Psychology with Specialisation in Health Psychology Umea University

Overview

A master’s degree in health psychology gives you the qualitications to work in various professional fields, but especially in healthcare. The programme includes one year of full-time studies, and aims at in-depth knowledge and skills that relate to psychological processes in health, illness and healthcare. 

Overview

It addresses areas such as (i) the role of psychological and social factors in the onset and treatment of physical health problems, (ii) strengthening health-promoting behavior for prevention of health problems and promotion of good health, (iii) patients’ perception of illness, management of chronic illness, and adherence to treatment, (iv) determinants of health-related behavior, (v) psychosocial health aspects of working life, (vi) interplay between psychological and biological factors and physical/chemical environmental factors for the onset of health problems, and (vii) methods and designs for development of knowledge in health psychology. The programme is permeated by a biopsychosocial perspective.

In Umea University's Psychology with Specialisation in Health Psychology programme, students and teachers will meet who have different backgrounds, but with the common interest in improving health. Some students have a basic education in healthcare, and are, for example, physiotherapists, nurses, occupational therapists and dietitians. Others have a social science education, such as psychologists, sociologists, human resource specialists and sports educators.