This course is now closed to applications for September 2021. If you are interested in September 2022 entry, please register your interest.
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 through the use of 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 as a result of a physical health complaint. The topics covered in the PGDip include: research methods, health behaviour change, psycho-oncology and long term physical illness.
This PGDip aims to provide graduate students with an opportunity for advanced study in specialist topics in the field of clinical health psychology and to prepare graduate students for more advanced research in clinical health psychology, professional training in psychology or other discipline-related professional training. It also provides graduate students with an opportunity for advanced study in specialist topics in the field of clinical health psychology and prepares them for more advanced research in clinical health psychology, professional training in psychology or other discipline-related professional training.
PLEASE NOTE: Applications for this course received after 30th June 2024 may not be accepted. In addition, a deposit will be required to secure a place.
Clinical Health Psychology highlights
Student Experience
The programme’s focus on clinical and health psychology distinguishes it from other programmes in the UK.
Internationally Renowned Experts
Research in the School has been judged to be ‘world-leading’ and ‘outstanding’ by the 2014 Research Excellence Framework (REF).
This PGDip is one-half research methods and analysis, one-half clinical health psychology content.
Teaching Times
Teaching will take place on two days each week.
Learning and Teaching
Lecturers on the programme are experts in Clinical Health Psychology and have active research programmes in the area. Thus, teaching on the programme is research-led.
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. Good communication between staff and students is central and we operate a Student-Staff Consultative Committee specifically for taught MSc programmes. Membership of this committee includes elected representatives from each of the taught postgraduate programmes, the Director of Postgraduate Taught Education, programme directors and the School Manager. This Committee allows students to quickly raise matters of concern to them and enables the School to keep students appraised of matters affecting the School and wider University.
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 on which c500 students are enrolled, three taught MSc degrees, professional doctorates in Clinical Psychology and Educational, Child and Adolescent Psychology, and a highly active research PhD programme. Many of the members of staff teaching on our programmes have international reputations in their field. All are committed teachers and researchers.
Our aim as a School is to recruit the best students locally and internationally. 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.
Lectures
Lectures serve a number of purposes: they provide information about a topic and the basis for further self-directed study. They also provide an opportunity for class discussion, questions and feedback. In many cases lectures are followed by student-led seminars.
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 clinician or in a health-focussed third sector organisation.
Self-guided Study
Self-guided study is an essential part of any taught PGDip course when private reading and research, preparation for assignments and reflection on feedback is carried out.
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.
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
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
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
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
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.
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.
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).
The deadline for applications is normally 30th June 2024. However, we encourage applicants to apply as early as possible. In the event that any programme receives a high number of applications, the University reserves the right to close the application portal earlier than 30th June deadline. Notifications to this effect will appear on the Direct Application Portal against the programme application page.
Please note: a deposit will be required to secure a place.
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, INTO Queen's University Belfast 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 PGDip Clinical Health Psychology is likely to be of interest to students considering careers in Clinical or Health Psychology. We expect some graduates to go on to complete professional training in these areas whilst others may forge careers in the health service, or in the third sector.
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.