Master's Programme in Psychology with Specialisation in Health Psychology 60 credits
About the programme
What does psychology have to do with health? Very much, it turns out. How we think, feel and behave have major consequences both for how we stay healthy, whether we get sick and how we deal with illness. In addition, our psychological processes are affected by environmental factors, such as work and the living environment. This program is strongly research-oriented and takes a holistic perspective on humans and human health, and deals with both biological, psychological and contextual factors.
A master’s degree in health psychology improves your qualifications to work in various professional fields, but especially in healthcare.
About the programme
Our professor Steven Nordin presents an overview of the Master's Programme in Psychology with specialisation in Health Psychology
Unique program
The only Master's Programme in Health Psychology in Sweden
International education
Expertise in demand worldwide
While studying
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.
Voices about the programme
"You’ll meet a lot of nice people with the same interests and the same aim.”
“This program has helped rekindle my love for research and knowledge.”
"It’s a pretty small class, so that everyone gets a chance to talk in class."
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
Semester 1
Health psychology I: introduction, 7.5 credits
Research design and data collection, 7.5 Credits
Health psychology II: lifestyle perspective, 7.5 credits
Data-analysis, 7.5 credits
Semester 2
Health psychology III: occupational perspective, 7.5 credits
Health psychology IV: environmental perspective, 7.5 credits
Master’s thesis, 15 credits
Future and 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 does not include any clinical or organizational internships. 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.
Apply
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Autumn 2025
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Master's Programme in Psychology with Specialisation in Health Psychology
International admissions round
HT25 / Umeå / English / On site
Show more Show less
StartAutumn term 2025
Number of credits60 credits
Type of studiesOn site
Study pace100%
Length1 year
Study locationUmeå
LanguageEnglish
Application codeUMU-M2088
Eligibility 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.SelectionAcademic credits completed by the last application date (in the range of 30-285 credits equivalent to ECTS)
DegreeDegree of Master of Science (60 Credits). Main field of study: Psychology. Specialisation: Health Psychology.
ApplicationApplication deadline was 15 January 2025. The application period is closed.
Application and tuition feesAs a citizen of a country outside the European Union (EU), the European Economic Area (EEA) or Switzerland, you are required to pay application and tuition fees for studies at Umeå University.
Application fee: SEK 900
Tuition fee, first instalment: SEK 48,300
Total fee: SEK 96,600
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Master's Programme in Psychology with Specialisation in Health Psychology
Second admissions round for EU/EEA citizens
HT25 / Umeå / English / On site
Show more Show less
StartAutumn term 2025
Number of credits60 credits
Type of studiesOn site
Study pace100%
Length1 year
Study locationUmeå
LanguageEnglish
Application codeUMU-P2088
Eligibility 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.SelectionAcademic credits completed by the last application date (in the range of 30-285 credits equivalent to ECTS)
DegreeDegree of Master of Science (60 Credits). Main field of study: Psychology. Specialisation: Health Psychology.
ApplicationApplication deadline was 15 April 2025. The application period is closed. Please note: This second application round is intended only for EU/EEA/Swiss citizens.
Application and tuition feesAs a citizen of a country outside the European Union (EU), the European Economic Area (EEA) or Switzerland, you are required to pay application and tuition fees for studies at Umeå University.
Application fee: SEK 900
Tuition fee, first instalment: SEK 48,300
Total fee: SEK 96,600
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Autumn 2026
-
Master's Programme in Psychology with Specialisation in Health Psychology
International admissions round
HT26 / Umeå / English / On site
Application opens 16 October 2025Show more Show less
StartAutumn term 2026
Number of credits60 credits
Type of studiesOn site
Study pace100%
Length1 year
Study locationUmeå
LanguageEnglish
Application codeUMU-M2088
EligibilityA 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 6/level 2.
SelectionAcademic credits completed by the last application date (in the range of 30-285 credits equivalent to ECTS)
DegreeDegree of Master of Science (60 Credits). Main field of study: Psychology. Specialisation: Health Psychology.
ApplicationThe online application opens 16 October 2025 at 13:00 CET. Application deadline is 15 January 2026.
Application and tuition feesAs a citizen of a country outside the European Union (EU), the European Economic Area (EEA) or Switzerland, you are required to pay application and tuition fees for studies at Umeå University.
Application fee: SEK 900
Tuition fee, first instalment: SEK 48,300
Total fee: SEK 96,600
-
Master's Programme in Psychology with Specialisation in Health Psychology
Second admissions round for EU/EEA citizens
HT26 / Umeå / English / On site
Application opens 16 March 2026Show more Show less
StartAutumn term 2026
Number of credits60 credits
Type of studiesOn site
Study pace100%
Length1 year
Study locationUmeå
LanguageEnglish
Application codeUMU-P2088
EligibilityA 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 6/level 2.
SelectionAcademic credits completed by the last application date (in the range of 30-285 credits equivalent to ECTS)
DegreeDegree of Master of Science (60 Credits). Main field of study: Psychology. Specialisation: Health Psychology.
ApplicationThe online application opens 16 March 2026 at 09:00 CET. Application deadline is 15 April 2026. Please note: This second application round is intended only for EU/EEA/Swiss citizens.
Application and tuition feesAs a citizen of a country outside the European Union (EU), the European Economic Area (EEA) or Switzerland, you are required to pay application and tuition fees for studies at Umeå University.
Application fee: SEK 900
Tuition fee, first instalment: SEK 48,300
Total fee: SEK 96,600
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How to apply
Apply online via universityadmissions.se
You apply to our programmes and courses via universityadmissions.se – the official website for higher education applications in Sweden. There, you can track your application, check that your documents have been registered, and log in to find our your admission results.
Late applications
Admissions to most programmes and courses typically close after the final application deadline. However, some programmes and courses may still accept late applications if seats are available. These are marked “Open for late application” on universityadmissions.se. Please note that late applications are not guaranteed to be reviewed.
More about application and admission
Film about the programme
Maria Nordin at the Department of Psychology welcomes you to Umeå!
Frequently asked 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.
Can I get any scholarships?
You are not automatically awarded a scholarship when you are admitted to Umeå University. Some scholarships are offered by the Swedish Institute and some by Umeå University.
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.
Read more on how to apply:
https://www.umu.se/en/education/how-to-apply/
What selection criteria is used?
Academic credits completed by the last application date (in the range of 30-285 credits equivalent to ECTS)
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