Health psychology is concerned with understanding human behaviour in the context
of health and illness. The field is large and covers such areas as:
-
how individuals cope with illness and chronic disease
- psychological
influences on the development of disease states
- understanding and
improving adjustment in health care settings
- patient-practitioner
communication
- adherence to treatment
-
determinants of health-related behaviours (diet, exercise and so on)
- understanding
how individuals make sense of and react to health screening, symptoms, and illness.
The impetus for the development of health psychology has stemmed from the fact that
many of these areas of research and practice have not been directly addressed by
medicine. The field has been bolstered by the usefulness of psychological models
in explaining patient behaviour and developing effective interventions in areas
that have been problematic in the health field.
There is increased recognition of the need for health services to pay more attention
to the psychological aspects of medical problems and to improve healthcare interactions.
Increasingly, health professionals are dealing with chronic illness, ageing and
the problems of living with disability. All these areas have major health psychology
components.
The Master
of Science (MSc) in Health Psychology is run as a joint venture between the Faculty of Medical
and Health Sciences and the Faculty of Science. Entry to the programme is limited.
The minimum requirement for entry is a Bachelor of Science or Arts with a major
in psychology. Applicants are normally expected to have completed a research methods
course such as PSYCH 306 from The University of Auckland.
Following completion of the MSc in Health Psychology students can apply for admission
to the Postgraduate Diploma in Health Psychology. This programme aims to train students
in the skills that are necessary for them to be able to function as clinical health
psychologists working directly with patient populations and the public. Graduates
will have a sound knowledge of the social and psychological aspects of health problems
and the application of suitable psychological interventions in health settings.
A related goal is to provide a route to registered psychologist status for students
holding a MSc in Health Psychology. To be eligible for the diploma, students must
have completed a MSc in Health Psychology and a health psychology clinical endorsement
which requires 450 hours of clinical experience in approved healthcare settings.
Please note that entry into this programme is competitive.
More
information on health psychology.
Possible programmes
For more information please contact:
[go to "step by step enrolment guide" page]
