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Organisational Psychology

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What you'll need

As part of the application process, you'll need to submit:

  • School or college transcripts/certificates
  • University transcripts and certified translations if applicable
  • Degree certificates
  • Personal statement outlining your learning ambitions

Our application process

  • Sign into our online portal, Apply Yourself, and start your application
  • Submit your application
  • We'll email you to let you know we're processing your application
  • Track the progress of your application using the Postgraduate Application Tracker (we'll send you a link to the tracker)
  • We'll email you when a decision has been made
  • If you've been made an offer, you can then accept or decline it using the Postgraduate Application Tracker.

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Related courses

There are eight courses related to Organisational Psychology that you might be interested in.

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Master of Science

A Master of Science (MSc) is a master’s degree awarded for a postgraduate programme in the sciences.

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Course overview

Designed and delivered by leading academics and experts in their field, the MSc Organisational Psychology pathway within the MSc Occupational and Organisational Psychology programme, was introduced for students without a BPS accredited Psychology bachelor’s degree. 

Introduction

The pathway focuses on developing a new generation of practitioners in occupational psychology who can make a positive difference on the effectiveness and well-being of people and organisations.

Teaching draws upon the latest evidence and cutting-edge research to cover all major aspects of organisational psychology, enabling students to develop a critical understanding of how research into human behaviour at work can be applied to enhance the effectiveness of people and organisations at work.

Core areas include: leadership, motivation and engagement; well-being at work; work design, organisational change and development; psychological assessment at work; and learning, training and development. Students also undertake a supervised empirical research project, building their knowledge of research methods in psychology and developing skills in the conduct of research in organisational contexts. In doing so, the MSc Organisational Psychology equips students with the knowledge base and practical skills necessary for a career in occupational psychology. It also provides a strong foundation for those who would consider progressing to a Doctor of Philosophy programme.

The MSc Organisational Psychology is based within the Work, Organisation and Management (WOM) Department in the Management School and delivered by leading academics and experts in their field, directly informed by their research.

Who is this course for?

This programme has been designed as a pathway within the MSc Occupational and Organisational Psychology course for students who hold a Psychology bachelor’s degree that is not accredited by the  British Psychological Society (BPS).

Applicants with a British Psychological Society (BPS) accredited Psychology bachelor’s degree are advised to apply for the BPS accredited MSc Occupational and Organisational Psychology course instead.

Accreditation

The University of Liverpool Management School is one of an elite group of institutions worldwide to hold the gold standard ‘triple-crown’ accreditation from AACSB, AMBA and EQUIS.

Accreditations in detail

Accreditations

The University of Liverpool Management School is one of an elite group of institutions worldwide to hold the gold standard ‘triple-crown’ accreditation from AACSB, AMBA and EQUIS.

Course content

Discover what you'll learn, what you'll study, and how you'll be taught and assessed.

Semester one

This 12 month programme comprises of eight 15-credit compulsory modules taught over two semesters, followed by a 60-credit research Dissertation over the summer.

Compulsory modules

STRATEGIC LEARNING, TRAINING AND DEVELOPMENT (ULMS522)

Credits: 15 / Semester: semester 1

This module will provide students with an understanding of the strategic role that learning, training and development plays in achieving desirable organisational, group and individual outcomes. The module draws upon the latest evidence-based knowledge, trends and practice to equip students with the ability to critically understand, evaluate and apply theories, concepts and tools relating to organisational, group and individual learning (online and face-to-face), training design and delivery, succession planning, organisational development and individual professional development. Students will also gain an appreciation for how human resource development initiatives are crucial for enacting organisational strategy and enabling innovation. Finally, they will recognise the importance of ethical and professional behaviour, continuous personal and professional development, as well as a commitment to equality of opportunity and diversity in the workplace.

