organizational psychology phd uk

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The Organisatio…

The Organisational Behaviour PhD pathway

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Organisational Behaviour (OB) is an applied science aimed at understanding individuals and groups in organisations by drawing from various related disciplines such as social and organisational psychology, behavioural economics, and management. OB researchers adopt a micro-perspective, looking into individual psychology and behaviour as well as group processes and emergent states, to understand how they contribute to organisational success and survival.

The Organisational Behaviour faculty at Cambridge Judge comprise some of the leading OB scholars in the world. Their research encompasses a range of topics, including creativity, innovation, psychometrics, big data, the future of work, human-artificial intelligence (AI) collaboration, personality, diversity, decision-making, social networking, culture, helping behaviours, and voice behaviour.

Professor Andreas Richter talks about the Organisational Behaviour pathway.

Hi. My name is Andreas. And I’m a faculty member in Organisational Behaviour, or OB. I’m here to tell you a few things you need to know if you wish to pursue a PhD in OB.

What is OB all about? OB is about how individuals act within society and in organisations, and how their actions in both environments affect each other. Understanding these social processes from a micro perspective is essential for improving how leaders, managers, and individual employees contribute to the effectiveness of an organisational.

Organisational Behaviour at Cambridge Judge Business School is an applied science built on contributions from the behavioural sciences, including social and organisational psychology, decision-making and judgments, behavioural economics and management. And Organisational Behaviour focuses mainly on the effects that individuals and group dynamics such as personality and teamwork have on human Behaviour. It is concerned with how people’s feelings, motivations, and cognitions influence their Behaviour in the organisation and group settings.

At CJBS, OB is an interdisciplinary pathway where faculty from various subject groups are involved. These faculty members studied the areas of leadership, emotions, teams, personality, and other characteristics of executives, big data, and consumers’ self-conceptions in the area of marketing. OB researchers apply a large variety of methods, such as experimental and survey research, archival data analysis, and qualitative methods.

So with these words, I’d like to encourage you to contact us if you are interested in pursing a PhD in OB. And we will be looking forward to talking to you and to hearing from you.

View video with transcript

The pathway

To start on the Organisational Behaviour pathway you must take one of the following 9-month masters programmes:

Essential reading

Download detailed information about the 9-month + 4-year programme structure and content.

The OB PhD pathway

• Research areas What we expect from you What you can expect from us PhD supervisors
• What we expect from you Research areas What you can expect from us PhD supervisors
• What you can expect from us Research areas What we expect from you PhD supervisors
• PhD supervisors Research areas What we expect from you What you can expect from us

Research areas

Organisational Behaviours researchers at Cambridge Judge Business School are leading scholars who make significant theoretical and practical contributions to the literature as well as real-world organisations. Their research topics include:

• creativity and innovation
• future of work
• human-artificial intelligence (AI) collaborations
• social network
• decision-making
• personality
• psychometrics

What we expect from you

Our expectations of prospective candidates are high. You will need to have a first class bachelors degree or equivalent. In some cases you will need to have a masters degree from a highly regarded university and to have performed within the top 5% of your class.

You should have a strong motivation to pursue an academic career in a business school and a genuine interest in collaborating with external organisations. Ideal candidates would have a background in psychology, behavioural economics, the social and natural sciences, or other quantitatively oriented subjects, as we seek individuals who are keen to conduct quantitative research. To be considered, it is essential to demonstrate exceptional writing skills and to provide strong evidence of your quantitative abilities. This can be showcased through successful performance in statistics and calculus courses at the university level, or by submitting GRE scores (although GRE scores are not mandatory for your application). While practical management experience is beneficial, it is not a mandatory requirement for application.

For more details, please see the academic requirements for the:

What you can expect from us

Upon joining us, you can expect an exhilarating journey into the realm of Organisational Behaviour research. Collaborating with world-leading scholars, you will have the opportunity to publish journal articles that significantly expand the current literature, leaving a tangible impact on real-world outcomes. We are committed to providing you with the support and resources necessary to thrive in your research and make a meaningful difference in our field.

• Become part of our team from the outset, you will be treated as a junior colleague rather than a student. Experience a true apprenticeship in the best sense of that word. 
• Work with and be trained by the Organisational Behaviour Group to become an independent researcher. 
• Experience an exciting research programme and produce a portfolio of academic papers that will help you succeed in the job market and gain a junior faculty position following your PhD. 
• Work with faculty on joint research projects for publication in leading academic journals. 
• Take a series of courses focused on research methodology and the foundations of the discipline as well as more advanced research seminars. 
• Learn to critique recent publications and current working papers, enabling you to shape and position your own work as a significant contribution to the academic literature in Organisational Behaviour.  
• Engage in practical research training, where you will develop and execute research projects jointly with faculty members. 
• Develop a coherent and innovative research programme with expert guidance that will form the basis for an interesting and influential academic career.  
• Your research programme may comprise laboratory research, organisational field research and secondary data analysis. 

PhD supervisors

Your principal supervisor will be a senior academic from within the Organisational Behaviour pathway. You will benefit from their guidance and counsel throughout the programme, and beyond: in helping you to succeed in the job market and in gaining a faculty position at a leading business school. Your principal supervisor will take an active role in your research programme and will assemble a group of faculty (your advisory committee) who will co-author papers with you. 

Take a look at the faculty who may serve as your principal supervisor and view their research interests: 

Prithviraj Chattopadhyay

Professor of organisational behaviour, read more about prithviraj.

Research interests

Prithviraj Chattopadhyay’s research interests include relational demography and diversity, social identification, employment externalisation, managerial cognition and affect. He works on combining his various interests to develop a more comprehensive understanding of diverse teams.

View Prithviraj's profile

Alberto Feduzi

Management practice professor, read more about alberto.

Decisions often have to be made in situations of extreme uncertainty and in the face of what are sometimes called “unknown unknowns” and the possible “Black Swans” these may give rise to. Alberto Feduzi’s research is concerned with (a) characterising the different types of uncertainty that decision-makers might face in different situations, (b) understanding how decision-makers typically deal with these different types of uncertainty; and (c) developing heuristic approaches to decision-making that might help decision-makers improve the quality of their decisions in situations of uncertainty.

View Alberto's profile

Elizabeth George

Kpmg professor of management studies, read more about elizabeth.

Elizabeth George’s research interests include nonstandard work arrangements and how they affect individuals and organisations, and how dissimilarity in a team affects both the team and the organisation. More recently she’s been exploring the longer terms implications of both nonstandard work and dissimilarity for individual and organisational effectiveness.

View Elizabeth's profile

Yeun Joon Kim

Associate professor in organisational behaviour, read more about yeun.

Creativity and leadership are among the most important momentums for organisational effectiveness and performance. Yeun Joon Kim’s research addresses the questions of (1) how organisations can improve employee creativity, (2) how organisations recognise employees’ creativity given that employees do have many creative ideas, but these ideas die out due to the lack of recognition, and (3) what are the factors that drive specific leadership behaviours.

View Yeun's profile

Andreas Richter

Read more about andreas.

Andreas Richter researches how a team’s context factors (e.g. diversity) and processes affect employee creativity and innovation in both experimental and field settings.

View Andreas' profile

David Stillwell

Professor of computational social science, read more about david.

A large part of our lives is mediated through digital devices which collect big data about us. David Stillwell’s research asks how can we better understand customers, employees or managers from behavioural traces like their social media activity, emails, or purchase records?

View David's profile

PhD advisory team

Dr Jochen Menges and Dr Patrizia Vecchi supervise MPhil dissertations and can be a member of a PhD advisory team.

Organisational Behaviour faculty

Learn more about the faculty that teach on this pathway.

Learn more about the Organisational Behaviour subject group

Learn more about the application process and deadlines

Explore fees and funding options

Contact the admissions team

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MSc Organizational Psychology

Page contents

• 1 Introduction
• 2 Key features
• 3 Course overview
• 4 Key dates
• 5 Admissions
• 6 Fees, funding and payment
• 7 Career opportunities
• 8 What our students say

You are reading:

Course information>

January 2024

September 2024

Gain an understanding of how to develop organisations and implement ways of improving how they operate. Build your knowledge of a range of psychological theories that can be applied to the workplace, from selection and assessment to motivation, wellbeing and leadership.

Key features

Learn from leading experts.

Everything you learn in the degree has been developed by Birkbeck, which has the oldest and largest organizational psychology department of its kind in the UK and one of the leading providers of academic and professional training in occupational psychology within the UK.

Study while maintaining your career momentum

With no relocation or accommodation costs, studying online through the University of London is more affordable than moving to London. You can continue working full time and fit your studies around your commitments, registering for an MSc, a Postgraduate Diploma or a single module for your continuing professional development.

Advance your career

This MSc has been accredited as part of the British Psychological Society (BPS) Stage 1 set of requirements to train to become a registered practitioner psychologist with the Health Care and Professions Council and become eligible for Chartered Status with the Society.

A nurturing student environment

Get the support you need to thrive with a degree that offers the flexibility of online learning with the benefits of a classroom. You are assigned a personal tutor throughout your studies and can participate in tutor-supervised virtual conferencing for each module or interact with your peers in student forums.

Lifelong ties to the University

Enjoy wide-ranging benefits as a member of our global alumni community including access to events across the world, free online courses and more. Join graduates in over 190 countries, including distinguished academics, writers and industry leaders across all sectors.

A mark of excellence

The University of London is the world’s oldest provider of degrees through distance and flexible learning. Since Queen Victoria awarded our Royal Charter in 1858, our programmes have been accessible to students globally, and we continue to be a leading force in higher education.

Course overview

Programme structure, modules and specification show.

The programme is available to be studied as a full master’s degree or a Postgraduate Diploma (PGDip).

For the MSc , you complete eight compulsory modules (15 credits each) plus a compulsory Research Proposal module (15 credits) and a compulsory Dissertation module (45 credits).

For the PGDip , you complete eight compulsory modules (15 credits each).

Modules can be studied individually on a stand-alone basis, subject to availability. 

The Programme Specification and Programme Regulations contain information and rules regarding what courses you can choose and the order in which they must be studied. 

