Postgraduate Programme Specification
MSc Clinical Health Psychology
Academic Year 2022/23
A programme specification is required for any programme on which a student may be registered. All programmes of the University are subject to the University's Quality Assurance processes. All degrees are awarded by Queen's University Belfast.
| Programme Title | MSc Clinical Health Psychology | Final Award (exit route if applicable for Postgraduate Taught Programmes) |
Master of Science | |||||||||||
| Programme Code | PSY-MSC-CH | UCAS Code | HECoS Code |
100985 - Health psychology - 100 |
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ATAS Clearance Required |
No |
Health Check Required |
No |
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Portfolio Required |
-- |
Interview Required |
-- |
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| Mode of Study | Full Time or Part Time | |||||||||||||
| Type of Programme | Postgraduate | Length of Programme |
Full Time - 1 Academic Year Part Time - 2 Academic Years |
Total Credits for Programme | 180 | |||||||||
| Exit Awards available | No | |||||||||||||
Institute Information
Teaching Institution |
Queen's University Belfast |
School/Department |
Psychology |
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Quality Code Higher Education Credit Framework for England |
Level 7 |
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Subject Benchmark Statements The Frameworks for Higher Education Qualifications of UK Degree-Awarding Bodies |
Psychology (2019) |
Accreditations (PSRB) |
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No accreditations (PSRB) found. | |
Regulation Information
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Does the Programme have any approved exemptions from the University General Regulations |
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Programme Specific Regulations A Postgraduate Certificate will be awarded (as an exit award) to any student who passes at least 60 and up to 120 CATS of the taught modules. If a student passes at least 40 CATS in the research methods modules on this programme, they will be awarded a PGCert in Research Methods in Psychology. If a student passes at least 40 CATS in the clinical health psychology content modules on this programme, they will be awarded a PGCert in Clinical Health Psychology. If a student passes at least 40 CATS in the research methods modules and at least 40 CATS in the clinical health psychology content modules on this programme, they will be able to choose the nomenclature of their PGCert. |
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Students with protected characteristics |
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Are students subject to Fitness to Practise Regulations (Please see General Regulations) No |
Educational Aims Of Programme
To provide graduate students with an opportunity for advanced study in specialist topics in the field of clinical health psychology.
To prepare graduate students for more advanced research in clinical health psychology, professional training in psychology or other discipline-related professional training.
To develop critical awareness of issues in the scientific and applied areas of clinical health psychology and the methodological skills to critically examine and interrogate the discipline.
To develop the academic, intellectual and personal potential of students using well-managed systems of learning and pastoral support.
To develop key skills that will facilitate future academic study, professional training and the individual’s employability more generally.
Learning Outcomes
Learning Outcomes: Cognitive SkillsOn the completion of this course successful students will be able to: |
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Contrast different levels of explanation in health psychology, examine their implications and recognise their limitations. |
Teaching/Learning Methods and Strategies Developed particularly through class discussion and exercises, project work and workshops. Methods of Assessment Essays, case studies, literature reviews, dissertation. |
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Critically analyse research studies, commenting on theory, methods and conclusions. |
Teaching/Learning Methods and Strategies Developed particularly through class discussion and exercises, project work and workshops. Methods of Assessment Essays, case studies, literature reviews, dissertation. |
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Reflect on how theory and research can inform interventions and practice. |
Teaching/Learning Methods and Strategies Developed particularly through class discussion and exercises, project work and workshops. Methods of Assessment Essays, case studies, literature reviews, dissertation. |
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Formulate a research question, choose an appropriate research design, plan and conduct an independent piece of research. |
Teaching/Learning Methods and Strategies Developed particularly through class discussion and exercises, project work and workshops. Methods of Assessment Essays, case studies, literature reviews, dissertation. |
