PMOCCPSM - MSc Occupational Psychology

The course is structured around the eight core areas of Occupational Psychology, research methods and a dissertation as set out by the BPS, with an additional module for consultancy skills. This course enjoys an excellent reputation for offering consistently high employability year-on-year. This is due to a number of factors: clear focus on development of consultancy skills, a practitioner focus, experience of working on client based assignments and development of academic knowledge We believe that an evidence based approach, which provides students with a solid and up-to-date psychological knowledge base, is essential for future employment in the profession. This is often what marks out an occupational psychologist from a HRM specialist or management consultant. We take pride in constantly updating our course, by using recent case studies, research findings and models, aiming to stay one step ahead of the major trends in the profession.

The overall aim of the course is to provide students, who are eligible for Graduate Basis for Chartership (GBC) with the British Psychological Society (BPS), with the requisite underpinning knowledge to gain exemption from Stage 1 of the BPS Qualification in Occupational Psychology (QOccPsych). In addition, the course will develop professional skills contributing to chartered status (Stage 2) which leads to registration with the Health Professionals Council (HPC). Graduates from the course will be able to apply psychological knowledge to the understanding of and solution to problems associated with people and work. This will be achieved through the integration of a range of theory and research and its critical application within work and organisational contexts

The course has the following aims:

1. To provide students with an up-to-date and advanced training in Occupational Psychology theory, research, methods and techniques

2. To enable students to acquire advanced training and expertise in the design, analysis, evaluation and presentation of research in psychology;

4. To enable students to develop knowledge and skills applicable to the practice of Occupational Psychology within a variety of contexts

1. Knowledge and understanding

1. Evaluate published research and apply the knowledge to organisational contexts

2. Conduct applied research and be able to diagnose, design and evaluate interventions.

3. Produce written reports and make oral presentations to a professional standard.

4. Be able to follow and implement the consultancy cycle

5. Reflect on individual and team performance as a basis for personal development.

2. Cognitive/intellectual skills

By the end of the course the student is expected to develop higher order skills that are reflected in the student’s ability to:

1. Conduct independent and scholarly research and use current psychological theory to critically analyse and evaluate issues and problems related to work and its organisation within the scientist-practitioner model

2. Develop and apply acceptable solutions in organisations by application of analytical skills and synthesis of psychological theory and established practice.

3. Develop self-learning strategies and independent practice.

4. Develop interpersonal skills and client relationship strategies when working with individuals and groups at all organisational levels

3. Transferable skills including those of employability and professional practice

On completion of the course students will be able to:

1. Take responsibility for your own learning and continuing professional development.
   
2. Use interpersonal and teamwork skills to enhance subject knowledge, understanding, and problem solving (identify individual and collective goals and responsibilities; use negotiating skills; evaluate performance as an individual and team member; appreciate the interdisciplinary/multidisciplinary nature of the subject area).
   
3. Use self-management and professional development skills to enhance knowledge of occupational psychology, understanding, and problem solving (skills involved include working independently; communication, effective time management and organisation skills; identifying, working towards and achieving client and PDP targets; and developing an adaptable, flexible and effective approach to study and work).

4. Subject-specific practical skills

By the end of the programme, students will have the ability to:

1. Demonstrate knowledge and have acquired a through and critical understanding of Occupational Psychology theories, findings, techniques, methodology and methods.

2. Administer, interpret and provide feedback on psychometric assessments to BPS certification standards.

3. Continue their professional development to achieve chartered status and develop life-long learning within a framework of continuing professional development (CPD).

4. Effectively present complex ideas and solutions to clients

- Conduct independent and scholarly research and use current psychological theory to critically analyse and evaluate issues and problems related to work and its organisation within the scientist-practitioner model :

PY7P28 and PY7168

- Develop and effect and acceptable solutions by application of analytical skills and synthesis of psychological theory and established practice:

All modules

- Develop self-learning strategies and independent practice:

PY7P28

- Develop interpersonal skills and client relationship strategies when working with individuals and groups at all organisational levels:

All modules and fully displayed in PY7P28

- Demonstrate knowledge and have acquired a through and critical understanding of Occupational Psychology theories, findings, methodology and methods:

All modules

- Administer, interpret and provide feedback on psychometric assessments to BPS certification standards :

PY7167 and PY7166

- Continue their professional development to achieve chartered status and develop life-long learning within a framework of continuing professional development (CPD):

PY7166

- Effectively present complex ideas and solutions to clients:

PY7166

- Evaluate published research and apply the knowledge to organisational contexts:

All modules

- Conduct applied research and be able to diagnose, design and evaluate interventions:

All modules and PY7P28 integrates the learning from the subject specific modules

- Produce written reports and make oral presentations to a professional standard:

All modules and this is the focus of PY7166

- Be able to follow and implement the consultancy cycle :

PY70168, PY7166, PY7P28

- Reflect on individual and team performance as a basis for personal development:

PY7166 and PY7168

The assessment strategy is aimed at supporting and developing the scientist-practitioner philosophy underlying the course and supports the learning outcomes and teaching strategy. This is achieved with the assessment examining both the development of knowledge and the application of this knowledge to client problems. The course has a wide variety of assessment methods and students are assessed via essays, exams, individual and group research projects, presentations and a final dissertation. Assignments are based on real-life situations and require submission of client reports and a focused literature review associated with this client report. This enables students to develop evidence-based practice throughout the course.

The course has links with various employers and European universities (currently Sweden and Italy) which often arrange work placements or practical experience for students.

No specific course requirements apply to this course. It conforms to University Scheme and University Academic Regulations.

MSc Occupational Psychology is accredited by the British Psychological Society (BPS) as fulfilling the requirements for Stage One of Qualified status which can lead to registration as an Occupational Psychologist with the Health Care Professions Council (HCPC).

The course leads to careers as an Occupational (see below) or Business Psychologist, and careers in areas such as consultancy, HR & Business.

The route to qualify as a Chartered Occupational Psychologist involves having a first degree in Psychology, then a Master’s degree such as ours, followed by intensive assessed practical training of a minimum 2 years under the supervision of an existing Chartered Occupational Psychologist. We offer support in this post MSc process and the option of a Professional Doctorate in Occupational Psychology.

Any unqualified or unregulated individual can offer career guidance services under the title of 'work', 'organisational', 'career' or 'business' psychologist. However, the title 'Occupational Psychologist' is protected in law and only those who have reached the qualification threshold for registration with the HCPC, and hold current HCPC Registration are allowed to use it and offer Occupational Psychology services to the public.

Successful applicants will be required to have:

• A degree that confers Graduate Basis of Chartership (GBC) with the BPS, ideally with a 2:1 or above, although we will consider a 2:2 award in some cases.
• Some work experience relevant to the course.

All applicants must be able to demonstrate proficiency in the English language. Applicants who require a Tier 4 student visa may need to provide a Secure English Language Test (SELT) such as Academic IELTS. For more information about English qualifications please see our English language requirements.

If you do not meet the Graduate Basis of Chartership with BPS requirement you may wish to apply for the MSc Business Psychology (- Link to msc business psychology page)

Application process

The first stage of the application process is completion of the application form.

At the second stage, you may be invited to attend interview, meet our teaching staff and gain greater understanding of our course. In addition, from time to time we host open days where we invite you to meet our current group. Finally, on request, we can offer taster sessions allowing you to sit in on a single workshop to gain a real experience of what our course can offer.