MSc Work Psychology degree

This two-semester module will introduce you to the range of data and evidence sources used by psychologists in work settings that allows them to identify, analyse and solve problems. You will also examine the properties of different types of data, allowing you to make appropriate and ethical choices when using practical techniques to collect and analyse evidence across the problem-solving cycle.

Module content

Topics studied may include:

• types of evidence and data in work psychology
• paradigms in psychology
• research design
• choosing and executing data gathering methods
• the application of basic statistical tests to issues in work psychology
• advanced quantitative methods and their application to work psychology
• basic qualitative methods and their use in work psychology
• advanced qualitative methods and their application in work psychology
• the application of ethical principles in applied psychology
• intervention design through the integration of scientific and practical agendas
• the application of research methods to the evaluation of interventions
• feedback to stakeholder groups.

Learning outcomes

On successful completion of this module you will be able to demonstrate knowledge and understanding of:

• guidelines for the development, implementation and evaluation of theory-based problem-solving processes in work-related contexts, including an understanding of key practitioner skills and advanced quantitative and qualitative research methods
• professional codes of conduct including the British Psychological Society (BPS) code of conduct, the Health and Care Professions Council (HCPC) standards of conduct, performance and ethics and more general ethical principles and guidelines.

You will also be able to:

• apply your knowledge and understanding to critically evaluate, synthesise and reflect upon professional and ethical issues raised in both research and practice in work psychology
• build strategies for the assessment of work-related issues through psychological enquiry and to critically evaluate the suitability of different strategies for the implementation and evaluation of interventions
• use your psychological literacy to communicate effectively about all aspects of your work to a range of different stakeholder groups
• integrate, evaluate and apply your knowledge of the topics of diversity, fairness, gender and culture across the whole of the curriculum
• reflect upon the development of knowledge and skills relevant to your progression as an occupational psychologist
• identify and apply a variety of assessment methods to gather evidence relating to work-related issues and problems across a range of different domains within work psychology and across all parts of the problem-solving cycle
• make appropriate evidence-based and ethical choices about the suitability of a range of practical theory-based techniques used in work psychology
• use, when appropriate, a range of practical skills commonly deployed by work psychologists (eg interviewing techniques, critical incidents, repertory grid, questionnaire design etc)
• identify areas of practice and work-related issues that could benefit from research, and design, conduct and evaluate an appropriate investigation
• integrate different activities across the problem-solving cycle (eg problem assessment, intervention design and evaluation of solutions) in an appropriate and ethical way
• manage personal learning efficiently and effectively through an appreciation of the skills and capabilities needed to apply psychology effectively in work settings
• use IT effectively as a learning and communication tool
• develop and utilise the advanced research skills needed to work with complex data and research/practical agendas
• work effectively and confidently both as an individual and as part of a small team within constrained time frames.

Teaching and learning

• supervised time in workshops: 3 hours
• practical classes and workshops: 12 hours
• lectures: 20 hours
• guided independent study: 115 hours

Assessment

• 2 x 2,000-word coursework assignments: 100% (50% each)

This module will develop your awareness of the essential theories of leadership, including a critical understanding of the quality of research and its implications for leadership development and workplace practices. It will also explore the key features of the performance management process, focusing on the application of psychological principles to the measurement, discussion and evaluation of work performance.

Module content

Topics studied may include:

• trait and style theories of leadership
• contingency theories of leadership
• transformational and charismatic leadership
• leadership across cultures
• the nature of work performance
• measuring work performance
• interventions to enhance work performance
• employee coaching and mentoring
• the impact of leadership behaviours on work performance
• high performance work practices.

Learning outcomes

On successful completion of this module you will be able to demonstrate knowledge and understanding of:

• the essential features of leadership theories including the implications of these for the identification and development of leaders and the management of a range of work issues
• approaches to measuring and managing work performance and employee motivation focusing on the utility of psychological theory
• professional codes of conduct including the British Psychological Society (BPS) code of conduct, the Health and Care Professions Council (HCPC) standards of conduct, performance and ethics, and other relevant ethical principles and guidelines.

