Module Catalogue 2024/25

Pre Requisite Comment

N/A

Co Requisite Comment

N/A

Aims

To introduce students to the field of Health Psychology. The module will introduce a breadth of health-related topics, approaches, and interventions that health psychology practitioners typically encounter. It will provide an understanding of the theoretical underpinnings of health behaviours and approaches to behaviour change. It will provide an introduction to theoretical frameworks, assessments, and treatment interventions used within Health Psychology. It will inform students of the different settings health psychology practitioners work in, and equip students with the basic knowledge of how to pursue career paths within the field.

Outline Of Syllabus

• Introduction to Health Psychology

• Health behaviours in context: biopsychosocial factors & determinants of health

• Theories of health behaviour change

• Developing behaviour change interventions

• Habits, cravings, and willpower

• Health behaviour in the context of long-term health conditions

• Healthcare and intervention delivery

• Health psychology career perspectives and routes

Intended Knowledge Outcomes

By the end of this module students will be able to:
•       Explain the biological, psychological and social factors that influence health and illness
•       Appraise research to inform evidence-based practice in health psychology
•       Explain theories of behaviour change and how they can be used to design and implement health psychology
interventions
•       Apply health psychology concepts to real world health issues
•       Identify settings in which health psychology practitioners can work

Intended Skill Outcomes

By the end of this module students will be able to:
•       Apply a behaviour change theory to a chosen topic relevant to health psychology practice
•       Communicate health information concisely highlighting key details relevant to the chosen health topic
•       Design an infographic poster or leaflet that is visually engaging and shows an awareness of visual
literacy
•       Produce an infographic that shows an awareness of the target audience

Teaching Rationale And Relationship

This is an introductory module to a discipline the students have not encountered yet thus lecture materials are used as the most effective mode of imparting the core knowledge. In addition, the lectures will incorporate practical activities to develop relevant skills. In particular, there will be practical activities around what makes a good infographic to provide formative practice for the assessment. A drop in surgery will be provided to support students with the assessment.
Guided independent study will provide students with the opportunity to acquire more in-depth knowledge, improve understanding, and prepare them for the assessment. Private study is essential for in-depth review of knowledge imparted through lecture materials.

Assessment Rationale And Relationship

The poster/leaflet (infographic) is an authentic type of assessment as it reflects the work done by a health practitioner. Students will pick a health-related topic from the module and align the topic to their chosen patient population. They will apply appropriate behaviour change techniques to communicate health information to their audience. Students will be provided with formative practice during the module to support the infographic element of the assessment. The related report will detail the rationale of the design and chosen information and outline why this choice is effective through evaluating appropriateness for the health topic and audience to initiate a behaviour change (intervention) to the public.

If the module is failed or deferred students will resit failed or deferred assessments in the same format during the August resit period.

General Notes

N/A