Health Psychology

Health Psychology is an area of Psychology undergoing profound expansion, with significant scientific development and innovation.

The master’s degree in health psychology at Ispa provides future Psychologists with strong scientific and specialised training, equipping them to understand the current challenges to health and well-being at both individual and population levels, and to collaborate with other professionals across diverse contexts, particularly healthcare settings.

The teaching staff combine solid academic and scientific backgrounds with extensive practical experience in healthcare contexts. This programme ensures students receive scientific training of excellence, with opportunities to participate in research projects and exposure to a variety of Health Psychology intervention settings.

The master’s degree combines theoretical training with practice and case studies and includes a placement in a real-world context as well as the development of an original research dissertation.

The study plan has a duration of 2 academic years (4 semesters), totalling 120 ECTS credits.

• To familiarise students with the dynamic field of Health Psychology, equipping them with competences to work in healthcare contexts in accordance with the legislation governing the Clinical and Health Psychology profession;
• To develop the psychological study of individuals and population groups for the purposes of prevention and psychological intervention;
• To contribute to the understanding of the ecological (biopsychosocial) bases of health and illness;
• To foster knowledge of the sociocultural factors associated with health and illness;
• To promote the implementation of models that enhance and protect health;
• To provide the foundations for knowledge of the different theoretical models related to chronic illness, acute conditions, and processes of loss and grief;
• To develop and report independent research;
• To apply research findings to professional practice;
• To apply and respect ethical and deontological codes.

Graduates in Psychological Sciences or Psychology* and related areas

* Completion of this master’s degree grants access to registration with the Portuguese Psychologists’ Association exclusively for holders of a bachelor’s degree in psychology or Psychological Sciences (in accordance with the Association’s registration regulations)

** Admission of candidates from related areas is subject to a curricular review (validated by the Scientific Council) demonstrating solid academic, scientific, or professional preparation attesting to the candidate’s ability to successfully complete this study cycle.

In the job market, examples of intervention contexts in this area include:

Hospitals, maternity wards, and health centres

Public health promotion organisations

Rehabilitation centres

Research

Private practice

Daytime

Fees and tuition
Charges and documents
Please refer to the Treasury Regulations

Ispa has placement agreements with hundreds of relevant public and private institutions, providing opportunities for its students to undertake curricular placements.

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Ispa rewards students who demonstrate outstanding academic merit by awarding scholarships, granted on the basis of admission grades or performance within their programme of study.

In addition to recognising merit, Ispa is also committed to promoting fairness and social responsibility. For this reason, students facing economic hardship may apply for a variety of scholarships that serve as a financial and social support.

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International cooperation has always been a defining feature of Ispa, which for over 30 years has offered its students the opportunity to gain experience abroad. Whether through the Erasmus+ programme (within Europe) or through non-EU agreements (such as with Brazil), students may choose from more than 40 partner universities.

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• Registration as a Junior Psychologist with the Portuguese Psychologists’ Association (OPP), as a step towards obtaining the professional title of Psychologist.
• The practice of Clinical Psychology in public or private settings after obtaining the professional title of Psychologist, awarded by the OPP.
• Access to 3rd cycle graduate training (Doctoral Degree / PhD).

Please refer to the academic calendar