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GUARANTEED INTERNSHIPS WITH EVERY MASTER'S DEGREE

Course overview

Health psychology explores how behaviour influences health and illness, and how we support people living with long-term conditions. Health psychologists apply psychological knowledge to understand health behaviours and design interventions that encourage positive change. They play a crucial role in areas such as:

Supporting patients’ emotional and psychological well-being.
Helping healthcare professionals build effective communication and relationships with patients.
Working with health and social care organisations to promote well-being and reduce health inequalities.

From public health and health inequalities to the psychobiology of illness and chronic conditions, Aston’s BPS-accredited Health Psychology MSc gives you a deep grounding in the theories and applications of the field - preparing you for a rewarding career in health psychology and beyond.

"The staff are very supportive and are always happy to help. We were taught a range of transferrable skills for roles in the academic field as well as clinical. The lectures were engaging and incorporated real-life examples that we were able to understand how skills and theory are used in practice."

Magda Skubera

Health Psychology MSc

Supply Teacher of Psychology at King Edward VI College

Why Health Psychology at Aston University?

Internationally recognised research

100% of our health and life sciences research environment has been ranked as being at least internationally excellent, with 50% being world-leading

Research-active academics

Study alongside active research staff from a broad range of specialist psychology areas

Professional accreditation

Gain a degree accredited by the British Psychological Society (BPS)

Why I chose to study Health Psychology MSc at Aston University

Hear from Health Psychology alumni, Deepa Lad about why she chose Aston University to continue her postgraduate psychology studies.

Course description

Health Psychology MSc

Our Health Psychology MSc at Aston will equip you with the skills, insights, and confidence required to understand health behaviours and to develop psychological interventions to support behaviour change.

What we will provide
First-class teaching in the UK's second-largest city, delivered by a diverse array of staff who will inspire and excite you, fantastic facilities that will bring your course to life through hands-on, practical experience and years of close industry collaboration that is harnessed to provide you with learning based on real-world needs.

What you will provide
It is important you learn how to adapt a growth mindset to your studies - understanding that intelligence and success come from applying yourself. You must be able to demonstrate critical thinking and have ambition and drive to excel.

What skills we teach
As a Health Psychology student, you will learn the skills to work as a competent health psychologist with an understanding of the theory underpinning health psychology. You’ll build your knowledge of advanced research methodology, and the analysis of qualitative and quantitative data to carry out independent work and conduct your final research project in a relevant specialist topic of your choosing.

Career prospects
Many of our graduates go on to complete further training (Stage 2) to become a Chartered Psychologist with the British Psychological Society and a Health Psychologist registered with the Health and Care Professions Council (HCPC). Many have also taken up roles within the NHS to run interventions to improve patients' health and manage their illness or to evaluate and re-design existing health services.

How you will learn

Our teaching style is modern and innovative, with a hands-on approach that bridges the gap between theory and practice. This enables you to apply your skills as you progress through your course, marrying your learning with practical examples, all designed to prepare you for the world of work.

You will engage in a variety of teaching and learning methods, including lectures, practical sessions, tutorials, seminars, and a research project.

What you will learn

By studying Health Psychology MSc at Aston, you will gain an in-depth understanding of the theory underpinning health psychology. You’ll build your knowledge of advanced research methodology, including the analysis of qualitative and quantitative data to carry out your own research project in a specialist topic under expert supervision.

From health inequalities and public health to psychobiology of illness and long term conditions, our full-time, on-campus Health Psychology MSc will provide you with an in-depth understanding of the theories and methods used in underpinning health psychology. This course has been designed to give you an ideal base for a rewarding career in health psychology and related fields.

MSc Health Psychology Taster Lecture

What Makes The Public Support Or Oppose Health Policies?

Facilities

As a Health Psychology MSc student, you’ll have access to specialist facilities designed to give you practical, hands-on experience. You’ll learn in an environment that mirrors real-world practice, guided by expert academics and industry professionals. Our facilities include:

Dedicated psychology laboratories
Feeding laboratory
Observation suite with covert audio-visual recording
Experiment and testing rooms
Large labs for focus groups and audience-based studies
Neurophysiological equipment, including electroencephalography (EEG)
Eye-tracking, face and emotion recognition technology
Electrodermal recording systems

You’ll also benefit from close links with the Aston Institute of Health and Neurodevelopment, with access to its on-campus clinics and research facilities - enhancing both your learning and research opportunities.

