Occupational Psychology MSc
- Level(s) of Study: Postgraduate taught / Professional
- Start Date(s): September 2024
- Duration: One year full-time / two years part-time
- Study Mode(s): Full-time / Part-time
- Campus: City Campus
- Entry Requirements: More information
Introduction:
What motivates us to perform at work, and how might we inspire others to do the same? What makes a good leader? And why do many common employee wellbeing strategies fail to deliver lasting results? These are just some of the critical questions we tackle in Occupational Psychology.
This course is all about psychology at work: understanding human behaviour in workplace settings and developing both your knowledge and your ability to apply it to different contexts. You’ll explore key topics such as leadership, motivation, training and development, wellbeing, and psychological assessment to understand the complexities of people, performance, and organisations. You’ll also learn how research and data can give us important insights into these and other areas, to enhance our decision-making.
The MSc Occupational Psychology at NTU has applications across a diverse range of industries and roles: anywhere that people and performance are important. The course is targeted at high-calibre psychology graduates either aspiring towards a career in Occupational Psychology, or aiming to further develop their psychological skills to influence and improve the workplace for people and organisations.
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Get involved in interactive seminars designed to involve you in group discussions and activities with your peers. -
You’ll learn about translating and applying theory and research from academic journals and developing targeted, practical solutions for real-world applications. -
With 3 set days in university each week (2 for part-time students), balance your studies around your other commitments such as part-time work. -
We place a great deal of importance on creating a positive, supportive environment and you’ll benefit from excellent support from our academic team to enhance your learning.
What you’ll study
In addition to focusing on people and organisations, leadership and motivation, and wellbeing at work, we’ll also look at the role of psychological assessments, and how research in organisations can help us to understand and address practical problems in the workplace.
As an NTU Psychology student, you’ll get to undertake an independent research project where you’ll demonstrate the skills you’ve learned with us, which includes devising, conducting, analysing and presenting an empirical research study at postgraduate level.
In Term One you’ll be studying three 20 credit modules:
Understanding Organisations: Work Design, Organisational Change and Development
This module forms a background for many of the other modules in that it considers the organisation in its widest context including internationalisation and globalisation. Topics covered on the module include:
- Organisational structures and systems design, culture and climate, including globalisation and international perspectives
- Models and methods of organisational and individual change and development
- Work environments and job design
- The psychology of people and technology human factors and ergonomics
- Workplace safety, risk management and error
- Organisational effectiveness, productivity, performance and communications: the wider context for occupational psychology
Research in Organisations
As an evidence-based discipline rooted in scientific research and methodology, the module considers a range of methodologies used to collect, analyse and report data. You will build on your learning at undergraduate level to be able to use a range of techniques and research methods to address practical problems in organisations. Relevant topics include:
- Project management and the consultancy cycle
- Advanced quantitative design and methods including experiment approaches and correlational designs
- Selection and design of appropriate measures (including observational / interview methodologies)
- Understanding the potential use of “big data” sets
- Evaluating strategies and applying an evidence-based approach to understanding and solving practical problems in organisations
Organisational Practice: Leadership, Engagement & Motivation
This module examines theories of work motivation, and their relationship with approaches to performance appraisal and performance management and will look at the merits of different concepts of leadership, power and influence and their impact on employee engagement, commitment and perceptions of fairness. Relevant topics include:
- Motivation, goal setting and cognition: theory and application
- Leadership: Theories, style, influence and measurement
- Engagement, commitment, values and organisational citizenship
- The Psychological contract and perceptions of justice
- Power, influence and negotiation in organisations
- Psychological climate and the psychology of groups, teams and teamwork, intra and inter group processes
In Term Two, you will study three more 20-credit modules and begin work on your own independent research project. The three modules are:
Psychological Assessment at Work
You will be taking a critical look at the processes involved in getting the right people in the right job at the right time, what to do with them when you’ve got them there and how these processes interact with organisational effectiveness. You’ll be looking at different selection and assessment tools and models and the importance of fair selection in promoting diversity and equality in the workplace. Topics covered include:
- Methods of job analysis: capability and competency profiling
- Theories and models of assessment and selection, including issues of reliability, validity, performance criteria and utility
- Linking assessment from pre-selection stage though to subsequent activities in training, appraisal, promotion and organisational change and development
Learning, Training & Development
You’ll be working to develop a critical understanding of the ways in which individuals, groups and organisations learn, and how learning and development is a complex and dynamic process. You will study a range of perspectives and relevant topics covered which include:
- Learning theories, skill acquisition and self-development
- Overview of the training cycle – to include needs analysis, design, implementation and delivery, transfer of learning and evaluation
- Organisational, cultural and social factors in training and development
- Psychological theories of occupational choice and career development
- Individual and team coaching, counselling and mentoring
Work and Wellbeing
In this module you’ll be considering the role of work and employment on individual and organisational wellbeing. You’ll be looking at the part played by emotion and mental and physical health along with individual differences and diversity in establishing and maintaining organisational effectiveness and critically evaluate the psychological evidence base for relevant interventions and how these might be implemented and evaluated in practice. Relevant topics include:
- The employment lifecycle and its management, including unemployment, outplacement, retirement and post-paid work
- Traditional and new work patterns – including work-life balance
- Stress in the workplace causes and symptoms, assessment, prevention and management
- Bullying, harassment and conflict management in the workplace
- Promoting resilience and wellbeing
- Emotion in the workplace: recognising the importance and impact of affective responses
Independent Research Project
Term Three is given over entirely to your own independent research project where you’ll be supported by your research supervisor in demonstrating your knowledge and skill of the applied research process by developing your own research project to apply to a real-world work-related problem or issue.
