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Would you like to apply psychological science to the workplace? The Occupational and Organisational Psychology MSc will open up new possibilities for graduates from a range of backgrounds. 

 

The MSc Occupational and Organisational Psychology will develop your expertise in applying the science of psychology to recruit and select individuals, to support the learning and career development of colleagues, and to develop evidence-based wellbeing interventions. You will learn about leadership, organisational change and engagement. You will develop advanced qualitative and quantitative research skills to deliver evidence-based solutions, with high standards of ethical practice.

 

As a BPS accredited Stage One programme, the MSc Occupational and Organisational Psychology combines theory and practice to support individuals who are interested in becoming an Occupational Psychologist, those who want to apply Occupational and Organisational Psychology in their current work practices, or those seeking a career change.

 

For psychology graduates who already have the BPS Graduate Basis for Chartership (GBC), this Masters course can be a first step towards becoming a Chartered Occupational Psychologist. GBC can be achieved prior to, or following, this degree. The course is also suitable for graduates working in areas such as HR, consultancy or management who want to gain a better understanding of how to apply psychology in the workplace.

 

Drawing on theory and practice, this course uses real-life examples to bring the subject to life and to develop key competencies for your career. You will study modules on:

  • Employee selection and assessment
  • Workplace wellbeing
  • Learning and development in organisations
  • Organisational psychology consultancy skills
  • Psychological research methods

 

You will also develop specialist knowledge through your thesis research. This can involve collaborative work with organisations and can greatly enhance your expertise and employability in a particular area of interest.

 

In addition to the core curriculum, an exciting aspect of this course is the opportunity to gain valuable psychometric testing qualifications, BPS Test User: Occupational, Ability, Personality. These additional qualifications will be a real boost to your career and employability. You will graduate with a notable advantage, to help you stand out in a competitive job market.

 

The course is available either full-time over one year or part-time over two years.

Course Information

Level of Study
Postgraduate

Mode of Study
2 years Part Time
2 other options available

Department
Psychology

Location
City Campus, Northumbria University

City
Newcastle

Fees
Fee Information

Modules
Module Information

Postgraduate Student Gerard explains why he chose to study his course at Northumbria University and how it's preparing him for his future.

Thinking of joining us for a master's in occupational and organisational psychology? Our master's in a minute series gives you all of the essential course information that you need, in just ONE minute ! (or so..) Neill Thompson tells you everything you need to know about the Occupational and Organisational Psychology MSc, here at Northumbria University, Newcastle.

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Entry Requirements 2024/25

Standard Entry

Applicants should normally have:

A minimum of a 2:2 honours degree in any subject.

In order to pursue a career as a Chartered Occupational Psychologist, applicants will require a minimum of a 2:2 honours degree in Psychology that provides Graduate Basis for Chartership (GBC) with the British Psychological Society (which can be completed prior to, or following, this degree).

Other subject qualifications, equivalent professional qualifications and/or relevant work experience will be considered on an individual basis.

International qualifications:

If you have studied a non UK qualification, you can see how your qualifications compare to the standard entry criteria, by selecting the country that you received the qualification in, from our country pages. Visit www.northumbria.ac.uk/yourcountry

English language requirements:

International applicants are required to have a minimum overall IELTS (Academic) score of 6.5 with 6 in each component (or approved equivalent*).

*The university accepts a large number of UK and International Qualifications in place of IELTS.  You can find details of acceptable tests and the required grades you will need in our English Language section. Visit www.northumbria.ac.uk/englishqualifications

For further admissions guidance and requirements, please visit www.northumbria.ac.uk/admissionsguidance Please review this information before submitting your application.

Plus one of the following:

  • Additional:

    For applicants who are intending to pursue a career as a Chartered Occupational Psychologist are required to provide written proof of GBC/GBR status from their UK University. Applicants who have completed their first degree outside the UK are required to apply to the BPS for consideration of GBC/GBR. Written confirmation of GBC/GBR will be required. Please bear in mind that this process can take a considerable amount of time and relevant applicants should contact the BPS as soon as possible.

