Computers
Electronic databases

Critical review of a health psychology literature: 50% (up to 3,500 words)
Plan of an empirical study/draft grant application: 50% (up to 3,500 words)

Students will be required to gain a pass in all elements of assessment within the module.

Pass criteria
Grade Point 7-9
Work which demonstrates a sound awareness and understanding of the subject matter. Expressed reasonably and coherently. Work is academically sound, evidencing focused observations and acknowledging key questions. There is evidence of sound reading and thorough critical analysis of the available literature.

Merit criteria
Grade Point 10-12
Work which demonstrates a very good awareness and understanding of the subject matter. Expressed cogently and lucidly. Work is of good quality academically, evidencing well-focused observations and addressing all of the obvious key questions. There is evidence of sound reading and a thorough critical analysis of the available literature, leading to an output which may have potential for wider use.

Distinction criteria
Grade Point 13+
Work which demonstrates an excellent awareness and understanding of the subject matter. Well argued and excellently organised. Work is academically excellent, evidencing perceptiveness, insight and demonstrating creativity and originality. There is evidence of excellent reading and systematic review.

To provide an introduction to the areas and concerns of health psychology and the theoretical constructs that guide its work. To consider ethical dimensions of health research and to gain insight into the professional practice of health psychology. To consider the context and perspectives of the discipline, the epidemiology of health and illness, mechanisms of health and disease, health related behaviours and cognitions, individual differences in health and illness, stress, chronic illness, pain, lifespan, gender and cultural issues in health, the treatment context. To advance students' theoretical and practical knowledge of health psychology and to develop their critical and evaluative skills to apply to health related research. Students move from a basic coverage of the relevant literature to an appreciation of the methodological and theoretical issues underpinning research in the health setting.

At least a good second class (hons) degree in Psychology (GBR recognized) or equivalent

Twenty five three-hour workshops during which issues and concerns of health psychology will be explained, discussed and explored. These will include three or four sessions dominated by student led presentations and five or six led by practicing health psychologists. This will be supported by two hundred and twenty five hours of independent learning during which reading about the topics to be researched, analysing literature and writing reports will take place.