Industrial Organisational and Business Psychology

The MSc Industrial, Organizational and Business Psychology at University College London (UCL) offers a comprehensive and rigorous curriculum designed to develop expertise in understanding and improving human behavior within workplace settings. This program equips students with theoretical knowledge and practical skills essential for analyzing organizational structures, enhancing employee well-being, and optimizing performance across various business domains. Delivered by leading academics and practitioners in the field, the course explores core topics such as personnel assessment, leadership, motivation, team dynamics, training and development, and change management. It provides a solid foundation in psychological research methods and data analysis techniques, enabling students to critically evaluate and apply evidence-based practices in organizational contexts. The program emphasizes the integration of psychological principles with business strategy, preparing graduates for careers in consulting, human resources, talent management, occupational health, and organizational development. Students benefit from a vibrant academic environment that fosters critical thinking, ethical considerations, and innovative problem-solving approaches. Through a combination of lectures, seminars, workshops, and practical projects, participants gain hands-on experience in diagnosing organizational issues, designing interventions, and evaluating outcomes. UCL's strong links with industry partners and professional bodies also facilitate networking opportunities and relevance of the coursework to contemporary workplace challenges. The MSc in Industrial, Organizational and Business Psychology is ideal for individuals aiming to advance their careers in organizational consulting, HR, or research, or for those seeking a pathway to doctoral studies in psychology or business. With its multidisciplinary approach and emphasis on applied practice, this program prepares graduates to contribute effectively to organizational success and employee well-being in a global and dynamic business environment.

Our students will be exposed to the latest psychological tools and interventions currently used in business and other applied fields. Some of the key areas that we will be covering are: talent management, consultancy skills, and business seminars. In the latter students will follow a series of talks from professionals in the area, which provide a great opportunity to explore the latest techniques as well as network with like-minded professionals in the area.

Students undertake modules to the value of 180 credits.

The programme consists of six core modules (90 credits), two optional modules (30 credits) and a research dissertation (60 credits).

Core modules

• Consulting Psychology
• Talent Management
• Consumer Behaviour
• Business Psychology Seminars
• Influence and Negotiation
• Organisational Psychology

Optional modules

Students choose two of the following:

• Applied Decision Making
• Judgment and Decision Making
• Social Cognition
• Current Issues in Attitude Research
• Understanding Individuals and Groups
• Social Psychology
• Principles of Cognition
• Project Management
• Mastering Entrepreneurship
• Entrepreneurship: Theory and Practice
• Creativity and Innovation in Organisation

Dissertation/report

All students undertake an independent research project which culminates in a substantial dissertation.

Teaching and learning

The programme is delivered through a combination of lectures, seminars, presentations, case studies, practical experiments and statistical and computational work. Assessment is through examinations, essays, group projects, dissertation and oral examination.

Normally a minimum of an upper second-class UK Bachelor's degree in Psychology or related subject, or an overseas qualification of an equivalent standard.

We value applications from individuals who have relevant work experience, and/or have engaged with psychological interventions in a number of commercial and or voluntary organisational settings.

The University College London offers various funding options for students enrolled in the MSc in Industrial, Organizational and Business Psychology. Tuition fees for UK and international students differ, with UK students benefiting from lower rates due to government subsidies, while international students are subject to higher tuition costs. Funding opportunities include government financial aid, scholarships, and bursaries specifically designated for postgraduate students. The UK government provides student loans for eligible students pursuing taught master's programmes, which can cover tuition fees and living costs. These loans are repayable after graduation once a certain income threshold is exceeded. UCL also offers numerous scholarships based on academic merit, need, or specific criteria such as nationality or prioritization of underrepresented groups. Some scholarships are funded by the university, while others are provided through external organizations collaborating with UCL. Additionally, students are often encouraged to seek external funding sources, including private foundations, professional associations, and industry-sponsored grants. UCL provides guidance and support services to help students identify and apply for financial aid opportunities. Funding policies are reviewed annually, and applicants are advised to check the official university website for the most current information regarding costs and available financial support. The program may also offer assistantships or research positions that provide stipends in exchange for work contributions, although these are limited and competitive. Overall, students are advised to plan their finances carefully by exploring all available options early in the application process to ensure adequate funding for their studies.

The MSc in Industrial, Organisational, and Business Psychology at University College London is a comprehensive program designed to equip students with a deep understanding of psychological theories and their application within organizational settings. The course covers a broad spectrum of topics including human behavior in the workplace, employee motivation, leadership, decision-making, team dynamics, and organizational culture. Students explore how psychological principles can be applied to improve workplace productivity, employee well-being, and organizational development.

The program emphasizes practical skills alongside theoretical knowledge. Students engage in research projects, case studies, and real-world consultancy exercises which prepare them for careers in human resources, organizational consultancy, and further research or doctoral studies. The curriculum integrates coursework in statistics and research methods, enabling students to critically analyze data and evidence-based practices in industrial and organizational psychology.

Additionally, the MSc offers opportunities for students to specialize in particular areas such as personnel selection, training and development, or change management, depending on their career interests. The program often involves guest lectures from industry practitioners, providing insights into current challenges and innovations in the field.

The learning environment at UCL fosters critical thinking and collaborative learning, with access to state-of-the-art facilities and libraries. The program may also include opportunities for placements or internships, offering students real-world experience within organizations. Graduates of this program are well-prepared to pursue careers in consulting firms, government agencies, non-profit organizations, and multinational corporations, or to continue their academic pursuits by enrolling in doctoral programs.

Entry requirements typically include an undergraduate degree in psychology or a related field, along with relevant work experience or motivation for pursuing a career in business psychology. The course duration is usually one year full-time, with part-time options available for working professionals. Overall, this program combines psychological theory, research skills, and practical application, making it a robust pathway into the discipline of industrial and organizational psychology.