• Download the Programme Specification
• View Programme Regulations

Compulsory modules Show

Research methods - Organizational Psychology (Open modal with additional information) (OPM400)

Life career development (Open modal with additional information) (OPM120)

Organization and Change Perspectives (Open modal with additional information) (OPM190)

Employee relations and motivation (Open modal with additional information) (OPM090)

Learning and development (Open modal with additional information) (OPM250)

Work and well-being (Open modal with additional information) (OPM140)

Selection and assessment (Open modal with additional information) (OPM100)

Leadership (Open modal with additional information) (OPM200)

Research Project (MSc only) Show

Research project (Open modal with additional information) (OPM410 and OPM610)

How you study Show

The programme is available online and is fully supported by a Virtual Learning Environment (VLE), as well as study materials and help from academic staff. It allows you to study anywhere in the world and fit your studies around your other commitments.

The degree offers the flexibility to complete in one year, or up to five years depending on your desired study pace.

Study materials

You will be able to access study materials developed by academics at Birkbeck including course handbooks, textbooks and recorded lectures or dedicated audio recordings, and you will have an extensive online library.

You will be able to discuss your work with fellow students and tutors using a conferencing system. You will discuss topics in tutor groups of normally around 30 students.

All study materials (articles and/or set texts) are included in the programme fee, with the exception of materials required to carry out the Dissertation.

Online support 

When you register, we will give you access to your Student Portal . You can then access your University of London email account and other key resources: 

• The VLE . Here, you can access electronic copies of all printed study materials, resources including audio-visual and revision guides, and forums to discuss course material and work collaboratively with others. 
• The Online Library . As a student at the University of London, you will have access to a range of resources, databases, and journals via the  Online Library . You will be able to contact a team of professional and qualified librarians for any help you require.  

Senate House Library  

If you’re based in the United Kingdom, or are visiting London, make sure to visit  Senate House Library . Students studying with the University of London can join the library free of charge. Membership includes a 10-book borrowing allowance, access to all reading rooms and study areas, and on-site access to Senate House Library digital resources. 

Student Support

We are committed to delivering an exceptional student experience for all of our students. You will have access to support through:

• The Student Advice Centre – provides support for application and Student Portal queries.
• TalkCampus – a peer support service that offers a safe and confidential way to talk about whatever is on your mind at any time of day or night.

Time commitment

Modules are offered across three terms of 11 weeks from October to December (Term 1), January to March (Term 2) and April to July (Term 3). This 11-week period includes nine weeks of guided study followed by a personal study week. The assessment period for each module is in the final week of each term.

You can study at your own pace (provided you complete your qualification within five years). The MSc is made up of 180 credits and you should expect each credit to take up around 10 hours of study.

Each module is summatively assessed by a final assessment (worth 90 per cent of the overall mark), with the exception of the Research Project modules (Research Proposal and Dissertation). The final assessment is typically a two-hour unseen written examination or 3,000-word written report/essay.

For each module (except for the Research Project modules), satisfaction of the minimum tutor supported computer conferencing requirements is worth 10 per cent of the overall mark.

The Research Proposal module is assessed by a 3,000-word research proposal.

The Dissertation module is assessed by an 8,000 to 10,000-word dissertation.

Assessment is usually held in December, March and July (at the end of each term).

Academic Leadership Show

Birkbeck was founded in 1823 as the London Mechanics' Institute. It is unique in its special mission to enable mature students to gain higher education qualifications via part-time study. Consequently, staff are experienced in ensuring a flexible learning environment.

Birkbeck makes a major contribution to research in the field of behaviour at work. It is one of the principal providers of academic and professional training in occupational psychology within the UK.

Programme Directors

Dr Keely Jo Frasca joined the Organizational Psychology programme in 2018 as a tutor and took on the role of Programme Director in 2022. She currently convenes the Selection & Assessment, Research Methods, Professional Development & Learning, Research Proposal, and Research Dissertation modules. Keely’s research interests include: organisational recruitment, selection and assessment, discrimination of minority groups, individual differences, and advanced quantitative methods. Keely holds a PhD in Organisational Psychology and is a Chartered Psychologist with the British Psychological Society (CPsychol), Member of the British Psychological Society’s Division of Occupational Psychology, Fellow of The Higher Education Academy (FHEA), and Member of The Tutors’ Association (MTA). She is qualified in Occupational Psychometric Testing with the British Psychological Society and is certified by the European Federation of Psychologists’ Associations.

Jack Dybczak has been teaching and lecturing at Birkbeck since 2013 on a number of undergraduate and postgraduate courses. In 2017, he joined the Organizational Psychology team and took on the role of Programme Director in 2022. He is currently responsible for teaching Organization and Change Perspectives, Human Resource Strategies and the foundational and qualitative parts of Research Methods. His main research interests are the application of Postmodern Organizational Theory, Actor-Network Theory, and various forms of Discourse Analysis to issues of leadership and organizational change.

Programme Team

Dr Adrian Ward is an independent consultant specialising in the field of leadership, organisational development and executive coaching with over 25 years’ experience in these arenas. In a coaching and mentoring capacity, Adrian is experienced in helping leaders equip themselves with the skills, confidence and political acumen necessary to succeed in a complex, matrix structured environment. In addition to his practical experience, Adrian has a Doctorate in Organisational Psychology. His research interests centre on the issue of Organisational Politics and his thesis explored how Senior Executives make sense of this aspect of their leadership role.

Aly Kelleher joined the Organizational Psychology team as a tutor and research project supervisor in 2021. She is also the Programme Director and Admissions tutor for BSc Business Psychology Birkbeck. She lectures on a wide range of modules such as Motivation, Engagement and Job design, and Research Methods for Business Psychology. She also supervises research projects on the BSc in Business Psychology and the MSc Organizational Psychology programmes. Aly’s PhD research focuses on employee motivation, the Future Time Perspective and Job Demands-Resources theories, and the use of advanced quantitative statistics using R. Other research interests include (but are not limited to): employee wellbeing, engagement, diversity, and the work-home interface.

Alice Cadwgan has worked across communications, organisational design and culture change for multinational corporations, brands and NGO's. In addition, she is a graduate with an MSc from Birkbeck in Organisational Psychology, alongside being the Director of Campaigns and Operations at Lynn, a communications consultancy powered by Behavioural Science.

Head of Department of Organizational Psychology

Mr Mark Stringer has spent the last 35 years in a variety of posts within business and academia in the UK. He joined Birkbeck in 2015 teaching and lecturing on postgraduate programmes, before becoming Programme Director of OPHRM in 2018. From 2022, he took on the role of Head of Department of Organizational Psychology at Birkbeck. Through teaching, supervision and research, his focus is to promote the use of interdisciplinary and critical tools to support those aiming to change organizational issues for the better. Mark’s PhD research looks at interpreting Employee Engagement via a Lacanian psychoanalytic lens. His wider research interests lie in qualitative approaches, influenced by both critical management studies and psychoanalytic, postmodern, structuralist, poststructuralist and intertextual interpretations of organisational life.

January 2024 intake Show

April 2024 intake show, september 2024 intake show, entry requirements show, what qualifications do you need.

You will need either a bachelor degree which is considered at least comparable to a UK second class honours degree from an institution acceptable to the University or relevant education and work experience that comprises suitable training for the programme.

If you have an unconventional career path with diverse work experience and have completed The Manager's Toolkit: A Practical Guide to Managing People at Work MOOC, we will consider your application on its own merits.

English Language requirements

You need a high standard of English to study this programme. You will meet our language requirements if you have achieved the following within the past three years:

• A score of 7.0 overall in the IELTS test, or 7.0 in both reading and writing.
• (TOEFL) iBT Test of English as a Foreign Language with an overall score of 95 or above, including a minimum of 24 attained on the reading and writing skills sub-tests and a minimum of 25 attained on the speaking sub-test and 22 attained on the listening sub-test.
• Cambridge Certificate of Proficiency in English.
• Cambridge Certificate of Advanced English (at grade C or above).
• Duolingo: must achieve an overall score of at least 130.

We set minimum basic computer requirements because your study resources are accessed via the Student Portal and it is vital that you can access this regularly. Certain courses may have additional requirements, such as software to manage spreadsheets and run macros.

See more about computer requirements.

Recognition of prior learning Show

If you have studied material as part of a previous qualification that is comparable in content, level and standard to our Organisational Psychology or Human Resource Management modules, you may be exempted from the equivalent course of our degree. This is known as  Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL)  or Exemption. You will not need to study or be assessed in the module(s) to complete your award. 

You may be awarded RPL mapped against a maximum of one module . 

You may not apply for RPL for the Research Project (Research Proposal [OPM410] and Dissertation [OPM610]).

To be considered for RPL you should make a formal request within your application when applying for the programme. Or, you can submit an online enquiry , if you have already applied. 

You will need to have met the entrance requirements for the programme to be considered for RPL.  

You must have completed the qualification/ examination(s), on which the application for RPL is based on, within the five years preceding the application. 

We will not consider RPL if you have already entered for the assessment in the module concerned. 

Discretionary RPL  

Your qualifications will need to be assessed by specialist academics on a case by case basis , before we can approve RPL. This is known as discretionary RPL. A formal application is required and an RPL application fee is payable. The RPL application fee is non-refundable, even if your prior learning is not recognised.  

Your qualification must be at the appropriate level (equivalent to a UK Level 7 or postgraduate qualification and above) to be considered.  

For your discretionary RPL request to be processed, you will need to provide: a completed RPL request form, the supporting documentary evidence (normally a scanned copy of an official transcript and syllabus of your previous studies) and the discretionary RPL fee. 

You should apply as early as possible to ensure we have sufficient time to review your qualifications and so you can register by the registration deadline. 

Note: All discretionary RPL requests must be submitted by the dates specified for the study session, in the year that you apply. We must receive all required supporting evidence by the deadline stated.

If you submit your discretionary RPL application but are too late to be considered for RPL in the current session, we will still process your application to study the programme. If you receive an offer, you can still register. If you wish to be considered for RPL in a subsequent session, then you shouldn’t register on the modules you want to apply for RPL.

How to request RPL  

Additional information about the process of applying for RPL . 

Further information regarding RPL is covered in the Recognition of Prior Learning section of the appropriate  Programme Regulations and Section 3 of the General Regulations  

Fees, funding and payment

The fees below relate to new students registering for the 2024-2025 session. On average, fees are subject to a five per cent year-on-year increase. 