You will also be able to:

• critically evaluate theories of leadership and of workplace performance
• discuss the ethical issues associated with using theories of leadership and workplace performance to guide intervention within organisations
• apply tools and methods used in leadership and performance management research and practice
• integrate knowledge of workplace diversity and culture into the discussion of leadership and performance management
• assess the suitability of techniques to change leadership behaviour and employee performance taking into account both research evidence and ethical considerations.
• use research methods to identify behaviours relating to effective performance in a variety of work roles including leadership positions.
• use the research on employee performance and effective leadership to analyse, identify and communicate the implications for practice
• communicate effectively orally, electronically and in writing to a wide range of different stakeholder groups and in a number of different formats
• apply constructive and structured approaches to complex problem-solving and intervention evaluation in the face of uncertainties and an incomplete evidence base.

Teaching and learning

• supervised time in workshops (online activities): 3 hours
• practical classes and workshops: 12 hours
• lectures: 20 hours
• guided independent study: 115 hours

Assessment

• 5,000-word integrated assessment portfolio: 100%

This module will examine and integrate a range of different theories of motivation and the implications of these for different stakeholders in organisations. You will develop an understanding of how work can be shaped to be engaging and fulfilling, including a consideration of employee initiative, participation and voice in motivational processes.

Module content

Topics studied may include:

• overview of employee motivation
• the application of basic core psychological theories and principles to work motivation
• a critical evaluation of a range of theoretical approaches to motivation
• employee engagement and goal-setting
• the nature and impact of participation at work
• the concept of employee voice
• employee relations across cultures
• psychological contract and social exchange theories
• the impact of employee engagement and motivation on work performance.

Learning outcomes

On successful completion of this module, you will be able to demonstrate knowledge and understanding of:

• approaches to measuring and managing work performance, employee motivation, and employee participation
• the measurement and determinants of work-related attitudes, health and well-being, linked to an understanding of the processes and outcomes of various workplace interventions
• the psychological influences on employees' responses to different types of work, different work environments and different management practices
• professional codes of conduct including the British Psychological Society's (BPS) code of conduct, the Health and Care Professions Council (HCPC) standards of conduct, performance and ethics and more general ethical principles and guidelines.

You will also be able to:

• critically evaluate knowledge, theory and practice across a the topics of employee motivation, engagement and voice
• apply your knowledge and understanding to critically evaluate, synthesise and reflect upon professional and ethical issues raised by theories covered in the module
• use your psychological literacy to communicate effectively about the module topics to a range of different stakeholder groups in organisations
• integrate, evaluate and apply your knowledge of the topics of diversity, fairness, gender and culture to the module topics
• reflect upon the development of knowledge and skills relevant to your progression as an occupational psychologist
• make appropriate evidence-based and ethical choices about the suitability of a range of practical interventions that are emerge from the study of employee motivation
• use, when appropriate, a range of practical skills commonly deployed by work psychologists to investigate and intervene in issues relating to employee motivation and participation
• identify areas of practice and work-related issues that could benefit from research; design, conduct and evaluate an appropriate small-scale investigation of employee experiences
• communicate effectively orally, electronically and in writing to a wide range of different stakeholder groups and in a number of different formats
• manage personal learning efficiently and effectively through an appreciation of the skills and capabilities needed to apply psychology effectively in work settings
• develop and utilise the advanced research skills needed to work with complex data and research/practical agendas
• work effectively and confidently both as an individual and as part of a small team within constrained time-frames
• work independently in a way that stimulates continued professional development by using the available support strategically and effectively

Teaching and learning

• supervised time in workshops: 3 hours
• practical classes and workshops: 12 hours
• lectures: 20 hours
• guided independent study: 115 hours

Assessment

• group presentation: 25%
• 4,000-word individual assignment: 75%

This module will introduce you to a range of concepts related to the psychological and physical well-being of employees, including the impact of a range of work practices and significant events within the employment lifecycle. You will develop an awareness and clear understanding of how employee well-being can be evaluated and managed using a variety of different intervention techniques.

