BSc Psychology with Health

About this course

Psychology with health is a degree that applies the scientific study of mind and behaviour specifically to questions of health, illness, and the relationship between psychological and physical wellbeing. It reflects the growing evidence that psychological factors, including stress, beliefs, emotions, and social support, play a significant role in health outcomes, and that healthcare is most effective when it addresses the whole person rather than focusing only on physical symptoms. The combination prepares graduates for roles in healthcare, health promotion, and research settings where both psychological insight and an understanding of health systems is needed. At University College Birmingham, this programme includes a foundation year designed to develop the academic and subject knowledge needed before the main degree begins. Across the full programme, you will study core psychological topics including cognitive psychology, developmental psychology, social psychology, and biological psychology, alongside modules focused specifically on health psychology. You will explore the psychological dimensions of chronic illness, patient behaviour, health communications, and the design of behaviour change interventions. Research methods are a central part of the curriculum, developing the quantitative and qualitative skills needed to interpret and produce psychological research. The health component broadens your understanding of health systems, public health approaches, and the social determinants of health that shape how populations experience wellbeing and illness. Graduates from psychology with health programmes are well positioned for a range of roles in healthcare, public health, and research. Health psychology as a professional specialism requires postgraduate training, but the undergraduate degree provides the foundation and BPS eligibility that enables this. Roles in NHS settings, community health organisations, and public health bodies draw graduates who want to apply psychological knowledge in healthcare contexts without full clinical training. Research roles in universities, health charities, and government health agencies provide further opportunities. Some graduates continue to postgraduate study in clinical psychology, health psychology, counselling, or public health, while others move into healthcare management, social work, or occupational therapy with their health background as a strong foundation.

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