Introduction to Health Psychology

For module start dates, view the 2023-24 Module Calendar (.docx)

Understanding psychological theory and its application in healthcare settings is important because behaviour is shaped by beliefs, emotions and cognitions about health and illness that arise from personal history and prior experiences.

This module is suitable for health and social care professionals who are interested in developing a better understanding of applied psychology, including interventions for managing stress, pain and long term conditions and the importance of communication for predicting adherence.

Learning outcomes

After this module you will:

• be able to demonstrate knowledge and critical understanding of some key issues that include the interaction of mind-and body in health and illness
• be able to apply psychological theories and propose evidence-based solutions
• be able to identify strengths/weaknesses of evidence-based health psychology
• be able to consider how a biopsychosocial approach can challenge and extend traditional (biomedical) understanding of issues in health and illness.

Accreditation and professional recognition

Mapping to Programme Outcomes is dependent on Programme of study for full time undergraduates enrolled for this module. See our programme specs here. 

Mapping to Regulatory Body Standards: N/A

Our expert staff

This module was written and has been taught by Jennie Todd for fourteen years. She has been involved with applied psychological and healthcare research and teaching in Higher Education for almost two decades in roles that include senior research officer and research advisor for the East of England NIHR RDS

Pre-requisites:

• Suitable for a variety of undergraduate modular health-related pathways that include some previous exposure to psychology.
• CPD students would need to discuss the appropriate level of enrolment required depending on previous study/experience.

Module Outline

Module delivered via 2-hour lecture-seminar each week across spring term. Please see the module calendar on our CPD pages for further information.

Teaching and learning disclaimer

Following the impact of the pandemic, we made changes to our teaching and assessment to ensure our current students could continue with their studies uninterrupted and safely. These changes included courses being taught through blended delivery, normally including some face-to-face teaching, online provision, or a combination of both across the year.

The teaching and assessment methods listed show what is currently planned for 2021 entry; changes may be necessary if, by the beginning of this course, we need to adapt the way we’re delivering them due to the external environment, and to allow you to continue to receive the best education possible safely and seamlessly.

Assessment strategy

Submit one 2500-word piece of coursework (100% weighting, 40 pass mark).

Our CPD Funding page has more information on fees for our modules and potential funding sources.

We have guidance on making your application and the forms to download on our how to apply page.