Masters degrees in Occupational Psychology equip postgraduates with the skills to help organisations select, motivate and improve the performance of their employees.
Related subjects include Work & Organisational Psychology and Psychology of Work. Entry requirements typically include an undergraduate degree in a relevant subject such as Business Studies, Social Science or Psychology.
Training as an Occupational Psychologist in the Institute of Management Studies will equip you with the scientific knowledge and practical skills to challenge the status quo and offer innovative solutions to workplace problems.
Occupational Psychology, both as a professional and academic field, seeks to address questions of critical importance in business and enterprise.
The MSc in Occupational Psychology, run by the Institute of Management Studies, will equip you with the knowledge and skills to begin considering these questions. The programme has been designed in line with British Psychological Society (BPS) and Division of Occupational Psychology (DOP) requirements and has been accredited since 1995. We recently updated our programme content in line with the 2014 changes to the DOP Occupational Psychology curriculum and, as of September 2014, we are teaching in line with the new curriculum.
The MSc in Occupational Psychology aims to equip you with a thorough grounding in the application of psychological theory to work settings, to provide you with the skills necessary to conduct cutting-edge research in applied research projects to a high level of competence, and to impart core practitioner techniques and awareness.
The programme’s success is increasingly reflected in the excellent employment rates of our former MSc students in both public and private sectors. Some students also go on to carry out PhD level study with us to become academic Occupational Psychologists.
In the IMS we work to the academic-practitioner model. That is, our Occupational Psychology programme is specifically designed to equip you with a theoretical and empirical knowledge base that you can bring to your consultancy and practice. To that end, you’ll have the opportunity to engage in both cutting edge research, as well as practical skills sessions. For your research dissertation you’ll have access to academics with expertise in areas such as occupational health and wellbeing, talent management and entrepreneurship.
In the IMS we have an invited speakers’ programme called the Distinguished Speakers Series. This series provides specialised talks by either academic or practising experts in various fields of business, enterprise and occupational psychology.
The MSc programme runs for one year, starting in September. Most lectures and seminars are in the first two terms of the academic year, however the programme is structured in such a way that you are expected to pursue your studies beyond formal term times. Apart from the individual module-units listed in the syllabus, you will be required to attend other seminars and workshop series.
As far as is practicable, the majority of lectures and seminars will be timetabled for Mondays and Tuesdays.
Research Project (60 credits)
The research dissertation requires you to execute and document an original research investigation. The focus can be on any area related to occupational psychology, and can take place in either a laboratory or field setting, using a specific population (eg salespersons) or the general public. It is also possible to conduct a piece of archival research (eg meta-analysis), if your supervisor agrees that this is appropriate.
You normally begin the research dissertation in the second term (January), together with necessary literature reviews and research design, and the submission deadline is late August.
Occupational Test User Training
(Formerly known as Level A and B training)
During your MSc you will be provided with the opportunity to partake in training that will allow you to qualify for the BPS certificates in “Test User: Occupational, Ability” and “Test User: Occupational, Personality.” This qualification recognizes you as an expert in the administration, scoring and interpretation of ability tests and personality questionnaires. Your training will be delivered by Criterion Partnership, a world-recognised authority on objective assessment.
Assessment
Your performance will be assessed by formal examinations, essays, presentations, business reports and a research dissertation of not more than 10,000 words.
You'll develop technical skills related to occupational psychology including:
You’ll also develop the analytical skills that you will need as a professional psychologist.
Through the Professional Skills Workshops you will be able to interact closely with experts from the world's leading organisations and enhance your professional development.
The programme’s success is increasingly reflected in the excellent employment rates of our former MSc students in both public and private sectors. Some students also go on to carry out PhD level study with us to become academic Occupational Psychologists.
You may go on to work as an independent consultant, as an ‘in-house’ consultant for a private or public sector organisation, in a consultancy, or in academia.
Find out more about employability at Goldsmiths.
Occupational Psychology at Winchester provides you with the skills and knowledge requirement for Stage 1 of the British Psychological Society’s training route in Occupational Psychology, as well as supporting the transition towards Stage 2. It also incorporates the first stage of training towards Practitioner Occupational Psychologist status with the Health and Care Professions Council. There is an emphasis on reflective practice skills as well as a thorough understanding of ethical standards and practice within the discipline.
