This specialist MSc produces professional and self-reflective practitioners who are equipped to make evidence-based contributions to both organisational performance and employee wellbeing. Students acquire in-depth and up-to-date knowledge of theory and empirical evidence -- from psychology and other relevant fields -- that are applicable to the world of work. A wide range of topics are covered including recruitment and selection, leadership, learning and development, motivation and performance, psychometric assessment, work design, employee wellbeing, organisational change, and coaching. The programme recognises the critical role of interpersonal and group skills that underpin the success of Work & Organisational Psychologists and Organisational Behaviour Specialists. Graduates are equipped to use appropriate and ethical, multi-level diagnostic and analytical tools relating to individual, group and organisational problems. The programme also aims to ensure that graduates understand the complex work organisation and its interaction with the broader social, economic and political environment.
The MSc programme currently offers modules leading to a British Psychological Society’s qualification in psychometrics and in Professional Development to assist students in mastering their employability.
The MSc in Work & Organisational Psychology and the MSc in Work & Organisational Behaviour are accredited by the Chartered Institute of Personnel & Development (CIPD), a leading professional body in the field of Human Resource Management. The MSc in Work & Organisational Psychology is accredited by the Psychological Society of Ireland (PSI). These MSc programmes were the first in Ireland to receive this double accreditation.
On completion of this programme, it's expected that students will be able to:
- Synthesise and critically analyse evidence, core concepts and theories of work and organisational psychology/behaviour and assess their applicability for a variety of individual and organisational problems.
- Identify contextual issues relevant to organisations and how employees operate, individually and collectively, within them.
- Apply personal effectiveness skills such as proactivity, time management, prioritising, reflection to achieve personal and collective goals.
- Identify, discriminate between and employ appropriate tools and techniques in areas such as recruitment, selection, training and career development, in a variety of settings while maintaining ethical standards.
- Demonstrate effective communication skills to articulate specific areas of investigation in order to solve individual and organisational issues.
- Develop and apply the appropriate skills to solve problems in complex business settings.
- Demonstrate ability to work with others through the application of communication, interpersonal and team effectiveness skills.
Teaching reflects principles of adult learning and evidence-based practice, drawing on students' own work and educational experiences. A variety of approaches are employed in the delivery of the programme, including lectures, experiential learning, case studies, workshops, supervised research, reflective practice, and regular feedback opportunities from both faculty and peers. Students benefit from an educational experience that is balanced in terms of group and individual work, theoretical and practical content, and knowledge and skills-based assessment.