MSc in Occupational Psychology

Aims of the Course

The principle aim of our courses is to equip students with a sound knowledge and understanding of a broad range of topics in occupational psychology.

This knowledge includes not only the appreciation of theory and fact, but also an awareness of the strengths and limitations of research evidence. In addition to this, the methodologies used by occupational psychologists to gather and interpret evidence are covered. A particular aim of each course is to make learning available to those who are unable to pursue more conventional, campus-based higher education.

• The MSc in Occupational Psychology is accredited by the British Psychological Society.
• The course aims to equip psychology graduates with the necessary knowledge base to move onto the route for becoming a Chartered Occupational Psychologist.
• The modules studied assume a basic grounding in psychology and its methodologies. The modules cover key fields in detail and explore the utilisation of research in the world of work.
• Our courses engage with issues of practice. This engagement can be seen in the practical application issues addressed in each module area, the development of students’ research skills and the inclusion of case-based assessment.

Course Modules

Module 1 - Research Methods

A brief introduction to the course is followed by a description of the research methods used in occupational research.

• Unit 1: Introduction to psychology
• Unit 2: Introduction to occupational psychology
• Unit 3: Ethics in research and practice
• Unit 4: The Research Design
• Unit 5: Introduction to statistics
• Unit 6: Survey methods
• Unit 7: Interpreting statistics
• Unit 8: Advanced statistics
• Unit 9: Qualitative research methods
• Unit 10: The literature review

Module 2 - Personnel Selection and Assessment

This module describes the ways in which psychologists’ work has contributed to the selection of people for jobs.

• Unit 1: Introduction to personnel selection
• Unit 2: The reliability and validity of selection methods
• Unit 3: Job analysis and personnel specification
• Unit 4: The interview, its strengths and weaknesses
• Unit 5: Psychometrics, personnel selection and assessment
• Unit 6: Tests of ability
• Unit 7: Other types of assessment methods
• Unit 8: Professional aspects of test use
• Unit 9: Advanced application unit (personality assessment)

Module 3 - Ergonomics

This module will explore design of information, equipment, workspaces and physical work environments to take into account human characteristics.

• Unit 1.  Introduction to ergonomics
• Unit 2.  Displays: designing information for usability
• Unit 3.  Human-technology interfaces and their enhancement
• Unit 4.  Workspace design
• Unit 5.  Optimising task design and allocation
• Unit 6.  Working conditions
• Unit 7.  Social aspects of ergonomics
• Unit 8.  Human error
• Unit 9.  Advanced application unit (automation)

Module 4 - The Psychology of Organising

The relationships between individuals and patterns of organising will be covered in this module.

• Unit 1: Behavioural Change and Modification
• Unit 2: Motivation Theories
• Unit 3: Employee Relations and Psychological Contracts
• Unit 4: Attribution Theory
• Unit 5: Group Working
• Unit 6: Leadership
• Unit 7: Organisational Change
• Unit 8: Organisational Development

Module 5 - Psychology of Occupational Training and Learning

The ways in which psychology research has studied the training process and the application of these findings will be covered in this module.

• Unit 1: Introductory unit
• Unit 2: Learning and training
• Unit 3: Task analysis
• Unit 4: Enabling effective learning
• Unit 5: Matching training media to learning needs
• Unit 6: Aspects of the learner
• Unit 7: Evaluation
• Unit 8: Developing the individual’s potential
• Unit 9: Advanced application unit (simulation)

Module 6 - The Individual at Work

The impact of work on the individual and the ways in which people cope with change in their working lives forms the content of this module.

• Unit 1: The Nature of Contemporary Jobs
• Unit 2: Diversity in the Workplace
• Unit 3: Careers
• Unit 4: Performance Appraisal, Performance Management and Individual Effectiveness
• Unit 5: Life-Work Balance
• Unit 6: Stress in Organisations
• Unit 7: Organisational Interventions (e.g. workplace counselling and job re-design)

Dissertation

An empirical dissertation is a requirement for the MSc. This is a portfolio of three components: a research paper, and executive summary and a reflective review.   BPS Recognition and Chartered Status The main professional body for occupational psychologists in the UK is the British Psychological Society (BPS) Division of Occupational Psychology. Full (Practitioner) Membership of the Division can confer the status of Chartered Occupational Psychologist. 

This is a three-stage process:

1. A first degree that confers the Graduate Basis for Registration (GBR) of the BPS (which you need in order to be accepted onto this course)
2. An appropriate accredited MSc in Occupational Psychology (as provided by this accrediated MSc course)
3. At least two years’ supervised experience of applying occupational psycholgy in organisations (gained after obtaining GBR)

Further information can be obtained directly from the BPS Helpdesk:

The British Psychological Society
St Andrews House
48 Princess Road East
Leicester LE1 7DR
Tel: 0116 254 9568
Also see: Becoming an Occupational Psychologist - A Guide

Admission Criteria

Please refer to the Course Brochure for further details. In summary, to qualify for entry onto the MSc courses, you must have the following educational qualifications and experience.

• Either a First or 2:1 degree, or a 2:2 degree with another postgraduate qualification or extensive professional experience.
• A degree in psychology that is recognised by the British Psychological Society (BPS) as giving the Graduate Basis for Registration. If you are unsure about the status of your degree you should check with the British Psychological Society.
• An application must demonstrate that an individual has reflected on and gained insights into the relevance of psychology in the workplace from their own professional experience in organisations.
• Two references are required at least one of which should be from an academic institution if at all possible. One of the nominated referees must be in a position to comment, preferably from experience, on academic ability and potential with regard to distance learning. Details of the type and format of the references required can be found in the Course Brochure. In some cases, applicants may also have a telephone interview.
• Applicants whose first language is not English are required to provide evidence of a minimum standard of English language ability. Details of the evidence required can be found in the Course Brochure.

Further Information

If you just require a information pack for the course please complete this form.

Note:
For October 2012 applications the deadline is 17th August 2012.

If you have any queries please contact Course Secretary:

Address: Course Secretary, Occupational Psychology, School of Psychology, University of Leicester, 106 New Walk, Leicester, LE1 7EA, United Kingdom
Tel: 0116 223 1486
Fax: 0116 223 1325
Email: occenquiries@le.ac.uk