MSc Clinical and Health Psychology / Course details

This unit considers ways in which psychological factors (emotions, cognitions, behaviours) may relate to experiences of health issues typically considered to be ‘physical’ ailments. The unit includes:  

• An introduction to the concept of medically unexplained illness. The contributions of different biological, psychological and social approaches to our understanding of medically explained and unexplained conditions will be considered.  
• Consideration of how stress may influence our health, including an introduction to the topic of psychoneuroimmunology.  

Throughout, there will be a focus on methodological and measurement issues, and students will be encouraged to develop skills of critical evaluation.  

• Provide an understanding of the role of psychological factors in disease and illness, for example, by considering the role of stress and psychoneuroimmunological processes, and through focussing on medically unexplained illness.  
• Draw on recent research to critically discuss methodological issues which are important when we are trying to understand the relationship between mind and body.  
• Develop skills of critical reading of original research papers within the field.  
• Develop skills in writing for lay audiences 

At the end of this unit students will be able to:  

• Understand how psychological factors interact with and impact on physiological processes, including in the context of medically unexplained symptoms.  
• Describe current research on the role of psychological factors in the functioning of the immune system.  
• Critically evaluate evidence, noting both positive and negative qualities.  
• Critically evaluate research related to the relationship between psychological and physiological processes. Integrate ideas and concepts from several literatures (including cognitive psychology, biological psychology and medicine)  
• Communicate and interact in small groups and class discussions.  
• Show a sophisticated and sympathetic understanding of illness without disease.  
• Effectively communicate research to lay audiences in writing. 

Teaching will be delivered over 10 sessions. Course material will predominantly be delivered within 2-hour in-person sessions. Students will sometimes be asked to prepare specific material in advance of taught sessions, and should expect to carry out independent reading after taught sessions to enhance understanding of topics discussed in class. Taught sessions will involve lecture and interactive seminar components - for example: working with set reading to gain a deeper understanding of the area and to build critical evaluation skills; interactive workshop enabling students to develop skills in writing for lay audiences. Students will be provided with electronic resources on Canvas including PowerPoint slides and reading lists. A discussion board on Canvas will also be available for discussing issues and questions with staff and peers.  

Essay: (2000 words). 100% of mark.  

Students will also receive formative feedback (from peers or staff) on writing for lay audiences. 

Current reading recommendations will be provided with individual sessions.