Master's Programme in Psychology with Specialisation in Health Psychology, 60 Credits

Entry Requirements

A Bachelor's degree (equivalent to a Swedish Kandidatexamen, 180 ECTS) from an internationally recognized university. Special requirements: 90 ECTS in health or behavioral science subjects (including physiotherapeutic and occupational therapeutic subjects). Proficiency in English equivalent to Swedish upper secondary course English B/6.

Degree

Degree of Master of Science (60 Credits). Main field of study: Psychology. Specialisation: Health Psychology.

Description of the education for current education cycle

Education on advanced level should build further upon knowledge retained during basic level studies or the equivalent.
Advanced level education shall involve a deepening of knowledge, skills and abilities relative to first cycle education and, in addition to what applies to first cycle education
- further develop students' ability to independently integrate and use knowledge,
- develop students' ability to deal with complex phenomena, issues and situations, and
- develop students' potential for professional activities that demand considerable independence or for research and development.
Higher Education Act 1 cpt 9 § (Högskolelagen 1 kap 9 §)

National goals for current degree

Knowledge and understanding
For Master of Science Degree 60 credits, the students should be able to
- show knowledge and understanding in their main field of study, including both an overview of the field and deeper knowledge of certain parts of the field and insight into current research and development, and
- demonstrate deeper methodological knowledge in their main field of study.

Skills and abilities
For Master of Science Degree 60 credits, the students should be able to
- demonstrate the ability to integrate knowledge and to analyze, assess and deal with complex phenomena, issues and situations, even with limited information,
- demonstrate the ability to independently identify and formulate questions to address and to plan and use appropriate methods to carry out advanced tasks within specified time limits;
- demonstrate the ability to verbally and in writing  present and discuss their conclusions and the knowledge and arguments behind them, in dialogue with different types of  groups, and
- demonstrate the skills required to participate in research and development work or to work in other advanced contexts.

Ability to evaluate and approach
For Master of Science Degree 60 credits, the student should be able to
- demonstrate the ability within the main field of study to make judgments with regard to relevant scientific, social and ethical aspects, and demonstrate an awareness of ethical aspects of research and development,
- show insight into the possibilities and limitations of science, its role in society and the human responsibility for its use, and
- demonstrate the ability to identify the personal need for further knowledge and to take responsibility for the personal competence development.

Higher Education Ordinance, Appendix 2 - System of Qualifications (Högskoleförordningen, Bilaga 2 - examensordningen)

Local goals for current degree

For the master degree the student shall after completed education be able to
-understand, explain and use theories, methods and practical skills needed from a health psychological perspective to work with health-related problems and health promotion.

Examination format

See current course syllabus.

Grades

The program applies a three-point grading scale with the grades, Pass with distinction, Pass and Fail, unless otherwise stated in the syllabus for a particular course. Those who pass an exam may not retake the exam for a higher grade.

Transfer of Credits

Students have the right to have a previous education or work experience assessed for transfer of credits. For more information see Higher Education Ordinance as well as:https://www.umu.se/en/student/my-studies/transfer-of-credits/

It is possible to appeal to the Higher Education Appeals Board upon receiving a negative decision on transfer of credits. A negative decision should also be motivated in writing.

General

The programme consists of compulsory courses and results, with a 15 credit degree project, in a master degree. The education aims at providing in-depth knowledge and skills for work with health psychological issues. The order of the courses may change. Information about the structure of the individual courses is given in each course syllabus. The education is normally given in English, and a considerable proportion of the course literature consists of English literature. Examination on certain courses requires good writing skills.

Degree project/independent project
For the master degree the student shall within the framework of the course requirements have completed an independent project (degree project) corresponding to at least 15 credits in psychology with specialization in health psychology.

Outline
Semester 1:
Health Psychology I: Introduction 7.5 credits
Scientific Perspectives and Research Design 7.5 credits
Health Psychology II: Lifestyle Perspective 7.5 credits
Data Collection and Analysis 7.5 credits

Semester 2:
Health Psychology III: Occupational Perspective 7.5 credits
Health Psychology IV: Environmental perspective 7.5 credits
Master Thesis 15 credits

Deferment of studies

Deferment of study entry may be granted if special circumstances exist. Examples of specific
reasons are social, medical or other special circumstances such as child care, military or civil
service, student union assignments or postponed leave according to law (1974:981) on work
labour rights to time off for education. Application for deferment is to be submitted to Student
Services.
A negative decision on deferment of enrolment may be appealed to the Higher Education
Appeals Board.

Approved leave from studies

The student admitted to the program can apply for a study break. The application is submitted
to the study/programme counsellor. Study break may be granted for the
following reasons: social, medical or other special circumstances such as child care, military
or civil-service or student union assignments.
Negative decision to resume studies after study breaks can be appealed to the Higher
Education Appeals Board.

Discontinuation

Students who interrupt their education shall notify their dropout to the study/programme counsellor.

Other

Access to courses in the program is governed by the course syllabus.