Students who registered earlier can view their fees on the Course Fees page .

Disclaimer: Currency conversion tool .

More about programme fees.

*The online examination administration fee is charged for each examination paper held online, including resits. This does not apply to any coursework submissions.

Additional Costs

You will also need to budget for exam centre fees, which are paid directly to the venues where you sit your exams.

Please note: all student fees shown are net of any local VAT, Goods and Services Tax (GST) or any other sales tax payable by the student in their country of residence. Where the University is required to add VAT, GST or any other sales tax at the local statutory rate, this will be added to the fees shown during the payment process. For students resident in the UK, our fees are exempt from VAT.

Further information on Sales Tax.

Your payment provider may apply additional transaction fees (if in doubt, please check with them before making a payment).

Funding your study Show

Without the cost of moving to London, studying for your University of London degree anywhere in the world represents excellent value for money. However, there are additional sources of support depending on where you live and how you choose to study.

More on funding your study.

Paying for your course Show

You can pay your fees in a number of ways, including an online payment facility via the Student Portal and Western Union Quick Pay.

More on how to pay your fees

Career opportunities

Careers opportunity show.

Graduates of this degree go on to become training professionals, motivators, careers advisers, managers and consultants within large multinational companies, government departments, or in any company where advanced knowledge of organisational psychology may be useful.

What do employers think of our graduates?

In some countries, qualifications earned by distance and flexible learning may not be recognised by certain authorities or regulators for the purposes of public sector employment or further study. We advise you to explore the local recognition status before you register, even if you plan to receive support from a local teaching institution.

Accreditation benefits Show

The British Psychological Society (BPS) is the representative body for psychology and psychologists in the UK and is responsible for the promotion of excellence and ethical practice in the science, education, and practical applications of the discipline.

Our MSc has been accredited as part of the Stage 1 set of requirements if you want to train to become a registered practitioner psychologist with the Health Care and Professions Council and become eligible for Chartered Status with the Society.

Alongside this MSc, the BPS requires students to become Graduate Members of the Society. To achieve this, the BPS requires you to have an accredited undergraduate degree (UG) in Psychology that provides eligibility for Graduate Basis for Chartered Membership, (GBC). This is required for entrance to the various postgraduate courses and training programmes to become a fully Chartered Psychologist.

To join as a Graduate Member, you'll need a 2:2 in an UG Psychology degree accredited by the Society, or you have completed a BPS accredited conversion course if not. Both the GBC and the completed MSc allow for successful completion of Stage 1.

You can then proceed to Stage 2 of accreditation which leads, on successful completion, to Chartered status. Stage 2 study is undertaken directly with the BPS.

Details of how this accreditation fits within the overall BPS Chartered Qualification Framework route of Stages 1 and 2, is on the BPS website .

Contact BPS directly if you are unsure of your own eligibility or routes that are available from the BPS with your current UG degree, eligibility for the GBC membership or the requirements to fulfil Stage 2 to gain Chartered status.

Careers support Show

You’ll have access to a wide range of careers and employability support through the University of London Careers Service, including live webinars and online drop-in sessions.

More on the University of London Careers Service

Tailored support for careers in the refugee and humanitarian fields is available through regular programme events, webinars and careers resources.

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Student testimonials.

“This programme covers the key elements that I see as strategically important for business leadership for the future.”

Stuart Melling, UK

“The programme is accredited by the British Psychological Society and is well-respected in the field of OP and HR.”

Martin Sutherland

“I benefited from rigorous academic supervision with strong fundamentals in organizational psychology. Distance learning helped me improve my long-term motivation.”

Moulay-Hamza Debbarh-Mounir, Bahrain

Related Content

Birkbeck, university of london.

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Course type

Qualification, university name, phd degrees in organisational psychology.

3 degrees at 3 universities in the UK.

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Select the start date, qualification, and how you want to study

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• PhD Organisational Psychology
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• PhD Criminal Psychology
• PhD Developmental Psychology
• PhD Educational Psychology
• PhD Forensic Psychology
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Organizational Psychology PhD

Birkbeck, university of london.

An PhD is an advanced postgraduate research degree that requires original research and the submission of a substantial dissertation of Read more...

• 4 years Full time degree: £4,712 per year (UK)
• 7 years Part time degree: £2,500 per year (UK)

Organisational Behaviour and Human Resource Management - PhD

University of kent.

Kent Business School has over 100 research-active academic staff. Postgraduate research can take place in any subject area where they have Read more...

• 3 years Full time degree: £4,712 per year (UK)
• 5 years Part time degree: £2,356 per year (UK)

MRes/PhD in Management - Organisational Behaviour

London school of economics and political science, university of london.

This programme offers you the chance to undertake a substantial piece of work that is worthy of publication and which makes an original Read more...

• 5 years Full time degree: £4,829 per year (UK)

Course type:

• Full time PhD
• Part time PhD

Qualification:

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Organizational Psychology

Entry requirements.

Good first degree or Master's qualification in a relevant subject area.

Applicants who do not hold a Master's degree in a relevant subject may be required to take some MSc modules.

Months of entry

January, April, October

Course content

The MPhil/PhD in Organizational Psychology aims to train you to conduct research of a high academic standard and to make an original contribution to the subject through your thesis. It will not only prepare you to undertake research for your own dissertation, but will also equip you to be able to evaluate research results and reports more widely.

Our research interests include: selection and assessment; training; organisational communication; organisation studies and organisational sociology; well-being and emotion; technology development and organisational change; human resource management; employment and psychological contracts; pay; careers and innovation. We also have expertise in, and are committed to, both qualitative and quantitative research techniques.

Please note, the PhD in Organizational Psychology is a research degree. If you are a practitioner, our Professional Doctorate in Occupational Psychology and associated British Psychological Society and Health and Care Professions Council accreditations might be more suitable.

Before submitting an application, please ensure that you read the submission guidelines carefully, and note that research proposals should be no longer than 1500 words (excluding references).

• Birkbeck is one of the world’s leading research-intensive institutions . Our cutting-edge scholarship informs public policy, achieves scientific advances, supports the economy, promotes culture and the arts, and makes a positive difference to society.
• Birkbeck’s research excellence was confirmed in the 2021 Research Excellence Framework with 83% of our research rated world-leading or internationally excellent.
• You will get access to superb library resources, including: Birkbeck Library , including our electronic library, the British Library , Senate House ( University of London) Library and libraries in the Bloomsbury area .

Information for international students

If English is not your first language or you have not previously studied in English, the requirement for this programme is the equivalent of an International English Language Testing System (IELTS Academic Test) score of 7.0, with not less than 6.0 in each of the sub-tests.

If you don't meet the minimum IELTS requirement, we offer pre-sessional English courses, foundation programmes and language support services to help you improve your English language skills and get your place at Birkbeck.

Fees and funding

Flexible finance: pay your fees in monthly instalments at no extra cost . Enrol early to spread your costs and reduce your monthly payments.

We offer a range of studentships and funding options to support your research.

Qualification, course duration and attendance options

• Campus-based learning is available for this qualification

Course contact details

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MSc Organisational and Social Psychology

• Graduate taught
• Department of Psychological and Behavioural Science
• Application code L7U2
• Starting 2024
• Home full-time: Closed
• Home part-time: Closed
• Overseas full-time: Closed
• Location: Houghton Street, London

Our MSc Organisational and Social Psychology (OSP) is a world leading master's degree programme taught at our campus in London. It addresses, at its core, the interface between social psychological processes and organisational systems, and how these shape the performance and well-being of individuals and institutions.

Through drawing on classic and contemporary social and organisational psychology research, we teach students new and critical insights for diagnosing and addressing organisational problems, explaining job performance, understanding workplace relations, and improving organisational capabilities. By pursuing this degree, you will acquire state of the art knowledge about key organisational psychology processes such as learning and creativity, organisational culture and identity, leadership, decision making, well-being, teamwork, innovation, and organisational change. You will also learn, and be able to apply, key methodologies used by psychology researchers and practitioners to investigate and improve organizations.

Taught and directed by experienced organisational psychologists, the programme is informed by cutting edge research insights as well as a rigorous approach to organisational, social and psychological theory and methodology. The programme is contextualised to reflect the public debates and societal trends that pertain to life in organisations.

The programme is of benefit to both recent graduates who wish to specialise in an applied area of psychology, and those with experience of working in organisations and organisational consultancy.

Our very active OSP MSc alumni network has more than a thousand graduate members expanding 20 successful years and 5 continents. Our alumni lead careers in fields such as management consultancy, human resource management, organisational development and change, behavioural insights research, training and skills development, risk management, government, charities, academia and entrepreneurship.

Our department was recently ranked number one in the UK for Psychology in the  Good University Guide from The Times and Sunday Times .

Programme details

For more information about tuition fees and entry requirements, see the fees and funding and assessing your application sections.

Entry requirements

Minimum entry requirements for msc organisational and social psychology.

Upper second class honours (2:1) degree or equivalent, with a considered interest in the area covered by the MSc.

Competition for places at the School is high. This means that even if you meet the minimum entry requirement, this does not guarantee you an offer of admission.

If you have studied or are studying outside of the UK then have a look at our  Information for International Students  to find out the entry requirements that apply to you.

Assessing your application

We welcome applications from all suitably qualified prospective students and want to recruit students with the very best academic merit, potential and motivation, irrespective of their background.

We carefully consider each application on an individual basis, taking into account all the information presented on your application form, including your:

- academic achievement (including predicted and achieved grades) - statement of academic purpose - two academic references - CV

See further information on supporting documents

You may also have to provide evidence of your English proficiency, although you do not need to provide this at the time of your application to LSE.  See our English language requirements .

When to apply

Applications for this programme are considered on a rolling basis, meaning the programme will close once it becomes full. There is no fixed deadline by which you need to apply, however, to be considered for any LSE funding opportunity, you must have submitted your application and all supporting documents by the funding deadline. See the fees and funding section for more details. 

Fees and funding

Every graduate student is charged a fee for their programme.

The fee covers registration and examination fees payable to the School, lectures, classes and individual supervision, lectures given at other colleges under intercollegiate arrangements and, under current arrangements, membership of the Students' Union. It does not cover living costs or travel or fieldwork.

