MSc Occupational Psychology

Course information

1 year full-time

Course overview

Goldsmiths' operating principles for 2022-23 have not yet been finalised but should changes be required to teaching in response to the Covid-19 pandemic, we will publish these as early as possible for prospective students wishing to start their programme in September 2022.

Shape the future of work by training as an Occupational Psychologist in the Institute of Management Studies (IMS). Gain the scientific knowledge, practical skills, and professional network to challenge the status quo and offer innovative workplace solutions.

This course is accredited by the British Psychological Society.

Occupational Psychologists specialise in human behaviour at work, understanding how people act and interact as individuals, in teams, and in organisations. The field brings together academics and professionals who use science and research to help improve the world of work, and answer questions like:

Who would be best for a given job?
How can companies use Artificial Intelligence to help select the best job candidates, or manage their employees?
How should companies manage, promote, and pay their people?
What is a healthy workplace?
Where do people perform at their best?
What is good leadership?
How can we spot problematic leaders?
How do we coach people to improve their work-life and performance?

You will benefit from our more than 25 years of experience in shaping the next generation of occupational psychologists, our vast alumni network, and our industry connections. This programme is accredited by the British Psychological Society(BPS) and their Division of Occupational Psychology (DOP).

You will study in the Institute of Management Studies (IMS), a vibrant environment for the study of people, behaviour, and change. The institute brings together academics in occupational psychology, economics, marketing, consumer psychology, and entrepreneurship.

Professional certifications

You will also have the opportunity to obtain a number of BPS certificates. These are provided for free so you can hit the ground running as a practising occupational psychologist when you graduate. Training is delivered in the summer by a leading occupational psychology consultancy. You will obtain BPS certificates in “Test User: Occupational, Ability” and “Test User: Occupational, Personality”. These qualifications recognize you as an expert in the administration, scoring, and interpretation of ability tests and personality questionnaires. The training is useful for those who wish to learn about or work with psychometric tests.

Our Specialisms

Our program is taught by a group of academic practitioners with specialisms in computational psychometrics and organisational wellbeing.

Computational psychometrics combines psychological theory with machine learning and artificial intelligence methodologies to measure individual differences in personal attributes like personality and cognitive ability. Applied computational psychometrics is often used in Human Resources technology, for example, video-based assessments or AI-based video interviewing.

Organisational wellbeing uses psychology to improving the performance and health of people in a broad range of work environments. For example, Contextual Behavioural Science theories, and interventions such as acceptance and commitment therapy are used to predict and enhance wellbeing and performance. Health and wellbeing can also be studied in social entities like organisations by looking at interpersonal and structural antecedents of wellbeing, and how they affect specific groups.

Shape the future of work

This program is designed to introduce you to the core elements of occupational psychology. It will equip you to work in research and applied settings to help shape the future of work. Whether you are looking to be self-employed, in-house, or a consultant in HR, tech, coaching, development, academia, or other sectors, you will gain the skills and knowledge to study and influence human behaviour.

Learn about core topics in occupational psychology including coaching, talent management, individual differences, and leadership.
Expand your statistical analysis skills and learn how to analyse human behaviour. Our programme is suitable for those with and without prior statistics training.
Conduct your own research project to answer questions about people and behaviour at work.
Connect to practitioners in London, the UK and the world to learn how they are applying research in their practice, get inspired about career options, and build your network.

We equip you with a theoretical and empirical knowledge base that you start applying to real-world scenarios during your degree. So you can start practising as an occupational psychologist straight away.

Contact the department

If you have specific questions about the degree, contact Dr Franziska Kiki Leutner.

