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 MSc include: research methods, health behaviour change, psycho-oncology and adjustment to long term physical illness.
This MSc 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 2025 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.
Applications for this course received after 30th June 2025 may not be accepted. In addition, a deposit will be required to secure a place.
Clinical Health Psychology highlights
Student Experience
The programme offers key theoretical and applied clinical and health psychology topics alongside methodological concepts to distinguish it from other programmes in the UK
Internationally Renowned Experts
Students on the programme will be taught the latest advancements in clinical health psychology by dedicated staff who are prominent, influential researchers or practitioners in the field.
Career Development
Students can avail of placement opportunities in a range of settings related to clinical and health psychology.
Student Testimonials
Placement Services: "Working with ADVICE NI has been an incredible experience, profoundly deepening my understanding of client complexities and vulnerabilities. The dedication and precision of the advisors in delivering tailored advice has allows me to witness their commitment by providing high-quality, empathetic support. This experience has been invaluable, highlighting the importance of empathy, expertise, and precision in the advisory process, especially in a diverse and dynamic environment. Moving forward, I am eager to apply the skills and insights that I have learned ADVICE NI in the field of psychology and on a broader humanitarian aspect."
This MSc contains taught modules that comprise clinical health content and research methods. One-third of the MSc is a dissertation.
Optional placement
Employer surveys suggest that graduates who have spent time in a workplace whilst studying are at an advantage when it comes to applying for graduate employment. In the light of these findings, we offer an optional placement module to our students.
We work with a range of organisations who engage with clinical health related populations to secure projects to enable students to develop valuable skills in:
- Researching a particular area of clinical health
- Understanding the lived experience of people experiencing difficulty
- Developing and testing evidence-based strategies and interventions
- Communicating important health messages
- Evaluating the impact
- Writing of a report or developing a resource pack
Clinical health populations our students gain experience in working with and the project examples are:
- Development of a transitions programme to support people with addictions to transfer back to community living from a residential care unit
-Evaluation of Take 5 programme and development of a new programme to support positive mental health in young people
- Development of psycho-educational resources for patients of who have had plastic surgery after a traumatic accident.
- Evaluation of the impact on a Arts and Sports Programme for adults with Acquire Brain Injury
- Research and development of resource for teachers and parents of children who are experiencing school-based anxiety
- Research on the impact of employee health and wellbeing on the delivery of patient care
- Research and development of an intervention to raise awareness of and reduce usage of vaping
- Development of a community Emotional Wellbeing Framework
- Development of an online support hub to support people with ADHD in work
- Development of trauma informed wellbeing hub for homeless women
- Research on aging factors such a cognitive, social and emotional wellbeing in residents in supported living and development of service provision
Students apply for the project that suits their skills, experience or aspirations and are placed in an organisation for 15-20 days in Semester 2 to carry out the project. Students are fully supported to carry out the project by a professional within the organisation - who may not always be a Psychologist.
If you have any queries about this placement module, please contact Elaine Lavery: e.lavery@qub.ac.uk
Those who teach on the programme are experts in Clinical Health Psychology and our teaching is research-led, inspired by research in the area. Our lecturing team is committed to your learning and development and offer a dynamic and engaging educational experience.
The School of Psychology at Queen’s has a distinguished history in educating undergraduate and postgraduate students. The School operates a single honours undergraduate degree, three taught MSc degrees, professional Doctorates in Clinical Psychology and Educational, Child and Adolescent Psychology, and a highly active research PhD programme.
We operate a proactive system of student support. The Postgraduate Advisor of Studies will guide and support you through your time with us, supported by the School’s knowledgeable and friendly administrative staff, and your personal tutor. There are also a range of wider facilities including excellent library facilities, careers advice, student support, and IT services.
Good communication between staff and students is central to our learning community, we operate a Student Voice Committee specifically for taught MSc programmes. This committee comprises elected representatives from each of the taught postgraduate programmes, the Director of Postgraduate Taught Education, programme directors and the School Manager. This Committee is a platform for students to promptly raise any concerns they have, and provides the School with an avenue to update students on matters affecting both the School and the broader University.