Module content

Topics studied may include:

• theories of work stress and research showing how work influences psychological and physical well-being
• the application of psychology to the management of health and safety issues
• the impact of well-being on work ability and work performance
• the development of resilience, psychological resources and the application of positive psychology
• emotions in the workplace and their role in the links between work and well-being
• well-being throughout the employment lifecycle
• work-life balance
• bullying and harassment at work
• interventions to improve work-related well-being.

Learning outcomes

On successful completion of this module you will be able to demonstrate knowledge and understanding of:

• approaches to measuring and managing work performance, employee motivation, and employee participation
• the measurement and determinants of work-related attitudes, health and well-being, linked to an understanding of the processes and outcomes of various organisational change interventions
• the psychological influences on employees¿ responses to different types of work, different work environments and different management practices
• professional codes of conduct including the British Psychological Society (BPS) code of conduct, the Health and Care Professions Council (HCPC) standards of conduct, performance and ethics and more general ethical principles and guidelines.

You will also be able to:

• critically evaluate theories that link experiences of work to employee well-being (both positive and negative; physical and psychological)
• critically evaluate, synthesise and reflect upon professional and ethical issues raised when intervening to have an impact on employee well-being
• apply key theoretical principles to a range of work-related health and well-being issues in a variety of different work settings
• build strategies for the assessment of work-related well-being and health and critically evaluate the suitability of different strategies for the implementation and evaluation of interventions
• integrate, evaluate and apply their knowledge of the topics diversity, fairness, gender and culture to the study of well-being at work
• identify and apply a variety of assessment methods to gather evidence about the causes and consequences of work-related health and well-being from problem assessment to intervention evaluation
• use, when appropriate, a range of practical skills commonly deployed to examine work-related health and well-being (eg interviewing techniques and questionnaire design)
• identify aspects of the study of work and well-being that would benefit from further research and suggest approaches to filling these gaps
• integrate different activities across the problem-solving cycle (eg problem assessment, intervention design and evaluation of solutions) in an appropriate and ethical way to improve work-related health and well-being
• communicate effectively orally, electronically and in writing to a wide range of different stakeholder groups with an interest in employee well-being and health
• apply constructive and structured approaches to solving complex work-related health and well-being issues including intervention evaluation
• understand the consultancy skills and personal capabilities needed to apply a knowledge of work and well-being effectively in complex work settings.

Teaching and learning

• supervised time in workshop: 3 hours
• practical classes and workshops: 12 hours
• lectures: 20 hours
• guided independent study: 115 hours

Assessment

• 1 x 1,000-word coursework assignment: 20%
• 2 x 2,000-word coursework assignments: 80% (40% each)

This module will introduce a range of theories and concepts that describe how the work setting activates and influences a number of important psychological processes. It will examine the interactions between the wider environments within which organisations function and key issues within work psychology.

Module content

Topics studied may include:

• organisational design and structure
• the interactions between political, technological, economics and social factors and organisational functioning
• approaches to the design, delivery and evaluation of organisational change and development
• leading and managing change
• the impact of change on employees
• risk management processes
• safety at work
• job design and re-design
• the application of principles of environmental and human factors psychology.

Learning outcomes

On successful completion of this module you will be able to demonstrate knowledge and understanding of:

• the implications of leadership theories for the management of a range of work issues
• the measurement and determinants of work-related attitudes, health and well-being, linked to an understanding of the processes and outcomes of various organisational change interventions
• the psychological influences on employees¿ responses to different types of work, different work environments and work cultures and different management practices
• guidelines for development, implementation and evaluation of theory-based problem-solving processes in work-related contexts including an understanding of key practitioner skills and advanced quantitative and qualitative research methods
• professional codes of conduct including the British Psychological Society (BPS) code of conduct, Health and Care Professions Council (HCPC) standards of conduct, performance and ethics, and more general ethical principles and guidelines.