Fees and Funding 2024/25 Entry

Full UK Fee: £11,260

Full International Fee: £20,550



Scholarships and Discounts

Discover More about Fees, Scholarships and other Funding options for UK, EU and International applicants.

ADDITIONAL COSTS

Students complete the BPS test-user in occupational psychology qualification as part of the programme. If students wish to join the BPS Test User Register upon completion of the qualification, there is an annual membership fee of £45.20

If you’d like to receive the latest updates from Northumbria about our courses, events, finance & funding then enter your details below.

* At Northumbria we are strongly committed to protecting the privacy of personal data. To view the University’s Privacy Notice please click here

Modules

Module information is indicative and is reviewed annually therefore may be subject to change. Applicants will be informed if there are any changes.

JC7000 -

Academic Language Skills (ALS) for PG Psychology Students (Core – for International and EU students only,0 Credits)

Academic skills when studying away from your home country can differ due to cultural and language differences in teaching and assessment practices. This module is designed to support your transition in the use and practice of technical language and subject specific skills around assessments and teaching provision in your chosen subject. The overall aim of this module is to develop your abilities to read and study effectively for academic purposes; to develop your skills in analysing and using source material in seminars and academic writing and to develop your use and application of language and communications skills to a higher level.

The topics you will cover on the module include:

• Understanding assignment briefs and exam questions.
• Developing academic writing skills, including citation, paraphrasing, and summarising.
• Practising ‘critical reading’ and ‘critical writing’
• Planning and structuring academic assignments (e.g. essays, reports and presentations).
• Avoiding academic misconduct and gaining credit by using academic sources and referencing effectively.
• Listening skills for lectures.
• Speaking in seminar presentations.
• Presenting your ideas
• Giving discipline-related academic presentations, experiencing peer observation, and receiving formative feedback.
• Speed reading techniques.
• Developing self-reflection skills.
• Discussing ethical issues in research, and analysing results.
• Describing bias and limitations of research.

More information

PY0774 -

Qualitative and Quantitative Methods (20 Credits)

The module is designed to give you a theoretical and practical knowledge of common and more advanced quantitative and qualitative methods of collecting and analysing data in psychology. A range of methods will be studied, and relevant hardware and software will be used in exercises. The communication of findings according to the most recent conventions and with due regard to the audience will be addressed. The approach is to provide a theoretical background for each technique, so that you are not simply capable of carrying out and reporting analyses, but also capable of reflecting critically on their appropriateness in psychological research and practice.

More information

PY0777 -

Workplace Well-being (20 Credits)

You will learn about the field of workplace well-being from both a theoretical/academic and applied perspective. The module focuses upon the role and impact of modern workplaces and working practices on employee health and well-being and the evidence base for creating good working environments that facilitate health and well-being. Topics covered include occupational stress, burnout, workplace bullying and interventions to promote well-being at work. You will develop a broad perspective on employee health and well-being that takes account of a range of factors including psychological and social factors that impact employee well-being. The combined academic and practical focus will enhance your capability to apply an evidence-based approach to issues relating to well-being at work.

More information

PY0778 -

Learning and Development in Organisations (20 Credits)

This module will introduce the psychological theory and empirical evidence behind the learning and career development of individuals in a work context. You will learn and evaluate theories of career development, lifelong learning, occupational choice, training, employability, coaching and counselling. You will develop an appreciation of applied approaches taken by individuals and organisations to develop careers and compare them for their effectiveness. A broad organisational perspective will be taken to employee development which includes contemporary issues affecting careers. You will reflect critically upon the theoretical and empirical literature by applying this to real world scenarios, developing an appreciation of the psychological processes which can impact upon career.

More information

PY0779 -

The Organisation (20 Credits)

You will learn about the field of organisational psychology from both a theoretical/academic and applied perspective. The module adopts a widened organisational perspective and considers topics such as organisational culture, organisational change and development, leadership and team working. You will learn to develop a critical approach to theories and models and to identify the practical, professional and ethical issues inherent in undertaking research and practice in the area of occupational and organisational psychology.

