Career Opportunities after MSc in Health Psychology – The physiology of health is a common field of study for most individuals specialising in healthcare and wellness. However, how many of us consider the complex behavioural, cultural and psychological processes involved in healthcare and medical conditions?
Welcome to the world of health psychology! According to health psychologists, the mind and body are inextricably linked, resulting in the mind’s integral role in determining one’s physiological wellbeing. Consequently, health psychology is associated with conscious behavioural and lifestyle changes to prevent and/or remedy health issues.
Today, health psychology is gaining momentum globally due to its proven effectiveness and contribution to healthcare. If you are a psychology student aspiring to obtain your master’s degree in health psychology, here are some career opportunities that might knock at your door once you complete your programme:
Career Opportunities after MSc in Health Psychology
Clinical Health Psychologist –
Clinical health psychologists typically identify faulty behavioural and lifestyle patterns that have possibly contributed to the development of a disease in the patient. Based on such observations, they advise lifestyle changes and recommend new ways of perceiving life, motivating them to overcome their challenges. For instance, a health psychologist may identify emotional issues like anxiety and overthinking as contributing causes to a patient’s chronic headaches and motivate them to address these mental health problems. They may also encourage patients to quit smoking, follow a healthy diet, regulate their sleep schedules, etc. to overcome their physiological conditions. A master’s degree in health psychology from a reputed university provides students with insights on various aspects in the subject, including mind, body and health; theories of health psychology; and psychology of health and food. The starting salary for health psychologists in the UK is approximately £32,000; experienced health psychologists earn over £60,000.
Public Health Advisor –
Public health advisors typically study health issues affecting the masses, identifying the psychological and cultural factors triggering and aggravating these health problems and possible solutions to ensure better public health. Sometimes, they may study the factors affecting specific populations, such as adolescents, children, senior citizens, and pregnant women. Public health psychologists often interact closely with other healthcare professionals, including dieticians, healthcare workers and epidemiologists, to understand specific health issues affecting the population and identify the psychological causes behind them.
Health Researcher –
A health researcher conducts data-driven research to understand the effects of specific psychological or behavioural patterns on health and wellbeing. For instance, a health researcher may analyse the role of mindfulness in disease prevention. Such analyses help health psychologists and healthcare professionals in general to understand the causes of diseases and find treatment solutions accordingly. Educational institutions such as De Montfort University (DMU) in Leicester offer M.Sc. Health Psychology programmes entailing a module dedicated to research methods and data analysis, imparting skills necessary for qualitative and quantitative research. According to Glassdoor, healthcare researchers earn approximately £31,035 a year in the UK.
Health Educator –
Health educators play an integral role in guiding and coaching clients to turn a new leaf in specific pain areas such as smoking, unhealthy lifestyle, and poor coping mechanisms. They may also train other healthcare professionals in aspects like effective communication with patients and their families and the expected body language in particular scenarios. As a health educator, you may also take up the role of a professor at a university.
Health psychology is a highly sought-after field today owing to the increasing recognition of the indispensable role of the mind in shaping physical health. The MSc in Health Psychology programme by DMU is accredited by the British Psychological Society and entails a comprehensive syllabus aimed at equipping students with essential skills to flourish in the healthcare sector. Its expert teaching faculty and state-of-the-art infrastructure facilitate a conducive learning environment and promote innovation. Are you looking to broaden your horizons with a prestigious M.Sc. degree in health psychology? We at SecureMyScholarship would be only too happy to help you find your footing at De Montfort University. Click here to connect with us and ascend in your journey!