Diversity Management and Inclusion (ULMS794)

Credits: 15 / Semester: semester 1

This module critically explores the role of HRM and Organisational Psychology in achieving three of the United Nation’s sustainable development goals (SDG’s) i.e., SDG 5: gender equality, SDG 8: promote sustained, inclusive and sustainable economic growth through providing full and productive employment and decent work for all, and SDG 10: reduce inequality. This is achieved through examining the diverse nature of the current workforce across various dimensions, such as age, race, disability, gender, religion and belief, and sexual orientation, and the advantages that diversity can offer to employers. Legal, social and psychological frameworks underlying the management of diversity are considered, as well as the policies and practices that support equality and the management of diversity and inclusion (D&I) in the workplace. The module also enables students to: think critically about individual and organisational approaches to equality, diversity and inclusion; understand the underpinning social concepts such as stereotyping, discrimination, unconscious bias etc. and how these operate within the workplace; critically appraise the competing drivers for diversity influencing organisational strategy and policy in this area; appraise elements of diversity and their relationship with the labour market including an understanding of equal treatment and diversity approaches to equality both conceptually and in terms of workplace interventions; comparatively analyse equality, diversity and inclusive strategies to develop an inclusive culture. The module also covers the theoretical perspectives of D&I, whereupon students look into D&I data and how it can be used in the workplace to form evidence-based insights and create a more inclusive environment.

Advanced Research Methods in Organisational Psychology (ULMS880)

Credits: 15 / Semester: whole session

Given that occupational psychology is a highly-applied and evidence-based discipline, the aim of this module is to equip students with the knowledge and understanding of research design, methodology and data analysis necessary for advanced scholarship in this field. Students will be exposed to both quantitative and qualitative research design and methodological approaches and will have the opportunity to develop skills in both areas through a series of seminars and practical workshops. Throughout the module, students will be supported by module staff and an allocated Project Supervisor to develop a research proposal, which will focus on the empirical investigation of a practical organisational problem of their choosing. The module will also carefully consider ethical issues that may arise in conducting research, and students will be required to critically reflect on the ethical considerations relevant to their own research proposal, as well as how they plan to disseminate their research findings to both academic and practitioner audiences. The module will also enable students to critically evaluate academic papers and assess the effectiveness of research strategies and methods used in the literature, more generally. Moreover, it will prepare students to clearly communicate research ideas and findings to the wider practitioner community and society, contributing to reducing the gap between academic research and practice and enhancing evidence-based management.

Well-being and Work (ULMS882)

Credits: 15 / Semester: semester 1

This module aims to provide an insight into the discipline of occupational health psychology and how the effective application of occupational health psychology can enhance the experience of well-being in the workplace. Key areas that the module will critically explore include; the changing nature of work and the implications this is having on work life balance, job attitudes and organisational outcomes; the employment lifecycle including the topics of vocational choice, redundancy, unemployment and retirement; the causes, management and prevention of stress at work; the role of mood and emotion in the workplace; positive psychological perspectives in organisational psychology; and the promotion of well-being in organisations.

Programme details and modules listed are illustrative only and subject to change.

Our curriculum

The Liverpool Curriculum framework sets out our distinctive approach to education. Our teaching staff support our students to develop academic knowledge, skills, and understanding alongside our graduate attributes:

  • Digital fluency
  • Confidence
  • Global citizenship

Our curriculum is characterised by the three Liverpool Hallmarks:

  • Research-connected teaching
  • Active learning
  • Authentic assessment

All this is underpinned by our core value of inclusivity and commitment to providing a curriculum that is accessible to all students.

Your experience

This programme is delivered by the triple-accredited University of Liverpool Management School.

The School has a thriving international master’s community with a comprehensive, interdisciplinary programme of social and extra-curricular events and dedicated careers and employability support.

Virtual tour

Supporting your learning

From arrival to alumni, we’re with you all the way:

What students say...

What I most enjoy about my course is that we are given lots of opportunities to make connections with real-world, practicing psychologists. Within the first three months of our course we had three different guest speakers who spoke to us about what they do and opportunities in their fields, which has been hugely valuable as it’s such a great way to get exposure to different career paths and to network outside of ULMS.  

