Health Psychology - MSc
Explore the psychology of health, illness, and behaviour with our British Psychological Society (BPS) accredited MSc in Health Psychology, providing Stage 1 training in Health Psychology. Through hands-on, interactive teaching, you’ll gain the theories, tools, and real-world insight to thrive in health-related careers and beyond.
Month of entry
- September
Mode of study
- Full time, Part time
Fees for 2026/27 academic year
- UK - Full time £10,400 per year. Part time £5,700 per year.
International - £18,200 per year.
Fees
Duration of study
- Full time: 1 year | Part time: 2 years
This course is no longer accepting applications from international students for the 2026/27 academic year.
Why study Health Psychology at Keele University?
About the course
Health psychology explores how biological, psychological, and social factors shape health, illness, healthcare, and wellbeing. As one of the fastest growing areas of applied psychology, it offers powerful insight into some of today’s most pressing health challenges.
Our British Psychological Society (BPS) accredited MSc in Health Psychology provides Stage 1 training in Health Psychology, equipping you with the knowledge, skills, and experience to pursue a diverse range of careers in health and related settings.
Through interactive teaching, applied assessment, and hands-on work placements, you will explore contemporary topics in health psychology, including:
- As part of the ‘Becoming and being ill’ module, you will learn about how biological, social, and psychological factors shape health, focusing on health challenges, recovery, and coping with illness.
- During the ‘Health Promotion, Prevention, and Behaviour Change’ module, you will learn how to support people experiencing chronic health problems, including exploring psychological principles behind health promotion, illness prevention, and intervention development.
- The 'Professional Practice in Health Psychology' module offers hands-on experience through a placement in a health organisation, allowing you to develop critical professional skills, reflect on ethical frameworks, and gain insight into the roles of health psychologists in multidisciplinary teams.
- As part of the ‘Applied Psychological Research Methods’, you will develop critical understanding of quantitative and qualitative approaches to research, while guiding you through the full research process - from selecting methods and analysing data to interpreting and disseminating psychological research findings.
- You will apply your learning from the programme by conducting your own health-related research as part of your ‘Applied research Dissertation’ module.
Beyond Health Psychology, you will also develop a range of transferable skills that are useful in almost all work settings, including: critical thinking, research and analysis skills, reflective practice, teamwork, and real-life work experience. These skills ensure that you graduate equipped for a range of careers.
Course structure
The MSc Health Psychology can be studied as either a one-year full-time or two-year part-time course, with a September start date.
As a full-time student, you will complete five compulsory modules (including the dissertation). Please note, as a part-time student, the structure of the programme will vary.
What you will study
The module details given below are indicative, they are intended to provide you with an idea of the range of subjects that are taught to our current students. The modules that will be available for you to study in future years are prone to change as we regularly review our teaching to ensure that it is up-to-date and informed by the latest research and teaching methods, as well as student voice. The information presented is therefore not intended to be construed and/or relied upon as a definitive list of the modules available in any given year.
Compulsory modules
Applied Psychological Research Methods (30 credits)
You will develop a critical understanding of different quantitative and qualitative philosophical approaches to understanding the world (e.g., social constructivist, semantic, frequentist, Bayesian). The module takes you through the full research process, from the implementing of an appropriate research method to address a psychological question to handling, extracting and analysing the data and finally through to interpreting and disseminating the findings.
Becoming and being ill (30 credits)
What makes people 'healthy'? What things outside of biology influence whether someone becomes ill? How do people recover or cope with illness and even dying? These are some of the questions that the 'Becoming and Being Ill' module will examine through the lens of Health Psychology research and theory. You will learn about how biological, social, and psychological factors shape health using the latest psychological research and practice as part of a curriculum that is tailored to modern day health challenges. You will learn by engaging in innovative teaching and learning activities including interactive seminars, applied problem-solving tasks, and case-based learning grounded in real-world scenarios. Assessments on this module are varied and will require you to produce a podcast episode about your experiences on the module, and conduct a literature review about the impact of a health problem of your choice on the individual, their families, communities and wider society. You will learn valuable skills and knowledge about how people transition into illness which will not only prepare you for future modules on the programme, but will also equip you with the skills you need for roles in healthcare, research, and policy making.
Applied Research Dissertation (60 credits)
This module is the culmination of your Masters programme of study and enables you to apply the skills gained across the programme to an empirical study in an area of psychology within your programme's discipline. You will have the opportunity to work closely under the supervision of an academic member of staff on designing, conducting, analysing and reporting their research in a dissertation.