Don’t just take our word for it, hear from our students themselves
Take a look at our Psychology Labs
How you’re taught
The MSc Occupational Psychology course starts in late September/early October. A dedicated induction day is provided for all students which introduces you to your course, to your teaching teams and to the university facilities.
The teaching terms run from late September to Christmas and then from January to Easter and the course is completed in one year of full-time study or two years, part-time, with your final piece of coursework, the independent research project, submitted in the summer. Part-time students will complete four modules in year one and two modules in year two, alongside the independent research project. The contact teaching for full-time students is delivered over three days per week, and for part-time students over two days per week.
The course will be delivered through a combination of lectures, interactive seminars, and independent study. You’ll also take part in group tutorials based on experiential learning strategies, where you’ll be asked to think about your developing professional identity, course material and independent study, your personal experiences of the course, and ethical issues. You'll also make full use of the facilities provided by the University's Virtual Learning Environment (VLE).
The strong blend of research and practical learning is reflected in the course team, which is drawn from professionals working in occupational and work-based settings and award-winning academics.
Study and support
You'll be assigned a personal tutor who will provide pastoral and academic support throughout your studies. A tutorial group will be held on a bi-weekly basis, where you'll be given the opportunity to reflect on practice and experiences on the course, and to provide a place for interaction and exchange with your fellow students.
As part of your independent research project, you will be paired with a supervisor from the course team who will support you through the process of developing your ideas, devising your research study, and beyond.
We also often host guest lectures to allow external guests to share their expertise with you. Previously, students have heard from a number of experienced researchers, Occupational Psychologists, and NTU alumni about their own work and careers, sharing insights and advice in making the right connections and navigating the next steps in your careers after graduating.
Assessment methods
During the course, you'll be assessed in a variety of ways including practical and research reports, assessed essays, portfolios, presentations, and a research project. There are also some formative (non-assessed) pieces of work that allow you to receive helpful feedback ahead of graded assessments.
An active research environment
Throughout the course you'll benefit from research-informed teaching. Among the Course team’s current research interests are:
- Determinants of workplace health and wellbeing
- Identifying and addressing psychosocial stressors at work
- Process evaluation of work-based interventions
- The work environment and organisational culture
- Job design and organisational climate
- Presenteeism
- Addiction to work
- Compassion fatigue
The course team
As part of a large and diverse Psychology department at NTU, the MSc Occupational Psychology Course team is made up of award-winning academic and practice experts and as such, can draw on the unusual combination of outstanding research and theoretical expertise and considerable practical and applied experience, including areas as diverse as occupational health psychology, work and well-being, ergonomics, process evaluation, consultancy and business psychology.
Careers and employability
Your future career
Occupational Psychologists aim to increase the effectiveness of organisations and improve the job satisfaction of individuals. By completing the course you will have completed the Stage 1 training required by the British Psychological Society to enable you to move on as a Practitioner-in-Training and Stage 2 for those who wish to pursue the Society’s Qualification in Occupational Psychology.
Throughout the course, you’ll be supported in your development by professional specialists as well as the University’s Employability Teams.
As a graduate of MSc Occupational Psychology you will be well equipped to apply your knowledge and skills to a diverse range of industries and career options, including ergonomics, HR, recruitment, management and consultancy.
The knowledge you gain and the skills you learn will enable you to critically evaluate organisational practice at all levels, and develop transferable analytical and employability skills such as team-working and effective communication.
