Health Psychology at University of Gloucestershire at Francis Close Hall

This University of Gloucestershire course covers the range of theory and knowledge that will underpin students' understanding of the role of psychology in health care, as well as developing the personal skills that are required for professional work in the sector. It takes evidence based practice as a framework for advancing student's research skills with a focus on assessing issues, designing interventions and evaluating outcomes. Students will also analyse public health issues using large data sets, and using narrative and other qualitative methods in health psychology research.

Gloucestershire's particular ethos is to adopt a critical and holistic understanding of the experience of health and well-being, recognizing the importance of social, cultural and economic factors. The significance of the psychosocial world has been highlighted during the COVID-19 crisis when societies witnessed the importance of social support networks and economic assets to the physical and mental well-being of different demographic groups. The pandemic has also shown the impact of national policy and community attentiveness on the health of frontline workers themselves.

Recognising the potential of health psychology to contribute to the reduction of health inequalities, this course examines the role of the inclusive, collaborative and reflective practitioner. This includes interventions to support populations facing intersecting forms of structural discrimination. Students will explore contemporary developments which shift the focus from the direct relationship between patient and professional, towards community-level interventions such as social prescribing; the importance of the ‘healthy community’ of family, carers and wider networks in sustaining well-being; and the value of non-mainstream approaches including indigenous perspectives.