Tuition fees 2024/25 for MSc Organisational and Social Psychology

Home students: £27,480 Overseas students: £27,480

The Table of Fees shows the latest tuition amounts for all programmes offered by the School.

The amount of tuition fees you will need to pay, and any financial support you are eligible for, will depend on whether you are classified as a home or overseas student, otherwise known as your fee status. LSE assesses your fee status based on guidelines provided by the Department of Education.

Further information about fee status classification.

Fee reduction

Students who completed undergraduate study at LSE and are beginning taught graduate study at the School are eligible for a  fee reduction  of around 10 per cent of the fee.

Scholarships and other funding

The School recognises that the  cost of living in London  may be higher than in your home town or country, and we provide generous scholarships each year to home and overseas students.

This programme is eligible for needs-based awards from LSE, including the  Graduate Support Scheme ,  Master's Awards , and  Anniversary Scholarships . 

Selection for any funding opportunity is based on receipt of an offer for a place and submitting a Graduate Financial Support application, before the funding deadline. Funding deadline for needs-based awards from LSE:  25 April 2024 .

In addition to our needs-based awards, LSE also makes available scholarships for students from specific regions of the world and awards for students studying specific subject areas.  Find out more about financial support.

Government tuition fee loans and external funding

A postgraduate loan is available from the UK government for eligible students studying for a first master’s programme, to help with fees and living costs. Some other governments and organisations also offer tuition fee loan schemes.

Find out more about tuition fee loans

Further information

Fees and funding opportunities

Information for international students

LSE is an international community, with over 140 nationalities represented amongst its student body. We celebrate this diversity through everything we do.  

If you are applying to LSE from outside of the UK then take a look at our Information for International students . 

1) Take a note of the UK qualifications we require for your programme of interest (found in the ‘Entry requirements’ section of this page). 

2) Go to the International Students section of our website. 

3) Select your country. 

4) Select ‘Graduate entry requirements’ and scroll until you arrive at the information about your local/national qualification. Compare the stated UK entry requirements listed on this page with the local/national entry requirement listed on your country specific page.

Part-time study Part time study is only available for students who do not require a student visa.

Programme structure and courses

You will take three compulsory courses and will chose options to the value of one unit from an approved list. You will also complete a dissertation of up to 10,000 words on an approved topic of choice. A professional seminar series that runs throughout the year provides you with the opportunity to debate with professionals, managers and consultants working on a variety of organisational contexts.

Organisational Social Psychology   Focuses on both the social psychology of organisations and social psychological processes within organisations.

Methods for Social Psychology Research: Qualitative and Quantitative Methods Provides an overview of methodological issues for social psychological research.

Dissertation Consists of an individual research project on a topic of your choice, of up to 10,000 words.

Examples of previous PBS dissertations can be found  on our Postgraduate Prizes page . 

You will be able to choose from two half unit options. The following electives are aligned towards the core themes of this Masters:

Organisations, Groups and Identity

Theory and Practice of Organisational Development

Organisational Culture

For the most up-to-date list of optional courses please visit the relevant School Calendar page .

You must note, however, that while care has been taken to ensure that this information is up to date and correct, a change of circumstances since publication may cause the School to change, suspend or withdraw a course or programme of study, or change the fees that apply to it. The School will always notify the affected parties as early as practicably possible and propose any viable and relevant alternative options. Note that the School will neither be liable for information that after publication becomes inaccurate or irrelevant, nor for changing, suspending or withdrawing a course or programme of study due to events outside of its control, which includes but is not limited to a lack of demand for a course or programme of study, industrial action, fire, flood or other environmental or physical damage to premises.

You must also note that places are limited on some courses and/or subject to specific entry requirements. The School cannot therefore guarantee you a place. Please note that changes to programmes and courses can sometimes occur after you have accepted your offer of a place. These changes are normally made in light of developments in the discipline or path-breaking research, or on the basis of student feedback. Changes can take the form of altered course content, teaching formats or assessment modes. Any such changes are intended to enhance the student learning experience. You should visit the School’s  Calendar , or contact the relevant academic department, for information on the availability and/or content of courses and programmes of study. Certain substantive changes will be listed on the  updated graduate course and programme information page.

Teaching and assessment

Contact hours and independent study.

Within your programme you will take a number of courses, often including half unit courses and full unit courses. In half unit courses, on average, you can expect 20-30 contact hours in total and for full unit courses, on average, you can expect 40-60 contact hours in total. This includes sessions such as lectures, classes, seminars or workshops. Hours vary according to courses and you can view indicative details in the Calendar  within the Teaching section of each  course guide .

You are also expected to complete independent study outside of class time. This varies depending on the programme, but requires you to manage the majority of your study time yourself, by engaging in activities such as reading, note-taking, thinking and research.

Teaching methods

LSE is internationally recognised for its teaching and research and therefore employs a rich variety of teaching staff with a range of experience and status. Each topic will be presented by an expert working practically in the field. Courses may be taught by individual members of faculty, such as lecturers, senior lecturers, readers, associate professors and professors. Many departments now also employ guest teachers and visiting members of staff, LSE teaching fellows and graduate teaching assistants who are usually doctoral research students and in the majority of cases, teach on undergraduate courses only. You can view indicative details for the teacher responsible for each course in the relevant  course guide .

All taught courses are required to include formative coursework which is unassessed. It is designed to help prepare you for summative assessment which counts towards the course mark and to the degree award. LSE uses a range of formative assessment, such as essays, problem sets, case studies, reports, quizzes, mock exams and many others. Your assessments include examinations, essays and a final dissertation. An indication of the formative coursework and summative assessment for each course can be found in the relevant  course guide .

Academic support

A dissertation supervisor will be allocated to you to advise and guide you in selecting a topic and to design and carry out an empirical piece of social psychological research. This gives you the opportunity to gain first-hand experience of the research process.

Assistance and guidance for your dissertation will be provided through group supervision, workshops and related research activities, as well as formative feedback from your supervisor. Specifically, your supervisor will comment on your Dissertation Plan and Dissertation Progress Report.

You will also be assigned an academic mentor who will be available for guidance and advice on academic or personal concerns.

There are many opportunities to extend your learning outside the classroom and complement your academic studies at LSE.  LSE LIFE  is the School’s centre for academic, personal and professional development. Some of the services on offer include: guidance and hands-on practice of the key skills you will need to do well at LSE: effective reading, academic writing and critical thinking; workshops related to how to adapt to new or difficult situations, including development of skills for leadership, study/work/life balance and preparing for the world of work; and advice and practice on working in study groups and on cross-cultural communication and teamwork.

LSE is committed to enabling all students to achieve their full potential and the School’s  Disability and Wellbeing Service  provides a free, confidential service to all LSE students and is a first point of contact for all disabled students.

Teaching staff

Programme directors

Dr Lucia Garcia-Lorenzo  

Dr Tom Reader  

Student support and resources

We’re here to help and support you throughout your time at LSE, whether you need help with your academic studies, support with your welfare and wellbeing or simply to develop on a personal and professional level.

Whatever your query, big or small, there are a range of people you can speak to who will be happy to help.  

Department librarians   – they will be able to help you navigate the library and maximise its resources during your studies. 

Accommodation service  – they can offer advice on living in halls and offer guidance on private accommodation related queries.

Class teachers and seminar leaders  – they will be able to assist with queries relating to specific courses. 

Disability and Wellbeing Service  – they are experts in long-term health conditions, sensory impairments, mental health and specific learning difficulties. They offer confidential and free services such as  student counselling,  a  peer support scheme  and arranging  exam adjustments.  They run groups and workshops.  

IT help  – support is available 24 hours a day to assist with all your technology queries.   

LSE Faith Centre  – this is home to LSE's diverse religious activities and transformational interfaith leadership programmes, as well as a space for worship, prayer and quiet reflection. It includes Islamic prayer rooms and a main space for worship. It is also a space for wellbeing classes on campus and is open to all students and staff from all faiths and none.   

Language Centre  – the Centre specialises in offering language courses targeted to the needs of students and practitioners in the social sciences. We offer pre-course English for Academic Purposes programmes; English language support during your studies; modern language courses in nine languages; proofreading, translation and document authentication; and language learning community activities.

LSE Careers  ­ – with the help of LSE Careers, you can make the most of the opportunities that London has to offer. Whatever your career plans, LSE Careers will work with you, connecting you to opportunities and experiences from internships and volunteering to networking events and employer and alumni insights. 

LSE Library   –   founded in 1896, the British Library of Political and Economic Science is the major international library of the social sciences. It stays open late, has lots of excellent resources and is a great place to study. As an LSE student, you’ll have access to a number of other academic libraries in Greater London and nationwide. 

LSE LIFE  – this is where you should go to develop skills you’ll use as a student and beyond. The centre runs talks and workshops on skills you’ll find useful in the classroom; offers one-to-one sessions with study advisers who can help you with reading, making notes, writing, research and exam revision; and provides drop-in sessions for academic and personal support. (See ‘Teaching and assessment’). 

LSE Students’ Union (LSESU)  – they offer academic, personal and financial advice and funding.  

PhD Academy   – this is available for PhD students, wherever they are, to take part in interdisciplinary events and other professional development activities and access all the services related to their registration. 

Sardinia House Dental Practice   – this   offers discounted private dental services to LSE students.  

St Philips Medical Centre  – based in Pethwick-Lawrence House, the Centre provides NHS Primary Care services to registered patients.

Student Services Centre  – our staff here can answer general queries and can point you in the direction of other LSE services.  

Student advisers   – we have a  Deputy Head of Student Services (Advice and Policy)  and an  Adviser to Women Students  who can help with academic and pastoral matters.

Student life

As a student at LSE you’ll be based at our central London campus. Find out what our campus and London have to offer you on academic, social and career perspective. 

Student societies and activities

Your time at LSE is not just about studying, there are plenty of ways to get involved in  extracurricular activities . From joining one of over 200 societies, or starting your own society, to volunteering for a local charity, or attending a public lecture by a world-leading figure, there is a lot to choose from. 

The campus 

LSE is based on one  campus  in the centre of London. Despite the busy feel of the surrounding area, many of the streets around campus are pedestrianised, meaning the campus feels like a real community. 