The programme introduces the context and application of psychology in various occupational and organisational settings. The emphasis is on developing your knowledge in the key areas of leadership, wellbeing at work, work design, and assessment in the workplace, as well as learning, training and development. You are taught by a range of professional occupational psychologists offering experience in a range of specialisms including coaching, use of psychometrics, human factors and leadership development. You benefit from practitioner advice on gaining suitable experience, and by incorporating practice-based assessments.
You have access to excellent facilities including numerous research cubicles and laboratories equipped for conducting interviews, observational research, eye tracking, EEG and psychophysiological measures. There are several staff members in the department with strong research and practice experience in the fields relevant to Occupational Psychology. The teaching team includes HCPC-registered Occupational Psychologists.
We consider the scope of Occupational Psychology from the perspective of the individual, their work organisation and any work with client groups. The programme includes problem-based exercises that may include elements such as mock consultancy reports, psychometric test use experience and development of training based on given scenarios. You develop your ability to appropriately design, conduct, analyse, interpret and evaluate psychological research in a chosen specialised research area within Occupational Psychology.
You complete modules including Leadership and Workplace Engagement, Wellbeing at Work, Work Design, Organisational Change and Development, and Assessment in the Workplace. There is also a module on research methods which helps you to prepare for your research project.
Graduates of the course are prepared to progress to the next stage of the BPS training and to pursue careers in occupational psychology and related fields.
British Psychological Society (BPS)
The programme provides the first step (Stage 1) towards gaining Chartered Occupational Psychologist status with the BPS.
UK, EU, World
Students may have the opportunity to volunteer in occupational practice-related placements - this is independent from the programme and non-credit bearing.
A diverse range of teaching methods are employed including laboratory classes, lectures, seminars, tutorials and individual project supervision. Students have access to excellent
facilities including numerous research cubicles and laboratories equipped for conducting interviews, observational research, eye tracking, EEG and psychophysiological measures.
There are several staff members in the department with strong research and practice experience in the fields relevant to Occupational Psychology. The teaching team includes HCPC-registered Occupational Psychologists.
King Alfred or West Downs, University of Winchester
A variety of assessment methods are employed including academic essays, research reports and presentations. In addition, the programme includes problem-based exercises that may include elements such as mock consultancy reports, psychometric test use experience and development of training based on given scenarios.
Our validated courses may adopt a range of means of assessing your learning. An indicative, and not necessarily comprehensive, list of assessment types you might encounter includes essays, portfolios, supervised independent work, presentations, written exams, or practical performances.
We ensure all students have an equal opportunity to achieve module learning outcomes. As such, where appropriate and necessary, students with recognised disabilities may have alternative assignments set that continue to test how successfully they have met the module's learning outcomes. Further details on assessment types used on the course you are interested in can be found on the course page, by attending an Open Day or Open Evening, or contacting our teaching staff.
We are committed to providing timely and appropriate feedback to you on your academic progress and achievement in order to enable you to reflect on your progress and plan your academic and skills development effectively. You are also encouraged to seek additional feedback from your course tutors.
For more information about our regulations for this course, please see our Academic Regulations, Policies and Procedures.
The MSc in Occupational and Organizational Psychology is designed to develop the next generation of evidence-based leaders and practitioners who can make tangible contributions to the rapidly changing world of work.
Our programme covers the standards of the BPS for Occupational Psychology, and prominently reflects the core strengths and interests of the course team including:
This programme is studied full-time over one academic year.
Example module listing
The following modules are indicative, reflecting the information available at the time of publication. Please note that not all modules described are compulsory and may be subject to teaching availability and/or student demand.
The MSc in Occupational and Organizational Psychology is designed to develop the next generation of evidence-based leaders and practitioners in the field of work and organisational psychology. Students learn about the foundation knowledge, research and theory in the field, alongside practical, technical and professional content designed to permit development as future practitioners.
The programme is intentionally delivered in an interdisciplinary environment, from faculty who are Work, Organizational and Occupational Psychologists, Human Resource Specialists, and world-leading experts in Organizational Behaviour.
Learning and development is facilitated through innovative, high-quality teaching incorporating (for example) case studies, team-working, skills development, guest speakers, and an applied research project, alongside class lectures and academic assignments and assessment.
The programme provides opportunities for students to develop and demonstrate knowledge and understanding, skills, qualities and other attributes in the following areas:
Knowledge and understanding
Critical, evidence based and theoretical understanding of the core knowledge areas of occupational and organizational psychology:
Intellectual / cognitive skills
Professional practical skills
Key / transferable skills
A range of generic skills relevant to practice of occupational and organisational psychology. These include effective oral and written communication, team working, planning and organizing, problem-solving, critical reasoning, data gathering and analysis (qualitative and quantitative), and use of specialist IT (e.g. SPSS).
We often give our students the opportunity to acquire international experience during their degrees by taking advantage of our exchange agreements with overseas universities.
In addition to the hugely enjoyable and satisfying experience, time spent abroad adds a distinctive element to your CV.
Learn more about opportunities that might be available for this particular programme by using our student exchanges search tool.
Surrey Business School is accredited by the Association to Advance Collegiate Schools of Business (AACSB) and by the Association of MBAs (AMBA).
One of the most respected courses in occupational psychology in Britain, this course is approved by the British Psychology Society (BPS) for accreditation towards partnership in occupational psychology.
Students applying must be eligible for BPS Graduate Basis of Registration.
This course has been designed to provide you with knowledge of the main areas of occupational psychology, to provide you with good research skills, to cover the relevant social psychological and organisational issues and to introduce the skills required in practice.
The MSc in Occupational Psychology utilises a range of teaching methods (including seminars, tutorials, workshops, self-managed working groups).
This masters course is for you if you have an undergraduate degree (2:1 or above) that confers the graduate basis for chartership (GBC).(Check whether your degree confers the GBC.)
Other psychology graduates
If you have studied psychology as a major or minor subject but your degree is not accredited by the BPS, we offer a mirror course - MSc in Work and Organisational Psychology.
Non-psychology graduates
If you have an undergraduate degree in a discipline other than psychology, check out the MSc in Management Psychology.
Typical modules may include:
On this British Psychology Society (BPS) accredited programme we consider you an Occupational Psychologist in training. As such, we will support you in building a competency portfolio as preparation for work in many types of modern organisation.
The course focuses on preparing you for a career in occupational psychology, including the development of consultancy skills. We use case studies and practical exercises rooted in commercial realism to expose you to issues facing businesses, including talent acquisition, leadership development and employee wellbeing. We invite experienced business leaders to present a practical problem, challenging you to conduct a quick-time assessment and pitch a solution. To maximise your value to employers, while you follow the BPS curriculum on talent acquisition, you will also undertake the qualifications Test User Ability (TUA) and Test User Personality (TUP)*.
The course benefits from an outstanding programme of guest speakers, who apply occupational psychology in all kinds of contexts. You will explore real-world challenges, such as the impact of artificial intelligence on work, and the impact of toxic leaders on an organisation’s reputation. We have excellent links with employers of occupational psychologists, and course participants can focus their dissertations on topics relevant to their chosen career paths.
Modules:
Typically this course is taught over two days for full-time and one day for part-time. Assessment is by coursework and includes briefing reports, case studies, skills portfolios and a dissertation.
Accredited by the British Psychological Society, you will cover the core areas demanded of Stage 1 registration.
As part of your course you will complete training in Test User Ability (TUA) and Test User Personality (TUP), gaining familiarity with methods employed by organisations to acquire new talent.
The programme is enriched by contributions from speakers coming from one of the Big Four professional services consultancy firms, occupational psychology consultancy JCA, public sector organisations and local commercial businesses. Moreover, hands-on activities give you practical experience and build commercial awareness.
The course equips students with skills to thrive in all types of organisations, from the civil service to business consultancies. Career paths include occupational psychologist, management consultant, assessment and recruitment consultant, training consultant and human factors specialist.
