MSc in Occupational Psychology

What you'll study Structure 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. Module title Credits. Organisational Behaviour and Health Organisational Behaviour and Health 15 credits This module introduces students to the psychological theories and research that address questions concerning how both organisational and individual characteristics affect productivity and mental health in the workplace. Topics will include: organisational behaviour. organisational development. and occupational health psychology. organisational structure and effectiveness. work organisation theories. work organisation and individual differences. individual differences and the stress process. leadership and organizational behaviour. health promotion programs. employee engagement. 15 credits. Training, Coaching and Counselling Training, Coaching and Counselling 15 credits This module aims to provide an introduction to the ways in which individuals learn and develop within organisations. Lecture topics include the following: Training: the learner and learning processes. Training: training design and delivery. Stress management training. Coaching: introduction and theoretical underpinnings. Coaching II: evidence and professional issues. Careers I: career development models and career counselling. 15 credits. Leadership and Talent Management Leadership and Talent Management 15 credits Learn the extent to which leadership skills and behaviours are universal or different in their relevance across cultures. Understand individual differences, strategic approaches, and assessment methodologies. Understand leadership development: approaches and practices. Learn about technology and talent management. 15 credits. Assessment and Selection Assessment and Selection 15 credits Overview, unscientific versus scientific methods. Interview, references, biodata and GPA. General mental ability. Personality traits. Creativity, leadership, and talent. Theories of motivation. Job satisfaction and engagement. Using motivational rewards. Employee relations, fairness and decisions. 15 credits. Research Design and Applied Statistics Research Design and Applied Statistics 15 credits This module covers skills required for effective research design and analysis of data in work environments to enable inferences about cause and effect relationships. You will also learn to critically evaluate the research appearing in academic and business literatures. Lecture topics include the following: Basic principles of research design, scientific method, role of theory. Sample selection, data cleaning, data screening, descriptive statistics. Association: correlation and covariance. Design of experiments: one way and two way ANOVA, contrasts, repeated measures. Regression: simple, multiple, logistic, time series, awareness of multi-level modelling. Measurement: classical test theory, reliability, validity, factor analysis and item response theory, structural equation modelling. 15 credits. Professional and Applied Research Skills Professional and Applied Research Skills 30 credits Topics for this course will vary from year to year because the course comprises two series' of external speakers – the first is professionals working in industry (professional skills workshops) and the second is academics working in universities (distinguished speakers series). The topics are determined through discussion between the course co-ordinator and the presenters. 30 credits. Option Option 15 credits You can choose one approved module that is worth 15 credits. The list of approved modules will include those relevant to the MSc Occupational Psychology programme and you will be notified of these prior to the beginning of term. 15 credits. 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. Download the programme specification for the 2018-19 intake. If you would like an earlier version of the programme specification, please contact the Quality Office. Please note that due to staff research commitments not all of these modules may be available every year.