Pre-requisites: Students can be registered on any psychology award

1. On completion of this module, you will be able to demonstrate a critical understanding and awareness of some of the core issues and debates within health psychology theory, research and application Knowledge and Understanding
Learning

2. On completion of this module, you will be able to critically evaluate theory and research within the field of health psychology Knowledge and Understanding
Analysis
Enquiry
Reflection

3. On completion of this module, you will be able to critically apply your knowledge and understanding of health psychology theory and research to various real-world settings
Application
Learning
Problem-Solving

Client case study/scenario coursework weighting 100% 2,500 words

For this module, students will complete ONE assessment (worth 100% of the module mark) which has one part. Students will be asked to critically discuss and evaluate how psychological theory and research would apply to and explain three issues identified in a specific case study/scenario (assessing learning outcomes 1, 2 and 3). The case study will relate to a potential health behaviour for change (e.g. improving screening attendance, stopping smoking, increasing exercise)

Several issues will be covered in the scenario/case study to ensure that students have ample choice of issues to choose from and to encourage students to draw upon material from multiple lectures. Students will be able to choose from 2 case studies/scenarios. The assessment will remain as a 2,500-word limit and be worth 100% of the module mark.

Formative Feedback
A case study/scenario will be presented at the end of most lectures (highlighting the different issues that students could pick up on to give students an idea of what to look for in their assessed case study. In a dedicated assessment session, the module leader will talk through an example case study and what we will be expecting/how they should format their answer, with guidance on what we will be looking for/what to cover. Tutors will be available during this session to provide formative feedback on draft plans and answer any questions.

This module provides students with an overview of the core issues and debates within health psychology theory, research and application. As well as covering different models and theories of health behaviour, sessions may include topics such as long-term conditions, communication issues and applications of health psychology, for example, behaviour change and health promotion. Topics such as health across the lifespan and critical health psychology may also be included.

Weekly 2-hour lectures with interactivity embedded within the sessions where possible (e.g. videos, discussion activities, quizzes). Individual lecturers will provide specific references/recommended readings for their particular topics.

Students are expected to attend all lectures.

There is no set text for this module, but a list of several general health psychology texts will be available on Blackboard. Individual lecturers will provide a reference list/recommended reading. The following 3 textbooks are recommended:

Conner, M & Norman, P. (2015). Predicting and Changing Health Behaviour: Research and practice with social cognition models. Buckingham: Open University Press. Library number: 616.0019
Ogden, J. (2012). Health Psychology: A Textbook (5th Edition). Maidenhead: O.U. Press. Library number: 616.0019

Marks, D., Murray, M., Evans, B., & Estacio, E. V. (2015). Health Psychology: Theory research and Practice (4th Edition). London: Sage. Library number: 616.0019

Library resources

This module provides you with an overview of the core issues and debates within health psychology theory, research and application. As well as covering different models and theories of health behaviour, sessions may include topics such as long-term conditions, communication issues and applications of health psychology, for example, behaviour change and health promotion. Topics such as health across the lifespan and critical health psychology may also be included.