Health psychologists build the bridge between mental health and physical wellbeing. With their evidence-based understanding of human behaviour, they empower individuals to make lasting health changes.
Their work extends far beyond mere lifestyle advice – they provide the psychological tools to help people manage chronic illnesses, conquer stress and anxiety, navigate the emotional impact of illness or injury, and much more.
With Adelaide University’s Master of Psychology (Health), you’ll lead others towards better health and wellbeing. Inspire meaningful change, promoting long-term health. Deliver culturally sensitive care that resonates with diverse communities. Play your part in creating a healthier, more supportive society.
Adelaide University’s Master of Psychology (Health) is your path to becoming a registered psychologist. As one of only two health psychology degrees offered in Australia, it delivers comprehensive training in both health promotion and clinical health psychology.
With a focus on promoting healthier lifestyles and clinical health care, you’ll acquire a diverse set of skills relevant to a variety of careers as a psychologist. Learn to assess a broad range of clients and develop treatments to address issues like anxiety, depression and pain. Understand chronic illness management and how to support patients dealing with trauma, disability and rehabilitation. Gain an evidence-based approach to clinical practice and an understanding of how psychology can be used to advance public health.
Across 1000 hours and three industry placements, you’ll develop the skills to master behavioural change techniques to help people sustain healthier habits and conduct psychological assessments to create personalised intervention strategies.
Gain a qualification that enables you to become eligible to register as a psychologist upon graduation. Benefit from small class sizes with top health psychologists and educators. Explore illness, disease and the psychological factors influencing health. Study healthcare systems, policies and strategies for health promotion and maintenance. Develop practical skills in three hands-on industry placements totalling a minimum of 1000 hours. Connect with potential employers in mental health, health care and government sectors. This intensive two-year full-time degree offers a solid foundation in health psychology.
Developed with insights from practitioners, academics, students, and consumers, the Master of Psychology (Health) curriculum is up-to-date and highly relevant, combining industry best practices with the latest advancements in the field. It also has a strong focus on fostering communication and research skills.
Starting in January of your first year, you’ll explore a mix of theoretical and practical experiences. If you are enrolled in full-time study, your first year will include seven courses and one industry placement.
Core courses include topics in:
In your second year, you’ll complete two more placements and a research project that comprises a literature review and research article.
Across 1000 hours of industry placements, you’ll apply your skills under the supervision of experienced health psychologists. Your placements will consist of one in health promotion and two in clinical health psychology. These placements will encourage you to develop your critical thinking, build your interpersonal abilities and hone your cultural sensitivity skills.
With an emphasis on critical reflection, you’ll also continually improve and adapt your clinical approach while you study.
Complete 96 units comprising:
Complete 72 units for ALL of the following:
| Course name | Course code | Units | |
|---|---|---|---|
|
Course name
Evidence-based Practice
|
Course code
PSYC5021
|
Units
6
|
|
|
Course name
Psychological Interventions in Professional Practice
|
Course code
PSYC5003
|
Units
6
|
|
|
Course name
Promoting Health in Individuals and Populations
|
Course code
PUBH5017
|
Units
6
|
|
|
Course name
Psychological Assessment
|
Course code
PSYC5022
|
Units
6
|
|
|
Course name
Public Health Evaluation and Economics
|
Course code
PUBH5015
|
Units
6
|
|
|
Course name
Health Psychology
|
Course code
PSYC5019
|
Units
6
|
|
|
Course name
Research Project in Health Psychology I
|
Course code
PSYC6023
|
Units
12
|
|
|
Course name
Research Project in Health Psychology II
|
Course code
PSYC6024
|
Units
18
|
|
|
Course name
Interviewing and Intervention
|
Course code
PSYC5043
|
Units
6
|
Complete 24 units for ALL of the following:
| Course name | Course code | Units | |
|---|---|---|---|
|
|
Course name
Master of Psychology (Health) Placement I
|
Course code
PSYC5902
|
Units
6
|
|
|
Course name
Master of Psychology (Health) Placement II
|
Course code
PSYC6915
|
Units
6
|
|
|
Course name
Master of Psychology (Health) Placement III
|
Course code
PSYC6912
|
Units
12
|
As a graduate of the Master of Psychology (Health), you’ll be highly sought after for roles in the public and private sector. You can also choose to start your own psychology practice. You might work in health promotion, developing programs to assist clients prevent illnesses like heart disease, cancer or sexual health. Perhaps you’ll work with other health professionals to understand the behaviours that contribute to compulsive eating and how they can be altered. Or you might work in clinical health, helping someone to cope with psychological issues like anxiety or addiction arising from an injury.
Upon graduation, you’ll be eligible for general registration as a Psychologist with the Psychology Board of Australia. If you choose to undertake a supervised registrar program, you can also gain endorsement by the Psychology Board of Australia as a Health Psychologist.
The National Study of Mental Health and Wellbeing, 2020–2022 found that two in five Australians aged 16 to 85 have experienced a mental health disorder at some point in their lives. The study also revealed that approximately 4.3 million Australians were affected by mental health issues in the 12 months prior to the survey’s release in 2022. This highlights the urgent need for more skilled psychologists to meet the increasing demand for mental health support in Australia.
Additionally, data from SEEK (2024) predicts a 14% growth in job opportunities for psychologists over the next five years. With a degree in health psychology from Adelaide University, you’ll be well-equipped to address our society’s escalating mental health challenges.
Adelaide University is working through relevant approvals for program accreditation ahead of students commencing in 2026.
Explore answers to some of our most frequently asked questions.
Adelaide University sets you up for success in your studies – and your social life. You’ll have access to work placement and internship opportunities, overseas study tours and exchanges, networking events with guest speakers and more. Our campuses are equipped with purpose-built facilities including lecture theatres, libraries, workshops, laboratories, and spaces that simulate real work environments. These are all supported by the latest technologies and a 24/7 online learning platform with personalised study information and resources.
You’ll have everything you need to live well and thrive during your studies, with health services on campus, gymnasiums, technology zones and modern student lounges. Get involved in campus sport or join our student clubs that will connect you to your passions – and the people who share them.
Adelaide also has a variety of accommodation options to suit your individual requirements and budget, with options ranging from dedicated student accommodation to private rentals. One of the world’s most liveable cities, Adelaide has lots of leafy parks, gardens and social hubs – and some of the highest living standards globally. No matter where you are in Adelaide, you’re only a short distance from beaches, vineyards, museums, art galleries, restaurants, bars and parklands. Visit the accommodation web page to find out more.
Student services
We’re here to support you on your student journey. Adelaide University offers a range of support services and facilities, including:
You’ll also have unlimited access to our dedicated student support hub. Visit in-person or online, or contact our friendly team by phone. We can assist you with anything study-related including enrolment, identification cards, timetables, fees and more.
You'll be studying at one of our renowned campuses, accessing cutting-edge facilities and contemporary study spaces.
Your courses will require a combination of different learning formats, including lectures, tutorials, workshops, seminars and practicals. Aside from your classes, you’ll also need to allocate additional time for independent study. This may include assignments, readings, projects and contributing to online discussion forums. As a rough guide, full-time studies may require 12-26 hours of class time and 14-18 hours of independent study per week.
During your studies at Adelaide University, you’ll complete a mixture of practical, professional and research-based learning. Your assessment types will vary depending on the degree you’re studying, but may include:
