Organisational and Business Psychology - PCert, PDip, MSc

This module will provide you with a range of theoretical and practical knowledge and the opportunity to think critically and evaluate the theory and practice of employee resourcing. You will be able to develop and apply employee resourcing tools and techniques to specific organisational contents in which you might operate.

Indicative topics of study are:

• Overview of the selection process

• The role of legislation

• Job and competency analysis

• Selection tools: Recruitment and application forms; individual differences and psychometrics; selection interviews; work samples, and situational judgement tests

• Fairness and diversity in assessment.

• International selection methods

• Evaluating selection from a candidate's perspective

• Assessment beyond selection: Appraisal, 360 degree appraisals and promotion

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This module provides an opportunity to study the literature on group processes at an advanced level and familiarises students with current theorising and research on the psychology of groups and teams in organisations. The module introduces theoretical and empirical background, and uses these to help students develop ideas for further research and practice.

The module builds upon knowledge of social psychology gained at undergraduate level and draws primarily on small group research in social and organisational psychology, but perspectives from other fields such as moral psychology and economics will also be considered. Seminar topics include social identity, group cohesion, status and leadership, creativity, social dilemmas, trust/distrust, as well as moral judgment and behaviour. The module involves a great deal of student presentation, participation and discussion.

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This module focuses on developing and extending students' knowledge of research methods and statistics. There is an important element of the module which focuses on developing students' understanding of the basics of research methods and statistical analysis. However, the module also goes further by teaching students about some advanced methodological and statistical tools. Topics to be covered include:

a) Searching and reviewing relevant literature for a research project.

b) Research design, variables, sampling, levels of measurement, surveys and experiments.

c) Descriptive statistics (frequency, mean, mode, median).

d) Basic inferential statistics (t-test, correlations, chi-square, One-Way ANOVA).

e) Advanced inferential statistics (Multivariate ANOVA, Linear & Logistic Regression).

f) Qualitative research methods (focus groups, interviews)

g) Presenting statistical findings in an understandable way when writing research reports.

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This module examines key concepts and emerging themes in Psychology applied to work and organisations; for example, work motivation, leadership and management, nudging, and well-being — with a particular focus on areas of research within the School of Psychology. Applications of psychological and behavioural science to work and organisations will be enriched by case studies and situated in the wider business context in which psychologists practice and provide consultancy, including relevant ethical and legal frameworks.

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To provide students with an understanding of academic research and an ability to identify and utilise appropriate strategies and techniques for the purpose of individual investigation, research and practice within a subject specific area of their course route. This module will prepare students to undertake the dissertation module in Stage 2 of their course.

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Key elements of professional HRM&D competence in organisations are a strategic business orientation and a concern with adding value through HR practice. This module introduces students to the aims and objectives of HRM&D function in organisations and how these are met in practice

The module is designed to introduce students to the range of practical skills required by HR professionals. Building on their understanding of the basic notions in the field, students will learn current best practices and procedures within organisations.

The module will include core lectures but its focus will be on case studies, practice based workshops and directed learning activities. These will include activities around various HRM functions within an ethical and legislative framework.

Indicative topics of study are as follows:

• Aims and objectives of HRM&D functions and current developments

• Human Resource Management & Development in different organisational contexts

• Effective leadership and methods of leadership development

• Employee motivation, commitment and engagement

• Flexible working

• Change management

• Ethical issues and practices in HRM&D

• Contemporary research and debates in Human Resource Management

Find out more about BUSN8104

This module aims to provide students with a rigorous framework of knowledge and practical applications concerning leadership, people management and organisational change that they will need whatever the degree of specialisation they later elect to follow. It has a number of distinct learning objectives.

Firstly, the module seeks to familiarise students with major contemporary research evidence on effective approaches to leadership in various contexts. Research focusing on the links between people management practices, organisational processes and positive organisational outcomes is examined, as is research that highlights the role of leadership in addressing major contemporary challenges to sustainable development. Secondly, the module introduces students to major debates about theory and practice in the specific fields of leadership, change management, and leadership development. It aims to help them become effective leaders as well as effective managers, managing others fairly and effectively and increasing levels of engagement, commitment, motivation and performance. Finally, the module requires students to reflect critically on theory and practice from an ethical and professional standpoint and provides opportunities for applied learning and continuous professional development.

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This module focuses on helping students develop the skills of working in an innovative environment as a social scientist. Innovation has become important to organisations. The practice of hypothesis-driven or lean innovation provides a unique role for the social scientist within start-ups and large organisations. During this module, students will learn about the theory and practice of innovation. Students will also work with a team on validating a product idea.

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In this module, students conduct an extended literature review and critique on a topic relevant to organisational psychology. The topic will be developed through discussion with an academic supervisor, to identify a particular area of research that is relevant and topical. The module will develop advanced research skills and problem solving. On completion of the modules, students will have specialist knowledge and evidence of independent research.

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All students undertake a supervised empirical research project relevant to their chosen MSc programme, and submit it as a typed dissertation of approximately 8,000 words.

For Cognitive Psychology/Neuropsychology, Developmental Psychology, and Social Psychology MSc-T dissertations, the project should be grounded in the area of psychology.

For Organisational and Business Psychology dissertations, the project should include an examination of an identifiable organisational or business issue or problem within the context of relevant psychological theory, such as social, organisational or business psychology.

For Political Psychology dissertations, the project should be grounded in the area of psychology or political science and informed by the other discipline.

The aim of the dissertation is to test the student's ability to plan, execute, analyse, and report a piece of independent research in the relevant setting. The dissertation requires detailed theoretical knowledge of the relevant discipline (or disciplines), an appreciation of the ways in which that knowledge has been applied in previous research and practice, and the methodological and statistical skills to set up a scientific investigation. Supervision is provided by the principal teaching staff and by other appropriate staff with research interests in a student's chosen area. Students are advised to read the School's Ethics pages for information on submitting applications for ethical approval to the School and to relevant outside bodies.

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