Clinical Health Psychology PgDip

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 PGDip include: research methods, health behaviour change, psycho-oncology and adjustment to long term physical illness. This PGDip 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.