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 The module aims to provide an introduction to individual and organisational health and the ways in which organisational environments can be designed to facilitate this. The module begins with a discussion of the antecedents of individual and organisational health and wellbeing, and also discusses the likely symptoms of when health and wellbeing are poorly managed by organisations. The ways in which this process can be mitigated is then discussed in light of the impact of individual differences as well as the impact of health and safety management systems. After this, the module broadens out to discuss the organisational context for health, wellbeing and performance in more detail through the design of work, organisational structure and culture, and planned change for improving organisational effectiveness.	15 credits
Training, Coaching and Counselling Training, Coaching and Counselling 15 credits The module aims to provide an introduction to the ways in which individuals learn and develop within organisations. The module begins with a discussion of how people learn, training design and delivery and the organisational context in which all of this occurs. Following this, a specific application of training, namely Stress Management Training (SMT), is explored in detail. Next, training is contrasted with a contemporary form of development activity known as coaching. Finally, these different forms of development are discussed within the context people’s careers, and the ways in which career counselling can be used to help people navigate their professional lives are examined.	15 credits
Leadership and Talent Management Leadership and Talent Management 15 credits This module is designed to provide students with a thorough understanding of leadership and talent in organisations. Moreover, students will learn about methods for assessing leadership potential and talent, along with approaches to enhancing leadership ability and talent. The module will also cover use of technology in leadership development and talent management. By using case material and practical examples, students are introduced to the importance of theory and research-based practice in these fields.	15 credits
Assessment and Selection Assessment and Selection 15 credits The objective of this module is to provide an introductory overview to the theory and practice of personnel assessment and selection. A guiding principle of the module will be the scientist-practitioner perspective, with particular emphasis on the value of scientific, theory-driven research for understanding and addressing pragmatic problems. This module provides the knowledge requirement for the DOP core curriculum domain of ‘Psychological Assessment at Work’.	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
Research Project Research Project 60 credits The research project constitutes a major part of your final mark (60 credits) and requires you to execute and document an original research investigation. The research focus can be on any area of your degree programme, can use a number of different research methodologies, and can employ a specific population (e.g., salespersons), a general working sample, or pre-existing/archival data. The research is conducted under the guidance of an academic supervisor and it allows you to make an original intellectual contribution to your discipline. The student is required to conceptualise, plan, and execute the research, and after this to write it up into a journal-style report. If you intend to conduct a field study (i.e., in an organisation) it is a good idea to start thinking about your research project early, as gaining access to an organisation can be a time-consuming process. Although the research project is a challenging part of the module, many students find they benefit greatly from the experience. By the submission deadline, you will not only have developed your skills as a researcher but also gained experience applying theory and research to areas of concern in your discipline. Furthermore, it is not unusual for high-quality MSc research projects to be subsequently presented at conferences, and/or published in academic journals. Unless otherwise agreed, the research project supervisor will share authorship, with the student, on any publications and conference presentations arising from the research project.	60 credits

Option Modules

You will also choose one 15 credit option module from a list made available by the Institute of Management Studies, including in the areas of innovation, marketing, consumer psychology, entrepreneurship, and economics. We will provide you with a list of modules to chose from prior to the beginning of term.

Occupational Test User Training

(Formerly known as Level A and B training)

During your degree, 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. 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.

For 2021-22 and 2020–21, we have made some changes to how the teaching and assessment of certain programmes are delivered. To check what changes affect this programme, please visit the programme changes page.

What our students say

Eng Hoong Thio

The course covers a wide range of topics with many speakers from different companies.

Hoong's time at Goldsmiths

The course covers a wide range of topics with many speakers from different companies, such as HireVue, CAIA, Hogan Assessments and The Chemistry Group, coming in to speak to us, which is an opportunity to know more about what we can do after graduating, and build networks.

Advice for future students

I think one very important point is to know what you want to study. If you are unsure, talk to people who have done it before. If I remember correctly, you can speak to student ambassadors using the Goldsmiths website, so you can try that first!

Hoong's favourite part of living in South East London

Lots of food options around and it is really close to central London.

Entry requirements

You should have an undergraduate degree in Psychology, or in a relevant subject (not necessarily Psychology), of at least upper second class standard. Relevant work experience will be an advantage.

Important information about career routes in occupational psychology

For those applicants who have a BSc or a BA in Psychology from a university that is accredited by the British Psychological Society (BPS) (This is also known as having Graduate Basis for Chartership; GBC), the Goldsmiths’ MSc Occupational Psychology (if successfully completed) will allow you to progress to BPS Stage two training, and eventually attain professional chartership in occupational psychology (if Stage two BPS requirements are met).

For those applicants who have a BSc or a BA in Psychology from a university that is not accredited by the BPS, you will not be eligible for the BPS Stage two training at present, but will nevertheless be welcome to join the Goldsmiths’ MSc Occupational Psychology. Importantly, it may be possible for you to gain BPS recognition for your non-accredited BA or BSc in Psychology.