You will learn the importance of evaluating work-related issues, and how to address them effectively. You’ll also develop the ability to translate academic knowledge in ways that engage relevant stakeholders: from describing your research to organisations, explaining the importance of an issue to your boss, or getting buy-in for your ideas from employees.
Employability team
Our expert Employability team will work closely with you at every stage of your career planning, providing personal support and advice. You can benefit from this service at any time during your studies, and for up to three years after completing your course. Find out more about the service.
Campus and facilities
As a postgraduate Psychology student, you’ll mainly be studying in the Chaucer, Taylor and Newton buildings, at the centre of our vibrant City Campus. As well as a range of classrooms and lecture theatres, you’ll benefit from our dedicated Psychology learning environments.
We have specialist research laboratories including eye-trackers, motion capture labs, virtual reality and driving simulation suites, a mock prison cell, and an £80,000 EEG system. These facilities support your learning alongside staff research in the exciting areas of human cognition, behavioural neuroscience, human interaction and communication, and human development.
NTU’s City Campus has everything you’ll need to keep occupied between studying. As well as the Boots Library and its beautiful roof garden, there’s our superb Students’ Union building that includes a two-storey, 100-station gym; a whole host of cafés, bars, restaurants and food outlets catering to every taste; our much-loved Global Lounge; performance and rehearsal spaces for musicians; and much, much more!
If that’s not enough, just take a few steps off campus, and you’ll find yourself in the beating heart of Nottingham — one of Britain’s top 10 student cities. Enjoy lush green spaces and vintage shopping by day, and an acclaimed food, drink, and social scene by night.
Entry requirements
Applying with prior qualifications
You will need an undergraduate Psychology degree (minimum 2.1) that is accredited by the British Psychological Society (BPS).
Applicants with a 2.2 level Psychology degree will be considered on a case-by-case basis.
Other requirements
Your application form requires a written statement in which you should outline the reasons for wishing to undertake the MSc Occupational Psychology course.
We will be looking to ensure that you have a sound rationale for joining the course based on a realistic appreciation of the materials to be studied and the related practice areas.
If you are unsure of your status and would like an informal discussion with the course leader, please contact john.hudson@ntu.ac.uk.
Getting in touch
If you need any more help or information, please contact us at Ask NTU or call +44 (0)115 848 4200.
Getting in touch
If you need more help or information, get in touch through our enquiry form
Applying with prior qualifications
You will need a British Psychological Society (BPS) recognised undergraduate degree (minimum 2.1) in Psychology or an equivalent qualification that confers Graduate Basis for Chartered Membership with the BPS. Applicants with a 2.2 level BPS-accredited Psychology degree will be considered on a case-by-case basis.
Read more about the BPS accreditation of non-UK qualifications.
Other requirements
Your application form requires a written statement in which you should outline the reasons for wishing to undertake the MSc Occupational Psychology course.
We will be looking to ensure that you have a sound rationale for joining the course based on a realistic appreciation of the materials to be studied and the related practice areas.
If you are unsure of your status and would like an informal discussion with the course leader, please contact john.hudson@ntu.ac.uk.
NTU may admit a student with advanced standing beyond the beginning of a course, through an assessment of that student's prior learning, whether it is certificated or uncertificated. Our Recognition of Prior Learning and Credit Transfer Policy outlines the process and options available to these prospective students, such as recognising experiential learning or transferring to a similar course at another institution, otherwise known as credit transfer.
All prospective students who wish to apply via Recognition of Prior Learning should initially contact the central Admissions and Enquiries Team who will be able to support you through the process.
International qualifications
We accept qualifications from all over the world – check yours here:
Postgraduate preparation courses (Pre-Masters)
If you don’t yet meet our entry requirements, we offer Pre-Masters courses through our partner Nottingham Trent International College (NTIC), based on our City Campus:
English language entry requirements
You can meet our language requirements by successfully completing our pre-sessional English course for an agreed length of time, or by submitting the required grade in one of our accepted English language tests, such as IELTS:
Would you like some advice on your study plans?
Our international teams are highly experienced in answering queries from students all over the world. We also have members of staff based in Vietnam, China, India and Nigeria and work with a worldwide network of education counsellors.
- Complete this simple form to keep in touch with the International Office.
Fees and funding
Fees for September 2024
| Study route | Home (UK students) |
|---|---|
| Full-time | £9,995 |
| Part-time (for Year One) | £4,998 |
*Please note that if you are considering a course that runs over more than one year, the tuition fee stated is for the first year of study. The course fee for the second year may be subject to annual review.
