Doctor of Health Psychology at University of the West of England, Bristol

Programme overview

A part-time professional doctorate providing BPS-accredited Stage 2 training in health psychology for people working in a health setting. Completion makes graduates eligible to apply to the HCPC Register of Health Psychologists and to become Chartered Psychologists.

Faculty: School of Social Sciences | Duration: Three years | Intake: November | Study mode: Part-time | Location: Bristol, England, United Kingdom

What you will study

Five competency modules set by the BPS Board of Examiners (Systematic Review, Teaching and Training in Health Psychology, Consultancy Skills, Health Behaviour Change Interventions, Professional Skills) plus a doctoral-level thesis based on a major piece of empirical research, assessed with an oral examination. Delivery is largely distance-based with around 12 campus days a year.

Career pathways

Eligibility to apply for registration with the Health and Care Professions Council as a practitioner psychologist and for full membership of the British Psychological Society.

Official programme page

Application information

Entry requirements

UK honours degree at 2:1 or above (or equivalent), Graduate Basis for Chartership with the BPS, and an MSc Health Psychology at Merit or above accredited by the BPS for Stage 1 (or evidence that the MSc maps to HCPC standards of proficiency via an accredited prior learning form). Applicants need a health-related job role, paid or voluntary, in which they can fulfil most Stage 2 competencies. All convictions including spent ones must be disclosed; enhanced DBS and health checks apply. All shortlisted candidates are interviewed. Application deadline for the listed intake: Monday 13 April 2026 (may close earlier); interviews online 4 to 25 May, decisions by 8 June.

Intake: November

Duration: Three years, starts in November

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