Skip navigation

Discover how this course could transform your surveying career. Enter your details and we’ll be in touch with more information.

* At Northumbria we are strongly committed to protecting the privacy of personal data. To view the University’s Privacy Notice please click here

CLOSE

Open new doors with an MSc in Occupational and Organisational Psychology. Whether your goal is to qualify as a Chartered Occupational Psychologist or you’re happy in your chosen career but want greater insight into how people think, act and feel within a business environment, this course is designed around you.  

If you’re interested in business psychology, or industrial psychology, particularly in relation to people management or HR, this this Occupational and Organisational Psychology course is for you. It will allow you to explore how human behaviour affects and is affected by the functioning of workplaces and their staff and covers everything from hiring to productivity and learning on the job.  

The Masters has been designed to help you to specialise after you’ve completed your existing psychology qualifications or as a career transition from those students coming from another discipline. Accredited by the British Psychological Society (BPS) as Stage 1 Occupational Psychologist training, the MSc is suitable for students with a psychology degree, now looking to take the next step towards a career as a Chartered Occupational Psychologist in the UK. It is also open to those with a different academic background, working in a career such as HR, Consultancy or Management, where a better understanding of the psychology behind workplace wellbeing, engagement, selection, assessment, and learning and development would be beneficial. Business psychology careers are a growing field and those with specialised Occupational and Organisational Psychology qualifications will be an asset to many companies.  

Study is flexible. You can complete the course 100% online, fitting your learning in around your personal and professional commitments. You can also complete the course at your own pace, in around two years or taking a little longer if needed, plus you can pay in module-by-module instalments. With no need to travel to campus, you can work from anywhere, at any time, and on any device.  

If you have any questions about this degree, visit our course FAQ pages.  

""

Please note, our next intake will be running in October 2025. We are not accepting applications yet, however if you are interested in joining us, please fill in the Request More Information form at the bottom of this page; we then be in touch once our application portal opens.

In order to ensure BPS standards are met, and the integrity and quality of this course is upheld, places on the October 2025 intake will be limited. Due to high demand, places will be allocated on a first come first served basis to applicants who meet the entry criteria. Once the portal is open, we encourage you to submit your application as early as possible to avoid disappointment. If you would like to speak to someone about this, please feel free to call us on 0191 276 4874 or email DLstudentenquiries@northumbria.ac.uk  

Open new doors with an MSc in Occupational and Organisational Psychology. Whether your goal is to qualify as a Chartered Occupational Psychologist or you’re happy in your chosen career but want greater insight into how people think, act and feel within a business environment, this course is designed around you.  

If you’re interested in business psychology, or industrial psychology, particularly in relation to people management or HR, this this Occupational and Organisational Psychology course is for you. It will allow you to explore how human behaviour affects and is affected by the functioning of workplaces and their staff and covers everything from hiring to productivity and learning on the job.  

The Masters has been designed to help you to specialise after you’ve completed your existing psychology qualifications or as a career transition from those students coming from another discipline. Accredited by the British Psychological Society (BPS) as Stage 1 Occupational Psychologist training, the MSc is suitable for students with a psychology degree, now looking to take the next step towards a career as a Chartered Occupational Psychologist in the UK. It is also open to those with a different academic background, working in a career such as HR, Consultancy or Management, where a better understanding of the psychology behind workplace wellbeing, engagement, selection, assessment, and learning and development would be beneficial. Business psychology careers are a growing field and those with specialised Occupational and Organisational Psychology qualifications will be an asset to many companies.  

Study is flexible. You can complete the course 100% online, fitting your learning in around your personal and professional commitments. You can also complete the course at your own pace, in around two years or taking a little longer if needed, plus you can pay in module-by-module instalments. With no need to travel to campus, you can work from anywhere, at any time, and on any device.  

If you have any questions about this degree, visit our course FAQ pages.  

""

Please note, our next intake will be running in October 2025. We are not accepting applications yet, however if you are interested in joining us, please fill in the Request More Information form at the bottom of this page; we then be in touch once our application portal opens.

In order to ensure BPS standards are met, and the integrity and quality of this course is upheld, places on the October 2025 intake will be limited. Due to high demand, places will be allocated on a first come first served basis to applicants who meet the entry criteria. Once the portal is open, we encourage you to submit your application as early as possible to avoid disappointment. If you would like to speak to someone about this, please feel free to call us on 0191 276 4874 or email DLstudentenquiries@northumbria.ac.uk  

Course Information

Level of Study
Postgraduate

Mode of Study
2 years Part Time (Distance Learning)
2 other options available

Department
Psychology

Location
City Campus, Northumbria University

City
Newcastle

Start
October 2025

Fees
Fee Information

Modules
Module Information

Discover NU World / A virtual journey through everything Northumbria has to offer.

Explore our immersive 360 tours, informative subject videos, inspirational student profiles, ground-breaking research, and a range of life at university blogs videos and articles.

Fees and Funding

Entry Requirements 2024/25

Standard Entry

Applicants should normally have:

A minimum of a 2:2 honours degree in any subject.

In order to pursue a career as a Chartered Occupational Psychologist, applicants will require a minimum of a 2:2 honours degree in Psychology that provides Graduate Basis for Chartership (GBC) with the British Psychological Society (which can be completed prior to, or following, this degree).

Other subject qualifications, equivalent professional qualifications and/or relevant work experience will be considered on an individual basis.

International qualifications:

If you have studied a non UK qualification, you can see how your qualifications compare to the standard entry criteria, by selecting the country that you received the qualification in, from our country pages. Visit www.northumbria.ac.uk/yourcountry

English language requirements:

International applicants are required to have a minimum overall IELTS (Academic) score of 6.5 with 6 in each component (or approved equivalent*).

*The university accepts a large number of UK and International Qualifications in place of IELTS.  You can find details of acceptable tests and the required grades you will need in our English Language section. Visit www.northumbria.ac.uk/englishqualifications

For further admissions guidance and requirements, please visit www.northumbria.ac.uk/admissionsguidance Please review this information before submitting your application.

Entry Requirements 2025/26

Standard Entry

Applicants should normally have:

A minimum of a 2:2 honours degree in any subject.

In order to pursue a career as a Chartered Occupational Psychologist, applicants will require a minimum of a 2:2 honours degree in Psychology that provides Graduate Basis for Chartership (GBC) with the British Psychological Society (which can be completed prior to, or following, this degree).

Other subject qualifications, equivalent professional qualifications and/or relevant work experience will be considered on an individual basis.

International qualifications:

If you have studied a non UK qualification, you can see how your qualifications compare to the standard entry criteria, by selecting the country that you received the qualification in, from our country pages. Visit www.northumbria.ac.uk/yourcountry

English language requirements:

International applicants are required to have a minimum overall IELTS (Academic) score of 6.5 with 6 in each component (or approved equivalent*).

*The university accepts a large number of UK and International Qualifications in place of IELTS.  You can find details of acceptable tests and the required grades you will need in our English Language section. Visit www.northumbria.ac.uk/englishqualifications

For further admissions guidance and requirements, please visit www.northumbria.ac.uk/admissionsguidance Please review this information before submitting your application.

Fees and Funding 2024/25 Entry

Full UK Fee: £10,460

Full International Fee: £10,460



Scholarships and Discounts

Discover More about Fees, Scholarships and other Funding options for UK and International applicants.

ADDITIONAL COSTS

There are no Additional Costs

Fees and Funding 2025/26 Entry

Full UK Fee: £11,000

Full International Fee: £11,000



Scholarships and Discounts

Discover More about Fees, Scholarships and other Funding options for UK and International applicants.

ADDITIONAL COSTS

There are no Additional Costs

Our Application Process

Applying for this course is quick and easy, and can be done using our online applicant portal.

 

As part of the application process, you’ll need to upload a selection of important documents including:

  • Your Bachelor’s degree certificate
  • A copy of your degree transcript (if this was awarded in a language other than English, you’ll need an official translation too)
  • Evidence of any other postgraduate or professional qualifications
  • An updated CV/resume
  • Proof of your English Language proficiency (if English is your second language)
  • A 500 word personal statement

If you are a non standard applicant, you will also need to send us two professional / personal references on headed paper.

