ObjectivesThe course aims to provide you with a knowledge that underpins occupational psychology and develops skills essential to the professional psychologist. The MSc is accredited by the British Psychological Society (BPS) as fulfilling the requirements for Part One of Chartered Occupational Psychology status. To support the teaching of the course, the department has an excellent test materials library, a computer PC network containing versions of Word, SPSS and MINITAB, a video suite, project rooms and access to good library resources. Professional supervision is provided while on the MSc course. Optional part-time supervisory support is available post-MSc for Practitioners-in-Training members of the Division of Occupational Psychology to achieve chartered status on the basis of their professional employment (an annual fee is chargeable).
Entry requirementsApplicants should possess a good Honours degree in psychology. All students must have the Graduate Basis for Registration (GBR) with the BPS prior to joining the course; and have the intention of becoming a chartered occupational psychologist; plus some work experience. Proficiency in the English language is essential. If English is not your first language, you will require an IELTS 6.5 minimum with a minimum score of 6 in all components, TOEFL (old examination) 630, TOEFL (new examination) 267 or equivalent. All successful applicants are interviewed.
Academic titleMSc Occupational Psychology
Course descriptionCourse structure
Core modules cover the eight areas of occupational psychology, together with statistics and research methods and Professional Pracitce Portfolio. There is also an opportunity for selected students to undertake dissertation research in Sweden.
Course modules (both semesters):
-Statistics and Research Methods
-Professional Practice Portfolio
First semester:
-Counselling and Personal Development and Managing Employees
-Performance Management and Career Development; Selection and Assessment
Second semester:
-Ergonomics and Work Design
-Organisational Change and Human Resource Development
-Dissertation
Dissertation:
European opportunities exist where you can undertake a placement at an EU university. The placement provides you with the opportunity to carry out your dissertation in an organisation outside the UK. You must complete a dissertation/ project. This will be an independent and in-depth study from the domain of occupational psychology and carried out in a collaborating organisation. The dissertation is supported by a series of seminars that introduce a number of professional issues through the medium of guest speakers and seminars.
Professional Practice Portfolio:
This consists of a portfolio of work based on group work. This involves the preparation of a proposal for a consulatancy assignment to be presented in a written report followed by an oral presentation to the client.
Level A/B certificates in occupational testing:
-The BPS Level A Certificate in Occupational Testing is available as part of the MSc course
-Level B (intermediate) Certificate in Occupational Testing is available as an optional extra (fee chargeable)
Assessment
Examination and coursework. (Practical coursework may be used towards chartered status).
Career opportunities
Typical career destinations include career guidance, human resource consultancies and departments, occupational psychology consultants, selection and recruitment, management development, psychometric test publishers, and personnel management and training. Some graduates also move into teaching or research in the academic world.
Attendance & duration
-Full-time: one year, Mon & Tues
-Part-time (day): two years. Year 1 Mon 9am to 5pm; Year 2 Tues 9am to 5pm