Overview

The details
Location: Online Mode of study: Part-time Qualification: MSc Indicative duration: 2 years
Start date:
Awarding body: University of Essex Delivered by: Kaplan Open Learning For queries: Call +44 (0) 1206 489 358

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

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

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

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

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

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

*The start date and details of this course are still subject to University approval. In the event that approval is not granted by your course start date, an alternative date will be offered or a full refund given. If we need to make changes to this programme as part of the University of Essex validation process, we will communicate these to you at the earliest possible date.

Why we’re great

  • One of only a few 100% online and part-time organisational psychology Masters degrees. With various start dates throughout the year, you can begin your journey towards a new career whenever it works best for you.
  • The course has been designed with an emphasis on employability from the start, including elements that focus on CV writing, oral presentations and research skills.
  • The flexible mode of study allows you to gain a respected qualification while continuing in your current career.

Course structure

The MSc Organisational Psychology is made up of the following modules and, upon completion, is equal to a total of 180 credits.

Optional modules: choose one.

Thinking about your career in psychology? Want to develop transferable skills within this field? In this defining module, you’ll explore essential topics related to this field – including the history and philosophy of psychological inquiry, and the major paradigms of research and ethics. 

Prepare to showcase the skills you’ve gained with this defining module. This is your chance to further develop your transferable skills as an independent researcher – as you’ll conduct an independent, empirical research study on a topic of your choice that aligns with a relevant area of psychology.

Gain a foundational level of knowledge covering the concept and significance of strategic Human Resource Development (HRD) in a global context. This helpful module critically engages strategic HRD – as well as learning and talent development practices and policies –at individual, group, organisational, national and international levels. 

What is SPSS? How’s data gathered in psychology? Get ready to gain knowledge in qualitative and quantitative research methods and apply these skills in a professional setting. By the end of this comprehensive module, you’ll be able to interpret and present your results, while continuing to build your skills portfolio.

Mentoring and coaching are key interventions adopted for the development of talent within an organisation. This stimulating module critically engages the nature and meaning of the two different concepts, as well as a variety of models and frameworks used for effective mentoring and coaching within organisations. 

How do human resources and people management operate in a global context? Find out on this informative module. You’ll examine the economic, institutional, social and global contexts of people management. Not only that, you’ll learn in-depth about globalisation and the demographic, social and technological advancements affecting HR strategies. 

Diversity management is key to organisational growth, so learn more about it in this insightful module. You’ll critically appraise the key concepts of delivering effective policies and practices – while discovering how the development of diverse talent helps improve organisational performance, problem-solving and decision making. 

Gain a broad introduction to the concept of leadership and management development – a topic that remains high on HR and corporate executive agendas. This defining module will introduce you to leadership and management in a global context, so that upon completion, you can analyse the design and implementation of key interventions, policies and strategies. 

Learning and assessments

Teaching methods

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

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

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

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

 

Assessment methods

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

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

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

 

Study duration

Our MSc Organisational Psychology has an indicative study duration of 2 years, which is a guide to how long your course will take to complete. The actual duration may be longer or shorter depending on your speed of study, study options chosen and module availability.

It’s possible to complete your studies faster than the indicative course duration by doubling up on modules at certain times; however, minimum study durations do apply.

Our academic year is organised into modules, typically with a one- or two-week break between modules and a structured three-week break for the Christmas period. Students will receive a course timetable during the application process.

All of our courses have regular start dates throughout the year.

On successful completion of your degree, you will be invited to attend a graduation ceremony at the University of Essex, Colchester Campus.

Your future

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

Gaining a postgraduate qualification with the University of Essex Online also puts you in good stead for your career prospects. Results from our 2021 student survey showed:

  • 92% of students said their course helped develop their research skills
  • 89% of students say their studies fit with their future plans
  • Almost 60% said their studies had a positive effect on their career
  • 25% of students saw their salaries increase by up to 10%

Entry requirements

We know that many people from non-traditional backgrounds would succeed on our courses! That’s why we offer two different entry routes, taking into account your prior work experience and relevant qualifications. You will also need to meet our English language requirements.

Additionally, you will need to pass your first assignment set within your two-week induction period of the course in order to continue with your studies.

 

Academic entry route

In order to satisfy the academic entry route requirements for our MSc Organisational Psychology, you must have the following qualifications as a minimum:

  • an undergraduate degree from an approved institution, equivalent to a UK Honours degree, or a relevant professional qualification

 

Work experience entry route

In order to satisfy the work experience entry route requirements for our MSc Organisational Psychology, you must meet the following criteria:

  • at least 3 years’ experience (voluntary or paid) within a relevant field, supported by 2 appropriate references. A relevant field may include one in marketing and sales, human resources, employee training, and management.

 

English language requirements

As our courses are delivered in English, a high proficiency with English is required. If English is not your first language, your English ability should be equivalent to an IELTS (Academic) score of 6.5. Don’t worry if you don’t hold an IELTS or equivalent qualification – we offer a free online English test to assess your proficiency.

You don’t need to prove your English ability if you are a national of, or have completed a qualification equivalent to a UK degree in, any of these countries.

Fees and funding

Full tuition fee:  

£12,167 UK / £12,428 International (2023-24) Δ 

  • Designated for postgraduate student loans in England. 
  • Simple monthly payment plan available, enabling you to spread the cost over the duration of your studies. 
  • Full payment discount of 5% if you pay upfront. 
  • Regional scholarship available for international students based overseas in eligible countries. 
  • Alumni discount of 10% of the tuition fee available if you are a previous graduate with the University of Essex or University of Essex Online. 
  • 10% corporate discount available when three or more of your employees study with us. 
  • 10% anniversary scholarship available when students enrol from 1 July 2023.

Please note, a maximum of two discounts or scholarships can be applied. The corporate discount can only be used in combination with our upfront payment discount, but not in conjunction with any other discount or scholarship. Find out more information about our discounts and scholarships here. 

Our course fees are fully inclusive – all teaching materials and required reading are included, and there are no hidden charges for assessments or resits.  

Δ All tuition fees shown are net of any applicable sales tax payable by you in your country of residence. Where we are required to add sales tax at the local statutory rate, this will be added to the tuition fees shown and confirmed during the payment process. 

Our expert staff

Subject specialists, industry authorities and experienced academics: the tutors who teach modules on our MSc Organisational Psychology are experts in the fields of psychology and business.

What our students say

testimonials

Michelle Franklin - CertHE Psychology

Take a breath and go for it, don’t be disheartened or held back by age or self-doubt.

I left school at 16 with GCSEs and went straight onto an apprenticeship. I was a dental nurse for 16 years. 13 years ago, my husband (who is an ex London Fireman) and I started up our own business Franklins Training Services. We started off delivering fire safety training and we now employ and work with a team of over 20 staff and deliver training to over 400 clients. We have our own offices in Elmstead Market and I am really proud of what we have achieved. I have 2 boys who are now 26 and 23 years old who work in the business, as well as 2 grown-up stepchildren who between them have given us 6 grandchildren. I love spending time with my family and friends, I go horse riding when I have the time and I am studying psychology. I read a lot and if it’s not a murder mystery/thriller then...

Read more

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