 

After receiving your application, our Applicant Services team will aim to respond to you as soon as possible.

 

You are advised to apply early to secure your place and organise any sponsorship, scholarships or funding.

 

The University reserves the right at any stage to request applicants and enrolling students to provide additional information about any aspect of their application or enrolment. In the event of any student providing false or inaccurate information at any stage, and/or failing to provide additional information when requested to do so, the University further reserves the right to refuse to consider an application, to withdraw registration, rescind home fees status where applicable, and/or demand payment of any fees or monies due to the University.

 


Modules

Listed below are the modules that you will study on this course. Delivered in a flexible carousel structure, the order in which you study your modules will vary depending on when you begin the course. Please note, modules are reviewed annually and may be subject to change between academic years. Applicants will be informed if there are any changes. If you have any questions about this, or our carousel structure, please get in touch on +44 (0) 191 276 4874 or at DLstudentenquiries@northumbria.ac.uk


PE7058 -

Employee Selection (20 Credits)

You will learn about how organisations select and assess employees in the workplace. As you examine the range of approaches that are adopted by organisations, you will be able to understand why and how these are utilised most effectively. Topics include:
• Effective use of job analysis and competencies
• Use of psychometric testing such as cognitive ability and personality tests
• Design and scoring of job interviews and assessment centres
• Job performance

More information

PE7030 -

MSc Thesis (60 Credits)

On this module you will have the opportunity to independently conceptualise, plan and undertake a novel piece of research that contributes to psychological knowledge and understanding. You will critically evaluate current theories and evidence in order to generate your own research question. You will engage with the relevant ethical guidelines to design a feasible project plan. You will develop your independent research skills during this module as well as identifying points of collaboration with supervisors, research staff and other potential stakeholders. You will use a variety of relevant skills, techniques and research methods in order to implement your study and finally you will have the opportunity to disseminate your findings in written form.

More information

PE7056 -

The Organisation (20 Credits)

You will learn about the field of organisational psychology from both a theoretical/academic and applied perspective. The module adopts a widened organisational perspective and considers topics such as organisational culture, organisational change and development, leadership and team working. You will learn to develop a critical approach to theories and models and to identify the practical, professional and ethical issues inherent in undertaking research and practice in the area of occupational and organisational psychology.

More information

PE7057 -

Organisational Research Methods (20 Credits)

The module is designed to give you a theoretical and practical knowledge of common and more advanced quantitative and qualitative methods of collecting and analysing data in occupational and organisational psychology. A range of methods will be studied and relevant analytic software will be used in exercises. The communication of findings according to the most recent conventions and with due regard to the audience will be addressed. The approach is to provide a theoretical background for each technique, so that you are not simply capable of carrying out and reporting analyses, but also capable of reflecting critically on their appropriateness in psychological research and practice.

More information

PE7060 -

Learning and Development in Organisations (20 Credits)

This module will introduce the psychological theory and empirical evidence behind the learning and career development of individuals in a work context. You will learn and evaluate theories of career development, lifelong learning, occupational choice, training, employability and coaching. You will develop an appreciation of applied approaches taken by individuals and organisations to develop careers and discuss their effectiveness. A broad organisational perspective will be taken to employee development which includes contemporary issues affecting careers. You will reflect critically upon the theoretical and empirical literature by applying this to real world scenarios, developing an appreciation of the psychological processes which can impact upon career.

More information

PE7059 -

Organisational Psychology Consultancy Skills (20 Credits)

You will learn about how organisational consultancy is applied in the field of organisational psychology from both a theoretical/academic and applied perspectives. Topics covered will include approaches to consultancy, applied data analysis for organisational problems, appraising performance and issues central to professional identity and employability. You will learn to develop a critical approach to theories and models and to identify the practical, professional and ethical issues inherent in undertaking research and practice in the area of organisational psychology.