You will also be able to:

• critically evaluate knowledge, theory and practice from work psychology and business research
• apply key theoretical principles to a range of work-related problems and issues in a variety of different work settings and across cultural contexts
• build strategies for the assessment of work-related problems and risks through psychological enquiry and to critically evaluate the suitability of different strategies for the implementation and evaluation of interventions
• integrate, evaluate and apply their knowledge of the topics diversity, fairness, gender and culture (e.g. globalisation) to the module content
• reflect upon the development of knowledge and skills relevant to their progression as an occupational psychologist
• identify and apply a variety of assessment methods to gather evidence relating to work design and change interventions across all parts of the problem-solving cycle
• make appropriate evidence-based and ethical choices about the suitability of a range of practical theory-based techniques used to re-design jobs, work settings and organisational processes
• critically and reflectively analyse various sources of evidence and identify both new and established implications for practice relevant to the module content
• integrate different activities across the problem-solving cycle (eg problem assessment, intervention design and evaluation of solutions) in an appropriate and ethical way
• communicate effectively orally, electronically and in writing to a wide range of different stakeholder groups and in a number of different formats
• apply constructive and structured approaches to complex problem-solving and intervention evaluation even in the face of uncertainties and incomplete information.

Teaching and learning

• supervised time in workshop (online activities): 3 hours
• practical classes and workshops: 12 hours
• lectures: 20 hours
• guided independent study: 115 hours

Assessment

• group presentation: 25%
• 1,500-word individual essay: 25%
• 2,500-word individual technical report: 25%

This two-semester module will introduce you to the range of data and evidence sources used by psychologists in work settings that allows them to identify, analyse and solve problems. You will also examine the properties of different types of data, allowing you to make appropriate and ethical choices when using practical techniques to collect and analyse evidence across the problem-solving cycle.

Module content

Topics studied may include:

• types of evidence and data in work psychology
• paradigms in psychology
• research design
• choosing and executing data gathering methods
• the application of basic statistical tests to issues in work psychology
• advanced quantitative methods and their application to work psychology
• basic qualitative methods and their use in work psychology
• advanced qualitative methods and their application in work psychology
• the application of ethical principles in applied psychology
• intervention design through the integration of scientific and practical agendas
• the application of research methods to the evaluation of interventions
• feedback to stakeholder groups.

Learning outcomes

On successful completion of this module you will be able to demonstrate knowledge and understanding of:

• guidelines for the development, implementation and evaluation of theory-based problem-solving processes in work-related contexts, including an understanding of key practitioner skills and advanced quantitative and qualitative research methods
• professional codes of conduct including the British Psychological Society (BPS) code of conduct, the Health and Care Professions Council (HCPC) standards of conduct, performance and ethics and more general ethical principles and guidelines.

You will also be able to:

• apply your knowledge and understanding to critically evaluate, synthesise and reflect upon professional and ethical issues raised in both research and practice in work psychology
• build strategies for the assessment of work-related issues through psychological enquiry and to critically evaluate the suitability of different strategies for the implementation and evaluation of interventions
• use your psychological literacy to communicate effectively about all aspects of your work to a range of different stakeholder groups
• integrate, evaluate and apply your knowledge of the topics of diversity, fairness, gender and culture across the whole of the curriculum
• reflect upon the development of knowledge and skills relevant to your progression as an occupational psychologist
• identify and apply a variety of assessment methods to gather evidence relating to work-related issues and problems across a range of different domains within work psychology and across all parts of the problem-solving cycle
• make appropriate evidence-based and ethical choices about the suitability of a range of practical theory-based techniques used in work psychology
• use, when appropriate, a range of practical skills commonly deployed by work psychologists (eg interviewing techniques, critical incidents, repertory grid, questionnaire design etc)
• identify areas of practice and work-related issues that could benefit from research, and design, conduct and evaluate an appropriate investigation
• integrate different activities across the problem-solving cycle (eg problem assessment, intervention design and evaluation of solutions) in an appropriate and ethical way
• manage personal learning efficiently and effectively through an appreciation of the skills and capabilities needed to apply psychology effectively in work settings
• use IT effectively as a learning and communication tool
• develop and utilise the advanced research skills needed to work with complex data and research/practical agendas
• work effectively and confidently both as an individual and as part of a small team within constrained time frames.

