MSc Psychology of Work

MSc/Diploma in Psychology of Work

Aims of the Course

The principle aim of the course is to equip students with a sound knowledge and understanding of a broad range of topics in occupational psychology. This knowledge includes the appreciation of theory and current quality research. But a particular feature of the course is its emphasis on helping students to see how this knowledge can be applied to the workplace. In addition to this, the course looks at the methodologies used by practicing occupational psychologists when they are analysing and tackling problems in organisations. Students will learn how to interpret situations and identify those to which psychological expertise can be of benefit to an organisation and its employees.

Each module introduces the core psychological theories and methodologies that are applied in the module and covers the key topics in detail, illustrated with the latest research and examples of practical intervention.

Every aspect of the course engages with issues of practice. Assessment is through a series of assignments that challenge students to link theory and research to practical intervention. This gives the course a strong applied focus that allows its graduates to see the potential for using psychology - either as practitioners themselves, or when engaging the services of consultants.

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.

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

Students will also complete a dissertation on an organisational issue of their choice. This can involve carrying out applied empirical research (usually within an organisation) or completing a literature review, or the design of a research study.

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:

• For the MSc in Psychology of Work: either a First or 2:1 degree, or a 2:2 degree with another postgraduate qualification or extensive professional experience. For the Diploma in Psychology of Work course, applicants must have some form of educational qualification, equivalent to graduate level studies, which whilst not equivalent to a full bachelor’s degree, still indicates their academic proficiency.

• 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.

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

Note:
For October 2013 applications the deadline is Friday 16^th August 2013.

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 252 3994
Email: occenquiries@le.ac.uk