Funding your studies
Preparing for the financial side of student life is important, but there's no need to feel anxious and confused about it. We hope that our fees and funding pages will answer all your questions.
There are numerous sources of funding available for postgraduate students, both from external sources such as the Government and funding bodies, and from the University.
There are two main costs involved with postgraduate study: the cost of your tuition fees which is paid directly to the University, and living expenses such as accommodation, travel and food.
You might be able to get a scholarship to help fund your studies, We award scholarships to those students who can demonstrate excellent achievement, passion and dedication to their studies.
Please take a look at our postgraduate fees and funding page for information about sourcing grants, bursaries and scholarships, and much more.
Getting in touch
For more advice and guidance, you can contact our Student Financial Support Service.
Tel: +44 (0)115 848 2494
Fees for September 2024
| Study route | International/ EU students |
|---|---|
| Full-time | £19,500 |
*Please note that if you are considering a course that runs over more than one year, the tuition fee stated is for the first year of study. The course fee for the second year may be subject to annual review.
Scholarships
We offer scholarships of up to 50% of your tuition fee. You can apply for your scholarship when you have an offer to study at NTU.
Living costs
Get advice on the cost of living as an international student in Nottingham and how to budget:
Paying fees
Find out about advanced payments, instalment plan options and how to make payments securely to the University:
Would you like some advice on your study plans?
Our international teams are highly experienced in answering queries from students all over the world. We also have members of staff based in Vietnam, China, India and Nigeria and work with a worldwide network of education counsellors.
- Complete this simple form to keep in touch with the International Office.
How to apply
All applications to this course can be made through our NTU Applicant Portal.
If you are interested in joining us in September 2025, this course will be open for applications through the applicant portal from September 2024.
As places are limited, you are encouraged to submit your application as early as possible to avoid disappointment. The course starts in September 2024 so in order to receive enrolment materials in good time, we advise that applications are submitted before the end of July 2024.
Writing your application
Be honest, thorough and persuasive in your application. Remember, we can only make a decision based on what you tell us. Make sure you include as much information as possible, including uploading evidence of results already achieved, as well as a personal statement.
You can get more information and advice about applying to NTU in our postgraduates’ guide.
Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) formally known as a Criminal Record Bureau check
Many students choose to collect research data in the UK as part of their projects. You may be required to complete a Disclosure and Barring Service check depending on your project topic.
Keeping up to date
After you’ve applied, we’ll be sending you important emails throughout the application process - so check your emails regularly, including your junk mail folder.
Open days
The School of Social Sciences holds open events throughout the year. Come along and learn more about our courses, speak to programme leaders and find out about studying with the School.
Getting in touch
If you need more help or support, you can call our Admissions Team on +44 (0)115 848 4200, or contact us at Ask NTU.
Good luck with your application!
Apply online through our NTU applicant portal.
Application advice
Apply early so that you have enough time to prepare – processing times for Student visas can vary, for example. After you've applied, we'll be sending you important emails throughout the application process – so check your emails regularly, including your junk mail folder.
Writing your personal statement
Be honest, thorough, and persuasive – we can only make a decision about your application based on what you tell us:
Would you like some advice on your study plans?
Our international teams are highly experienced in answering queries from students all over the world. We also have members of staff based in Vietnam, China, India and Nigeria and work with a worldwide network of education counsellors.
- Complete this simple form to keep in touch with the International Office.
The University's commitment to delivering the educational services advertised.
Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) formally known as a Criminal Record Bureau check
Many students from overseas choose to collect research data in the UK as part of their projects. DBS checks only cover students from the UK, so unless you have been resident in the UK for five years or more, we will need a criminal record check from your home country if you plan to work with vulnerable populations. Checks from overseas can sometimes be referred to by a variety of names such as a Police Check or a Good Behaviour Record. To find out what it is called in your home country and how to apply for one, please visit the government website.
If you are an overseas student and are planning to collect data for your research project from vulnerable populations in your home country, you are advised to apply for a home police check to support your research. You will need to demonstrate in your ethics form that you have met all the requirements of your home country to work with vulnerable populations.
If you are unable to obtain a home Police Check and still wish to work with vulnerable populations in your home country, discuss this with your Course Leader in the first instance. It will need to be made clear in your written correspondence with any participants / organisations that the University has been unable to engage with any disclosure and barring service checks prior to you undertaking your research.
Once you have obtained your police check, a copy of the documentation (in English) should be passed to the relevant course administrator in the School of Social Sciences Office.