Teaching and learning

• supervised time in workshops: 3 hours
• practical classes and workshops: 12 hours
• lectures: 20 hours
• guided independent study: 115 hours

Assessment

• 2 x 2,000-word coursework assignments: 100% (50% each)

This module will introduce the application of psychological theory to the assessment of people in work settings, from job analysis through to the evaluation of the effectiveness of assessment processes. You will develop an awareness and clear understanding of best practice in psychological assessment across a range of individual differences, including knowledge, skills, abilities, attitudes and other work-related competencies.

Module content

Topics studied may include:

• job analysis and the identification of competencies
• the application of psychological theory in employee selection processes
• the importance of reliability, validity, fairness, utility and stakeholder perceptions of acceptability in psychological assessment
• theories of individual differences in personality and ability
• the links between employee selection and development
• description and analysis of a range of common selection methods
• validation processes.

Learning outcomes

On successful completion of this programme you will be able to demonstrate knowledge and understanding of:

• the key theories and contemporary practices relating to the use of psychological principles to the assessment of individuals' knowledge, skills, abilities, goals and other constructs in various work-related contexts and cultures
• important and influential research-based theories of personal development including the application of a range of psychological theories to individual- level learning, development and knowledge management
• the psychological influences on employees¿ responses to different types of work and different work environments
• guidelines for development, implementation and evaluation of theory-based problem-solving processes in psychological assessment including an understanding of key practitioner skills and advanced quantitative and qualitative research methods
• professional codes of conduct, including the British Psychological Society (BPS) code of conduct, the Health and Care Professions Council (HCPC) standards of conduct, performance and ethics and more general ethical principles and guidelines.

You will also be able to:

• critically evaluate knowledge, theory and practice from the employee selection and assessment research literature
• apply your knowledge and understanding to critically evaluate, synthesise and reflect upon professional and ethical issues raised in employee assessment processes
• apply key theoretical principles of psychological assessment to a range of different individual difference and work roles
• use your psychological literacy to communicate effectively about all aspects of psychological assessment to a range of different stakeholder groups
• integrate, evaluate and apply their knowledge of the topics diversity, fairness, gender and culture to all aspects of psychological assessment
• reflect upon the development of knowledge and skills in psychological assessment by examining how these apply to modules already studied in the programme
• identify and apply a variety of assessment methods to gather evidence throughout the employee assessment process
• make appropriate evidence-based and ethical choices about the suitability of a range of assessment practices
• use, when appropriate, practical skills commonly used in psychological assessment such as structured interviewing and the interpretation of quantitative data relating to individual differences
• identify areas of psychological assessment that would benefit from research; suggest how to design, conduct and evaluate an appropriate investigation to meet research needs
• integrate different activities across the assessment cycle (including job analysis, choice of assessment methods, implementation of assessment methods and evaluation of assessment outcomes) in an appropriate and ethical way
• apply constructive and structured approaches to complex psychological assessment problems and suggest approaches for evaluating proposed solutions even in the face of uncertainties and incomplete information
• manage personal learning efficiently and effectively through an appreciation of the skills and capabilities needed to apply psychology effectively in work settings
• develop and utilise the advanced research skills needed to work with complex data about individual differences and competencies in order t to address both research and practical agendas
• work effectively and confidently both as an individual and as part of a small team within constrained time-frames to construct a selection process based on case study information.

