This course focus on cutting edge research to understand how behaviours influence: individual’s decision making; help push the boundaries of the promotion and maintenance of health; the prevention and management of illness; and vulnerability and health risk. Studying for a PhD or MPhil is a truly challenging and deeply rewarding experience, and Swansea University provides an excellent environment in which to pursue your research studies. Research students are currently looking at developing interventions to address the psychosocial needs of people living with a range of chronic illnesses including cancer and heart disease. Other research is also looking at the psychological mechanisms that underpin health behaviour motivation, and developing interventions to encourage children and young people to engage in healthy lifestyle behaviours. A thesis of no more than 60,000 words is submitted, which demonstrates original research that contributes significantly to the subject area. This is then followed by an oral examination of the thesis (viva).