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Deal with complexity and uncertainty in planning projects, interpreting data and making recommendations. |
Teaching/Learning Methods and Strategies Developed particularly through class discussion and exercises, project work and workshops. Methods of Assessment Essays, case studies, literature reviews, dissertation. |
Learning Outcomes: Knowledge & UnderstandingOn the completion of this course successful students will be able to: |
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Demonstrate a critical understanding of the practical considerations and limitations of health psychology practice |
Teaching/Learning Methods and Strategies Lectures, practical classes, workshops Methods of Assessment Coursework essays, dissertation |
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Demonstrate a critical understanding of the difficulties and restrictions when applying theoretical knowledge in the real life context |
Teaching/Learning Methods and Strategies Lectures, practical classes, workshops Methods of Assessment Coursework essays, dissertation |
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Demonstrate a critical understanding of the techniques used in the delivery of health psychology interventions |
Teaching/Learning Methods and Strategies Lectures, practical classes, workshops Methods of Assessment Coursework essays, dissertation |
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Demonstrate a critical understanding of psychological theories underpinning clinical health psychology interventions |
Teaching/Learning Methods and Strategies Lectures, practical classes, workshops Methods of Assessment Coursework essays, dissertation |
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Demonstrate a critical understanding of factors that influence the success of interventions |
Teaching/Learning Methods and Strategies Lectures, practical classes, workshops Methods of Assessment Coursework essays, dissertation |
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Demonstrate a critical understanding of key theories to explain variance in psychosocial outcomes in different cancer populations |
Teaching/Learning Methods and Strategies Lectures, practical classes, workshops Methods of Assessment Coursework essays, dissertation |
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Demonstrate a critical understanding of assessment methods to identify supportive care needs in patients with cancer and their close persons |
Teaching/Learning Methods and Strategies Lectures, practical classes, workshops Methods of Assessment Coursework essays, dissertation |
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Demonstrate a critical understanding of theoretically informed interventions to improve psychosocial outcomes in patients with cancer and their close persons |
Teaching/Learning Methods and Strategies Lectures, practical classes, workshops Methods of Assessment Coursework essays, dissertation |
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Demonstrate a critical understanding of different research methodologies used to answer research questions pertinent to clinical health psychology |
Teaching/Learning Methods and Strategies Lectures, practical classes, workshops Methods of Assessment Coursework essays, dissertation |
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Demonstrate a critical understanding of the key processes involved when conducting systematic reviews |
Teaching/Learning Methods and Strategies Lectures, practical classes, workshops Methods of Assessment Coursework essays, dissertation |
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Demonstrate a critical understanding of the psychosocial challenges of living with a chronic physical condition |
Teaching/Learning Methods and Strategies Lectures, practical classes, workshops Methods of Assessment Coursework essays, dissertation |
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Demonstrate a critical understanding of behaviour change techniques |
Teaching/Learning Methods and Strategies Lectures, practical classes, workshops Methods of Assessment Coursework essays, dissertation |
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Demonstrate a critical understanding of behavioural and psychological risk factors for physical illness |
Teaching/Learning Methods and Strategies Lectures, practical classes, workshops Methods of Assessment Coursework essays, dissertation |
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Demonstrate a critical understanding of the challenges of designing and implementing a successful behaviour change intervention |
Teaching/Learning Methods and Strategies Lectures, practical classes, workshops Methods of Assessment Coursework essays, dissertation |
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Demonstrate a critical understanding of research design and data collection and analysis |
Teaching/Learning Methods and Strategies Lectures, practical classes, workshops Methods of Assessment Coursework essays, dissertation |
Learning Outcomes: Subject SpecificOn the completion of this course successful students will be able to: |
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Integrate evidence from multiple perspectives and relate to relevant issues |
