Health Psychology Professional Doctorate
University of Staffordshire
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Qualification

Professional Doctorate

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Location

Staffordshire University (Stoke-on-Trent Campus)

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Study mode

Full Time

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Start date

SEP-25

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Duration

3 years

Course info

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Qualification

Professional Doctorate

Location

Staffordshire University (Stoke-on-Trent Campus)

Study mode

Full Time

Start date

SEP-25

Duration

3 years

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Qualification

Professional Doctorate

Location

Staffordshire University (Stoke-on-Trent Campus)

Study mode

Part Time

Start date

SEP-25

Duration

4 years

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Psychology
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Course info

The Professional Doctorate in Health Psychology at Staffordshire University offers a unique opportunity to experience and develop your professional skills in Health Psychology, under the guidance of highly qualified and committed staff.Our Professional Doctorate has been delivered since 2002 and was the first Stage 2 health psychology training programme to be accredited by the British Psychological Society (BPS). It remains one of the few accredited programmes in the UK, currently attracting ...Read more

The Professional Doctorate in Health Psychology at Staffordshire University offers a unique opportunity to experience and develop your professional skills in Health Psychology, under the guidance of highly qualified and committed staff.

Our Professional Doctorate has been delivered since 2002 and was the first Stage 2 health psychology training programme to be accredited by the British Psychological Society (BPS). It remains one of the few accredited programmes in the UK, currently attracting students who are working in different placements throughout the UK.?

This course is accredited by the British Psychological Society. When youre awarded the degree youll gain Stage 2 accreditation towards becoming a Chartered Psychologist and be eligible to apply to register as a Health Psychologist with the Health and Care Professions Council (HCPC). The programme offers learning and teaching opportunities in health psychology to allow students to demonstrate Level 8 (Doctoral Level) competences in research, psychological interventions, consultancy, aspects of professional practice, and teaching.

The focus of the Doctorate is on the acquisition of professional skills through placement learning, with an emphasis on reflection, professional competence, and accountability in professional practice. The programme is a research degree, and therefore also places an emphasis on research.? Students will be taught in both quantitative and qualitative methods, and will be guided in supervision sessions to conduct a systematic review and empirical study.?Both will be of publishable standard and will be written up as journal articles.?

Staffordshire University has a thriving Health Psychology research culture, focused in the Staffordshire Centre for Psychological Research, with an excellent national and international reputation.

Work placements

Youre expected to have a relevant health-related placement (paid or unpaid) before applying to the course. The placement will need to be formally approved prior to you joining us, and youll need to identify a workplace contact (who will be a suitably qualified healthcare professional) who will be available to support you. Placements differ across trainees, if youre concerned whether your placement is suitable, then please contact the course leaders directly.

Assessment

Students will initially be required to produce an individual learning plan with a Gantt Chart which details the different competences and describes their plans to complete them over the course of the programme. This is submitted to an Assessment Board for approval, in the January after students begin studying on the programme.?

Careers

This course is built around you gaining practical experience as you work towards your competencies.

  • Youll be working in a health psychology-related field through the placement you organise prior to commencing your Stage 2 studies. As such, you gain valuable experience in all elements of health psychology work, and you evidence this experience in a portfolio.
  • In addition, we involve the Careers Service in our programme (you can arrange with them to have further input on CV development and interview skills).
  • Youll also have opportunities to see other health psychologists present their work (including our own graduates), either as guest lecturers or as part of the speaker programme organised by the school.

Key stats

WUSCA ranking:
WUSCA student ranking
These are the 2024 rankings, based on ratings given by past and current students.
69/101
CUG Subject Ranking
CUG Subject Ranking
Source: Complete University Guide 2025
52nd
CUG Ranking
CUG Ranking
Source: Complete University Guide 2025
97th
What students say
E
Emma
22 Feb 24

I am a distance leaner that doesn’t access the university site, however, this is more than made up for by the exceptional support by academic tutors, lecturers, student support..Read more

C
christiane
14 Feb 24

There is always help & additional support regarding the individual student, which gives everyone the same chance in..Read more

Modules

Modules (Year 1)
Modules (Year 2)
IDP Connect

Entry requirements

Youll need: An honours degree recognised by the British Psychological Society (BPS) as offering Graduate Basis for Chartered Membership; To have completed BPS Stage 1 training in Health Psychology. That is either a BPS-accredited MSc in Health Psychology with a grade of Merit or above, or the BPS Stage 1 qualification in Health Psychology with a grade of 60% or more; To have an approved placement.

Tuition fees

Students living in

Domestic

£6,300 per year

This information is updated by IDP Connect, or in some cases the institution directly.
Please note: The fees might vary so please make sure you contact the institution for up to date information.

Students from Domestic

This is the fee you pay if the University is in the same country that you live in (England, Scotland, Wales, Northern Ireland)

This is the fee you pay if the University is in the same country that you live in (England, Scotland, Wales, Northern Ireland)

Students from EU

The amount you'll pay if you come to study here from somewhere in the EU.

To be confirmed

Students from International

The amount you'll pay if you come to study here from a country outside the EU.

To be confirmed

IDP Connect

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Uni info

University of Staffordshire
College Road Stoke on Trent Stoke-on-Trent ST4 2DE United Kingdom
Nearest train station: Stoke-on-Trent  0.1 miles away

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