MSc Human Resource Management (Top Up)
The MSc Human Resource Management (Top-Up) program at the University of Gloucestershire...
BSc (Hons) Clinical and Health Psychology
Francis Close Hall, Cheltenham
INTAKE: September
Program Overview
The University of Gloucestershire's BSc (Hons) Clinical and Health Psychology is an engaging undergraduate program designed for students interested in the application of psychological principles to health and well-being. The curriculum delves into the intricate relationship between psychological factors and physical and mental health, providing a comprehensive understanding of how psychology contributes to healthcare settings. A key strength of the program lies in its applied perspective, allowing students to explore the diverse roles of psychological practitioners within the healthcare system. The course examines how psychological knowledge and skills are utilized to address a wide range of health-related challenges. Taught by a team of academics and clinicians with a variety of research and practical expertise, the program covers contemporary issues such as vaccine hesitancy, managing long-term health conditions, the connection between nature and health, mindfulness, anxiety, and health-related stigma. The program is typically offered as a three-year full-time degree. It is also often the first step towards becoming a chartered psychologist, as a British Psychological Society (BPS) accredited psychology degree provides the Graduate Basis for Chartered Membership (GBC), which is essential for further professional training in psychology.
Curriculum: The curriculum for the BSc (Hons) Clinical and Health Psychology program is structured to provide a solid foundation in core psychological knowledge while developing specialized understanding in clinical and health psychology. Early in the program, students will typically be introduced to the fundamental conceptual frameworks in psychology, methods of psychological investigation, and the relevance of psychology in everyday life. As the course progresses, the modules become more specialized. While the exact module titles may vary, common areas of study include the psychology of mental health and well-being, the psychological underpinnings of clinical disorders, and the psychological experiences of living with chronic health conditions. Students will also develop crucial research skills, learning to design and conduct psychological research using both quantitative and qualitative methods. An emphasis is often placed on evidence-based practice, preparing students to critically evaluate research and apply it in real-world settings. The curriculum is designed to develop a range of transferable skills such as critical thinking, communication, and teamwork, which are valuable in a variety of professional contexts.
Research Focus: Research is a significant aspect of the University of Gloucestershire's approach to psychology, and the BSc (Hons) Clinical and Health Psychology program is informed by the research interests of its academic staff. The program emphasizes evidence-based practice, and students are trained in research methodologies to understand and contribute to psychological knowledge. Faculty research interests are diverse and directly relevant to the program's focus, potentially including areas such as the psychological impact of illness, health-related behaviors, the effectiveness of psychological interventions, public health issues, and the social and cultural determinants of health. Students will typically undertake an independent research project or dissertation in their final year, allowing them to explore a specialized topic within clinical or health psychology in depth and apply the research skills they have developed throughout the program. This provides valuable experience in conducting and reporting on psychological research.
Industry Engagement: The University of Gloucestershire's BSc (Hons) Clinical and Health Psychology program aims to provide students with an understanding of the professional context of clinical and health psychology and to develop skills relevant to the workplace. The teaching team often includes clinicians with current or past experience in healthcare settings, bringing real-world insights into the classroom. While a formal, mandatory "sandwich year" placement may be a feature of some programs, the University of Gloucestershire's general psychology provision, which this program falls under, often has connections with a variety of organizations providing health and well-being interventions. These connections can potentially offer students opportunities for shorter placements, volunteering, or to be involved in projects that provide practical experience and networking opportunities. The curriculum itself is designed to be applied, with an focus on the skills and knowledge needed for professional work in the sector. Furthermore, the university's careers services will provide support in exploring career options and seeking work experience in the field.
Global Perspective: The BSc (Hons) Clinical and Health Psychology program at the University of Gloucestershire is likely to incorporate a global perspective by examining health and psychological well-being within diverse cultural and societal contexts. Health and illness experiences can be significantly influenced by social, cultural, and economic factors, and a global perspective acknowledges this complexity. The curriculum may draw upon research and examples from different countries to illustrate the universality and cultural variations in psychological phenomena related to health. Discussions might include global health challenges, cross-cultural differences in health beliefs and behaviors, and the application of psychological interventions in various cultural settings. This international outlook helps to broaden students' understanding of the field and prepares them for potentially working with diverse populations or in international contexts, where an appreciation for different cultural perspectives is essential.