There are regular town halls involving all students who wish to attend, and our student representatives provide crucial feedback and engagement throughout the year. We aim to build a supportive learning environment that stimulates students to do their best work.
We provide students with a range of opportunities to learn and have included some further information on these below.
Excellent supervision
Students are assigned a dissertation supervisor early in the course, with whom they develop a project, obtain ethical approval, analyse and interpret data, and write the final report. We encourage students to be ambitious for their project and it is not unusual for MSc dissertation data to be of publishable quality.
Lectures, seminars, and workshops
Lectures provide information about a topic and the basis for further self-directed study. They also provide an opportunity for class discussion, questions, and feedback. We also run student-led seminars where students are supported to practice and apply concepts and ideas through interaction with each other and their teaching staff. Workshops offer the opportunity to learn and practice skills for example performing qualitative or quantitative methods.
Placements
Students will have an opportunity to avail of the option of learning in the workplace by undertaking a short placement in a context that is relevant to Clinical Health Psychology. This may involve working with a clinical staff or in a health-focussed third sector organisation.
Self-guided study
Self-guided study is an essential part of any taught MSc course including private reading and research, preparation for assignments, and reflection on feedback.
Assessment
We will assess your performance in a variety of different ways
The information below is intended as an example only, featuring module details for the current year of study (2024/25). Modules are reviewed on an annual basis and may be subject to future changes – revised details will be published through Programme Specifications ahead of each academic year.
Academic writing
Study design in Psychology, including specific research designs and approaches used in the applied fields of clinical health psychology or applied developmental psychology
Literature searching
Equality and diversity in research
Research ethics
Open science
Data security, particularly when working with external organisations
Learning Outcomes
By the end of this module, students will be able to:
Demonstrate the application of ‘open science’ practice
Critique the quality of psychological research design
Address ethical issues in a research design
Skills
On completion of this module, students will be able to:
Design ethical and applied psychological research
Complete research governance and ethics procedures relating to applied psychological research
Communicate research findings effectively to academic and other relevant audiences
Underlying assumptions and workings of a range of statistical techniques
How to conduct statistical analyses
How to interpret the outputs of analyses using these techniques
The epistemological assumptions underpinning qualitative research
How to conceptualise, design, conduct and critically appraise qualitative research
Strengths and limitations of different types of interviewing and other methods of qualitative data collection
Methods of qualitative data analysis and how to use these as appropriate for each context.
Learning Outcomes
By the end of this module, students will be able to:
Justify the choice of a data analytic technique / approach to answering a research question.
Conduct data analysis using an appropriate technique.
Interpret and report the findings from a data analysis procedure.
Skills
On completion of the module, students will be able to:
Use a statistical software package to handle and analyse quantitative data
Critique the findings from qualitative research
Report research findings appropriately
Reflect on the theoretical and practical and ethical issues which may be present in conducting qualitative research.
Present logically structured arguments and demonstrate critical thinking.
This module will explore:
1. Theories (e.g. Health Belief, Reasoned Action, COM-B System, Ecological Models) and determinants of health behaviour;
2. Health-enhancing (e.g. screening, exercise and diet, sleep, sexual health) and health-compromising behaviours (e.g. alcohol, smoking, drug use, eating disorders);
3. Intervention strategies (e.g. Assessment, Motivational Enhancement Therapy, Cognitive Behavioural Therapy) to promote health behaviour change.
Learning Outcomes
At the end of the module students should be able to:
