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Master's Programme in Psychology with Specialisation in Health Psychology

  • Number of credits 60 credits

What does psychology have to do with health? Very much, it turns out. How we think, feel, interact with others and behave otherwise have major consequences for how we stay healthy, get ill, and deal with illness. In addition, illness has a significant impact on our psychological processes at work, at home and in leisure time. The program takes a holistic perspective on human health by addressing biological, psychological and social factors.

Admitted to the programme

Here you will find everything you need to know before the programme starts.

Why should you apply for this programme?

In this film, some of the teachers tell what the programme contains and a little about what it is like to study in Umeå.

While studying

A master’s degree in health psychology gives you the qualitications to work in various professional fields, but especially in healthcare. The programme includes one year of full-time studies, and aims at in-depth knowledge and skills that relate to psychological processes in health, illness and healthcare. It addresses areas such as (i) the role of psychological and social factors in the onset and treatment of physical health problems, (ii) strengthening health-promoting behavior for prevention of health problems and promotion of good health, (iii) patients’ perception of illness, management of chronic illness, and adherence to treatment, (iv) determinants of health-related behavior, (v) psychosocial health aspects of working life, (vi) interplay between psychological and biological factors and physical/chemical environmental factors for the onset of health problems, and (vii) methods and designs for development of knowledge in health psychology. The programme is permeated by a biopsychosocial perspective.

In the programme, students and teachers will meet who have different backgrounds, but with the common interest in improving health. Some students have a basic education in healthcare, and are, for example, physiotherapists, nurses, occupational therapists and dieticians. Others have a social science education, such as psychologists, sociologists, human resource specialists and sports educators.

Teaching and work format

The education involves searching for knowledge, problem solving, analysis and evaluation of information based on a scientific approach, which is done both individually and in study groups. The teaching methods include lectures, seminars, reverse classrooms and practical exercises. Since the programme is given in English, a large proportion of the students will have an international background.

Programme overview

Career opportunities

The programme functions as both an extension and in-depth study of previous academic degrees in several health sciences for work tasks related to physical and mental health. Many employers seek integrated biological and psychological expertise, which the program provides. The programme is also a good preparation for postgraduate studies in the field of health. The programme is entirely theoretical and does not include practice. Please note that the programme is only one year long and for some postgraduate studies a two-year master will be required. 

Degree

Master Programme in Psychology with Specialisation in Health Psychology, 60 credits.

Common questions

What are the language skills required?

Students are required to have proficiency in English equivalent to English course B/6 from Swedish upper Secondary School (high school). Proficiency in English can be proven by test scores from a number of internationally recognised tests.

Read more about language requirements.

Are there any tuition fees?

Citizens outside of EU/EEA and Switzerland will have to pay application fee and tuition fee.

Read more about tuition fees.

Can I get any scholarships?

Yes some scholarships are offered by the Swedish Institute and some by Umeå University.

Read more about scholarships.

Do I need to send in CV, Motivation letter or Recommendation letters?

No, none of those documents are required. If you send them anyway they will not be considered.

What selection criteria is used?

Academic credits completed by the last application date (in the range of 30-285 credits equivalent to ECTS)

Contact us

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Programme is given by
Department of Psychology