Life in London 

London is an exciting, vibrant and colourful city. It's also an academic city, with more than 400,000 university students. Whatever your interests or appetite you will find something to suit your palate and pocket in this truly international capital. Make the most of career opportunities and social activities, theatre, museums, music and more. 

Want to find out more? Read why we think  London is a fantastic student city , find out about  key sights, places and experiences for new Londoners . Don't fear, London doesn't have to be super expensive: hear about  London on a budget . 

Student stories

Lorena carrasco.

The LSE teaching method is unique because it challenges you to critically think for yourself and take ownership of your career. My professors were top academics and practitioners that facilitated vigorous discussions, but I was responsible to read, reflect and develop an opinion of my own. Studying at the LSE gave me access to the largest Social Science Library in the world and a network of experts that was also decisive to conduct high-quality research. In my dissertation, I explored the identity transition of working mothers and provided practical recommendations for women and organisations to thrive. This not only granted me a distinction grade but, above all, became the foundation of my own business. I never imagined myself as an entrepreneur but being in such a diverse and intellectually stimulating environment like the LSE, sharpened my curiosity to understand the roots of inequality in the workplace and equipped me with the tools to help women accelerate their career growth. This experience broadened my understanding of what I can achieve and convinced me that I can contribute to social change on a global scale.   

My experience in 3 words:  Stimulating, Transformative, Inspiring.

Sarah Kate L'Heureux 

Why did you choose the course/LSE?  

I chose the Organisational and Social Psychology MSc because I wanted to gain a more comprehensive understanding of human behavior in the workplace. This program educates students on both academic literature and theory, as well as how to apply these concepts in realistic situations that occur in organizations. 

What has been the highlight of your LSE experience?

I think the highlight of my experience at LSE has been the seminar discussions and extensive conversations held outside of the classroom about course content. It has been incredibly impactful to hear the perceptions, thoughts, and reflections my colleagues have towards material taught in lectures.

How are you planning to use your degree for your future career?  

I plan to use this master's degree as I pursue a career in human development consulting and later in my pursuits for a PhD. program in organizational psychology. 

Sum up your experience in 3 words:  Rigorous, inspiring, and rewarding 

Sai Kalvapalle

Coming out of an undergraduate programme in Psychology where I independently enjoyed social psychology and industrial/organizational psychology, the OSP programme seemed like the ideal specialization, housed in a rigorous social scientific institution of LSE and the exhilarating & diverse city of London! It’s hard to name a single highlight of my LSE experience, but one memorable one is our Departmental trip to Cumberland Lodge, where we participated in discussions, debates, socials, and relaxing walks in Windsor Great Park. Based on my training at LSE, I am now in a PhD programme, investigating the relational dynamics in organizational life. In sum, my LSE experience was open, stimulating, and challenging.

Melissa Nassimiha

Why did you choose the course/LSE?

During my Bachelor’s degree in Criminology & Psychology, I fell in love with the Organisational Psychology module and I decided to do a Master's to specialize in that field. I applied to LSE because I knew that it was one of the leading universities in the world: its unique teaching approach based on research and independent thinking it’s what convinced me. 

The movie night where we watched “Fight Club” with snacks and drinks and did a post-modernist analysis of it afterwards. This is just an example, but all the professors organised some unique activity that strengthened our professional and personal relationship with them. 

How are you planning to use your degree for your future career?

3 months prior to the completion of my Master’s I've started working as a data analyst in an amazing Organisational Intelligence start-up called Temporall that combines AI and human minds to give leaders the clarity they need. This degree gave me the tools that allow me to be part of something innovative and exciting.

Sum up your experience in 3 words:  Academia is cool 

Alvara Figueredo, Guatemala, MSc Organisational and Social Psychology

The mix of social and organisational psychology in my MSc is simply fascinating. It allows you to develop professionally either in the social space or working with organisations. I also love having the freedom to adapt the programme to my personal needs by taking the options that I find most interesting, even from other departments; the speakers that come to talk about interesting topics; the quality of the research, and finally, the approach to social problems is so important, the social construction of change instead of an individualistic approach.

LSE has helped me to develop in a number of ways: Firstly, learning about top class research; Secondly, I am now part of the team of researchers of the Incas Project, in which LSE is a participant. It allowed me to gain access to key contacts, and professional opportunities that otherwise could not have happened. LSE made that possible. 

Maitreyee Patki, MSc Organisational and Social Psychology

Being in London and at LSE, was definitely was one of the best experiences of my life. Studying at LSE was a dream come true, more for my parents than me! I had met an alumnus from LSE during my undergraduate days and I remember being very impressed with her, her field of work and her academic background. It inspired me to take the same route. Being an international student in London was a very enriching experience. Other than the fact that it has made me a lot more confident and independent, it also made me aware of cultural differences and taught me to not evaluate all with the same lens. The LSE brand name in itself is an impressive one. It is a great conversation starter when speaking with employers and it establishes you as a superior candidate instantly, giving you a clear edge over others.

Quick Careers Facts for the Department of Psychological and Behavioural Science

Median salary of our PG students 15 months after graduating: £33,000

Top 5 sectors our students work in:

• Financial and Professional Services              
• Education, Teaching and Research            
• Consultancy      
• Real Estate, Environment and Energy 
• Other Professional, Scientific and Technical Activities

The data was collected as part of the Graduate Outcomes survey, which is administered by the Higher Education Statistics Agency (HESA). Graduates from 2020-21 were the fourth group to be asked to respond to Graduate Outcomes. Median salaries are calculated for respondents who are paid in UK pounds sterling and who were working in full-time employment.

Recent graduates have gained employment worldwide in consultancy, international enterprises and firms, banks, government and non-governmental organisations (NGOs), or have gone on to obtain PhDs and pursue an academic career.

Further information on graduate destinations for this programme

Support for your career

Many leading organisations give careers presentations at the School during the year, and LSE Careers has a wide range of resources available to assist students in their job search. Find out more about the  support available to students through LSE Careers .

Preliminary reading

A Furnham  The Psychology of Behaviour at Work: the individual in the organization ( Psychology Press, 2005)

S A Haslam, P s ychology in Organizations: the social identity approach (S age, 2004)

E H Schein  Organizational culture and leadership  (John Wiley & Sons, 2010)

K E Weick  Sensemaking in organizations   (Sage, 1995)

Free-to-access publications by OSP faculty that you may wish to read:

L Garcia-Lorenzo  Framing uncertainty: narratives, change and digital technologies  ( Social Science Information , 2010)

S McKenna, L Garcia-Lorenzo and T Bridgman  Managing, managerial control and managerial identity in the post-bureaucratic world  ( Journal of Management Development , (29(2), 128-136, 2010)

L Moskovitz & L Garcia-Lorenzo  Changing the NHS a Day at a Time: the role of enactment in the mobilisation and prefiguration of change  ( Journal of Social and Political Psychology , (4(1), 196-219, 2016)

I H Gleibs, A Mummendey and P Noack  Predictors of change in postmerger identification during a merger process: a longitudinal study  ( Journal of Personality and Social Psychology , 95, 1095-1112, 2008)

Noort, M., Reader, T., Shorrock, S., & Kirwan, B. (2016). The relationship between national culture and safety culture: implications for international safety culture assessments. Journal of Occupational and Organizational Psychology, 89, 515-538

Reader, T., Mearns, K., Lopes, C. (2017). Organisational support for the workforce and employee safety citizenship behaviours: a reciprocal relationship. Human Relations, 70, 362-385

Please contact Louise Millar via email:  [email protected]

Find out more about LSE

Discover more about being an LSE student - meet us in a city near you, visit our campus or experience LSE from home. 

Experience LSE from home

Webinars, videos, student blogs and student video diaries will help you gain an insight into what it's like to study at LSE for those that aren't able to make it to our campus.  Experience LSE from home . 

Come on a guided campus tour, attend an undergraduate open day, drop into our office or go on a self-guided tour.  Find out about opportunities to visit LSE . 

LSE visits you

Student Marketing, Recruitment and Study Abroad travels throughout the UK and around the world to meet with prospective students. We visit schools, attend education fairs and also hold Destination LSE events: pre-departure events for offer holders.  Find details on LSE's upcoming visits . 

How to apply

Virtual Graduate Open Day

Register your interest

Related programmes, msc behavioural science.

Code(s) C8UD

MSc Human Resources and Organisations

Code(s) N6U7 (IER stream), N6U8 (HRM stream), N6U9 (OB stream)

MSc Psychology of Economic Life

Code(s) C8UC

MSc Social and Cultural Psychology

Code(s) L7U1

MSc Social and Public Communication

Code(s) L7U5

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Birkbeck, University of London

ORGANIZATIONAL PSYCHOLOGY (MPHIL / PHD)

ORGANIZATIONAL PSYCHOLOGY (MPHIL / PHD)  ORGANIZATIONAL PSYCHOLOGY (MPHIL / PHD) Birkbeck, University of London ../webroot/files/Institutions/cover_photo/1563773744Birkbeck-University-1.jpg

Masters Degree , Psychology

ORGANIZATIONAL PSYCHOLOGY (MPHIL / PHD) ORGANIZATIONAL PSYCHOLOGY (MPHIL / PHD) Birkbeck, University of London

Course description.

An MPhil/PhD is an advanced postgraduate research degree that requires original research and the submission of a substantial dissertation of 60,000 to 100,000 words. At Birkbeck, you are initially registered on an MPhil and you upgrade to a PhD after satisfactory progress in the first year or two. You need to find a suitable academic supervisor at Birkbeck, who can offer the requisite expertise to guide and support you through your research. 

The MPhil/PhD in Organizational Psychology aims to train you to conduct research of a high academic standard and to make an original contribution to the subject through your thesis. It will not only prepare you to undertake research for your own dissertation, but will also equip you to be able to evaluate research results and reports more widely.

Our research interests include: selection and assessment; training; organisational communication; organisation studies and organisational sociology; well-being and emotion; technology development and organisational change; human resource management; employment and psychological contracts; pay; careers and innovation. We also have expertise in, and are committed to, both qualitative and quantitative research techniques.

Entry Requirements

Good first degree or Master's qualification in a relevant subject area.

Applicants who do not hold a Master's degree in a relevant subject may be required to take some MSc modules.

