Objectives
The programme aims to provide an advanced level knowledge and understanding of theory and practice in occupational and organisational psychology. The programme has been designed to provide students with the core knowledge and understanding that is necessary and sufficient for the academic component of their route (Level 1) to becoming a Chartered Occupational Psychologist. Our programme adopts cooperative learning principles and seeks to develop reflexive, evidence-based practitioners who are not only conversant in a broad range of topics in occupational and organisational psychology, but can also: use theory to inform practice; use evidence to inform theory; begin to reconcile the universal (theories, evidence) with the particular (unique problem context or circumstances). Our programme produces graduates trained to start developing strategies for applying their knowledge base to a range of work and organisational problems (through project and dissertation work) and who are equipped with the basic skills necessary to operate effectively as scientist-practitioners. Many of our graduates work as self-employed consultants or go on to do further training in management or HR management. Some go on to do specialist training in counselling, coaching and facilitation. Others have completed PhDs and taken up academic posts. Example organisations taking up our graduates include: ADC Ltd Consulting, Cap Gemini, YSC Consulting, Kaisen Consulting, Accenture, Oxford Psychologists, Pearn Kandola, QuinetiQ, Human Factors International, Ernst and Young, Human Assets, Criterion Partnership, SHL Ltd, PricewaterhouseCoopers, PA Consulting, Whithead Mann, PSL, Success Dynamics, William Mercer.
Course description
MSc/PGDip in Occupational and Organisational Psychology Module overview
There are eight core modules of which six pertain to substantive content and two to research methods.
For the substantive modules core to Occupational and Organisational Psychology, our class style is interactive. All substantive content modules will:
-Promote an ability to apply the research practitioner model involving the identification, diagnosis and adequate theoretical formulation of a work-related problem (using various formal methods of investigation, both quantitative and qualitative methods, tools and techniques)
-Provide opportunities to develop the basic interpersonal, technical and creative skills required for this
-Guide students in the effective design, implementation and evaluation of bespoke interventions to address commonly encountered problems and issues, taking into consideration: 1) the wider social, economic and political context; 2) legal imperatives (for example, equal opportunities); and 3) micro-political and ethical sensitivities
-Facilitate self-reflection and self-insight in support of personal and professional development using a range of self-assessment tools
-Specific modules are designed to equip students in advanced knowledge and understanding of:
Ergonomics and Human Factors
Human machine interaction, and the design of safe and healthy work environments.
Organisational Behaviour
Employee relations and motivation (especially from the individual perspective) and aspects of the design of safe and healthy work environments (especially topics of stress, wellbeing, work-family balance).
Assessment and the Workplace
Personnel selection and assessment, and the assessment components of career appraisal.
Social Psychology of Organisations and Institutions
Organisational development and change, employee relations and motivation, and strategic components of training. 'Organisation' can be taken to mean any arena in which work is conducted, including home (as in telework), the voluntary sector and 'virtual organisations'.
Training, Development and Workplace Counselling
Counselling and personal development, training, and performance appraisal and career development.
Research in Organisational Settings
Research-based practice (analysis, formulation, implementation, evaluation) in organisational settings. Additionally, this module will facilitate the development of skills in planning, running and analysing data derived from focus groups, critical incident interviews, diaries, observation, repertory grid exercises and employee surveys.
Research Methods and Data Analysis
Philosophy underlying research methods and the skills to assess qualitative and quantitative research effectively.
Research and Professional Skills
Different research strategies through the teaching of practice-based skills that will transfer into working environments.
To pursue the Masters route (as opposed to the Diploma), you will also be required to present a dissertation comprising of an original piece of empirical research within occupational and organisational psychology. The dissertation will be supervised by one of the Department's academic staff, and must be completed within 11 months of commencing the Masters programme.
Programme length
12 months full-time, 24 months part-time
