Short Description of the Modules
Biopsychosocial factors in Health Psychology I
This module introduces the key theories and principles of health psychology in relation to the maintenance of health, the adoption of healthy behaviours and the development of illness. A range of topics are covered in this module including definitions of health and health behaviours, models and theories of stress and coping, social support, attachment and disclosure, influences on addictive behaviours, influences on food choice and dieting, and the relationship between religion, health and mortality.
Community, Diversity and Epidemiology I
This module introduces the health challenges and needs for diverse populations in the broader community and in diverse settings. In particular, the emphasis of this module is on the use of epidemiological evidence to identify differences between populations and groups that can inform health outcomes and health needs as well as the processes that can influence these. Some of the topics covered in this module: are: Biostatistics and epidemiology, developmental epidemiology, social inequalities and socio-cultural influences on health, Impact of screening, the effect of environment on health.
Research Methods I
This module introduces students to the key forms of analysis used in health psychology research. It covers the basic quantitative and qualitative methods that will allow students to understand published research as well as to conduct their own analyses. A range of topics are covered in this module including correlational analyses, crosstabulation, group comparisons, multivariate statistics, and qualitative methods and analysis.
Policy and Practice in Health Psychology I
This module addresses the role of the health psychologist as a professional working in a multi-disciplinary setting. In particular, this module explores how health psychology theory translates into health policy and viable interventions and how these are evaluated to provide evidence that underpins recommendations for care. Topics covered include health psychology in applied settings, health promotion interventions based on social cognition models, evidence based medicine, use and evaluation of tailored interventions.
Biopsychosocial factors in Health Psychology II
This module introduces the key theories and principles of health psychology in responding to ill health. In particular the focus is on perceptions of symptoms, recovery and adjustment. The following is an indication of the range of topics covered in this module: theories of adherence to treatment, theories of change and adjustment, quality of life, communication in health settings, the role of the family, theories and challenges of specific conditions.
Community, Diversity and Epidemiology II
This module addresses the health challenges and needs for diverse populations and settings. In particular, the emphasis of this module is to identify factors within populations and groups that can inform our understanding of the health challenges they face and the processes that influence health and health behaviours. Topics in this module include: psychological factors in individuals with chronic conditions, lifespan issues, death and bereavement.
Research Methods II
This module introduces advanced methods of analysis, both quantitative and qualitative. The second half of the Module will also give students the opportunity to design and implement a study as a group in the form of a mini-project. The following is an indication of the range of topics covered in this module: qualitative analysis (Grounded Theory, Framework Analysis), quantitative analysis (structural equation modelling, meta-analysis).
Policy and Practice in Health Psychology II
This module introduces students to some of the specific skills used in health psychology to promote behaviour change. Students will also have the opportunity to do a work placement in which they can implement theory into practice. Topics included in this module are: writing placement reports, analysing interactions using conversational analysis and video-based qualitative techniques, motivational interviewing, cognitive behavioural therapy, stress management, smoking cessation training.
Project
This module allows students to develop a research question and design a project that will address this question. Under supervision, students will then complete a piece of original research to a professional standard of ethics and practice.
