Health psychology is the educational, scientific, and professional contributions of psychology to: understanding the promotion and maintenance of health and the aetiology of illness, the prevention, diagnosis, treatment and rehabilitation of physical illness, the study of psychological, social, emotional, and behavioural factors in physical illness, the improvement of the health care system, and formulation of health policy. Health psychologists work in a range of settings including academic and healthcare institutions. To become a health psychologist you need to complete an undergraduate degree, stage 1 and stage 2 training as follows.
1) You will need a 3-year degree in Psychology that meets the standards of accreditation by the British Psychological Society. Qualification with a 2i or more provides eligibility to apply for GBC (Graduate Basis for Chartered Membership of BPS). This is necessary to become a chartered psychologist.
2) You will need to have a Masters (MSc) in Health Psychology that meets the standards of accreditation by the British Psychological Society. This is known as Stage 1 training.
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The University of Southampton offers a Masters in Health Psychology. Scholarships and funding may be provided.
3) You will need to complete Stage 2 training in health psychology. This is necessary to gain eligibility to apply for registration with the HCPC (Health Professions Council) and to become a Chartered Health Psychologists
Stage 2 training comes in different formats. Some Universities offer a PhD or a Professional Doctorate programme. You should make sure you choose a programme that is accredited by the BPS. The BPS also offers a Qualification in Health Psychology Stage 2. Please refer to the BPS website for details of providers.