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Introduction to Health Psychology
UndergraduateCUR-PSYC20082025
Previously CUR-PSB220
Delve into the connections between people’s minds and bodies to better understand wellbeing. You’ll explore both the positive and risky behaviours that can influence people’s health. Touch on the connection between stress and illness.
- Study method
- 100% online
- Assessments
- 100% online
- Enrol by
- 25 May 2025
- Entry requirements
- Prior study needed
- Duration
- 13 weeks
- Start dates
- 2 June 2025,
- 1 Dec 2025
- Price from
- $2,244
- Upfront cost
- $0
- Loan available
- HECS-HELP and FEE-HELP available
Introduction to Health Psychology
About this subject
At the completion of this subject students will be able to:
- apply theories of health behaviour to understanding health risk and protective behaviours
- describe the impact of illness on the individual and their family
- compare strategies for changing risk behaviours
- An Introduction to Health Psychology
- Health Inequalities
- Health Risk Behaviour
- Health Enhancing Behaviour focus on Diet
- Health Enhancing Behaviour focus on Physical Activity
- Health Risk Behaviour focus on Drinking, Drug Use and Sexual Behaviour Strategies for changing risk behaviour
- Stress, health and illness Impact of illness focus on cancer
- Pain Improving Health and Quality of Life Careers using health psychology
This subject provides an introduction to health psychology in the Australian context. You will learn about how psychological theory can be applied to understanding health enhancing behaviours and health risk behaviours. In addition you will explore the impact of living with illness and pain and strategies for improving health and quality of life.
Please Note: If it’s your first time studying a Curtin University subject, you’ll need to complete their compulsory ‘Academic Integrity Program’. It only takes two hours to complete online and provides you with vital information about studying with Curtin University. The Academic Integrity Program is compulsory, so if it’s not completed your subject grades will be withheld.
Find out more about the Academic Integritymodule.
- Written Assignment (40%)
- Case Study (60%)
For textbook details check your university's handbook, website or learning management system (LMS).
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Entry requirements
Prior study
You must either have successfully completed the following subject(s) before starting this subject, or currently be enrolled in the following subject(s) in a prior study period; or enrol in the following subject(s) to study prior to this subject:
one of
Please note that your enrolment in this subject is conditional on successful completion of these prerequisite subject(s). If you study the prerequisite subject(s) in the study period immediately prior to studying this subject, your result for the prerequisite subject(s) will not be finalised prior to the close of enrolment. In this situation, should you not complete your prerequisite subject(s) successfully you should not continue with your enrolment in this subject. If you are currently enrolled in the prerequisite subject(s) and believe you may not complete these all successfully, it is your responsibility to reschedule your study of this subject to give you time to re-attempt the prerequisite subject(s).
Equivalent subjects
You should not enrol in this subject if you have successfully completed any of the following subject(s) because they are considered academically equivalent:
CUR-PSB220-Introduction to Health Psychology (no longer available)
Additional requirements
- Other requirements - This subject is not available for students who are under the age of 16.
Study load
- 0.125 EFTSL
- This is in the range of 10 to 12 hours of study each week.
Equivalent full time study load (EFTSL) is one way to calculate your study load. One (1.0) EFTSL is equivalent to a full-time study load for one year.
Find out more information on Commonwealth Loans to understand what this means to your eligibility for financial support.
Student feedback
17 student respondents between 17 Feb - 12 Mar 2025.
88%of students felt the study load was manageable
88%of students felt this subject helped them gain relevant skills
What to study next?
Once you’ve completed this subject it can be credited towards one of the following courses
Undergraduate Certificate in Psychology
UndergraduateCUR-HPS-CTF
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