For those applicants who are unable to gain BPS recognition for their BSc or BA in Psychology, and those applicants who have a BSc or a BA in a discipline outside of psychology, you will not be eligible for the BPS Stage two training at present, but will nevertheless be welcome to join the Goldsmiths’ MSc Occupational Psychology. Applicants in this situation may consider completing a BPS accredited psychology postgraduate conversion course prior to undertaking the MSc Occupational Psychology. This will permit eventual progression to the BPS Stage two training, if the MSc Occupational Psychology is successfully attained.

International qualifications

We accept a wide range of international qualifications. Find out more about the qualifications we accept from around the world.

If English isn’t your first language, you will need an IELTS score (or equivalent English language qualification) of 6.5 with a 6.5 in writing and no element lower than 6.0 to study this programme. If you need assistance with your English language, we offer a range of courses that can help prepare you for postgraduate-level study.

Fees, funding & scholarships

Annual tuition fees

These are the fees for students starting their programme in the 2022/2023 academic year.

Home - full-time: £11200
International - full-time: £21160

If your fees are not listed here, please check our postgraduate fees guidance or contact the Fees Office, who can also advise you about how to pay your fees.

It’s not currently possible for international students to study part-time if you require a Student Visa, however this is currently being reviewed and will be confirmed in the new year. Please read our visa guidance in the interim for more information. If you think you might be eligible to study part-time while being on another visa type, please contact our Admissions Team for more information.

If you are looking to pay your fees please see our guide to making a payment.

Additional costs

In addition to your tuition fees, you'll be responsible for any additional costs associated with your course, such as buying stationery and paying for photocopying. You can find out more about what you need to budget for on our study costs page.

There may also be specific additional costs associated with your programme. This can include things like paying for field trips or specialist materials for your assignments. Please check the programme specification for more information.

Funding opportunities

Find out more about postgraduate fees and explore funding opportunities. If you're applying for funding, you may be subject to an application deadline.

How to apply

Apply now

You apply directly to Goldsmiths using our online application system.

Before submitting your application you'll need to have:

Details of your education history, including the dates of all exams/assessments
The email address of your referee who we can request a reference from, or alternatively an electronic copy of your academic reference
A personal statement – this can either be uploaded as a Word Document or PDF, or completed online

Please see our guidance on writing a postgraduate statement

If available, an electronic copy of your educational transcript (this is particularly important if you have studied outside of the UK, but isn’t mandatory)

You'll be able to save your progress at any point and return to your application by logging in using your username/email and password.

When to apply

We accept applications from October for students wanting to start the following September.

We encourage you to complete your application as early as possible, even if you haven't finished your current programme of study. It's very common to be offered a place conditional on you achieving a particular qualification.

If you're applying for external funding from one of the Research Councils, make sure you submit your application by the deadline they've specified.

Late applications will only be considered if there are spaces available.

Selection process

Selection is by personal application, references and interview.

Find out more about applying.

Staff

MSc in Occupational Psychology staff

Academic staff in the Department who will be contributing to this programme include:

Dr Franziska Kiki Leutner (Programme director)
Professor Frank Bond
Dr Nigel Guenole
Dr Jo Lloyd

Find out more about staff in the Institute of Management Studies.

Careers

Connect with the Industry

You will join our network of occupational psychologists through guest speakers, research projects, and internship/job opportunities. The Distinguished Speakers series is one of your compulsory modules and provides specialised talks by either academic or practising experts in various fields of business, enterprise, and occupational psychology.
The programme’s success is reflected in the excellent employment rates of our former MSc students in both the public and private sectors. Some students also go on to carry out PhD level study with us to become academic Occupational Psychologists.

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. Your dissertation can also be conducted in collaboration with an industry partner, for example using data from their employees.

You'll develop technical skills related to occupational psychology including:

Psychometric test development
Work re-design procedures
Training needs analysis

You’ll also develop general skills that will help you as a practising occupational psychologist as well as other areas:

Data analysis and statistics
Academic writing
Research design and conducting research

Through the Professional Skills Workshops, you will be able to interact closely with experts from the world's leading organisations in occupational psychology. You will see a range of career options and have the opportunity to network with a wide range of practitioners.

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 Occupational Psychology from the British Psychological Society.

Find out more about employability at Goldsmiths.

Where your degree can take you

Our alumni work in a range of industries and roles. Our top destination role for graduates over the last two years has been HR and Talent Management (38%), followed by Consultant (18%) and Lecturer or Teacher (6%).

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