Location
Francis Close Hall, Cheltenham
Score
IELTS 6
Tuition Fee
£ 16600
Undergraduate Entry Requirements
Academic Qualifications: Applicants should have successfully completed their secondary education with a minimum overall score of 65% or equivalent in their respective country's grading system.
English language proficiency:
- IELTS: A minimum overall score of 6.0 or 6.5 with no individual component below 5.5.
- TOEFL: A minimum overall score of 80.
- PTE Academic: A minimum overall score of 64.
- Some programs may have specific subject prerequisites or additional requirements.
The University of Gloucestershire offers a range of scholarships designed to support international students in their academic journey. These scholarships are aimed at making education more accessible and affordable, allowing students to focus on their studies and enjoy their time in the UK without financial stress. The university provides several merit-based, need-based, and country-specific scholarships to help ease the cost of tuition fees for international students.
International Scholarships: The University of Gloucestershire offers International Scholarships for students coming from various countries across the globe. These scholarships typically range from £1,000 to £3,000 per year, based on academic achievement and the chosen course of study. The scholarship is automatically awarded to eligible students upon acceptance of their offer to study at the university. These awards are designed to make studying in the UK more affordable and are available for both undergraduate and postgraduate international students.
Excellence Scholarships: For international students who demonstrate outstanding academic performance, the University of Gloucestershire offers Excellence Scholarships. These scholarships are awarded to students who have achieved exceptional academic results in their previous studies. The Excellence Scholarship can be worth up to £3,000 and is designed to recognize and support high-achieving students who show great potential in their chosen field of study.
Country-Specific Scholarships: In addition to general international scholarships, the University of Gloucestershire offers country-specific scholarships to students from certain regions. These scholarships are tailored to students from specific countries, helping to promote international diversity at the university. The scholarships vary in amount, eligibility criteria, and application processes.
Graduates of the BSc (Hons) Clinical and Health Psychology program from the University of Gloucestershire are equipped with a unique blend of psychological knowledge and an understanding of its application in health-related contexts. This makes them well-suited for a variety of rewarding careers, particularly in the health and social care sectors, as well as in further academic or professional training.
Assistant Psychologist: This is a common starting point for graduates aspiring to become chartered Clinical or Health Psychologists. Assistant Psychologists work under the supervision of qualified psychologists, gaining valuable experience in clinical settings, assisting with assessments, interventions, and research. The program's BPS accreditation provides the necessary Graduate Basis for Chartered Membership (GBC) for this progression.
Health Improvement Practitioner: Working in public health or community settings, these professionals design and deliver interventions aimed at promoting healthy behaviors and preventing illness. The program's focus on health psychology, including topics like behavior change and well-being, is directly applicable.
Wellbeing Advisor/Practitioner: In various settings such as universities, workplaces, or the NHS, Wellbeing Advisors provide support and guidance to individuals experiencing psychological distress or those seeking to improve their overall well-being. The program's emphasis on mental health and well-being equips graduates for this role.
Research Assistant (Psychology/Health): Graduates can contribute to academic or applied research projects in psychology, health, or a related field. Their training in research methods, data analysis, and the critical evaluation of evidence makes them suitable for these roles. This could involve working in universities, research institutes, or within the NHS.
Healthcare Support Worker: While not a direct psychology role, the program's understanding of health and psychological needs is highly valuable in a support role within hospitals, clinics, or community health services, assisting patients with their care and well-being.
Mental Health Support Worker: Graduates can work in various mental health settings, providing support to individuals with mental health conditions. Their understanding of psychological principles and mental health issues gained from the program would be a significant asset.
Substance Misuse Worker: This role involves providing support and interventions to individuals struggling with drug or alcohol addiction. The program's exploration of health-compromising behaviors and psychological interventions is relevant here.
Health Promotion Specialist: Similar to Health Improvement Practitioners, Health Promotion Specialists focus on developing and implementing health education programs and campaigns aimed at improving public health outcomes.
Charity Sector Worker (Health/Mental Health Focus): Numerous charities focus on mental health, specific health conditions, or general well-being. Graduates can find roles in these organizations, which may involve support, advocacy, or project work.
Further Postgraduate Study: Many graduates choose to pursue Master's degrees (MSc) in Health Psychology, Clinical Psychology, or related fields to specialize further and meet the requirements for becoming a chartered psychologist or to pursue research careers. The BPS accreditation of the undergraduate degree is a crucial prerequisite for many of these postgraduate programs.