Teaching and learning

• supervised time in workshop: 3 hours
• practical classes and workshops: 12 hours
• lecture: 20 hours
• guided independent study: 115 hours

Assessment

• group presentation: 25%
• 4,000-word individual report: 75%

This module will examine a range of individual, group and organisational-level theories of learning, development and knowledge management. It will develop your awareness of the application of theories across from the assessment of needs to the evaluation of interventions.

Module content

Topics studied may include:

• the application of sociological and psychological theories and processes to learning, training and development within organisations
• training needs analysis:
  • the identification of competencies
  • the importance of trainability
• the content of the training cycle and its practical application
• individual and cultural differences and their impact on learning and training processes and outcomes
• training evaluation and transfer
• coaching and mentoring
• knowledge management, innovation and creativity in organisational contexts
• team training and organisational learning.

Learning outcomes

On successful completion of this programme you will be able to demonstrate knowledge and understanding of:

• key theories and contemporary practices relating to the use of sociological and psychological principles to the assessment of individuals' knowledge, skills, abilities, goals and other constructs in training, learning and development
• important and influential research-based theories of individual, team and organisational development including the application of a range of sociological and psychological theories to individual- and group-level learning, development and knowledge management
• guidelines for development, implementation and evaluation of theory-based problem-solving processes in work-related contexts including an understanding of key practitioner skills and advanced quantitative and qualitative research methods
• professional codes of conduct and more general ethical principles and guidelines.

You will also be able to:

• critically evaluate knowledge, theory and practice from psychology relating to skill development and learning
• apply key theoretical principles to a range of training, development and knowledge management issues in a variety of different work settings
• build strategies for the assessment of training needs, delivery and training evaluation through psychological enquiry and to critically evaluate different alternatives at individual, group, and organisational levels
• use your psychological literacy to communicate effectively about various aspects of the learning, development and knowledge management to a range of different stakeholder groups
• integrate, evaluate and apply their knowledge of the topics diversity, fairness, gender and culture to the module content
• reflect upon the development of knowledge and skills relevant to their progression as an occupational psychologist
• make appropriate evidence-based and ethical choices about the suitability of a range of practical theory-based techniques used in learning, development and knowledge management
• use, when appropriate, a range of practical skills commonly deployed during individual, group and organisational-level learning and development
• critically and reflectively analyse various sources of information from different stakeholder groups about learning and development needs to identify both new and established implications for practice
• integrate different activities across the training cycle (eg problem assessment, intervention design and evaluation of solutions) in an appropriate and ethical way
• apply constructive and structured approaches to complex problem-solving and intervention evaluation even in the face of uncertainties and incomplete information
• manage personal learning efficiently and effectively through an appreciation of the skills and capabilities needed to apply psychology effectively in work settings.

Teaching and learning

• supervised time in workshops (online activities): 3 hours
• practical classess and workshops: 12 hours
• lectures: 20 hours
• guided independent study: 115 hours

Assessment

• 5,000-word integrated assessment portfolio: 100%

This module will:

1. introduce and evaluate a variety of theoretical and practical approaches to understanding the forms that careers take and the career choices that people make
2. examine career management interventions from multiple stakeholder perspectives
3. apply career theory and research to the careers of a range of people in a range of contexts.

Module content

Topics studied may include:

• careers in the contexts of different demographic groups
• changing workforces
• changing organisations
• occupational choice
• different forms of careers
• determining career success
• lifelong career development
• career management
• interventions in the career process
• ethical issues in career management.

Learning outcomes

On successful completion of this module you will be able to demonstrate knowledge and understanding of:

• the key theories and contemporary practices relating to the use of psychological principles to the assessment of individuals' knowledge, skills, abilities, goals and other constructs in a career development context
• important and influential research-based theories of career and personal development including the application of a range of psychological theories to individual and group-level learning and development
• the psychological influences on employees' responses to different types of career environments, work cultures and management practices
• guidelines for development, implementation and evaluation of theory-based problem-solving processes in career contexts including an understanding of key practitioner skills
• professional codes of conduct including the British Psychological Society (BPS) Code of Conduct, Health and Care Professions Council (HCPC) standards of conduct, performance and ethics, and other relevant ethical principles and guidelines
• the applicability (or otherwise) of career theories and practices across countries, cultures, genders and ages.

