Master of Science in Organisational Psychology
Rationale of the Programme
Following the trends of other European countries, Greece too is moving towards improved provisions for the advancement, protection and maintenance of the physical, mental and social well-being of the individual both in and outside the workplace. As a reflection of this, young people are seeking a degree with validity in the market, recognised by academic and professional institutions for high academic standards and competitiveness, seeking a balance between business needs and personal needs. Consequently, the demand for highly specialised professionals in a variety of settings is increasing and Organisational Psychology is among the specialties that are becoming progressively popular.
Why study for an MSc in Organisational Psychology?
The MSc in Organizational Psychology is targeted towards business or psychology graduates who are wishing to continue their studies after completing their first degree. The programme is also suitable for professionals interested in further postgraduate education and specialised knowledge. During their studies, students will acquire the psychological knowledge and skills that have been fundamental for most current models of human resource management and, upon completion of their degree, will be able to apply this knowledge to any work setting.
Holders of this degree will be in a position to compete for high-profile positions in the industry or work as freelance consultants for companies and organisations.
Aims of the Programme
This programme aims at students developing:
- A systematic understanding of knowledge and a critical awareness of current problems at the forefront of occupational psychology
- A comprehensive understanding of techniques applicable to their own future work in organisational settings
- A range of social, organisational and consulting skills to facilitate their performance at the forefront of professional practice in the areas of organisational psychology
- Originality in the application of knowledge via the development of practical application skills in the areas of organisational psychology
Competitive Advantages
The MSc in Organisational Psychology is academically distinctive because:
- The awarded degree is ranked among the top psychology degrees in the UK.
- Our staff have extensive experience in teaching and are actively engaged in significant research in Greece and abroad.
- There is a strong emphasis on application of theory to practice
- There is a strong link with the industry and the dissertations are conducted in real work environments
Academic Staff
Academic staff are selected on the basis of their academic qualifications (holders of PhD's or specialised Master's degrees), professional experience, research activity and teaching ability.
All proposed members of teaching staff for the Psychology programme share a considerable degree of experience in:
- Teaching of psychology modules at both undergraduate and postgraduate level both in Greek and European academic settings
- Teaching both "traditional" and "mature" students
- Engaging in research in their own fields of expertise
- Publishing their work in high-impact peer reviewed journals in the field of psychology and/or medicine
- Applied field-work outside the academic setting
Mode of Delivery
The programme is available either in full-time (1 year) or weekend mode (18 months) and is delivered exclusively in English.
Structure of the Programme
| |
|
Credit Value |
Semester* |
| Full Time |
Human potential & performance |
15 |
A |
| |
Psychology of selection and assessment |
15 |
A |
| |
Research and Professional Skills
in Action |
30 |
A |
| |
Designing Work |
15 |
A |
| |
Evolution of Organisations |
15 |
B |
| |
Individual and organizational learning |
15 |
B |
| |
Transition Psychology |
15 |
B |
| |
Project |
60 |
B |
The weekend mode runs on Saturdays and Sundays every other weekend of the month. Each 15-credit module runs for two weekends. Each 30-credit module runs for 4 weekends.
Module Description
The following sections introduce the eight modules which comprise the MSc Organisational Psychology. Modules are subject to change according to ongoing development of the curriculum.
Human Potential and Performance
The module focuses on the role of the human psychology within the framework of potential and performance at work. It examines the development of organisational theory and psychology, specifically on the relationship between the individual, work and the workplace.
The role of emotions in organisations is reviewed. Contemporary theories of emotional intelligence and emotional labour are discussed within the context of potential and performance, stress and motivation.
Research and Professional Skills in Action
The aim of this double module is to introduce and develop those research skills that are core to organisational psychology. It is based on a philosophy that gives equal measure to both qualitative and quantitative approaches rather than presenting a dominant paradigm. Students develop the capacity to design research questions that are situated and emerge out of a relevant literature review. The module places great emphasis on conducting research that is ethical and discusses, using practical case studies, what research can and cannot be done. Students will participate in a number of practical skills workshops covering such topics as interviewing, facilitating focus groups, conflict and mediation, influencing skills, process consultancy, presentation skills, coaching and report writing.
Psychology of selection and assessment
The module begins with an overview of the selection process, including methods of pre-screening (application forms and biodata). Various methods of job analysis are explored and students learn how to conduct a job analysis, draw up job descriptions and person specifications. Design and content of assessment centres, including designing specific ‘work based' tests and the current choice of psychometric instruments are also covered in the module as are Performance Appraisal Systems, including 360 degree feedback. Students are made aware of legal and broader organisational issues relevant in selection and assessment. Evaluation of selection procedures is also addressed.
Designing Work
The module looks at psychological factors which affect the safe and effective performance of tasks. The module considers the use and design of equipment in terms of human resource and system limitations. The module begins by looking at work design at the micro level concentrating mainly on operator/equipment interaction. The module then progresses to the design of complete work environments and work procedures taking into account issues of Health and Safety at work.
Transition Psychology
The module examines the role a career plays for the individual and society. Using a variety of psychological tools, students are asked to engage in reflecting on their own careers or career aspirations and influences on their choices and definition of what a career means for them. The module also introduces the key theories of counselling and how these have been used by organisational psychologists and in what circumstances. Basic skills such as listening, verbal and non-verbal communication, giving and receiving feedback will be practised in a safe environment. Finally, this module considers emerging issues in transition psychology such as life/work balance and the possible influences of the emerging paradigm of positive psychology.
Evolution of organisations and leadership
The module examines group dynamics and leadership in an organisational context. The concepts of Organisational Development and Management of Change are examined. Students consider the structure of organisations, the role of strategic choice and the role of the Organizational Psychologist as a practitioner in the field. Issues of organisational change and organisational culture are discussed and students are introduced to the techniques of the Organisational Development specialist.
Individual and Organisational Learning
The module examines the role of training and development in developing effective organisations. A critical approach is used for examining different theories of learning, and how they might apply to organisational learning. Contemporary interventions such as coaching and mentoring are examined using both theory and practice. The module focuses on a systematic approach to organisational learning based on training needs analysis, coherent design, and evaluation. Students conduct case study work in project groups on a training needs analysis.
Project
This part of the programme allows students to carry out a practical piece of work, normally conducted in an organisation external to the University. The project consists of a piece of applied work conducted on behalf of a host organisation and on a topic that is of interest to the organisation.
Available Awards
The award of an MSc requires 180 credit points passed at level M.
The programme includes the following interim awards:
- Postgraduate Certificate Organisational Psychology requiring 60 credit points at level M
- Postgraduate Diploma Organisational Psychology requiring 120 credit points at level M
Master's and Diplomas can be awarded "with Distinction" and "with Commendation" where criteria as described in the students' handbook are met.
Assessment
The programme is assessed on the basis of assessment methods prescribed for each individual module.
Admission Requirements
The normal entry requirements for the programme are
- A Psychology or Business degree
- English Language qualification
- An interview with the Programme Tutor
Work experience is preferable.
