Overview

Workshops will introduce you to the main concepts in the psychology of behaviour change and provide you with an opportunity to explore the topic by considering real-world case studies.

A lecture series will also provide an understanding of behaviour change psychology and how this can be used to nudge positive behaviours. These lectures will also give specific guidance on how to apply these skills in a health setting. Each lecture will be accompanied by a reading list accessible through the University library.

Assessments will enable you to evidence your knowledge in an essay and demonstrate your applied understanding in a poster focusing on how to make healthier behavioural choices.

Outline syllabus: Behaviour change models Individual and organisational change Factors that may influence behaviour Barriers and enablers Bridging the intention-action gap

Assessment Strategy

-threshold -C+ to C-•Limited insight into the social, economic, and cultural complexities of health equity•Some knowledge of concepts relating to the psychology of behaviour change•Understanding of the main concepts, but with factual errors in non-core concepts•Limited analysis showing only obvious points of evaluation and links between ideas•Highly limited originality in approach, interpretation, and/or voice•Highly limited evidence of independent research •Arguments presented but lack coherence with evidence for only some claims•Focused but with some irrelevant material and weaknesses in structure •Acceptable presentation with appropriate expression•Attempt at correct format in appropriate referencing style -good -B+ to B-•Some insight into the social, economic, and cultural complexities of health equity•Strong knowledge of concepts relating to the psychology of behaviour change•Clear understanding and mostly free of factual errors •Some analysis showing critical evaluation and links between ideas•Some originality in approach, interpretation, and/or voice•Some independent research •Coherent arguments with evidence for most claims•Focused and well structured•Good presentation with accurate and appropriate expression•Mostly correct format in appropriate referencing style -excellent -A* to A-•Insightful awareness into how psychological behaviour change theories can impact on health behaviours•Comprehensive knowledge of concepts relating to the psychology of behaviour change •Detailed understanding with no factual errors •Critical analysis showing evaluation and synthesis of ideas•Originality in approach, interpretation, and/or voice•Extensive independent research •Logically defended arguments with evidence for all claims•Highly focused and well structured •Excellent presentation with accurate and appropriate expression•Correct format in appropriate referencing style

Learning Outcomes

• Critically appreciate the psychological factors (e.g. mental health, resilience, etc) and socio-cultural factors (e.g. poverty, norms, etc) which may impact on health behaviour choices.

• Design an appropriate behavioural change intervention which impacts on health behaviours.

• Hold an evidence-informed and comprehensive understanding of behaviour and effective behaviour change approaches for physical activity, health, and wellbeing.