1. Demonstrate understanding of health behaviour change theory.
2. Critically examine the determinants of health.
3. Apply relevant psychological theory to interventions in health and public health.
Skills
Applied knowledge of relevant theory in health behaviour change
Applied knowledge of psychological, social and behavioural intervention approaches in health behaviour change
Utilising theory to develop psychological, social and behavioural interventions to improve health outcomes
Critical thinking skills
Communication skills
Working with others in a group (peer support and conflict resolution)
Oral and visual presentation skills
This module provides students with the opportunity to conduct independent research into a topic relevant to clinical health psychology. This work will be conducted under the supervision of a designated member of staff. Students will be required to organise meetings with their supervisor and formulate discussions that will enable them to complete the tasks within this module, which include:
• identifying a viable research issue or question pertinent to this domain of Psychology;
• designing a strategy for investigation that will address the research question and/or hypotheses in accordance with the BPS ethical guidelines;
• producing a research proposal and any accompanying documentation required for ethics approval;
• conducting appropriate analyses that address the research question / hypotheses;
• interpreting findings - whether numerical/statistical or in the form of verbatim transcripts, with reference to relevant theory and/or previous research;
• coherently articulating the benefits and limitations of the research;
• identifying the implications for future research and, where appropriate, also the practical implications with due recognition of the scope and boundaries of these implications;
• producing a final research dissertation.
Dissertations can involve primary data collection, secondary data analysis, or can take the form of a systematic literature review.
Learning Outcomes
On completion of this module students will be able to:
• Recognise the importance of planning and preparation required to undertake a research project.
• Develop a thorough understanding of the literature pertaining to their chosen topic of investigation.
• Recognise the importance of good ethical conduct of research with human participants and the processes for obtaining ethics approval.
• Demonstrate the ability to collate and critically assess/interpret data.
• Reflect critically on the theoretical, methodological and practical implications of their research.
• Develop an ability to effectively communicate knowledge in a scientific manner.
Skills
On completion of this module students will be able to:
• Conduct an independent research study demonstrating self-direction and the capacity to deal with complexity and uncertainty.
• Critically evaluate the contributions and limitations of specific psychological theories and methods to a chosen dissertation topic.
• Generate a specific research question to be investigated.
• Make a successful application for ethical approval of the planned thesis.
• Show specialist competence in the methodology and analyses chosen for dissertation work.
• Critically reflect on how theory and empirical research can inform interventions and professional practice (if appropriate).
• Communicate ideas, principles, theories and research findings by written means.
• Write well-structured and well –argued prose, using style and conventions appropriate for publishing in the psychology literature.
• Use information technology (e.g. bibliographic databases such as Psychinfo, statistics packages).
• Use analytical skills in a problem solving context.
Psychological Adjustment in Long-Term Physical Conditions
Overview
This module provides an introduction to the psychological challenges of living with a chronic physical condition and potential intervention strategies to address these. Poor psychological adjustment, and related cognitions, emotions and behaviours, can impact illness outcomes. The module will focus on three conditions: (i) Diabetes, (ii) Cardiovascular Disease, and (iii) Chronic Pain.
The module will follow a similar 3-part structure for each condition:
1. Introducing the challenges of living with [Diabetes; Cardiovascular Disease; Chronic Pain]
2. Using theory to understand the factors underpinning psychological adjustment in [Diabetes; Cardiovascular Disease; Chronic Pain]
3. Exploring intervention strategies to improve psychological adjustment in individuals affected by [Diabetes; Cardiovascular Disease; Chronic Pain].
Learning Outcomes
At the end of the module students should be able to:
1. Demonstrate understanding of the psychological challenges of living with a long-term physical condition.
2. Identify potential interventions to address these challenges.
3. Critically examine the factors which influence psychological adjustment and health outcomes in long-term physical health conditions.
Skills
Applied knowledge of relevant theoretical frameworks in chronic physical conditions
Applied knowledge of psychological and behavioural intervention approaches in chronic physical conditions
Critical thinking skills
Communication skills
Psycho-oncology: Living with and beyond a cancer diagnosis
Overview
This module covers several key tenants of Psycho-Oncology for clinical health psychologists. The focus of the module will include building a critical awareness of theory, methods and practice in relation to the assessment and management of psychological, social and behavioural aspects of the cancer illness trajectory. The module builds an awareness of evidence-based practice across the cancer continuum, from the impact of diagnosis, to assessment and management of psychosocial outcomes both during active treatment, through longer term survivorship and also at the end of life phase. The module will provide students with knowledge and skills on making a contribution from a clinical health psychology perspective to both individuals who have received a cancer diagnosis and their close persons.