More information

PY0776 -

MSc Thesis (Core,60 Credits)

In this module, you will be able to independently conceptualise, plan and undertake a novel piece of research that contributes to psychological knowledge and understanding. You will critically evaluate current theories and evidence to generate your own research question. You will use the relevant ethical guidelines to design a feasible project plan. You will develop your independent research skills during this module and identify points of collaboration with supervisors, research staff and other potential stakeholders. You will use a variety of relevant skills, techniques, and research methods to implement your study and finally, you will have the opportunity to disseminate your findings in written form.

More information

PY0780 -

Employee Selection and Assessment (20 Credits)

You will learn about how organisations select and assess employees in the workplace. As you examine the range of approaches that are adopted by organisations, you will be able to understand how they are utilised most effectively. Topics include: effective use of job analysis, the use of psychometric tests such as cognitive ability and personality tests, and the design and scoring of job interviews and assessment centres.

More information

PY0796 -

Organisational Psychology Consultancy Skills (20 Credits)

You will learn about how organisational consultancy is applied in the field of organisational psychology from both a theoretical/academic and applied perspectives. Topics covered will include approaches to consultancy, applied data analysis for organisational problems, and issues central to professional identity and employability. You will learn to develop a critical approach to theories and models and to identify the practical, professional and ethical issues inherent in undertaking research and practice in the area of organisational psychology.

More information

Modules

Module information is indicative and is reviewed annually therefore may be subject to change. Applicants will be informed if there are any changes.

JC7000 -

Academic Language Skills (ALS) for PG Psychology Students (Core – for International and EU students only,0 Credits)

Academic skills when studying away from your home country can differ due to cultural and language differences in teaching and assessment practices. This module is designed to support your transition in the use and practice of technical language and subject specific skills around assessments and teaching provision in your chosen subject. The overall aim of this module is to develop your abilities to read and study effectively for academic purposes; to develop your skills in analysing and using source material in seminars and academic writing and to develop your use and application of language and communications skills to a higher level.

The topics you will cover on the module include:

• Understanding assignment briefs and exam questions.
• Developing academic writing skills, including citation, paraphrasing, and summarising.
• Practising ‘critical reading’ and ‘critical writing’
• Planning and structuring academic assignments (e.g. essays, reports and presentations).
• Avoiding academic misconduct and gaining credit by using academic sources and referencing effectively.
• Listening skills for lectures.
• Speaking in seminar presentations.
• Presenting your ideas
• Giving discipline-related academic presentations, experiencing peer observation, and receiving formative feedback.
• Speed reading techniques.
• Developing self-reflection skills.
• Discussing ethical issues in research, and analysing results.
• Describing bias and limitations of research.

More information

PY0774 -

Qualitative and Quantitative Methods (20 Credits)

The module is designed to give you a theoretical and practical knowledge of common and more advanced quantitative and qualitative methods of collecting and analysing data in psychology. A range of methods will be studied, and relevant hardware and software will be used in exercises. The communication of findings according to the most recent conventions and with due regard to the audience will be addressed. The approach is to provide a theoretical background for each technique, so that you are not simply capable of carrying out and reporting analyses, but also capable of reflecting critically on their appropriateness in psychological research and practice.

More information

PY0777 -

Workplace Well-being (20 Credits)

You will learn about the field of workplace well-being from both a theoretical/academic and applied perspective. The module focuses upon the role and impact of modern workplaces and working practices on employee health and well-being and the evidence base for creating good working environments that facilitate health and well-being. Topics covered include occupational stress, burnout, workplace bullying and interventions to promote well-being at work. You will develop a broad perspective on employee health and well-being that takes account of a range of factors including psychological and social factors that impact employee well-being. The combined academic and practical focus will enhance your capability to apply an evidence-based approach to issues relating to well-being at work.

More information

PY0778 -

Learning and Development in Organisations (20 Credits)

This module will introduce the psychological theory and empirical evidence behind the learning and career development of individuals in a work context. You will learn and evaluate theories of career development, lifelong learning, occupational choice, training, employability, coaching and counselling. You will develop an appreciation of applied approaches taken by individuals and organisations to develop careers and compare them for their effectiveness. A broad organisational perspective will be taken to employee development which includes contemporary issues affecting careers. You will reflect critically upon the theoretical and empirical literature by applying this to real world scenarios, developing an appreciation of the psychological processes which can impact upon career.