Health Promotion, Prevention, and Behaviour Change (30 credits)
On the 'Health Promotion, Prevention, and Behaviour Change' module, you will explore the psychological principles behind promoting health and preventing illness across individuals, communities, and populations. You’ll gain an in-depth understanding of key behaviour change models and theories such as the Theoretical Domain Framework (TDF), Social Cognitive Theory (SCT), and Health Action Process Approach (HAPA), while critically examining approaches to intervention design, co-production, and implementation. You will learn how to evaluate the 'success' of health interventions, and explore how to scale these solutions in real-world contexts using implementation science. Through a blend of interactive seminars, collaborative problem-solving, and structured preparatory materials, you’ll connect theory to practice by applying your knowledge to real-world scenarios. With an emphasis on public health challenges, this module prepares you to design, implement, and evaluate impactful behaviour change interventions to improve health outcomes at both individual and population levels.
Professional Practice in Health Psychology (30 credits)
Gain hands-on experience and prepare for a career in health psychology with the 'Professional Practice in Health Psychology' module. This module combines classroom learning with practical application through a placement in a health organisation, enabling you to explore the real world impact of health psychology. You’ll develop essential professional skills, including critical reflection, and deepen your understanding of the ethical and legal frameworks that govern health psychology practice. Through engaging placements and guided reflection, you’ll gain insight into the diverse roles and responsibilities of health psychologists in multidisciplinary teams. As part of the module, you’ll create a reflective diary and design a professional poster to communicate health psychology careers and challenges. These activities are designed to enhance your ability to synthesise knowledge, articulate professional insights, and advocate for the value of health psychology.
Entry requirements
The following section details our typical entry requirements for this course for a range of UK and international qualifications. If you don't see your qualifications listed, please contact us to find out if we can accept your qualifications.
Typical offer
Please ensure that you read the full entry requirements by selecting your qualifications from the dropdown menu below. This will include any subject specific, GCSE/Level 2 Maths, and English language requirements you may need.
Please select your country from the drop-down list below for the full entry requirement information
UK
Algeria
12/20 or Assez Bien in a BPS-accredited psychology or joint-Psychology degree conferring Graduate Basis for Chartered (GBC) membership, or equivalent qualification eligible to confer GBC membership with the BPS
For those students that wish to continue on to Stage 2 training (to become a qualified Sport and Exercise Psychologist) must have graduate basis for chartership (GBC) with the BPS. For more information please see BPS website.
You will also need: an English language qualification (see below)
Bahrain
Bachelor's degree with a minimum CGPA of 2.7/4.0 in a BPS-accredited psychology or joint-Psychology degree conferring Graduate Basis for Chartered (GBC) membership, or equivalent qualification eligible to confer GBC membership with the BPS
For those students that wish to continue on to Stage 2 training (to become a qualified Sport and Exercise Psychologist) must have graduate basis for chartership (GBC) with the BPS. For more information please see BPS website.
You will also need: an English language qualification (see below)
Bangladesh
60% in a 4-year degree or 3-year degree with a 2-year Master's in a psychology or joint-Psychology degree, or equivalent qualification, which is eligible to confer GBC membership with the BPS. For more information please see BPS website.
For those students that wish to continue on to Stage 2 training (to become a qualified Sport and Exercise Psychologist) must have graduate basis for chartership (GBC) with the BPS. For more information please see BPS website.
We don’t accept degrees from certain universities, please see our Bangladesh Country Page for more information.
You will also need: an English language qualification (see below)
Canada
70% or C or a GPA of 2.5 in a degree (Ordinary or Honours) in a psychology or joint-Psychology degree, or equivalent qualification, which is eligible to confer GBC membership with the BPS. For more information please see BPS website.
For those students that wish to continue on to Stage 2 training (to become a qualified Sport and Exercise Psychologist) must have graduate basis for chartership (GBC) with the BPS. For more information please see BPS website.
You will also need: an English language qualification (see below)
China
70% in a degree in a psychology or joint-Psychology degree, or equivalent qualification, which is eligible to confer GBC membership with the BPS or 65% in a psychology or joint-Psychology degree, or equivalent qualification, which is eligible to confer GBC membership with the BPS from a '211' university. For more information please see BPS website.
For those students that wish to continue on to Stage 2 training (to become a qualified Sport and Exercise Psychologist) must have graduate basis for chartership (GBC) with the BPS. For more information please see BPS website.
