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 |
|
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. 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.