Course objectives

Provides you with the opportunities to realise your academic potential through a range of learning experiences.
Encourages you, through a practical approach, to have a passion for Psychology and an enthusiasm for learning.
To deliver a programme of a standard which satisfies the accreditation requirements of the British Psychological Society.
To provide you with an intellectually rigorous and contemporary education in and understanding of the theory, practice, and methods of psychology, which will help you to identify and achieve your personal, academic, and professional goals and aspirations in the field of psychology.
To develop students’ understanding of an advanced research methodology and analysis of qualitative and quantitative data to enable them to carry out independent
work of publishable standard.
To produce graduates with skills and abilities in research and enquiry, information literacy, personal and intellectual autonomy, and ethical, social and professional understanding in order to tackle effectively the contemporary issues facing people, organisations, and society.
Produce graduates who will be able to contribute to a broad spectrum of career opportunities spanning academic, commercial, clinical practice, healthcare, and more.

Modules

Taught stage modules

In your taught stage, you will study the following core module:

Module Title	Credits
Advanced Research Methods: This module will help you to develop knowledge and skills in designing, conducting, and appraising research in applied health settings.	30
Health Behaviours and Interventions: This module will help you to understand how health psychology theories can explain and predict health-related behaviours, and how to design, implement, and evaluate health behaviour change interventions.	30
Health Inequalities and Public Health: This module will help you understand the ways in which individual psychological variables interact with social, cultural, environmental and policy variables to affect health and health inequalities.	30
Psychobiology of Illness and Long-term conditions: This module will help you to develop a critical understanding of the interrelationships between psychological, behavioural and biological processes and their effects on ill health, and the diagnosis and management of long-term conditions.	30
Total	120

Dissertation stage modules

In your dissertation stage, you will study the following core module:

Module Title	Credits
Research Project: This module will help you to undertake a supervised, independent, empirical research project where you will integrate and apply the skills you have acquired during the programme.	60
Total	60

We may update our courses to reflect best practices and academic developments. If we do, we’ll let you know of any changes at the earliest opportunity by updating our course webpages. If you have already received an offer, we’ll write to you directly to let you know of the changes.

Student holding laptop in student study space

Gain the advantage

The Aston Global Advantage (AGA) is fully embedded into all postgraduate Health & Life Sciences programmes (of 180 credits), meaning you develop professional skills, teamwork abilities and real‑world experience as an integral part of your course.

Because each programme tailors the AGA to its discipline, you learn through authentic activities relevant to your field. This integrated approach enhances your readiness for a rapidly changing global workplace by helping you apply knowledge in practice, build confidence, and develop the competencies employers value most.

Aston Global Advantage

Entry requirements

A 2:2 or above Psychology degree (or recognised international equivalent) that is accredited by the British Psychological Society (BPS). This ensures that students are eligible for Graduate Basis for Chartered (GBC) membership of the BPS.

Students who are applying from outside the UK, or who do not have a BPS accredited Bachelor’s degree in Psychology, must check directly with the BPS to see if they qualify for GBC.

See international student information below for international equivalent information.

International students

Aston University is a diverse, close community and welcomes international students to many of our postgraduate programmes. Students from over 120 countries choose to study with us every year. Based in the centre of Birmingham, Aston is not only a great place to study, it’s also a great place to live.

Qualifications in your country

For details of equivalent qualifications in your country, use our area pages below:

English language requirements

Applicants whose first language is not English will be required to provide evidence of an English language qualification.

English language requirements

How to apply

Aston University provides a range of opportunities for international students to join our community and study on our campus. A key part of our strategy is our relationships with teaching partners, providing multiple pathways to Aston.

Aston’s professional work placements can improve your chance of securing a graduate job. Placements give you experience, confidence and opportunities and, as an Aston student, you’ll be better prepared for your future career. One of the great things about Aston is our focus on employability. Our close links with businesses, industries and professions make this possible.

Find out more about applying

Pathway Programmes

If you don’t meet our entry requirements, we have a range of pathway programmes offered by our partner, ONCAMPUS Aston, which you can complete to progress onto one of our degrees.

Masters Foundation programmes

If you don’t meet our entry requirements, we have a range of pathway programmes offered by our partner, ONCAMPUS Aston, which you can complete to progress onto one of our degrees.

Speak to our Admissions Team

If you have any questions about the application process please get in touch with our postgraduate admissions team:

Email: pgadmissions@aston.ac.uk

Call: 0121 204 3200 (Please note this line is open Monday-Friday between 09.30am-4.30pm)

Fees and scholarships

Course fees

UK students
(2026/27)

Tuition fees:

£11,200

International students
(2026/27)

Tuition fees:

£24,800

More information on fees

The United Kingdom government has confirmed that European Union (EU), other European Economic Area (EEA) and Swiss nationals commencing academic courses in England from August 2021 will no longer be charged the same tuition rates as UK students.