You will also need: an English language qualification (see below)
Egypt
Bachelor degree from a Public or Private University with 65%/CGPA = 2.7/Good in a BPS-accredited psychology or joint-Psychology degree conferring Graduate Basis for Chartered (GBC) membership, or equivalent qualification eligible to confer GBC membership with the BPS
For those students that wish to continue on to Stage 2 training (to become a qualified Sport and Exercise Psychologist) must have graduate basis for chartership (GBC) with the BPS. For more information please see BPS website.
You will also need: an English language qualification (see below)
Ghana
Second class degree in a psychology or joint-Psychology degree, or equivalent qualification, which is eligible to confer GBC membership with the BPS. For more information please see BPS website.
For those students that wish to continue on to Stage 2 training (to become a qualified Sport and Exercise Psychologist) must have graduate basis for chartership (GBC) with the BPS. For more information please see BPS website.
You will also need: an English language qualification (see below)
Hong Kong
Bachelor's Honours degree with 2:2 or CGPA of 2.5 OR Bachelor Ordinary degree with a CGPA of 3.4 in a BPS-accredited psychology or joint-Psychology degree conferring Graduate Basis for Chartered (GBC) membership, or equivalent qualification eligible to confer GBC membership with the BPS
For those students that wish to continue on to Stage 2 training (to become a qualified Sport and Exercise Psychologist) must have graduate basis for chartership (GBC) with the BPS. For more information please see BPS website.
You will also need: an English language qualification (see below)
India
55% or CGPA 6/10 in a degree of at least 3 years in a psychology or joint-Psychology degree, or equivalent qualification, which is eligible to confer GBC membership with the BPS. For more information please see BPS website.
For those students that wish to continue on to Stage 2 training (to become a qualified Sport and Exercise Psychologist) must have graduate basis for chartership (GBC) with the BPS. For more information please see BPS website.
You will also need: an English language qualification (see below)
Kenya
Second class degree in a psychology or joint-Psychology degree, or equivalent qualification, which is eligible to confer GBC membership with the BPS. For more information please see BPS website.
For those students that wish to continue on to Stage 2 training (to become a qualified Sport and Exercise Psychologist) must have graduate basis for chartership (GBC) with the BPS. For more information please see BPS website.
You will also need: an English language qualification (see below)
Kuwait
Bachelor's degree with a minimum CGPA of 2.75/4.0 or 3.5/5.0 in a BPS-accredited psychology or joint-Psychology degree conferring Graduate Basis for Chartered (GBC) membership, or equivalent qualification eligible to confer GBC membership with the BPS
For those students that wish to continue on to Stage 2 training (to become a qualified Sport and Exercise Psychologist) must have graduate basis for chartership (GBC) with the BPS. For more information please see BPS website.
You will also need: an English language qualification (see below)
Nepal
60% / 2.4 in a 4-year Bachelor's degree in a psychology or joint-Psychology degree, or equivalent qualification, which is eligible to confer GBC membership with the BPS.
or 65% / CGPA 2.8 in a 3-year Bachelor's degree in a psychology or joint-Psychology degree, or equivalent qualification, which is eligible to confer GBC membership with the BPS. For more information please see BPS website.
For those students that wish to continue on to Stage 2 training (to become a qualified Sport and Exercise Psychologist) must have graduate basis for chartership (GBC) with the BPS. For more information please see BPS website.
You will also need: an English language qualification (see below)
Nigeria
Second class degree in a psychology or joint-Psychology degree, or equivalent qualification, which is eligible to confer GBC membership with the BPS. For more information please see BPS website.
For those students that wish to continue on to Stage 2 training (to become a qualified Sport and Exercise Psychologist) must have graduate basis for chartership (GBC) with the BPS. For more information please see BPS website.
You will also need: an English language qualification (see below)
Oman
Bachelor's degree with a minimum CGPA of 2.5/4.0 in a BPS-accredited psychology or joint-Psychology degree conferring Graduate Basis for Chartered (GBC) membership, or equivalent qualification eligible to confer GBC membership with the BPS
For those students that wish to continue on to Stage 2 training (to become a qualified Sport and Exercise Psychologist) must have graduate basis for chartership (GBC) with the BPS. For more information please see BPS website.
You will also need: an English language qualification (see below)
Pakistan
We accept a range of qualifications from Pakistan. Please visit Pakistan Country Page for more information.
Please note degrees need to be eligible to confer GBC membership with the BPS. For more information please see BPS website.
For those students that wish to continue on to Stage 2 training (to become a qualified Sport and Exercise Psychologist) must have graduate basis for chartership (GBC) with the BPS. For more information please see BPS website.