INTERNATIONAL ENTRY REQUIREMENTS

If English is not your first language or you have not previously studied in English, the requirement for this programme is the equivalent of an International English Language Testing System (IELTS Academic Test) score of 7.0, with not less than 6.0 in each of the sub-tests.

VISA REQUIREMENTS

If you are not from the European Economic Area (EEA) and/or Switzerland and you are coming to study in the UK, you may need to apply for a visa.

The visa you apply for varies according to the length of your course:

• Courses of more than six months' duration.
• Courses of less than six months' duration.
• Pre-sessional English language courses.

International students who require a Tier 4 visa should apply for our full-time courses (with the exception of modular enrolment certificates of higher education and graduate certificates), as these qualify for Tier 4 sponsorship. If you are living in the UK on a Tier 4 visa, you will not be eligible to enrol as a student on Birkbeck's part-time courses (with the exception of some modules).

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UCL Psychology and Language Sciences

Organisational Psychology

• Industrial/Organisational and Business Psychology MSc ( suspended for 2023/24): this programme  provides students with a solid grounding in talent management, the psychology of human capital and organisations. This course is ideal for students planning a career in human resources, consulting, and consumer psychology, as well as those hoping to pursue a PhD in this area. The programme offers excellent networking and placement opportunities with global organisations and has strong links with industry, notably financial services, advertising, and tech start-ups.

Register your interest

Register your interest in studying at UCL and receive important information about open days, applications, and more.

Find out about funding available to students including loans, scholarships and bursaries for specific subject areas.

• UCL Graduate School – fees and funding
• UCL scholarships and funding

79 Best universities for Organizational / Business / IO Psychology in the United Kingdom

Updated: February 29, 2024

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Below is a list of best universities in the United Kingdom ranked based on their research performance in Organizational / Business / IO Psychology. A graph of 393K citations received by 8.25K academic papers made by 79 universities in the United Kingdom was used to calculate publications' ratings, which then were adjusted for release dates and added to final scores.

We don't distinguish between undergraduate and graduate programs nor do we adjust for current majors offered. You can find information about granted degrees on a university page but always double-check with the university website.

1. University of Manchester

For Organizational / Business / IO Psychology

2. University of Sheffield

3. University College London

4. King's College London

5. University of Warwick

6. London Business School

7. University of Oxford

8. University of Nottingham

9. Loughborough University

10. University of Birmingham

11. University of Surrey

12. Lancaster University

13. University of Aberdeen

14. London School of Economics and Political Science

15. University of Leeds

16. Cardiff University

17. Aston University

18. Queen's University Belfast

19. University of Cambridge

20. University of Bath

21. University of Strathclyde

22. Cranfield University

23. University of Kent

24. Ulster University

25. University of Leicester

26. University of London

27. University of Wales

28. Brunel University London

29. University of Liverpool

30. Birkbeck, University of London

31. City, University of London

32. University of East Anglia

33. University of Reading

34. Nottingham Trent University

35. Imperial College London

36. University of Bradford

37. University of Exeter

38. University of York

39. Anglia Ruskin University

40. Bournemouth University

41. Manchester Metropolitan University

42. University of Edinburgh

43. University of Sussex

44. University of Southampton

45. Royal Holloway, University of London

46. Middlesex University

47. Swansea University

48. University of Stirling

49. University of St Andrews

50. University of Bristol

51. Newcastle University

52. University of Essex

53. University of Portsmouth

54. University of the West of England

55. Durham University

56. University of Wolverhampton

57. University of Salford

58. Northumbria University

59. Keele University

60. University of Hertfordshire

61. University of Plymouth

62. University of Bedfordshire

63. Kingston University

64. Sheffield Hallam University

65. University of Glasgow

66. Liverpool John Moores University

67. Leeds Beckett University

68. De Montfort University

69. Glasgow Caledonian University

70. Oxford Brookes University

71. Queen Mary University of London

72. Queen Margaret University

73. Coventry University

74. University of Hull

75. Edinburgh Napier University

76. University of Dundee

77. Robert Gordon University

78. University of Westminster

79. University of Lincoln

The best cities to study Organizational / Business / IO Psychology in the United Kingdom based on the number of universities and their ranks are Manchester , Sheffield , London , and Coventry .

Psychology subfields in the United Kingdom

Organizational Psychology and Business MSc

Year of entry 2024, masters study and funding online event.

Join us online on Wednesday 5 June to receive expert advice on how to make your Masters a reality with funding. Book your place

Course overview

This professionally-recognised course will provide you with the skills and commercial awareness to apply psychological principles to the challenges faced by organisations.

You’ll build your knowledge of the psychological science base while gaining an appreciation of business management, learning from expert practitioners within organizational/industrial psychology.

You’ll examine organizational effectiveness by exploring topics such as managing innovation, change management and designing complex socio-technical systems.

The course has a practical focus to develop and test your professional skills in real business scenarios. During the course you’ll have the opportunity to gain certification in Occupational Test User: Ability and Personality at no additional cost, which is a valuable tool for selection and development.

This Masters is an ideal qualification if you want to work as a practitioner organizational psychologist or academic researcher.

Course highlights

This course is shaped by the latest thinking from our Socio-Technical Centre , and our Workplace Behaviour Research Centre , combining expertise in psychology, management, engineering, environmental science, and geography.

Learn from an influential group of organizational psychologists who bring the latest industry knowledge into their teaching.

You’ll have access to our brand-new Behaviour Labs – teaching facilities specifically designed to support the study of organizational behaviours. Our Data Collection Lab, Observation Room and Boardroom allow you to simulate business scenarios and study the dynamics of social interactions.

Benefit from our connections with a range of organizations who provide real-world insight and experience on how psychology can improve wellbeing and performance. Recent project partners have included: Rolls-Royce; Bentley; Arup; the National Health Service; Network Rail, and Marks and Spencer.

Find out more about studying your Masters at Leeds University Business School  .

Accreditation

Leeds University Business School has triple accreditation from the three leading bodies AACSB, AMBA and EQUIS

The course covers the full range of topics required for professional recognition by the British Psychological Society (BPS), the representative body for psychology and psychologists in the UK. To read more about the benefits of undertaking an accredited programme, please see the BPS website .

In order to be eligible for chartered membership of the British Psychological Society and full membership of the Division of Occupational Psychology, you will need to have completed both a degree granting eligibility for graduate basis of chartership (accredited undergraduate degree), as well as an accredited Masters programme (such as this one). You can check whether your undergraduate programme is accredited by the BPS on their website . If you would like to gain chartership, but do not have an accredited undergraduate degree, it may still be possible to gain chartership by undertaking an accredited conversion course after completion of the Masters degree.

If you hold a BPS accredited undergraduate degree, graduation from this course fulfils stage one of the requirements for Chartered Membership of BPS and full membership of the Division of Occupational Psychology. Please see the BPS website for details .

Course details

In each semester, you’ll study a range of modules that develop your knowledge of key aspects of organizational psychology.

You’ll be introduced to the individual, team and organizational factors that affect workplace behaviours – such as decision-making and teamwork – exploring the selection and training methods used by organisations to recruit, develop and retain talent.

From there you’ll study contemporary business priorities such as organizational development and change, as well as approaches to career development and performance management.

A further module will put you in real-life business situations to help you develop your commercial awareness and professional skills.

Throughout the year, you’ll develop your understanding of research design and analysis in psychology and social sciences, especially behavioural research. This will develop your skills to prepare you for your dissertation – an independent research project on your choice of topic that you’ll submit by the end of the year.

Course structure

The list shown below represents typical modules/components studied and may change from time to time. Read more in our terms and conditions.

For more information and a full list of typical modules available on this course, please read Organizational Psychology and Business MSc in the course catalogue

Year 1 compulsory modules

Learning and teaching.

You’ll be taught using a range of methods including lectures, tutorials, seminars and workshops. The rest of your time will be spent in independent learning, which allows you to develop your skills in research and analysis.  

Our Virtual Learning Environment will help to support your studies: it’s a central place where you can find all the information and resources for the school, your programme and modules. 

On this course you’ll be taught by our expert academics, from lecturers through to professors. You may also be taught by industry professionals with years of experience, as well as trained postgraduate researchers, connecting you to some of the brightest minds on campus.

Assessment methods emphasise not just knowledge, but essential skills development too. This may include formal exams, group projects, reports, computer simulation exercises, essays and written assignments, group and individual presentations and reflective logs. 

This diversity enables you to develop a broad range of skills as preparation for professional life. 

Entry requirements

A bachelor degree with a 2:1 (hons), which includes at least one module focused on ‘research methods’.

This course will be particularly relevant for applicants who hold an undergraduate degree in Psychology. However, we also accept those from other undergraduate backgrounds, as long as at least one module focused on ‘research methods’ was completed as part of the course. Completion of an undergraduate research dissertation project is also advantageous.

International qualifications

We accept a range of international equivalent qualifications .

English language requirements

IELTS 6.5 overall, with no less than 6.0 in any component.. For other English qualifications, read English language equivalent qualifications .

Improve your English

International students who do not meet the English language requirements for this programme may be able to study our postgraduate pre-sessional English course, to help improve your English language level.

This pre-sessional course is designed with a progression route to your degree programme and you’ll learn academic English in the context of your subject area. To find out more, read Language for Human Resource Management (6 weeks) and Language for Business: Human Resource Management (10 weeks) .

We also offer online pre-sessionals alongside our on-campus pre-sessionals.  Find out more about our six week online pre-sessional .

You can also study pre-sessionals for longer periods – read about our postgraduate pre-sessional English courses .

How to apply

Application deadline:

We operate a staged admissions process for this course with selection deadlines throughout the year.

If you do not receive an offer in a particular round, you will either be notified that your application has been unsuccessful, or we will carry your application forward to be considered in the next round.

Please see our How to Apply page for full details and the application deadlines for each stage.

The ‘Apply’ link at the top of this page takes you to information on applying for taught programmes and to the University's online application system.

If you're unsure about the application process, contact the admissions team for help.

Documents and information you’ll need

• A copy of your degree certificate and transcript, or a partial transcript if you’re still studying
• Contact details for two academic references
• A personal statement
• An up-to-date CV
• Your approved English Language test* (if applicable)
• A letter of sponsorship, if you need one.