, MSc Occupational and Organisational Psychology

Careers and employability

The programme draws upon the latest evidence and cutting-edge research to cover all major aspects of occupational and organisational psychology, enabling students to develop a critical understanding of how research into human behaviour at work can be applied to enhance the effectiveness of people and organisations.

Career planning

Three career coaches standing outside the Careers Studio

Our campus Career Studio is a space for students and graduates to drop into and talk to a career coach. Career coaches are highly trained to help no matter what stage you are at in your career planning. You can access support to find and apply for full-time and part-time roles, placements, internships and graduate schemes. You will also find the help you need if you have a start-up idea or want to create a business plan. You can explore the world of work, prepare for job interviews, and access careers events and workshops. The Career Studio is open Monday to Friday from 10am-5pm, simply drop in at a time that works for you.

From education to employment

Two graduates in postgraduate robes.

We develop our programmes with employers in mind. You will be supported to enhance your long-term employment prospects as you learn. We do this by exposing you to professionals, a variety of sectors and supporting you to work collaboratively with others to develop transferable skills. You are equipped with a clearer view of what to focus on in your area of interest, and to reflect on your studies. Our digital employability tools give you a tech-enhanced curriculum experience and make it easy for you to prepare for the world of work. You can use tools like the Handshake platform to connect with employers and message the Career Studio 24/7.

Networking events

Postgraduate students hold a discussion while sat round a table in in the Liverpool Guild of Students.

You can start building good professional networks by attending events and employability activities. Our events are designed to develop your skills and expose you to many different employers, as well as to help you make contacts in your field. We help you improve your confidence when speaking to employers and give you access to unique opportunities. Our networking events also boost your understanding of the competencies and skills that employers are looking for in their recruitment process, giving you a competitive edge.

Your future

You will have access to a specialist, in-house postgraduate careers team and have access to one-to-one careers guidance, workshops, seminars, and employability initiatives.

The MSc Organisational Psychology equips graduates of the programme with a wide set of relevant knowledge, skills and competencies that would suit a career in the areas of:

  • Work/organisational/business psychology
  • Human resource management
  • Organisational development
  • General management.

Based on the advanced research methods knowledge and skills acquired throughout the programme, graduates may also consider an academic career, through the pursuit of a PhD in the field organisational psychology or a related field.

Fees and funding

Your tuition fees, funding your studies, and other costs to consider.

Tuition fees

UK fees (applies to Channel Islands, Isle of Man and Republic of Ireland)
Full-time place, per year £13,500
International fees
Full-time place, per year £27,500
Fees stated are for the 2024-25 academic year.

Tuition fees cover the cost of your teaching and assessment, operating facilities such as libraries, IT equipment, and access to academic and personal support.

If you're a UK national, or have settled status in the UK, you may be eligible to apply for a Postgraduate Loan worth up to £12,167 to help with course fees and living costs. Learn more about paying for your studies..

Additional costs

We understand that budgeting for your time at university is important, and we want to make sure you understand any course-related costs that are not covered by your tuition fee. This could include buying a laptop, books, or stationery.

Find out more about the additional study costs that may apply to this course.

Additional study costs

We understand that budgeting for your time at university is important, and we want to make sure you understand any course-related costs that are not covered by your tuition fee. This could include buying a laptop, books, or stationery.

Find out more about additional study costs.

Scholarships and bursaries

We offer a range of scholarships and bursaries that could help pay your tuition and living expenses.

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Postgraduate Global Advancement Scholarship

  • International students

If you’re a new international student starting this course with us from September 2024, you could be eligible to receive a discount of up to £5,000 off your tuition fees.

This includes £2,500 if you have a first-class degree, or equivalent qualification, and £2,500 if you’re from a Commonwealth country.

Graduate Loyalty Advancement Scholarship

  • Home and international students
  • University of Liverpool current students and alumni only

Completed your undergraduate degree, or studied as an undergraduate exchange student, at the University of Liverpool?

