Students’ experiences of studying MSc health psychology programmes in the UK: a qualitative study

Abstract

Background Thirty-three UK universities offer an MSc Health Psychology. However, little is known about how students perceive this training, why students chose to complete these programmes and how their studies fit with their future career goals. To attract students to the discipline, health psychology programmes need to understand the expectations of potential trainees. This study aimed to explore students’ reasons for, and experiences of, studying MSc Health Psychology programmes in the UK. Methods Universities offering an MSc Health Psychology programme were contacted to obtain details about the course. Five universities were purposively selected to give variation in course characteristics and course directors were contacted to invite students to participate. Students were purposively selected to obtain variation in age, gender and nationality. Semi-structured interviews were carried out in person or by telephone. Transcripts were analysed using thematic analysis. Expected Results Information on 30 out of the 33 courses in the UK was collected. Six students have been interviewed to date. Students report being attracted to health psychology because of the range of career opportunities it can open up. For some an MSc Health Psychology is perceived as a route into clinical psychology. Students are particularly enthusiastic about placements during their MSc with preference for opportunities outside academia. Some confusion exists amongst students about routes to become a Chartered/Health Psychologist. Current Stage of Work Interviews are ongoing and are expected to be completed by June 2016. Discussion These results will help inform existing and future training programmes in health psychology.