MSc Organisational Psychology

Overview

This 100% online and part-time MSc Organisational Psychology brings together the complementary fields of business and psychology to create an applied psychology Masters degree.

The programme is designed for those with a personal or professional interest in business psychology. It explores key psychological theories that can be applied to a broad range of workplace settings. You will learn how to increase business efficiency, improve organisational structures, assess job performance as well as effectively motivate employees.

There is a strong focus on employability throughout the programme. You will acquire a foundation in research methods and statistics, build a skills portfolio, and develop transferrable skills that will be beneficial to a variety of careers.

Throughout the course, you will delve into interesting real-world workplace topics such as:

• the concept of psychological assessment at work and how to conduct this process as a practising organisational psychologist
• the significance of human resource development within a global context
• the nature, meaning and process of developing people in the organisation to the fullest of their capabilities
• the main qualitative and quantitative research methods used for data collection and analysis

The degree will culminate in the completion of a dissertation, where you will conduct independent research into an area of organisational psychology of your choice and apply your learnings from the course to produce your report.

Teaching methods

Studying online gives you the freedom to study when and where it suits you – at home, during your lunch hour or anywhere else you have internet access.

Our courses are delivered through a virtual learning environment (VLE) instead of a traditional campus. This means you will have access to your study materials 24/7, including:

• multimedia lecturecasts made up of written content, short videos, animation, audio recordings, infographics, short tests and mini-assignments
• discussion forums for you to chat about the course content with fellow students
• live skills workshops with your tutors
• a comprehensive eLibrary of textbooks and academic journals
• support from academic staff and your dedicated Student Support team

To ensure you receive the support you need from your tutor, we cap our class sizes at 20 students.

Assessment methods

Rather than fretting about exams, you will be assessed exclusively through assignments. This can be by engaging in discussion forums throughout your modules, completing reflective journal entries, or by submitting longer written pieces.

We are committed to providing frequent and transparent feedback through the following ways:

• Our assessment criteria are designed to be simple and transparent.
• You will always be aware of your current provisional grade, right from the start of the programme.
• You will be able to view your marks clearly in your gradebook whenever you log onto the learning platform.
• There is a 7-day turnaround for marking and feedback of assessed work.
• You will have regular contact with your Student Support team, with whom you can discuss any concerns as soon as they arise.

Career prospects

On completion of this course, you will have developed the knowledge and skills that will be useful in roles in organisational development, human resources, and employee training, as well as marketing, sales and management related disciplines. This course will also be beneficial for careers within academia and research, enabling you to progress to a PhD or professional doctorate in a related field.

At University of Essex Online, we believe that everyone should be able to access education. That is why we offer two different entry routes onto our MSc Organisational Psychology, which considers academic or work-based experience. Academic entry route - You must have the following qualifications as a minimum: an undergraduate degree from an approved institution, equivalent to a UK Honours degree, or a relevant professional qualification. Work experience entry route - You must meet the following criteria: at least 3 years’ experience (voluntary or paid) within a relevant field, supported by 2 appropriate references.