You will also need an English language qualification (see below)
Qatar
Bachelor's degree with a minimum CGPA of 2.75/4.0 in a BPS-accredited psychology or joint-Psychology degree conferring Graduate Basis for Chartered (GBC) membership, or equivalent qualification eligible to confer GBC membership with the BPS
For those students that wish to continue on to Stage 2 training (to become a qualified Sport and Exercise Psychologist) must have graduate basis for chartership (GBC) with the BPS. For more information please see BPS website.
You will also need: an English language qualification (see below)
South Africa
Second class division 2 / 60% in a Bachelor's degree with Honours in psychology or joint-Psychology degree, or equivalent qualification, which is eligible to confer GBC membership with the BPS.
or
Second class division 1 / 70% in an Ordinary Bachelor's degree in psychology or joint-Psychology degree, or equivalent qualification, which is eligible to confer GBC membership with the BPS.
For more information please see BPS website.
For those students that wish to continue on to Stage 2 training (to become a qualified Sport and Exercise Psychologist) must have graduate basis for chartership (GBC) with the BPS. For more information please see BPS website.
You will also need: an English language qualification (see below)
Sri Lanka
55% in a Special Bachelor's degree in a psychology or joint-Psychology degree, or equivalent qualification, which is eligible to confer GBC membership with the BPS. For more information please see BPS website.
For those students that wish to continue on to Stage 2 training (to become a qualified Sport and Exercise Psychologist) must have graduate basis for chartership (GBC) with the BPS. For more information please see BPS website.
You will also need: an English language qualification (see below)
Turkey
A CGPA of 2.5/3.0 in a BPS-accredited psychology or joint-Psychology degree (Lisans Diplomasi) conferring Graduate Basis for Chartered (GBC) membership, or equivalent qualification eligible to confer GBC membership with the BPS
For those students that wish to continue on to Stage 2 training (to become a qualified Sport and Exercise Psychologist) must have graduate basis for chartership (GBC) with the BPS. For more information please see BPS website.
You will also need: an English language qualification (see below)
UAE
Bachelor's degree with a CGPA of 2.5/77%/B- in a BPS-accredited psychology or joint-Psychology degree conferring Graduate Basis for Chartered (GBC) membership, or equivalent qualification eligible to confer GBC membership with the BPS
For those students that wish to continue on to Stage 2 training (to become a qualified Sport and Exercise Psychologist) must have graduate basis for chartership (GBC) with the BPS. For more information please see BPS website.
You will also need: an English language qualification (see below)
Uganda
Second class degree in a psychology or joint-Psychology degree, or equivalent qualification, which is eligible to confer GBC membership with the BPS. For more information please see BPS website.
For those students that wish to continue on to Stage 2 training (to become a qualified Sport and Exercise Psychologist) must have graduate basis for chartership (GBC) with the BPS. For more information please see BPS website.
You will also need: an English language qualification (see below)
USA
Bachelor's degree with a minimum CGPA of 2.6 in a BPS-accredited psychology or joint-Psychology degree conferring Graduate Basis for Chartered (GBC) membership, or equivalent qualification eligible to confer GBC membership with the BPS
For those students that wish to continue on to Stage 2 training (to become a qualified Sport and Exercise Psychologist) must have graduate basis for chartership (GBC) with the BPS. For more information please see BPS website.
You will also need: an English language qualification (see below)
Zimbabwe
Second class degree in a psychology or joint-Psychology degree, or equivalent qualification, which is eligible to confer GBC membership with the BPS. For more information please see BPS website.
For those students that wish to continue on to Stage 2 training (to become a qualified Sport and Exercise Psychologist) must have graduate basis for chartership (GBC) with the BPS. For more information please see BPS website.
You will also need: an English language qualification (see below)
English language requirements
All of our courses require an English language qualification or test. For most students, this requirement can be met with a 4 or C in GCSE English. Please see our English Language guidance pages for further details, including English language test information for international students. For those students who require an English language test, this course requires a test from Group C.
References
Normally, you will need to provide at least one academic reference to support your application unless you have been out of study longer than two years. If it has been more than two years since you last studied on a degree-level programme, you will normally need to provide an employment reference instead. For more information about Academic References, please see our Postgraduate how to apply web pages.
Personal Statement/Statement of Purpose
Please see our Postgraduate how to apply web pages for guidance on what to include in your personal statement.
Recognition of Prior Learning
The Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL) is a process which enables applicants to receive recognition and formal credit for learning acquired in the past through formal study or work and life experiences.
