 20)
Other Student regulations and University policies, including Safety, Health and Wellbeing policies, are available on our Student Regulations web page
You should also familiarise yourself with Support Report Respect where students and colleagues who are victims of any form of bullying, harassment or sexual misconduct, can access support, advice and guidance.
For advice on University regulations and policies, students should contact the Students' Union Advice Service.
Once BPS accreditation is confirmed, successful completion of this MSc programme will enable students to progress onto Stage 2 of their Health Psychology training which confers eligibility for registration as a Practitioner Health Psychologist with the Health and Care Professions Council in the future if desired.
To be eligible, students must have passed all modules (180 credits) with a minimum 50% grade in each module, and have previously been awarded GBC (e.g., through completing a BPS accredited undergraduate degree in Psychology, or conversion course).
The External Examiner assures that you are assessed fairly in relation to other students on the same course and also that the standard of your own award is comparable to similar courses taken by students in other higher education institutions within the UK. The External Examiner(s) provide an annual report for your course. External Examiner reports are available on our External Examiner Reports web page, which is accessible via the Course Information link on the Students home page.
Dr Lisa Newson
Reader in Applied Health Psychology/Programme Leader MSc Health Psychology
Liverpool John Moores University.
Appendices
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