Health Psychology

Overview

The overall aim of the Master of Psychology in Health Psychology programme from University of Malta  is to equip students with the necessary psychology knowledge, values, attitudes and skills required to practise as a Health Psychologist. 

This is done firstly through taught units on the theories and research on health, wellbeing and a lifespan biopsychosocial approach to the development of children, young adults, adults and older adults, as well as a focus on health systems. Promotion, prevention, assessment and interventions for challenges to such wellbeing, development and health will also be explored. 

Secondly, students have 9 hours of supervised field placement per week throughout the course for them to develop the professional values, ethics, attitudes and skills to address the various needs of persons through individual, group, system, and society level strategies. Thirdly students are also provided with training in research including the submission of a dissertation. 

Career opportunites and access to further studies

Persons who acquire the Master of Psychology in Health Psychology degree, followed by two years of supervised practice, can work as warranted Health Psychologists in a variety of community and mental health settings. 

Health psychologists can work directly with clients across all stages of development and in different settings, including clinical health within health centres and hospitals; health promotion, occupational health, community and public health within public/private organisations to promote health and wellbeing. Other Health Psychologists may decide to focus on research in health related issues or influence public policy on health care issues.

The Master of Psychology in Health Psychology also provides candidates access to doctoral programmes in psychology both locally and overseas.