RPL can also be requested for admission onto the start of a programme in lieu of the admission requirements. For more information, see our Recognition of Prior Learning web pages.
General information
The entry grades outlined in this section indicate the typical offer which would be made to candidates, along with any subject specific requirements. This is for general information only. Keele University reserves the right to vary offer conditions depending upon a candidate's application. For international students, find out how we work with approved agents as part of our admissions process.
Postgraduate funding and scholarshipsFees, funding and scholarships
Fees
2027/28 academic year
For start dates between September 2027 and July 2028.
| Type of study | Fees (per year) |
|---|---|
| UK - full time | £10,800 |
| UK - part time | £5,400 |
| International - full time | £23,900 |
For continuing students, fees will increase annually by RPIX, with a maximum cap of 5% per year.
Funding
Whether you're continuing from undergraduate study or returning to education, our dedicated financial support team is here to help.
Please note, if your course offers a January start date, the January 2026 start date falls in the 2025/26 academic year. Please see the tuition fees archive for the 2025/26 fees.
Planning your funding
It's important to plan carefully for your funding before you start your course. Please be aware that not all postgraduate courses and not all students are eligible for the UK government postgraduate loans and, in some cases, you would be expected to source alternative funding yourself. If you need support researching your funding options, please contact our financial support team.
Scholarships
We are committed to rewarding excellence and potential. Please visit our scholarships and bursaries webpage for more information.
For continuing students, fees will increase annually by RPIX, with a maximum cap of 5% per year.
Scholarships
We know that understanding what support is available for postgraduate students is an important step in planning your future and we are committed to rewarding excellence and potential.
Visit our scholarships and bursaries webpage to find out more about our scholarships, including:
- Keele Global Scholarship – up to £5000 tuition fee discount for international students (2027/28)
- Keele Graduate Scholarship – up to £3000 tuition fee discount for home students (2027/28)
Terms and conditions apply.
Additional costs
Mandatory costs
You can expect some additional costs as a student on this course, which may support learning activities, specialist equipment, fieldwork, placements, or other course-related requirements. Details of these mandatory costs are outlined below to help you plan accordingly.
Optional costs
In addition to the mandatory costs listed below, there may be optional costs that students can choose to incur to enhance their learning experience. These are not required to complete the course. Details of these optional costs are outlined below to help you plan accordingly.
Students may also incur general expenses related to university study, such as for printing, textbooks and other materials. Students who undertake a placement may be responsible for additional costs, such as travel, accommodation, and subsistence costs. For further information, please refer to the additional costs information.
Mandatory:
For students completing a placement in Schools:
- Enhanced DBS check with digital ID check: £60.70. This price is not set by the University and is liable to increase.
Optional:
- Graduate membership of the British Psychological Society (with student discount for current enrolment on a postgraduate qualification): £48*
*These costs are set by the BPS and are liable to change, please check the British Psychological Society website for full details on their membership costs.
Teaching, learning and assessment
Our MSc Health Psychology offers an interactive and applied learning experience, with smaller-group teaching that gives you plenty of opportunities to contribute to discussion, work collaboratively and engage directly with teaching staff. We use approaches such as problem-based learning, collaborative enquiry and real-world case studies to help you apply psychological theory and evidence to contemporary health challenges.
Assessment is varied and designed to reflect the kinds of tasks Health Psychologists and other behavioural science professionals undertake in practice. Alongside developing strong academic and research skills, you might create a podcast to communicate health information, write a policy brief for a government audience, or design a behaviour change intervention for someone with complex health needs.
This emphasis on authentic, applied assessment helps you build a portfolio of practical skills in communication, behaviour change, research, evaluation and evidence-based problem-solving that you can take into further professional training or employment.
Academic facilities
Based in the Dorothy Hodgkin building at the centre of campus, the School of Psychology offers a thriving and dynamic environment with state-of-the-art teaching and research facilities, and plenty of spaces for socialising and studying.
The recently refurbished 230-seater lecture theatre is one of the largest on campus. For independent or small group study, you have the choice of a larger communal room with computers or smaller study rooms you can book.
When it comes to specialist facilities, at Keele, you really are spoiled for choice. We have two video observation suites, both feature two-way mirrors and are equipped with video and audio recording equipment. There are eye tracking laboratories, with an EyeLink 1000 Plus eye tracker and SMI ET and Pupil Labs eye tracking glasses. Our brain electrophysiology lab has been kitted out to perform EEG experiments, as well as simultaneous eye tracking, pupillometry, and galvanic skin response (GSR) measurements.
