MSc in Occupational Psychology / MSc in Work Psychology
OPEN DAY Tuesday 7th February 2pm please contact Bekki Kendrick for further information
Contact Bekki on Tel: 0114 222 3282 or .(JavaScript must be enabled to view this email address)The well-established Sheffield MSc course in Occupational Psychology has been running for over 30 years. It attracts a wide range of students from the UK and abroad who are interested in achieving a career in fields such as business consultancy, human resource management or organisational research.
The MSc course in Occupational Psychology is accredited by the British Psychological Society (BPS) as providing the appropriate knowledge basis for those training to become Chartered Occupational Psychologists.
The MSc course in Work Psychology was introduced in 2008 and provides a route for those students without a BPS-recognised psychology degree (i.e., those who do not have the Graduate Basis of Registration).
It is important to note that the content and assessment of the MSc course in Work Psychology is exactly the same as the MSc in Occupational Psychology; the difference is that the Work Psychology qualification is not accredited by the BPS and therefore cannot be used for their chartership route.
Course aims
- Increase students’ understanding of occupational psychology.
- Instil a critical appreciation of existing theory and practice in occupational psychology.
- Develop skills necessary for research and practice as an occupational psychologist.
Overview of the Courses
Both MSc Courses are based within and are taught by staff of the Institute of Work Psychology (IWP), which evolved from the Social and Applied Psychology Unit, established by the Medical Research Council in 1968. It was founded to increase our understanding of occupational well-being and effectiveness, and to identify factors leading to their enhancement.
The IWP houses one of the largest groups of organisational psychology academics in Europe and has a longstanding reputation for world-class research expertise. We have worked with hundreds of public and private sector organisations over the years and regularly provide advice to practitioners, professional bodies and policy-makers. The IWP therefore offers a highly research-active environment within which students can flourish.
Teaching styles used on the Courses are participative and interactive. We encourage case study and workshop activities in order that learning is both active and relevant to modern organisations. We emphasise a thinking approach to occupational psychology, encouraging students to develop a knowledgeable and critical understanding of relevant empirical and theoretical research. In addition, students spend time learning practical skills
As well as covering the main areas of occupational psychology, much emphais is placed on training students in research methodology, both quantitative and qualitative, and the use and interpretation of statistical date. Considerable emphasis is place on student-centred learning, and on a student-led research project, usually conducted with outside organisations.
Course description
Both courses are full-time and one year long (September to September). They are structured around six taught modules and a major organisational research project module.
The taught modules run from September to March and include seminar, case study and workshop activities.
- Personnel Selection and Development
- Training and Well-being
- Organisational Behaviour
- Work Systems and Human Factors
- Research Methods
- Statistics
The project module involves students conducting a significant piece of research with a participating organisation and runs from March to September. Project opportunities are either generated by students themselves or via organisations that contact IWP offering student projects, sometimes with bursaries attached. Projects provide the chance for students to apply their knowledge to real-world issues and develop their organisational skills.
We run a number of practical workshops focused on developing skills in areas such as presentations, SPSS statistical software and information management. We also provide training to acquire the BPS Level A Certificate in Psychometric Testing.
Additional features
- A comprehensive programme of guest speakers from consultancies (e.g., Kaisen Consulting, Potential Accountancy, ARUP, Towers Perrin), and other organisations employing Occupational Psychologists (e.g., Metropolitan Police, Health & Safety Executive, Department of Work and Pensions). These talks are designed to allow students to gain a rich picture of life working in a variety of practitioner roles.
- Career Development Workshops outlining the practitioner process needed to become an Occupational Psychologist following graduation from the MSc and general work prospects.
- Dedicated computer room for MSc students and access to the IWP in-house library of key books and journals.
- Opportunity to engage with ongoing IWP research activities, including seminars from national and international figures.
- Course numbers limited to 30 to encourage an interactive, engaging and supportive learning experience.
What are the requirements for entry to the course?
MSc Course in Occupational Psychology
An upper second class degree (2:1) or first in a psychology or a related discipline undergraduate degree which as been accredited by the British Psychological Society (BPS) as providing you with the eligibility for Graduate Basis for Registration (GBC). This qualification is recognised by the BPS as contributing towards chartered occupational psychologist status and is also recognised by the Economic and Social Research Council (ESRC) as fulfilling their requirement for the first year of their “1+3” doctoral training programme.
[To find out whether your undergraduate degree makes you eligible for GBC, please visit the BPS website (http://www.bps.org.uk) or check with your University and ask them to confirm that your degree is accredited. If you are from outside the UK then you will need to contact the BPS directly to find out accreditation].
MSc Course in Work Psychology
An upper second class degree (2:1) or first in a degree containing reasonable coverage of psychology, research methods and statistics topics. Applicants through this route do not need the Graduate Basis of Registration from the British Psychological Society (BPS).
NOTE: This qualification is not recognised by the British Psychological Society and therefore cannot be used for applying for chartership with the BPS in the UK.
For both Courses, work experience is desirable but not essential. Working in a personnel or Human Resource capacity would be ideal experience, but anything that helps develop a better understanding of the people side of workplace issues is valuable.
English language requirements: The equivalent to English O Level or GCSE (Grade C), e.g., TOEFL (minimum 600 paper based/250 computer based test/100 internet based), IELTS 7.0 (6 in components), Cambridge Certificate of Proficiently in English (Grades A, B or C) or NEAB Univeristy Entrance Test in English (Pass).
Additional Information
MSc Courses – frequently asked questions
How do I apply for the course?
The quickest easiest way to apply is via our online application system
Contact the Course Administrator – Bekki Kendrick if you have any questions
Download an MSc Application pack: [App Word] [Ref Word] or
[App pdf][Ref pdf]
Closing date for applications: 2nd January 2012, 10th April 2012, 2nd July 2012.
Course Secretary
Mrs Bekki Kendrick
Tel: 0114 222 3282
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Admissions Tutor
Dr Tracey Reid
Tel: 0114 222 3220
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Course Director
Dr Kamaljit Birdi
Tel: 0114 222 3288
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