The module will comprise of two broad topics which will be divided across the Semester:
1. Psychosocial impact & assessment of needs across the cancer continuum
2. Evidence based interventions to improve psychosocial outcomes in cancer
Learning Outcomes
1. Apply relevant psychological theory to interventions for people with cancer or their close persons.
2. Assess psychological needs of people with cancer or their close persons and identify potential interventions to address these needs.
3. Critically examine the factors which influence psychological adjustment among people with cancer or their close persons.
Skills
Applied knowledge of key theory within psycho-oncology
Critical awareness of research methods within psycho-oncology
Oral presentation skills
Communication skills
Working with others in a group (peer support & conflict resolution)
Utilising frameworks to develop psychological interventions
Utilising theory to develop psychological interventions
Taught by qualified clinical psychologists, this module sets out to equip students with some foundation level therapy skills and an understanding of how therapeutic models are used across applied contexts. Models that will be taught include:
Cognitive Behaviour Therapy
Acceptance and Commitment Therapy
Motivational Interviewing
Via interaction in roles plays, and skills practice sessions, alongside lectures
Outlining the theory guiding therapeutic practice, students will gain skills in:
creating a basic case conceptualisation (formulation), selecting therapy methods to change behaviour, applying foundation level therapy skills and self reflection.
Learning Outcomes
By the end of this module, students will be able to:
1. Be able to notice and articulate links between underlying theory and clinical practice
2. Be able to apply an appropriate theoretical model to a specific case.
3. Describe how basic clinical skills are used in clinical practice.
Skills
By the end of this module, students will be able to:
1. Apply foundational therapy skills in practice
2.Link theory to practice
This module will give the students an opportunity to experience first-hand health psychology practice in an applied setting. Potential placements could be with local health charities, with the School of Psychology Clinic or in HSC Trusts. A minimum of 40 hours will be spent on work placement. Students along with staff will choose an appropriate work environment where the students will have the opportunity to experience health psychology in action. Students will be encouraged to become actively involved where possible.
Learning Outcomes
On completion of this module students will be able to demonstrate a critical understanding of:
the practical considerations and limitations of health psychology practice;
the difficulties and restrictions when applying theoretical knowledge in the real life context;
the techniques used in the delivery of health psychology interventions;
factors that influence the success of interventions
Skills
On completion of this module students will be able to:
critically evaluate previous literature and research findings and disseminate it to practitioners;
critically evaluate the interventions and research employed in practice;
demonstrate understanding of the issues of involved in working in applied settings.
Normally a 2.1 Honours degree or above in Psychology or an acceptable related subject, or equivalent qualification acceptable to the University.
QUB:
Intercalating medical and dental students within QUB will be considered if they have successfully completed the 3rd/4th year of their course at first attempt and achieved at least a 2.1 Honours standard. Intercalating applicants should also ensure they have permission to intercalate from either the Director for Medical Education or Dentistry as appropriate.
External:
An external medical or dental student wishing to intercalate must have successfully completed all assessments at first attempt for the year in which they are applying. External intercalating applicants should also ensure they have the permission of the Head of Undergraduate Medical/Dental Education or equivalent from their home University.
Applicants are advised to apply as early as possible and ideally no later than 30th June 2025 for courses which commence in late September. In the event that any programme receives a high number of applications, the University reserves the right to close the application portal prior to the deadline stated on course finder. Notifications to this effect will appear on the application portal against the programme application page.
Please note: a deposit will be required to secure a place.
In the absence of a formal qualification that meets the above criteria, applicants may apply for recognition of prior learning. The University's Recognition of Prior Learning Policy provides guidance on the assessment of experiential learning (RPEL). Please visit the link below for more information. http://go.qub.ac.uk/RPLpolicyQUB
International Students
Our country/region pages include information on entry requirements, tuition fees, scholarships, student profiles, upcoming events and contacts for your country/region. Use the dropdown list below for specific information for your country/region.
English Language Requirements
An IELTS* score of 6.5, with not less than 5.5 in any component, or an equivalent qualification acceptable to the University is required (*taken within the last 2 years).
