Course description
MSc Organisational Psychology – Course structure
The MSc Organisational Psychology is a one year, full-time course. It may be offered parttime
over two years (subject to approval). This is an advanced course for those wanting to
learn more about the science of how people and groups behave at work. More specifically,
the course provides psychology graduates who are intending to become Chartered
Occupational Psychologists with the theoretical knowledge and practical skills required by the
Division of Occupational Psychology of the British Psychological Society (BPS), in the
following eight required areas: training, organizational development, employee relations and
motivation, design of environments/health and safety, human/machine interaction, counseling
and personal development, performance appraisal and career development, and selection in
organisations.
Course Structure
(all taught course units are 20 credits apart from Research Methods which is 30 credits) The
course units are structured in block teaching. This may attract those who do not wish to give
up full-time employment while taking this course. In order to satisfy professional body (BPS)
requirements, you must take the following compulsory course units:
Semester one
Behavioural change in organisations
The aim of the course unit is to give you an understanding and awareness of the theory and
practice of management and organisational development, to enable you to critically evaluate
current concepts and techniques.
Selection and assessment in organisations
The course unit aims to give you a sound conceptual understanding of the theoretical issues
concerning the selection of personnel and practical skills in designing a selection system and
in using psychometric tests. Successful completion of this course entitles you to the
certificates of the British Psychological Society in Competence in Occupational Testing (level
A and level B [intermediate]).
Research methodology
The purpose of this course unit is to introduce you to qualitative and quantitative research
methods, in order to prepare you for your dissertation project.
Semester two
Organisations and people
This course unit aims to examine a variety of contemporary issues concerning the
relationships between people and the organisations in which they work. It is designed to
provide up-to-date coverage of contemporary topics in organisational psychology such as
diversity, workplace counselling, bullying, occupational stress, career development and
attribution and staff appraisal.
Individual and work environment
The course unit aims to provide you with a firm conceptual foundation in key theoretical
perspectives on the relationship between the individual and his/her work environment, and to
develop an understanding of their application.
Training in relevant skills such as the use of relevant software packages and research
techniques necessary for conducting independent research are included. The training
required to reach BPS Level A and Intermediate Level B test accreditation is provided.
Summer research period
Research dissertation (70 credits)
During this period you will carry out an original piece of research. You will have a supervisor,
who will discuss your choice of research project with you and advise and guide you through
the process. Recent dissertations have covered:
• Job control and job stress in blue and white collar workers
• Evaluation of a multidisciplinary team delivering a significant change programme
• Barriers to career progression experienced by part-time employees
• Bullying in the workplace
• The impact of mergers on the psychological contract
