Queen's University Belfast

Clinical Health Psychology MSc

Queen's University BelfastBelfast, United Kingdom

Course overview

Clinical health psychology (sometimes referred to as behavioural medicine, medical psychology or psychosomatic medicine) is an applied discipline that focuses on people with a health condition that could be prevented, treated or rehabilitated using psychological techniques or procedures. The primary interest is on problems that present as physical complaints rather than emotional or mental health issues. Nevertheless, clinical health psychology is concerned with the emotional problems that may arise because of a physical health complaint.

The topics covered in the MSc include: research methods, health behaviour change, psycho-oncology and adjustment to long term physical illness. This MSc aims to provide graduate students with an opportunity for advanced study in specialist topics in clinical health psychology. It prepares graduate students for more advanced research in clinical health psychology, professional training in psychology or other discipline-related professional training, and successful future careers.

Students will develop a critical awareness of issues in the scientific and applied areas of clinical health psychology, and the methodological skills to contribute to, and interrogate the discipline. Applications for this course received after 30th June 2026 may not be accepted. In addition, a deposit will be required to secure a place. **Note: This course does not confer eligibility for Graduate Basis for Chartered Membership (GBC) with the British Psychological Society.

This course does not provide the Stage 1 qualification in Health Psychology that is a prerequisite for stage 2/doctorate training in Health Psychology. Find further information from the British Psychological Society website.

Key highlights

  • Modules in psycho-oncology and adjustment to long-term physical illness
  • Covers health behaviour change and research methods
  • Focuses on psychological approaches to physical health conditions
  • Builds methodological skills to contribute to and interrogate the discipline
  • Prepares students for advanced research or professional psychology training

Entry requirements

  • Degree: 2:1 — 2.1

Scholarships

  • International Postgraduate Taught Scholarship

    Year one award of between £2000 and £5000.

    Up to £2,000
  • The Burdett Trust MSc Nursing Scholarships

    For Home Students: Tuition fees £7,665 Stipend £10,250. For International Students: Tuition fees £24,295 Stipend £17,000

  • Vice Chancellor’s International Attainment Scholarship - Postgraduate Taught

    Value: 50% of tuition fees paid for up to a maximum of two years.

    Up to 50% of fees

Careers this course leads to

  • Research assistant in health psychology
  • Assistant psychologist
  • Health promotion practitioner
  • Behaviour change advisor
  • Clinical research associate
  • Health and wellbeing practitioner

Cost of study

UK/Home: £7,700 (NI/ROI), £10,400 (GB) | International: £27,600

Admission

Applications are made through AHZ at no cost. Share your transcripts, English test scores and personal statement, and your AHZ Counsellor will review your profile, submit your application to Queen's University Belfast, and guide you through interview, offer, CAS and visa — right up to enrolment.

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