* Applicants who have not yet completed an approved English language test may apply for a Masters course prior to taking a test.

Read about visas, immigration and other information in International students . We recommend that international students apply as early as possible to ensure that they have time to apply for their visa.

Admissions policy

University of Leeds Taught Admissions Policy 2024

This course is taught by

Leeds University Business School

Postgraduate Admissions Office

Email: [email protected] Telephone:

UK: £14,750 (Total)

International: £28,750 (Total)

Read more about paying fees and charges .

For fees information for international taught postgraduate students, read Masters fees .

Additional cost information

There may be additional costs related to your course or programme of study, or related to being a student at the University of Leeds. Read more on our living costs and budgeting page .

Scholarships and financial support

We’re offering up to 50 Business School Excellence Scholarships to UK and International students starting one of our Masters courses in 2024. These scholarships offer a 50% fee reduction and will be awarded to particularly deserving applicants who demonstrate excellent academic, professional and personal achievements.

You do not have to submit a separate application for our Excellence Scholarships - you will be automatically considered when your course application is reviewed.

International Excellence Scholarships (International applicants)

Masters Excellence Scholarships (UK applicants)

Read more about Masters Funding and Scholarships

Career opportunities

As a graduate of this course you will be business savvy, with a broad appreciation of the financial, strategic and operational workings of contemporary organisations. Our graduates are strongly positioned to enter careers in the public or private sectors, equally adept as dedicated consulting organizational psychologists or human resource specialists.

Recent graduates have gone on to pursue successful careers in a range of organisations and consultancies around the world, including Google , Kiddy and Partners , Capp , and Human Factors International . Roles include Consulting Psychologist, Operations Analyst, Trainee Occupational Psychologist, Management Consultant, Recruitment Consultant and Crowd Management Consultant.

Employer view

"I have been really impressed with the students on the MSc at Leeds. The students themselves are very able and motivated, and the MSc programme provides a very good balance of professional skills and academic depth. As an employer I need organizational psychologists who understand their subject and can interact professionally and effectively with clients – the Leeds programme prepares students very well for their future careers."

Ivan Robertson, Director, Robertson-Cooper

Careers support

As part of this course, our dedicated Professional Development Tutor will provide tailored academic and careers support to help you achieve your career ambitions. 

You can expect guidance on your career choices, help in identifying and applying for jobs, support to boost your employability, as well as coaching to support you to develop the professional skills you will need to start a successful career, and how to evidence these to prospective employers.

You’ll also benefit from the University’s Careers Service , where you can access range of support to help you plan your career and make well-informed decisions, even after you graduate.  

Read more about our careers and professional development support .

Related courses

Cognitive development and disorders msc, management msc, management consulting msc, psychological approaches to health msc.

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Study people, work and organizational psychology

Organizational psychology at Birkbeck was established in 1962 (before any other UK university) and the Birkbeck Business School is a leading provider of education in organizational psychology and related fields. We pride ourselves on our history of excellence, our personal and professional development offer, and our inclusive, critical and flexible approach.

Our academics are active field researchers with expertise highly relevant to our current rapidly changing organisational environments. Examples are work-life balance, diversity and inclusion, wellbeing at work and decision-making.

Our range of programmes is designed to equip students to make a positive difference to organisations and their people, and is offered flexibly to allow students to balance their other commitments. We welcome students from diverse backgrounds and educational experiences to join and enrich our community.

Our courses

• Undergraduate degrees
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BSc Business Psychology

Discover our flagship undergraduate course, which can be studied full-time or part-time.

Our postgraduate programmes

We specialise in postgraduate education designed to make a difference to the world of work.

Full programme list

View a full list of all the programmes that we offer at undergraduate, postgraduate and MPhil/PhD levels.

We offer in-person and online experience and taster days and a virtual tour, so you can get to know Birkbeck and its staff.

BSc Business Psychology Graduate Gina Osman

Gina Osman talks about studying Business Psychology at Birkbeck, the challenges of studying as an International student, the benefits of studying part-time and how she gained work experience while studying.

Professional accreditations

Our MSc Human Resource Management is accredited by the Chartered Institute of Personnel and Development (CIPD).

Flexible Master's Degrees

You have the freedom to choose to study in the traditional classroom, through online classes, or a blended approach combining both.

Our MPhil/PhD programme trains you to conduct research of a high academic standard and to make original contributions to the subject.

Find out how to apply for any of our courses, including details about work experience, personal statements and supporting documents.

Contact our staff if you require specific course advice not available on our pages, or if you wish to contact possible PhD supervisors.

International students

If you're an international student wishing to study at Birkbeck, find out about our entry requirements, English language ability and how to apply.

Student services

Birkbeck offers a range of services to current students, including disability support, financial support and academic support.

Find out how Birkbeck provides advice and support to help you finance your studies.

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Occupational and Organisational Psychology MSc 2 Years │ Distance Learning │ Upcoming Intakes: October 2024

• Entry Requirements

• Course Overview
• Who Is This Course For

Distance Learning Experience

• Research Rich Learning
• Teaching Staff
• Your Future
• Fees, Funding & Scholarships

Open new doors with an MSc in Occupational and Organisational Psychology. Whether your goal is to qualify as a Chartered Occupational Psychologist or you’re happy in your chosen career but want greater insight into how people think, act and feel within a business environment, this course is designed around you.  

If you’re interested in business psychology, or industrial psychology, particularly in relation to people management or HR, this this Occupational and Organisational Psychology course is for you. It will allow you to explore how human behaviour affects and is affected by the functioning of workplaces and their staff and covers everything from hiring to productivity and learning on the job.  

The Masters has been designed to help you to specialise after you’ve completed your existing psychology qualifications or as a career transition from those students coming from another discipline. Accredited by the British Psychological Society (BPS) as Stage 1 Occupational Psychologist training, the MSc is suitable for students with a psychology degree, now looking to take the next step towards a career as a Chartered Occupational Psychologist in the UK. It is also open to those with a different academic background, working in a career such as HR, Consultancy or Management, where a better understanding of the psychology behind workplace wellbeing, engagement, selection, assessment, and learning and development would be beneficial. Business psychology careers are a growing field and those with specialised Occupational and Organisational Psychology qualifications will be an asset to many companies.  

Study is flexible. You can complete the course 100% online, fitting your learning in around your personal and professional commitments. You can also complete the course at your own pace, in around two years or taking a little longer if needed, plus you can pay in module-by-module instalments. With no need to travel to campus, you can work from anywhere, at any time, and on any device.  

If you have any questions about this degree,  visit our course FAQ pages .  

Please note, our next intake will be running in October 2024. We are not accepting applications yet, however if you are interested in joining us, please fill in the Request More Information form at the bottom of this page; we then be in touch once our application portal opens.

In order to ensure BPS standards are met, and the integrity and quality of this course is upheld, places on the October 2024 intake will be limited. Due to high demand, places will be allocated on a first come first served basis to applicants who meet the entry criteria. Once the portal is open, we encourage you to submit your application as early as possible to avoid disappointment. If you would like to speak to someone about this, please feel free to call us on 0191 276 4874 or email  [email protected]   

Course Information

Level of Study Postgraduate

Mode of Study 2 years Part-Time Distance Learning 2 other options available

Department Psychology

Location City Campus, Northumbria University

City Newcastle

Start October 2024

Fees Fee Information

Modules Module Information

Discover More

Visit Our Distance Learning Blog to Read More >

Discover NU World / A virtual journey through everything Northumbria has to offer.

Explore our immersive 360 tours, informative subject videos, inspirational student profiles, ground-breaking research, and a range of life at university blogs videos and articles.

Fees and Funding

This distance learning course is perfect if you are looking to gain a deeper understanding of workplace psychology. We welcome graduates from a number of backgrounds, with different goals in mind:  

Those with a psychology degree and Graduate Basis for Chartership (GBC) status* –  

If you have a psychology degree accredited by the British Psychological Society (BPS), either at undergraduate level or after a conversion course MSc ( such as our online MSc ), this specialist course has been accredited as Stage 1 training by the Society when accompanied with GBC status. This means, after graduation, you will be able to go on to complete your professional development, and become a Chartered Occupational Psychologist, through hands-on, practitioner Stage 2 training. 

Those without a background in psychology (or without a BPS accredited psychology degree and GBC) –  

If you do not have a background in psychology (or have a non-BPS accredited psychology degree) and do not meet the requirements for GBC membership currently* but you do have a 2:2 in another subject, this course could still be for you. It may be that you want to progress in your current career (for example in Marketing, Advertising, Management, HR, Recruitment, Coaching, Training, Consultancy, Customer Service or Social Work) where a better understanding of psychology will boost your potential in the business environment. Or maybe you are considering a switch in careers or have a genuine interest in psychology that you wish to explore further. 

No matter which group you fall into, by the time you finish the course, you’ll have gained invaluable practical and theoretical organisational psychology skills and knowledge. Plus, you’ll have developed a range of transferable skills such as critical evaluation, communication, statistical analysis, time management and the ability to consider and apply practical solutions around complex, ambiguous and sensitive issues. 

*It is possible to go on to study a BPS accredited degree and gain GBC after graduating from this specialist course. This would enable you to make the switch onto the Chartered training route. 

Student Experiences

Hear more from some of our distance learning students or others who have switched direction below.

"After spending a decade as a teacher, I wanted to leave the profession and start a new career... I knew online study would be my best option."

Gemma Cornwall

Distance Learning Student

Changing Careers?

Hear from others who've done the same

We’ve designed this Masters in partnership with online experts to make sure you get the most flexible and engaging experience possible. We understand all our students are different and lead busy lives. That’s why our focus is on self-paced, interactive learning that will allow you the freedom to study whenever and wherever it suits you. The recommended study time for the course is 15 hours a week. 

You will access all your learning materials through our eLearning portal (elp) Blackboard Ultra. You will study one module at a time. The form of your assessments will vary between modules – they could take the form of an essay or a multiple-choice exam – but all of them will be submitted online. There will be no need to come to campus throughout the duration of your course. 

Each of our modules has been carefully designed to ensure you gain the knowledge you need about that topic in the most effective, most engaging way. However, all of them will be split into multiple sessions and follow a three-stage structure: Learn, Explore and Apply. In each teaching week, you’ll have the chance to engage with interactive tools and media, ranging from text-based to video/audio (“Learn”), as well as complete online readings (“Explore”) in your own time. There will also be the chance to test yourself and receive formative feedback. 

