[lizziec]

Hi, I was wondering if anyone had any advice about where to go for a Health Psych MSc? I have applied for UCL, Kings, Bath, Aston, Coventry and Sussex, but am unsure which one to go for (presuming I get offers, that is)!

I am keen on Coventry or Aston because I won't need to move house, however I think that the others probably all have a better reputation? But how much does reputation matter when it comes to an Msc? Are the Cov and Aston courses still any good?

Kings and UCL seem to be very good courses, but I am unsure how I feel about the cost of living in London. Bath and Sussex also seem very good.

Has anyone been to any of these unis and able to give me feedback?

Thank you

[*Elizabeth*]

(Original post by lizziec)
Hi, I was wondering if anyone had any advice about where to go for a Health Psych MSc? I have applied for UCL, Kings, Bath, Aston, Coventry and Sussex, but am unsure which one to go for (presuming I get offers, that is)!

I am keen on Coventry or Aston because I won't need to move house, however I think that the others probably all have a better reputation? But how much does reputation matter when it comes to an Msc? Are the Cov and Aston courses still any good?

Kings and UCL seem to be very good courses, but I am unsure how I feel about the cost of living in London. Bath and Sussex also seem very good.

Has anyone been to any of these unis and able to give me feedback?

Thank you

A few tips from a trainee health psychologist and a student supervisor on a MSc in Health Psychology course.

- ensure that the MScs are accredited by the BPS
- Graduate with an overall Merit if considering a career as a health psychologist
-Look out for MScs and departments recognised by the ESRC- such courses will have strong research methods training and could allow students to progress onto PhD scholarships which advertise for people with ESRC accredited MScs.
- Look for MScs with placement options. Obtaining any sort of experience during an MSc, especially within clinical and health NHS settings should really improve prospects after graduation, especially in the uber-competitive psychology graduate market at the moment.
- How are the courses assessed? Do you prefer exams or coursework and how does this relate to MSc course assessment
- How are the fees paid? All in one go or can you pay in instalments?
- Uni rep doesn't really matter. As long as you leave with a good MSc mark (ie at least a Merit) and complete a BPS accredited MSc. I completed my MSc in Health Psychology at Westminster, but studying at Westminster hasn't stopped me from gaining places on other postgraduate courses and jobs at UCL.

Best of luck

PS- I completed my MSc in Research methods at UCL and worked as a research assistant in health psychology at UCL. I'm slightly biased, but I strongly recommend UCL! Coventry also has a strong health psychology department from what I hear. I think Sussex is ESRC recognised and also has the famous Andy Field working there!

Bath looks like a really good course- ESRC and BPS accredited, AND has placement options!