More information

PY0779 -

The Organisation (20 Credits)

You will learn about the field of organisational psychology from both a theoretical/academic and applied perspective. The module adopts a widened organisational perspective and considers topics such as organisational culture, organisational change and development, leadership and team working. You will learn to develop a critical approach to theories and models and to identify the practical, professional and ethical issues inherent in undertaking research and practice in the area of occupational and organisational psychology.

More information

PY0776 -

MSc Thesis (Core,60 Credits)

In this module, you will be able to independently conceptualise, plan and undertake a novel piece of research that contributes to psychological knowledge and understanding. You will critically evaluate current theories and evidence to generate your own research question. You will use the relevant ethical guidelines to design a feasible project plan. You will develop your independent research skills during this module and identify points of collaboration with supervisors, research staff and other potential stakeholders. You will use a variety of relevant skills, techniques, and research methods to implement your study and finally, you will have the opportunity to disseminate your findings in written form.

More information

PY0780 -

Employee Selection and Assessment (20 Credits)

You will learn about how organisations select and assess employees in the workplace. As you examine the range of approaches that are adopted by organisations, you will be able to understand how they are utilised most effectively. Topics include: effective use of job analysis, the use of psychometric tests such as cognitive ability and personality tests, and the design and scoring of job interviews and assessment centres.

More information

PY0796 -

Organisational Psychology Consultancy Skills (20 Credits)

You will learn about how organisational consultancy is applied in the field of organisational psychology from both a theoretical/academic and applied perspectives. Topics covered will include approaches to consultancy, applied data analysis for organisational problems, and issues central to professional identity and employability. You will learn to develop a critical approach to theories and models and to identify the practical, professional and ethical issues inherent in undertaking research and practice in the area of organisational psychology.

More information

Study Options

The following alternative study options are available for this course:

Any Questions?

Our Applicant Services team will be happy to help.  They can be contacted on 0191 406 0901 or by using our Contact Form.

 

All information is accurate at the time of sharing. 

Full time Courses are primarily delivered via on-campus face to face learning but could include elements of online learning. Most courses run as planned and as promoted on our website and via our marketing materials, but if there are any substantial changes (as determined by the Competition and Markets Authority) to a course or there is the potential that course may be withdrawn, we will notify all affected applicants as soon as possible with advice and guidance regarding their options. It is also important to be aware that optional modules listed on course pages may be subject to change depending on uptake numbers each year.  

Contact time is subject to increase or decrease in line with possible restrictions imposed by the government or the University in the interest of maintaining the health and safety and wellbeing of students, staff, and visitors if this is deemed necessary in future.

 

Accessibility and Student Inclusion

Northumbria University is committed to developing an inclusive, diverse and accessible campus and wider University community and are determined to ensure that opportunities we provide are open to all.

We are proud to work in partnership with AccessAble to provide Detailed Access Guides to our buildings and facilities across our City, Coach Lane and London Campuses. A Detailed Access Guide lets you know what access will be like when you visit somewhere. It looks at the route you will use getting in and what is available inside. All guides have Accessibility Symbols that give you a quick overview of what is available, and photographs to show you what to expect. The guides are produced by trained surveyors who visit our campuses annually to ensure you have trusted and accurate information.

You can use Northumbria’s AccessAble Guides anytime to check the accessibility of a building or facility and to plan your routes and journeys. Search by location, building or accessibility feature to find the information you need. 

We are dedicated to helping students who may require additional support during their student journey and offer 1-1 advice and guidance appropriate to individual requirements. If you feel you may need additional support you can find out more about what we offer here where you can also contact us with any questions you may have:

Accessibility support

Student Inclusion support

If you’d like to receive the latest updates from Northumbria about our courses, events, finance & funding then enter your details below.

* At Northumbria we are strongly committed to protecting the privacy of personal data. To view the University’s Privacy Notice please click here

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