PC6070 - Health Psychology (2024/25)
| Module specification | Module approved to run in 2024/25 | ||||||||||
| Module title | Health Psychology | ||||||||||
| Module level | Honours (06) | ||||||||||
| Credit rating for module | 15 | ||||||||||
| School | School of Social Sciences and Professions | ||||||||||
| Total study hours | 150 | ||||||||||
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| Running in 2024/25(Please note that module timeslots are subject to change) |
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Module summary
The aim of this module is to introduce you to Health Psychology as an applied area within the discipline of psychology. You will develop core skills related to appraising key perspectives and approaches in Health Psychology and in evaluating assessments, explanations, and treatments that are applied to a range of health-related issues. You will have the opportunity to investigate the role played by physiological, psychological, social, and cultural mechanisms in the causation and treatment of physical illnesses. You will gain experience in constructing a health promotion leaflet and an accompanying rationale, thus providing additional transferable skills for future employment. The aims of this module have been developed in accordance with NICE guidelines and the British Psychological Society (BPS) codes of conduct and ethics. The module will thus allow you to make informed and realistic decisions about future training and employment in this and related branches of psychology.
Syllabus
Topics covered will be drawn from: health-risk behaviour; health protective behaviour; theoretical models; stress, health and illness; health inequalities; health across the lifespan; doctor-patient relationships; and pain and coping.
Balance of independent study and scheduled teaching activity
The learning objectives will be achieved through a combination of lectures, interactive workshops and seminars, supplementary guided web-based learning, and self-managed independent study. Formative assessments and group work in seminars will provide you with constructive tutor and feedback. You will be encouraged to reflect on your learning throughout the module and to take responsibility for your own learning including identifying your developmental needs.
Learning outcomes
On successful completion of this module, you will be able to:
1. Appreciate and critically consider the basic principles of assessment, evaluation, and treatment planning for a range of health-related issues.
2. Discuss the conceptual and evidential basis of explanations within Health Psychology
3. Critically discuss the impact of health inequalities and the role psychology plays in health promotion and illness prevention.