International students wishing to apply to Queen's University Belfast (and for whom English is not their first language), must be able to demonstrate their proficiency in English in order to benefit fully from their course of study or research. Non-EEA nationals must also satisfy UK Visas and Immigration (UKVI) immigration requirements for English language for visa purposes.
If you need to improve your English language skills before you enter this degree programme, Queen's University Belfast International Study Centre offers a range of English language courses. These intensive and flexible courses are designed to improve your English ability for admission to this degree.
Academic English: an intensive English language and study skills course for successful university study at degree level
Pre-sessional English: a short intensive academic English course for students starting a degree programme at Queen's University Belfast and who need to improve their English.
The MSc Clinical Health Psychology provides a strong grounding in clinical health psychology including research, theory, and practical applications. Graduates who wish to pursue a career as an applied psychologist either progressing into research or a PhD, or into further clinical training such as clinical psychology will find this course of interest.
Employment after the Course
The focus of the course also supports graduates into careers in health policymaking, service development, public health, assistant psychology roles, and the charitable and voluntary sector. It also equips graduates with the skills and knowledge necessary to work in non-governmental organisations or other global health professional roles. The range of professional and research skills that our graduates develop support their employability in the third sector or private settings.
While the course offers an excellent starting point for those aspiring to become applied psychologists it does not provide a direct qualification for clinical practice in the UK. To become a Clinical Psychologist, a three-year doctorate in Clinical Psychology is required. This MSc, however, lays groundwork for further clinical training and related career progression. For additional information on pursuing a career in psychology in the UK, the British Psychological Society website is an excellent resource.
Graduate Plus/Future Ready Award for extra-curricular skills
In addition to your degree programme, at Queen's you can have the opportunity to gain wider life, academic and employability skills. For example, placements, voluntary work, clubs, societies, sports and lots more. So not only do you graduate with a degree recognised from a world leading university, you'll have practical national and international experience plus a wider exposure to life overall. We call this Graduate Plus/Future Ready Award. It's what makes studying at Queen's University Belfast special.
1EU citizens in the EU Settlement Scheme, with settled status, will be charged the NI or GB tuition fee based on where they are ordinarily resident. Students who are ROI nationals resident in GB will be charged the GB fee.
2 EU students who are ROI nationals resident in ROI are eligible for NI tuition fees.
3 EU Other students (excludes Republic of Ireland nationals living in GB, NI or ROI) are charged tuition fees in line with international fees.
All tuition fees quoted relate to a single year of study unless stated otherwise. Tuition fees will be subject to an annual inflationary increase, unless explicitly stated otherwise.
Terms and Conditions for Postgraduate applications:
1.1 Due to high demand, there is a deadline for applications.
1.2 You will be required to pay a deposit to secure your place on the course.
1.3 This condition of offer is in addition to any academic or English language requirements.
Depending on the programme of study, there may be extra costs which are not covered by tuition fees, which students will need to consider when planning their studies.
Students can borrow books and access online learning resources from any Queen's library. If students wish to purchase recommended texts, rather than borrow them from the University Library, prices per text can range from £30 to £100. Students should also budget between £30 to £75 per year for photocopying, memory sticks and printing charges.
Students undertaking a period of work placement or study abroad, as either a compulsory or optional part of their programme, should be aware that they will have to fund additional travel and living costs.
If a programme includes a major project or dissertation, there may be costs associated with transport, accommodation and/or materials. The amount will depend on the project chosen. There may also be additional costs for printing and binding.
Students may wish to consider purchasing an electronic device; costs will vary depending on the specification of the model chosen.
There are also additional charges for graduation ceremonies, examination resits and library fines.
How do I fund my study?
The Department for the Economy will provide a tuition fee loan of up to £6,500 per NI / EU student for postgraduate study. Tuition fee loan information.
A postgraduate loans system in the UK offers government-backed student loans of up to £11,836 for taught and research Masters courses in all subject areas (excluding Initial Teacher Education/PGCE, where undergraduate student finance is available). Criteria, eligibility, repayment and application information are available on the UK government website.