You’ll join a supportive, lively online community. Throughout the course, you will participate in virtual discussion boards with your academics and fellow students, sharing your thoughts, knowledge and experience with them as you learn (“Apply”). In addition, you will be able to attend live webinars on key aspects of the module and its delivery/structure, such as assessments. These sessions will offer you the chance to engage with your tutors in real time and ask any questions you have about the course. If you are unable to attend these scheduled sessions, they will also be recorded so you can watch them at a time that works for you.   

As well as the support of your module tutors and fellow students, you’ll have access to our Student Success Team from day one through to graduation. Whether you need pastoral guidance, help with assessments or advice about fees, they will be with you at every step. Blackboard Ultra also offers 24/7 access to a range of advice and support services, such as Ask4Help, too. 

You will also be able to access over half a million books and e-books through our online University Library Services.

Learn more about learning online at Northumbria, studying online versus on campus and our Student Success Team.

Distance Learning at Northumbria

Is an Online Degree For You?

Our Student Success Team

Our Psychology Department is a thriving community, with almost three-quarters of its research being judged to have outstanding reach and significance for its impact (REF 2014).  

Research-rich learning is at the heart of this degree. The course is delivered by a team of passionate, research-active academics, who will use their experience of contemporary research and practice techniques to ensure your learning is at the cutting edge of the discipline. From the outset, you’ll see how our knowledge of psychology is developed through research, and learn how to design and carry out research studies of your own using a range of methodologies. 

We’ll help you to develop advanced research skills and critical thinking, encouraging you to ask probing questions and reflect upon the process of investigation and knowledge creation. All of this will culminate in you researching and writing your own Masters-level thesis in the final stages of the programme. 

About Our Department

Department of Psychology

Department Research

Our team is dedicated to the discovery of knowledge. As well as holding a reputation for research (the department has delivered more than £5 million of externally-funded research in the last five years), all our staff also have extensive industry experience – a perfect combination that will inform your learning. 

You will learn from academics who have worked across a range of private and public sector organisations, and whose research interests include employee talent management, workplace bullying, employability and careers in the workplace. Their mix of real-life experience and academic knowledge means they will be able to deliver the latest theoretical knowledge, backed up by real world examples of application.   

Get to know some of the tutors you may be learning from below or explore the rest of the department . 

Meet The Tutors

Discover more about our online Occupational and Organisational Psychology MSc from senior lecturer on the course, Neill, or meet some of the tutors you may learn from.

Dr Madeline Carter

Senior Lecturer

Dr Mark Moss

Head of Department

Dr Vicki Elsey

Associate Professor

Dr Clare Cook

Assistant Professor

Dr Laura Longstaff

If you currently meet the requirements for GBC, completing this BPS accredited course could take your career in a number of directions.  

For some, it could open the way to a career as a Chartered Occupational Psychologist. For this, you will first need to complete hands-on Stage 2 training – the final, professional development step you need to take to qualify as a Chartered practitioner in the UK. Once qualified, you could be looking at a career that is in high demand across both the private and public sectors, working as a consultant or in-house. There is also the opportunity to progress your expertise further through further specialist study through the Professional Doctorate in Occupational Psychology . 

Alternatively, you may decide to progress onto further study or take up a research position. 

For others, an MSc in Occupational and Organisational Psychology could help with careers in a range of sectors outside psychology. You’ll be able to combine the science of human behaviour with your experience of the working world, learning how to place the wellbeing of staff at the centre of your business model, recruit the best employees, or achieve greater performance and staff engagement.  

Whether you’re looking to start a new career or take a step up in your current role, opportunities in consultancy, organisational development, training, recruitment, management and beyond are all possibilities. 

As a Northumbria student, you’ll be able to tap into our Careers and Employment Service , which offers a range of resources and support online. 

Entry Requirements 2024/25

Standard entry.

Applicants should normally have:

A minimum of a 2:2 honours degree in any subject.

In order to pursue a career as a Chartered Occupational Psychologist, applicants will require a minimum of a 2:2 honours degree in Psychology that provides Graduate Basis for Chartership (GBC) with the British Psychological Society (which can be completed prior to, or following, this degree).

Other subject qualifications, equivalent professional qualifications and/or relevant work experience will be considered on an individual basis.

International qualifications:

If you have studied a non UK qualification, you can see how your qualifications compare to the standard entry criteria, by selecting the country that you received the qualification in, from our country pages. Visit  www.northumbria.ac.uk/yourcountry

English language requirements:

International applicants are required to have a minimum overall IELTS (Academic) score of 6.5 with 6 in each component (or approved equivalent*).

*The university accepts a large number of UK and International Qualifications in place of IELTS.  You can find details of acceptable tests and the required grades you will need in our English Language section. Visit  www.northumbria.ac.uk/englishqualifications

For further admissions guidance and requirements, please visit  www.northumbria.ac.uk/admissionsguidance  Please review this information before submitting your application.

Fees and Funding 2024/25 Entry

Full UK Fee: £10,460

Full EU Fee: £10,460

Full International Fee: £10,460

Scholarships and Discounts

ADDITIONAL COSTS

There are no Additional Costs

Our Application Process

Applying for this course is quick and easy, and can be done using our online applicant portal.

As part of the application process, you’ll need to upload a selection of important documents including:

• Your Bachelor’s degree certificate
• A copy of your degree transcript (if this was awarded in a language other than English, you’ll need an official translation too)
• Evidence of any other postgraduate or professional qualifications
• An updated CV/resume
• Proof of your English Language proficiency (if English is your second language)
• A 500 word personal statement

If you are a non standard applicant, you will also need to send us two professional / personal references on headed paper.

After receiving your application, our Applicant Services team will aim to respond to you as soon as possible.

You are advised to apply early to secure your place and organise any sponsorship, scholarships or funding.

The University reserves the right at any stage to request applicants and enrolling students to provide additional information about any aspect of their application or enrolment. In the event of any student providing false or inaccurate information at any stage, and/or failing to provide additional information when requested to do so, the University further reserves the right to refuse to consider an application, to withdraw registration, rescind home fees status where applicable, and/or demand payment of any fees or monies due to the University.

Modules Overview 2024/25

Listed below are the modules that you will study on this course. Delivered in a flexible carousel structure, the order in which you study your modules will vary depending on when you begin the course. Please note, modules are reviewed annually and may be subject to change between academic years. Applicants will be informed if there are any changes. If you have any questions about this, or our carousel structure, please get in touch on +44 (0) 191 276 4874 or at [email protected]

Employee Selection (20 Credits)

You will learn about how organisations select and assess employees in the workplace. As you examine the range of approaches that are adopted by organisations, you will be able to understand why and how these are utilised most effectively. Topics include: • Effective use of job analysis and competencies • Use of psychometric testing such as cognitive ability and personality tests • Design and scoring of job interviews and assessment centres • Job performance

Learning and Development in Organisations (20 Credits)

This module will introduce the psychological theory and empirical evidence behind the learning and career development of individuals in a work context. You will learn and evaluate theories of career development, lifelong learning, occupational choice, training, employability and coaching. You will develop an appreciation of applied approaches taken by individuals and organisations to develop careers and discuss their effectiveness. A broad organisational perspective will be taken to employee development which includes contemporary issues affecting careers. You will reflect critically upon the theoretical and empirical literature by applying this to real world scenarios, developing an appreciation of the psychological processes which can impact upon career.

MSc Thesis (60 Credits)

On this module you will have the opportunity to independently conceptualise, plan and undertake a novel piece of research that contributes to psychological knowledge and understanding. You will critically evaluate current theories and evidence in order to generate your own research question. You will engage with the relevant ethical guidelines to design a feasible project plan. You will develop your independent research skills during this module as well as identifying points of collaboration with supervisors, research staff and other potential stakeholders. You will use a variety of relevant skills, techniques and research methods in order to implement your study and finally you will have the opportunity to disseminate your findings in written form.

Organisational Psychology Consultancy Skills (20 Credits)

You will learn about how organisational consultancy is applied in the field of organisational psychology from both a theoretical/academic and applied perspectives. Topics covered will include approaches to consultancy, applied data analysis for organisational problems, appraising performance and issues central to professional identity and employability. You will learn to develop a critical approach to theories and models and to identify the practical, professional and ethical issues inherent in undertaking research and practice in the area of organisational psychology.

Organisational Research Methods (20 Credits)

The module is designed to give you a theoretical and practical knowledge of common and more advanced quantitative and qualitative methods of collecting and analysing data in occupational and organisational psychology. A range of methods will be studied and relevant analytic software will be used in exercises. The communication of findings according to the most recent conventions and with due regard to the audience will be addressed. The approach is to provide a theoretical background for each technique, so that you are not simply capable of carrying out and reporting analyses, but also capable of reflecting critically on their appropriateness in psychological research and practice.

The Organisation (20 Credits)

You will learn about the field of organisational psychology from both a theoretical/academic and applied perspective. The module adopts a widened organisational perspective and considers topics such as organisational culture, organisational change and development, leadership and team working. You will learn to develop a critical approach to theories and models and to identify the practical, professional and ethical issues inherent in undertaking research and practice in the area of occupational and organisational psychology.

Modules Overview 2025/26

Study options.

The following alternative study options are available for this course:

1 year full-time / Sep start

2 years part-time / Sep start

Any Questions?

Our Applicant Services team will be happy to help.  They can be contacted on 02843 780 292  or by emailing [email protected]

All information is accurate at the time of sharing. 

Full time Courses are primarily delivered via on-campus face to face learning but could include elements of online learning. Most courses run as planned and as promoted on our website and via our marketing materials, but if there are any substantial changes (as determined by the Competition and Markets Authority) to a course or there is the potential that course may be withdrawn, we will notify all affected applicants as soon as possible with advice and guidance regarding their options. It is also important to be aware that optional modules listed on course pages may be subject to change depending on uptake numbers each year.  

Contact time is subject to increase or decrease in line with possible restrictions imposed by the government or the University in the interest of maintaining the health and safety and wellbeing of students, staff, and visitors if this is deemed necessary in future.

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