Tuition fees for students are reviewed annually and may increase in subsequent years in line with inflation linked to the Retail Price Index (RPI) to take account of the University’s increased costs of delivering the Programme. Any such increase shall always be in accordance with the law. When undertaking a placement year, a placement year fee applies.

Fees and funding

Scholarships

At Aston University we are committed to supporting the most talented and hardworking students to achieve their potential by providing a range of scholarships to help lower tuition and living costs.

Explore scholarships for UK students

Explore scholarships for international students

Assessment

You’ll be assessed through a variety of methods, including essays, reports, critical reviews and presentations, ensuring you develop strong communication and analytical skills valued in both professional practice and research.

Career prospects

Many of our graduates go on to complete further training (Stage 2) to become a chartered psychologist with the British Psychological Society (Band A Health Psychologist registered with the Health and Care Professions Council (HCPC). Stage 2 of the training involves developing and demonstrating competences in research, teaching and training, practice and consultancy.

Recent graduates have entered a variety of roles such as:

Assistant psychologist
Neuro-enablement support worker
Public health advisor
Behavioural analyst
Research assistant
Research Associate
Senior community support worker
Stop smoking advisor
Well-being practitioner
Well-being trainer

Organisations who have previously employed our students include:

NHS trusts
Private health clinics
Health charities
Pharmaceutical companies
Consultancy companies
Local councils (Public Health)
Universities across the UK and internationally

Be part of our community

Once you have joined us at Aston University, you’ll always be part of our community, even beyond graduation.

Alumni services

Frequently asked questions

Why study Health Psychology MSc at Aston University?

This course has been designed for students with an undergraduate degree in psychology who are interested in pursuing a career in health psychology or a related field, or exploring the subject further with a PhD.

Throughout your time at Aston, you’ll develop the knowledge and skills needed to understand health behaviours, promote general wellness, assist patients with their emotional and psychological needs as well as caring for those who are chronically ill.

With teaching delivered by passionate research active academics, access to a range of specialist facilities and equipment, and professional accreditation by the British Psychological Society, our Health Psychology MSc is the ideal choice for you.

How is the course delivered?

The course is full-time, and delivered through a combination of lectures, group work, workshops and independent study. All lectures happen on campus on two days per week*. Everything else can be organised to fit your personal circumstances.

For those who need more flexibility, we also offer this course as a part-time online route. Find out more here.

*As normal, subject to change.

Is this course accredited?

Yes. This course is fully accredited by the British Psychological Society (BPS) and confers Stage 1 Training to become a Health Psychologist.

There are staff on the BPS Register of Approved Practitioner Psychologist Supervisors available at Aston to supervise via the BPS Independent Route for the Stage 2 Qualification in Health Psychology. For further details, please see the BPS website.

What could I explore in my research project?

Past student projects have covered a wide area of research questions and populations including:

Understanding couples’ experiences of infertility.
Exploring healthcare professionals’ experiences of care and their meanings of humanised practice.
Using quality of life scales to understand people’s experience of living with allergy.
Behaviour change interventions to increase older people’s physical activity through community walking groups.
Experiments testing whether social norms predict people’s food consumption and BMI.

Why should international students choose Aston University?

Study at Aston University and you will be part of a multi-cultural community located at the heart of the dynamic city of Birmingham. Our courses are practical, inspired by industry and many have internationally recognised accreditations. Renowned for our employability prospects and connections to business and industry, we provide outstanding career support, advice and placement opportunities.

For those interested in working in the UK after they have graduated, the UK Government has created a new post-study work visa.

Is Birmingham a good place to study?

Our campus is based in the centre of Birmingham, the youngest major city in Europe and a great place to live, work and study.

Great music and entertainment with a vibrant nightlife. Bars, clubs, pubs, live music, festivals, concerts. Whatever your tastes, there's something here for everyone.
Fantastic food. Birmingham's diverse community means you can try anything from the famous Balti triangle, the Chinese Quarter, high street chains, halal and vegan food, and Michelin-star dining.
World-class shopping. The Bullring and Grand Central is a shopper's paradise. From the world's biggest Primark to luxury brands at the Mailbox.
Arts and culture. Museums, galleries, theatres, concerts and Birmingham's art collection is as wide as it is impressive - not to be missed.
Green, open spaces. One of the greenest cities in Europe, Birmingham has hundreds of publicly accessible parks and green spaces across the city.
Sporting action. Birmingham has some of the most exciting venues for watching or participating in sport in the UK.

Discover Birmingham