Occupational Psychology

Occupational Psychology applies psychological understanding to workplace, business and organisational issues, and is one of the key applied fields of psychology. Many businesses and organisations employ occupational psychologists to help identify and address many of the key issues organisations face today, like how to select the best talent, train leaders, manage teams, engage employees and develop a culture of innovation all using evidence-based solutions.

The MSc Occupational Psychology at UWE Bristol is accredited by the British Psychological Society (BPS), covering Stage-1 training for Occupational Psychology. The course has been designed to reflect the most up-to-date BPS guidelines and has been developed in conjunction with the British Psychological Society's Division of Occupational Psychology.

Whether you're a recent bachelor graduate or a professional looking to develop and enhance skills, the course offers an excellent grounding in the key skills of an Occupational Psychologist. Furthermore, UWE Bristol stands out for its focus on applying skills and competencies to real-world scenarios. The department has excellent links with local organisations who provide connections and invaluable insights.

The full time course will have approximately six 2-day workshops  run throughout the year where you will come to UWE to discuss your learning, develop your skills and competencies and connect with other students and staff. Additional skills training sessions may also be available.

The course covers the core areas of the BPS curriculum in Occupational Psychology. The core modules are:

• Leadership, Engagement and Motivation - This module examines theories of work motivation, engagement and satisfaction, and how they relate to engagement and performance at work. We also study issues around leadership, and what makes a successful leader within organisations.
• Learning, Training and Development - How do individuals learn and develop skills and competencies in the context of work and organisations? We focus on the effectiveness of work-based training, understanding development at work and training needs.
• Wellbeing and Work - Here we integrate links between work and individual and organisational wellbeing, focusing on issues such as stress and burnout, how to promote wellbeing at work, and the individual and organisational factors that come into play.
• Psychological Assessment at Work - This module focuses on an understanding of theory and practice in applying psychological assessment techniques in the workplace. These can be used in assessment centres for selection, or to identify talent or develop skills within organisations.
• Work Design, Organisational Change and Organisational Development - Here we take a closer look at the design of working environments and how organisations change and develop. We widen the perspective in occupational psychology to take into account the impact of globalisation.
• Applying Psychology to Work and Organisations - This module allows you to reflect on the skills and competencies you've learnt throughout the course. The module focuses on evidence-based practice and specific tools and techniques for gathering, analysing and feeding back data in organisational contexts.
• Dissertation in Psychology for the MSc route - This module gives students the opportunity to conduct a large-scale, in-depth research project into a psychological issue of organisational or business relevance.
• Conducting and Evaluating Psychological Research - Here you learn and develop the key skills in understanding, evaluating and conducting psychological research that generates quantitative and qualitative data. This supports your dissertation, but also your understanding of the science behind psychology in organisations.

You should have either:

• an honours degree awarded by a UK institute of higher education of at least lower second status, in Psychology or a relevant subject
• an honours degree in Psychology and be eligible for the Graduate Basis for Chartership (GBC) for membership of the British Psychological Society (BPS)
• qualifications deemed equivalent by the Course Leader

In order to be eligible to progress from the MSc to Stage 2 training in Occupational Psychology and become a Chartered Occupational Psychologist you must have GBC status. Applicants that do not have GBC status would not be eligible, under current BPS and HCPC arrangements, to go on to Chartered Psychologist status. This may change in future. Please contact the BPS or the HCPC for further advice.

If you have gained your degree from abroad you may be eligible for GBC and you should contact the BPS to clarify this. In many cases this can be a time consuming process so it is advisable to complete these enquiries prior to applying for the MSc, and well in advance of the application deadline to ensure your application can be considered for September entry.

You must have a good honours degree in Psychology or a related discipline. In exceptional circumstances, applicants with substantive relevant work experience or further training and a strong academic background will be considered.