You will also be able to:

• critically evaluate knowledge, theory and practice from the careers literature
• apply key career theories to a range of client issues from a variety of different work settings
• build strategies for the assessment of career issues through psychological enquiry and critically evaluate the suitability of different strategies for intervention and evaluating impact
• integrate, evaluate and apply their knowledge of the topics diversity, fairness, gender and culture into the career theories
• identify and apply a variety of assessment methods to gather evidence relating to important aspects of workers' career choices
• make appropriate evidence-based and ethical choices about the suitability of a range of practical theory-based techniques used in career management, guidance and counselling
• use, when appropriate, basic practical skills used by work psychologists when working with clients on career-related issues
• integrate different activities across the problem-solving cycle (eg assessment, intervention and evaluation of solutions) in an appropriate and ethical way, including the identification of unethical career practices
• apply constructive and structured approaches to complex problem-solving and intervention evaluation even in the face of uncertainties and incomplete information
• manage personal learning efficiently and effectively through an appreciation of the skills and capabilities needed to apply psychology effectively in work settings.

Teaching and learning

• supervised time in workshops: 3 hours
• practical classes and workshops: 12 hours
• lectures: 20 hours
• guided independent study: 115 hours

Assessment

• 5,000-word integrated assessment portfolio 100%

This module will see you plan and conduct an original empirical research study using knowledge gained from other modules on your master's programme.

Learning outcomes

On successful completion of this module you will be able to:

• demonstrate knowledge and understanding of guidelines for the development, implementation and evaluation of theory-based problem-solving processes in work-related contexts including an understanding of key practitioner skills and/or advanced quantitative and qualitative research methods
• demonstrate knowledge and understanding of professional codes of conduct, including the British Psychological Society (BPS) code of conduct, the Health and Care Professions Council (HCPC) standards of conduct, performance and ethics and more general ethical principles and guidelines
• apply your knowledge and understanding to critically evaluate, synthesise and reflect upon professional and ethical issues raised in both research and practice in work psychology
• apply key theoretical principles to a specific issue in the BPS curriculum
• build a strategy for the assessment of a specific work-related issue through psychological enquiry
• use your psychological literacy to communicate effectively about all aspects of the research work to a range of different stakeholder groups
• integrate, evaluate and apply your knowledge of the topics diversity, fairness, gender and culture when conducting research
• reflect upon the development of knowledge and skills relevant to their progression as an occupational psychologist
• make appropriate evidence-based and ethical choices about the suitability of practical theory-based techniques for the investigation of a specific research issue
• use practical skills commonly used by work psychologists to gather, evaluate and analyse evidence
• identify areas of practice and work-related issues that could benefit from research, and design, conduct and evaluate an appropriate investigation
• communicate effectively orally, electronically and in writing to a wide range of different stakeholder groups and in a number of different formats
• apply constructive and structured approaches to complex problem-solving and intervention evaluation even in the face of uncertainties and incomplete information
• manage personal learning efficiently and effectively through an appreciation of the skills and capabilities needed to apply psychology effectively in work settings
• develop and utilise the advanced research skills needed to work with complex data and research/practical agendas
• work effectively and confidently both as an individual and as part of a small team within constrained time-frames
• work independently in a way that stimulates continued professional development by using the available support strategically and effectively.

Teaching and learning

• practical classes and workshops: 5 hours
• project supervision (one-to-one meetings): 15 hours
• guided independent study: 580 hours

Assessment

• end user summary: 10%
• oral presentation: 10%
• research proposal: 10%
• research paper: 70%