Teaching/Learning Methods and Strategies Lectures, practical classes, workshops Methods of Assessment Coursework essays, dissertation |
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Design, perform, analyse, interpret and communicate the results from empirical studies, using a variety of methods |
Teaching/Learning Methods and Strategies Lectures, practical classes, workshops Methods of Assessment Coursework essays, dissertation |
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Critically analyse the psychometric properties of patient-reported outcome measures |
Teaching/Learning Methods and Strategies Lectures, practical classes, workshops Methods of Assessment Coursework essays, dissertation |
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Complete a successful ethics application |
Teaching/Learning Methods and Strategies Lectures, practical classes, workshops Methods of Assessment Coursework essays, dissertation |
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Employ evidence based reasoning to critically evaluate different methodologies and approaches used in psychology |
Teaching/Learning Methods and Strategies Lectures, practical classes, workshops Methods of Assessment Coursework essays, dissertation |
Learning Outcomes: Transferable SkillsOn the completion of this course successful students will be able to: |
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Communicate effectively using written, oral and visual forms of presentation |
Teaching/Learning Methods and Strategies Lectures, practical classes, workshops Methods of Assessment Coursework essays, presentations, dissertation |
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Collect, retrieve, understand, interpret and use data and evidence effectively |
Teaching/Learning Methods and Strategies Lectures, practical classes, workshops Methods of Assessment Coursework essays, presentations, dissertation |
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Demonstrate effective group work skills and the ability to effectively plan and organise their personal work, learning and projects |
Teaching/Learning Methods and Strategies Lectures, practical classes, workshops Methods of Assessment Coursework essays, presentations, dissertation |
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Demonstrate sensitivity to diversity, contextual and interpersonal factors |
Teaching/Learning Methods and Strategies Lectures, practical classes, workshops Methods of Assessment Coursework essays, presentations, dissertation |
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Reason scientifically and use critical judgements and evaluations in the evaluation of evidence and data |
Teaching/Learning Methods and Strategies Lectures, practical classes, workshops Methods of Assessment Coursework essays, presentations, dissertation |
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Use independent judgement and self-direction and the exercise of initiative and personal responsibility in the pursuit of learning and continued professional/academic development |
Teaching/Learning Methods and Strategies Lectures, practical classes, workshops Methods of Assessment Coursework essays, presentations, dissertation |
Module Information
Stages and Modules
| Module Title | Module Code | Level/ stage | Credits | Availability |
Duration | Pre-requisite | Assessment |
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|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| S1 | S2 | Core | Option | Coursework % | Practical % | Examination % | ||||||
| Quantitative Data Analysis 2 | PSY7066 | 7 | 10 | -- | YES | 6 weeks | N | -- | YES | 100% | 0% | 0% |
| Research Skills | PSY7031 | 7 | 10 | YES | -- | 6 weeks | N | YES | -- | 100% | 0% | 0% |
| Psychological Adjustment In Chronic Physical Conditions | PSY7102 | 7 | 20 | -- | YES | 12 weeks | N | YES | -- | 100% | 0% | 0% |
| Quantitative Data Analysis 1 | PSY7065 | 7 | 10 | YES | -- | 6 weeks | N | YES | -- | 100% | 0% | 0% |
| Applied Psychology Experience | PSY7105 | 7 | 10 | -- | YES | 6 weeks | N | -- | YES | 100% | 0% | 0% |
| Clinical Health Psychology Dissertation | PSY7106 | 7 | 60 | -- | YES | 24 weeks | N | YES | -- | 100% | 0% | 0% |
| Health Behaviour Change | PSY7100 | 7 | 20 | YES | -- | 12 weeks | N | YES | -- | 100% | 0% | 0% |
| Principles of Qualitative Research Methods and Data Analysis 2 | PSY7064 | 7 | 10 | -- | YES | 6 weeks | N | -- | YES | 100% | 0% | 0% |
| Psycho-oncology: Living with and beyond a cancer diagnosis | PSY7101 | 7 | 20 | -- | YES | 12 weeks | N | YES | -- | 70% | 30% | 0% |
| Introduction to Therapeutic Skills | PSY7109 | 7 | 10 | -- | YES | 6 weeks | N | -- | YES | 0% | 100% | 0% |
| Research Design and Essential Methods in Clinical Health Psychology | PSY7104 | 7 | 10 | YES | -- | 6 weeks | N | YES | -- | 90% | 10% | 0% |
| Principles of Qualitative Research Methods and Data Analysis 1 | PSY7063 | 7 | 10 | YES | -- | 6 weeks | N | YES | -- | 100% | 0% | 0% |
Notes
Students must take two of the four 10 credit options in Semester 2. Students must take at least one of PSY7064 or PSY7066. Students have the option to take either PSY7105 or PSY7109, or neither, but not both.