You could get a loyalty discount of up to £2,500 off the tuition fees for this course from September 2024 entry.

  • £1,500 tuition fee discount for eligible UK University of Liverpool graduates
  • £2,500 tuition fee discount for eligible international University of Liverpool graduates.

ANID Chile Scholarship

  • International students
  • Chile

Postgraduate taught and research students from Chile are eligible for this scholarship.

Chevening Scholarships

  • International students

The University, in partnership with Chevening, is delighted to offer this generous scholarship to students who are studying a master’s programme and who have future leadership potential. Please note that there is a fee cap applied to MBA programmes that requires applicants to cover any additional tuition costs over £18,000. You will still receive all additional allowances.

CONACYT Award

  • International students
  • Mexico

The University of Liverpool has an agreement with CONACYT to support postgraduate taught and research students from Mexico.

FIDERH Award

  • International students
  • Mexico

20% reduction in tuition fees for postgraduate taught and research programmes. Must be Mexico national.

Fulbright Scholarship

  • International students
  • University of Liverpool alumni only
  • United States

One scholarship is available for a master’s student from the US and another is available for a postgraduate research student to undertake a three to six month research stay from the US

FUNED Awards

  • International students
  • Mexico

Up to ten awards are available for Masters or Research students from Mexico in receipt of FUNED loans. The award gives students a 20% reduction in fees for all applications received.

Graduate Association Hong Kong & Tung Postgraduate Scholarships

  • International students
  • China
  • Hong Kong

The University is able to offer competitive scholarships for both postgraduate taught master’s and research programmes.

HRM Princess Sirindhorn University of Liverpool Scholarship (Thailand)

  • International students
  • Thailand

The University is able to offer one award to a new postgraduate taught master’s student from Thailand.

The scholarship is open to all subjects offered as a one-year taught master’s programme.  However, priority will be given to those students who wish to study in a subject area associated with HRH Princess Sirindhorn such as science, IT, medicine, the arts, geography, history and languages.

JuventudEsGto Scholarship

  • International students
  • Mexico

Residents of State of Guanajuato, Mexico, wishing to study at postgraduate taught and research levels are eligible for this scholarship.

Marshall Scholarship

  • International students
  • University of Liverpool alumni only
  • United States

One scholarship is available for a master’s student from the US to cover the cost of tuition fees. Another, to the value of £20,000, is available for Doctoral study visit: https://www.marshallscholarship.org/

Turkish Ministry of Education Scholarship

  • International students
  • Turkey

Postgraduate taught and research students from Turkey are eligible for this scholarship, see the Turkish Ministry of Education website https://meb.gov.tr/ for more information.

University of Liverpool Humanitarian Scholarships for Master’s Programmes

  • International students

The three awards available cover full tuition fees, visas and support for accommodation and living expenses.

This scholarship is open to support people who have recognised status as either refugees or are under humanitarian protection under the 1951 Refugee Convention. This status must be held outside of the UK.

The scholarship is open for all postgraduate-taught programmes, excluding medicine, dentistry, veterinary and nursing.

University of Liverpool International College Excellence Scholarship

  • International students

The University of Liverpool will award five University of Liverpool International College students, who achieve the highest academic excellence (minimum 75%) in their UoLIC Pre-Master’s programme, the prestigious UoLIC Excellence scholarship.

University of Liverpool International College Impact Progression Scholarships

  • International students

University of Liverpool International College recipients of the Kaplan awards will receive the £3,000 Progression Impact Scholarship, deducted from first-year tuition fees, on successful progression to their UoL degree programme.

To be eligible for our Impact Progression Scholarships, students must apply for one of the Kaplan Impact Scholarships demonstrating their commitment to making an impact across issues of importance to the University and Kaplan. Themes include:

Sustainability
Women in STEM
Community
Career Focus (Employability)

Vice-Chancellor’s International Attainment Scholarship for China

  • International students
  • China

Details are:
1 (one) Full scholarship
2 (two) £10,000 scholarships
5 (five) £5,000 scholarships
10 (ten) £1,000 scholarships
All scholarships will be awarded after the formal registration at the University and will take the form of a fee waiver.

