MA/MS in Health psychology

Objective(s) of a study programme: To train high quality professionals who can help people of different age (both working individually, in groups, and in communities) to maintain and promote health, to cope with psychological problems of illness (especially non-communicable diseases), working independently or in interdisciplinary groups with other health care professionals, seeking individual and community health promotion and effective, successful treatment and recovery process. Learning outcomes: • Ability of analysis and critical assessment of the contemporary health psychology theories, important of research data results and their application in health care settings. Analyzing health problems of individual, group or community. • Ability to analyze the individual, group or society health problems being guided by the biopsychosocial perspective. • Psychological research planning and implementation, results interpretation. • Ability to follow the holistic (ecological) view in identifying, assessing and solving health and well-being problems of individual, group or society and in creation of health promotion and disease prevention programmes. • Ability to conduct a psychological individuals’ assessment by revealing the psychological aspects of health and illness, to provide and implement evidence based intervention plan for individual or group, working in interdisciplinary group, participate in various treatment and rehabilitation programmes. • Ability to create and implement various prevention and health promotion programmes, to conduct health education work, improving health, wellness and well-being of individuals, groups and entire society. • Ability to work in interdisciplinary team, collaborate with specialists of different fields and different institutions. Activities of teaching and learning: Interactive lectures, seminars, practical training, case studies, discussions, supervision, individual and project work on psychological assessment, consulting, prevention and promotion programmes. Professional practice with supervision and reflection. Scientific research. Methods of assessment of learning achievements: Exam, defence of Master Theses, Defence of practice portfolio, self-study tasks, tests, etc. Cumulative grading is applied. The final grade includes the components of the course (module) curriculum (e.g., active participation, intermediary tests, self-study tasks, written examination), which are expressed in percentage in the study curriculum. For assessment of study achievements, methods are used which are oriented towards providing constant feedback and (self) assessment of results of the task. Assessments of examinations are carried out by using 10 point grading scale. Study subjects (modules), practical training: Study subjects (modules), practical training: Study subjects are divided in a few groups: Contemporary health psychology in health care, analyzing psychological problems of individual, group, public health and health care system. Contemporary health psychology: theory and practice; Human Neuropsychology; Psychology and Rehabilitation of disabled persons; Psychological assessment in health care settings Psychological Assessment of person; WAIS-III and WASI; Psychological Counselling, intervention and prevention in health care settings Counselling in Health Care Settings; Health Promotion and Prevention; Theory and Practice of Groups; Research planning and work Modern statistical methods and research planning; Final thesis; Project of Master Thesis; Research Work. Optional courses: Current Psychotherapy Family Psychological Counselling Positive Psychology: theory and practice Psychology of Associal Behaviour Distinctive features of a study programme: Holistic (ecological) attitude towards health and biopsychosocial perspective in psychological assessment, counselling and applying psychological interventions and prevention activities. Professional practice lasting for two semesters combined with studies at the university and professional supervising. Access to professional activity: Graduates of Health Psychology programme can work in governmental and private health care institutions and settings (hospitals, policlinics, rehabilitation and care centres, health education centres etc.), where clients/patiens are consulted on health promotion and disease prevention issues, patient education is provided in order to alter their health behaviours and improve their health and well-being status. Graduates also can work in education institutions, academic and nongovernmental organizations and institutions, where health promotion activities or programmes are implemented. They can have their private practice and seek career in the fields, where psychological knowledge and special skills are applied. Access to further study: Masters of Health Psychology can continue studying Doctor’s degree in Lithuania and abroad.