MSc/Postgraduate Diploma/Postgraduate Certificate Occupational Psychology

Content

The course covers the core areas of the BPS curriculum in Occupational Psychology. The core modules are:

• Leadership, Engagement and Motivation – This module examines theories of work motivation, engagement and satisfaction, and how they relate to engagement and performance at work. We also study issues around leadership, and what makes a successful leader within organisations.
• Learning, Training and Development – How do individuals learn and develop skills and competencies in the context of work and organisations? We focus on the effectiveness of work-based training, understanding development at work and training needs.
• Wellbeing and Work – Here we integrate links between work and individual and organisational wellbeing, focusing on issues such as stress and burnout, how to promote wellbeing at work, and the individual and organisational factors that come into play.
• Psychological Assessment at Work – This module focuses on an understanding of theory and practice in applying psychological assessment techniques in the workplace. These can be used in assessment centres for selection, or to identify talent or develop skills within organisations.
• Work Design, Organisational Change and Organisational Development – Here we take a closer look at the design of working environments and how organisations change and develop. We widen the perspective in occupational psychology to take into account the impact of globalisation.
• Applying Psychology to Work and Organisations – This module allows you to reflect on the skills and competencies you’ve learnt throughout the course and those obtained from 50 hours of work based learning. The module focuses on evidence-based practice and specific tools and techniques for gathering, analysing and feeding back data in organisational contexts. You will need to be prepared to organise your own work based learning experiences, with the support of a supervisor.
• Dissertation in Psychology for the MSc route – This module gives students the opportunity to conduct a large-scale, in-depth research project into a psychological issue of organisational or business relevance.
• Conducting and Evaluating Psychological Research – Here you learn and develop the key skills in understanding, evaluating and conducting psychological research that generates quantitative and qualitative data. This supports your dissertation, but also your understanding of the science behind psychology in organisations.

The University continually enhances our offer by responding to feedback from our students and other stakeholders, ensuring the curriculum is kept up to date and our graduates are equipped with the knowledge and skills they need for the real world. This may result in changes to the course. If changes to your course are approved we will inform you.

Study time

One year full-time, two years part-time. This course is flexible and uses a variety of learning methods, with most materials being presented online and using online learning resources and support. The full-time course will have approximately seven one-day workshops in semester one and eight one-day workshops in semester two, so around 15 workshops in total throughout the year, where you will come to UWE Bristol to discuss your learning, develop your skills and competencies and connect with other students and staff. In addition, there will be exams periods to attend, as well as a one day induction. Additional optional sessions will be available, such as a research methods refresher, writing skills workshop, and stage 2 review.

Careers

Careers / Further study

The MSc Occupational Psychology is accredited by the British Psychological Society (BPS) as Stage-1 training in Occupational Psychology, the first step in training to become a Practitioner Occupational Psychologist. The BPS criteria takes into account the applicability of knowledge and skills, and graduate employability, which are key strengths for UWE Bristol.

After completing the MSc you will need to complete Stage-2 training to become a Practitioner Occupational Psychologist. Visit the Division of Occupational Psychology to find out more about this.

To be eligible for Stage-1 training in Occupational Psychology you must have Graduate Basis for Chartership (GBC) status. Please contact the BPS or HCPC for further guidance.

Our award-winning careers service helps you develop your employment potential through career coaching, a vacancy service for internships, placements, jobs, global opportunities, volunteering and community activity plus support for entrepreneurial activity, and access to employer events.

Part Time Course fee:

Offshore Module Fee (15 Credit): 1208

Entry