More information

Modules

Listed below are the modules that you will study on this course. Delivered in a flexible carousel structure, the order in which you study your modules will vary depending on when you begin the course. Please note, modules are reviewed annually and may be subject to change between academic years. Applicants will be informed if there are any changes. If you have any questions about this, or our carousel structure, please get in touch on +44 (0) 191 276 4874 or at DLstudentenquiries@northumbria.ac.uk


PE7056 -

The Organisation (20 Credits)

You will learn about the field of organisational psychology from both a theoretical/academic and applied perspective. The module adopts a widened organisational perspective and considers topics such as organisational culture, organisational change and development, leadership and team working. You will learn to develop a critical approach to theories and models and to identify the practical, professional and ethical issues inherent in undertaking research and practice in the area of occupational and organisational psychology.

More information

PE7057 -

Organisational Research Methods (20 Credits)

The module is designed to give you a theoretical and practical knowledge of common and more advanced quantitative and qualitative methods of collecting and analysing data in occupational and organisational psychology. A range of methods will be studied and relevant analytic software will be used in exercises. The communication of findings according to the most recent conventions and with due regard to the audience will be addressed. The approach is to provide a theoretical background for each technique, so that you are not simply capable of carrying out and reporting analyses, but also capable of reflecting critically on their appropriateness in psychological research and practice.

More information

PE7060 -

Learning and Development in Organisations (20 Credits)

This module will introduce the psychological theory and empirical evidence behind the learning and career development of individuals in a work context. You will learn and evaluate theories of career development, lifelong learning, occupational choice, training, employability and coaching. You will develop an appreciation of applied approaches taken by individuals and organisations to develop careers and discuss their effectiveness. A broad organisational perspective will be taken to employee development which includes contemporary issues affecting careers. You will reflect critically upon the theoretical and empirical literature by applying this to real world scenarios, developing an appreciation of the psychological processes which can impact upon career.

More information

PE7058 -

Employee Selection (20 Credits)

You will learn about how organisations select and assess employees in the workplace. As you examine the range of approaches that are adopted by organisations, you will be able to understand why and how these are utilised most effectively. Topics include:
• Effective use of job analysis and competencies
• Use of psychometric testing such as cognitive ability and personality tests
• Design and scoring of job interviews and assessment centres
• Job performance

More information

PE7030 -

MSc Thesis (60 Credits)

On this module you will have the opportunity to independently conceptualise, plan and undertake a novel piece of research that contributes to psychological knowledge and understanding. You will critically evaluate current theories and evidence in order to generate your own research question. You will engage with the relevant ethical guidelines to design a feasible project plan. You will develop your independent research skills during this module as well as identifying points of collaboration with supervisors, research staff and other potential stakeholders. You will use a variety of relevant skills, techniques and research methods in order to implement your study and finally you will have the opportunity to disseminate your findings in written form.

More information

PE7059 -

Organisational Psychology Consultancy Skills (20 Credits)

You will learn about how organisational consultancy is applied in the field of organisational psychology from both a theoretical/academic and applied perspectives. Topics covered will include approaches to consultancy, applied data analysis for organisational problems, appraising performance and issues central to professional identity and employability. You will learn to develop a critical approach to theories and models and to identify the practical, professional and ethical issues inherent in undertaking research and practice in the area of organisational psychology.

More information

Study Options

The following alternative study options are available for this course:

Any Questions?

Our Applicant Services team will be happy to help.  They can be contacted on 02843 780 292 or by emailing DLstudentenquiries@northumbria.ac.uk



Discover how this course could transform your surveying career. Enter your details and we’ll be in touch with more information.

* At Northumbria we are strongly committed to protecting the privacy of personal data. To view the University’s Privacy Notice please click here

a sign in front of a crowd
+

Northumbria Open Days

Open Days are a great way for you to get a feel of the University, the city of Newcastle upon Tyne and the course(s) you are interested in.

a person sitting at a table using a laptop
+
NU World Virtual Tours
+

Virtual Tour

Get an insight into life at Northumbria at the click of a button! Come and explore our videos and 360 panoramas to immerse yourself in our campuses and get a feel for what it is like studying here using our interactive virtual tour.

Back to top