Occupational Psychology, MSc

University of Greenwich

This module aims to provide students with a contemporary understanding of research methods in psychology, and practical experience with a range of approaches and practices spanning quantitative, qualitative and mixed designs. Building upon a core of theoretical knowledge towards more nuanced discussions on the practical application of research methods, this module aims to support students to gain the confidence and skills to effectively undertake and disseminate complex research in an effective and ethical manner.

The overall aim of this module is to provide you with the skills, knowledge and experience to confidently and effectively evaluate, synthesise and apply evidence. The module negotiates the academic practitioner divide by exploring each aspect of evidence, from its creation and identification to its evaluation and application. The module will cover important modern practices such as systematic literature reviews, meta-analyses and evidence-based practice, whilst also providing you with a solid grounding and opportunity to develop core skills such as literature reviewing and critical evaluation.

The topics in this domain are all strongly interrelated. Drawing from research in general psychology, this domain examines theories of work motivation, and their relationship with approaches to performance appraisal and performance management. Students should be able to evaluate concepts of leadership, power and influence and their impact on employee engagement, commitment and perceptions of fairness. They should have an understanding of both positive (e.g., organisational citizenship) and negative (e.g., derailment) responses to work. While this domain focuses on the individual level in some instances, in others it concentrates on group and teamwork perspectives.

Students should demonstrate a critical understanding of the ways in which individuals learn and develop in the context of work and organisations. Cognitive theories of learning and skill development inform understanding of how individuals learn, and theories of occupational choice frame what individuals choose to do long term in their employment. Different activities are contrasted including coaching and training, with particular reference to their psychological underpinnings, and an emphasis on evaluation. Coverage should also include the organisational perspective, for instance how development activities link to succession planning, and facilitate innovation and creativity.

To further students’ understanding of a particular aspect of psychology. To enable students to plan, conduct, and evaluate an empirical piece of research in psychology. To enable students to review and reflect on the existing literature in a particular area of psychology in a manner consistent with professional and academic practice. To enable students to develop professional presentation skills.

Students will be developing a critical understanding of a range of aspects and stages in the assessment of people in, or for, work settings, from analysis of the job and the attributes required to perform it effectively, through to the eventual wider impact on organisations of best practice in assessment. Students will be supported to critically evaluate the nature and effectiveness of different assessment methods, including consideration of issues such as fairness, diversity and candidate reactions.

This domain is in many respects a background for the others, in that it looks at the organisation as a setting for their topics, and in consequence is diverse in its content. It seeks to widen out the perspective and context of OP to take into account not only business perspectives on organisations but also the impact of globalisation. It will range over the design of working environments and consideration of risk management through to organisational change and development strategies. It offers the opportunity for students to critically engage with more contemporary themes such as economic and consumer psychology.

This domain integrates (a) how work links with individual and organisational wellbeing by considering the role of work and employment as such, (b) how work is structured and continues to evolve including the interface of work and non-work, (c) any negative effects of work including various theories of stress and pressure and the role of emotions, and (d) positive and preventative paradigms. Mental and physical health will be considered explicitly, including symptoms and disorders and their manifestations in the workplace with clear consideration of diversity and individual differences in responses. Students will be expected to critically evaluate the psychological evidence base for relevant interventions and how these might be implemented and evaluated in practice.