Please note: This scholarship cannot be combined with any other scholarships or bursaries provided by the University.

Entry requirements

The qualifications and exam results you'll need to apply for this course.

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Your qualification Requirements

About our typical entry requirements

Postgraduate entry requirements

A 2:1 Honours degree (or overseas equivalent) in Psychology.

Applicants with a British Psychological Society (BPS) accredited Psychology bachelor’s degree are advised to apply for the BPS-accredited MSc Occupational and Organisational Psychology course instead.

International qualifications

If you hold a bachelor’s degree or equivalent, but don’t meet our entry requirements, a Pre-Master’s can help you gain a place. This specialist preparation course for postgraduate study is offered on campus at the University of Liverpool International College, in partnership with Kaplan International Pathways. Although there’s no direct Pre-Master’s route to this MSc, completing a Pre-Master’s pathway can guarantee you a place on many other postgraduate courses at The University of Liverpool.

English language requirements

You'll need to demonstrate competence in the use of English language, unless you’re from a majority English speaking country.

We accept a variety of international language tests and country-specific qualifications.

International applicants who do not meet the minimum required standard of English language can complete one of our Pre-Sessional English courses to achieve the required level.

English language qualification Requirements
IELTS 6.5 overall, with no component below 6.0
TOEFL iBT 88 overall, with minimum scores of listening 19, writing 19, reading 19 and speaking 20
Duolingo English Test 120 overall, with no component below 105
Pearson PTE Academic 61 overall, with no component below 59
LanguageCert Academic 70 overall, with no skill below 65
PSI Skills for English B2 Pass with Merit in all bands
INDIA Standard XII National Curriculum (CBSE/ISC) - 75% and above in English. Accepted State Boards - 80% and above in English.
WAEC C6 or above

PRE-SESSIONAL ENGLISH

Do you need to complete a Pre-Sessional English course to meet the English language requirements for this course?

The length of Pre-Sessional English course you’ll need to take depends on your current level of English language ability.

Find out the length of Pre-Sessional English course you may require for this degree.

Pre-sessional English

If you don’t meet our English language requirements, we can use your most recent IELTS score, or the equivalent score in selected other English language tests, to determine the length of Pre-Sessional English course you require.

Use the table below to check the course length you're likely to require for your current English language ability and see whether the course is available on campus or online.

Your most recent IELTS score Pre-Sessional English course length On campus or online
6.0 overall, with no component below 6.0 6 weeks On campus
6.0 overall, with no component below 5.5 10 weeks On campus and online options available
6.0 overall, with no more than one component below 5.5, and no component below 5.0 12 weeks On campus and online options available
5.5 overall, with no more than one component below 5.5, and no component below 5.0 20 weeks On campus
5.0 overall, with no more than one component below 5.0, and no component below 4.5 30 weeks On campus
4.5 overall, with no more than one component below 4.5, and no component below 4.0 40 weeks On campus

If you’ve completed an alternative English language test to IELTS, we may be able to use this to assess your English language ability and determine the Pre-Sessional English course length you require.

Please see our guide to Pre-Sessional English entry requirements for IELTS 6.5, with no component below 6.0, for further details.

About our entry requirements

Our entry requirements may change from time to time both according to national application trends and the availability of places at Liverpool for particular courses. We review our requirements before the start of the new application cycle each year and publish any changes on our website so that applicants are aware of our typical entry requirements before they submit their application.

We believe in treating applicants as individuals, and in making offers that are appropriate to their personal circumstances and background. Therefore the offer any individual applicant receives may differ slightly from the typical offer quoted on the website.

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Fees and Finance

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Changes to Organisational Psychology MSc

See what updates we've made to this course since it was published. We document changes to information such as course content, entry requirements and how you'll be taught.

23 March 2023: New postgraduate taught course pages

New course pages launched.