Metadata
Title
Business and Organisational PsychologyMSc
Category
graduate
UUID
cdfd928aefe84cadb857e60f32e805b3
Source URL
https://sheffield.ac.uk/postgraduate/taught/courses/2026/business-and-organisati...
Parent URL
https://sheffield.ac.uk/postgraduate/taught/courses/2026
Crawl Time
2026-03-23T16:33:54+00:00
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# Business and Organisational PsychologyMSc

**Source**: https://sheffield.ac.uk/postgraduate/taught/courses/2026/business-and-organisational-psychology-msc
**Parent**: https://sheffield.ac.uk/postgraduate/taught/courses/2026

2026-27 entry

# Business and Organisational Psychology MSc

Management School,
Faculty of Social Sciences\

Explore how psychology impacts the workplace and learn how to improve organisational and employee performance by applying psychological theories and principles to the work environment. Accredited by the British Psychological Society (BPS).

- Start date
  \
  September 2026
- Duration
  \
  1 year
- Attendance
  \
  Full-time

- [Accredited](#accreditation)
- [Course fee](#feesfunding)

[Visit us](#visit)
[Apply for this course](#apply)

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[Visit us](#visit)
[Apply for this course](#apply)
[Chat to a student](https://www.sheffield.ac.uk/study/chat?tap-dashboard=false&utm_medium=link&searchTerms=Postgraduate&utm_campaign=online%20prospectus&searchType=default)

### Explore this course:

[Apply now for 2026 entry](#apply) or [book a place on our online open day](https://sheffield.ac.uk/postgraduate/visit/open-day "Postgraduate online open days") on 29 April 2026 to see where a Sheffield masters could take you.

## Course description

Gain expertise in the field of business and organisational psychology through our MSc programme, where you will learn how to effectively apply psychological theories and principles to enhance employee satisfaction, wellbeing, performance and productivity within the work environment. As a consultant or member of staff, you can utilise these valuable skills to make a positive impact on businesses.

Immerse yourself in hands-on workshops that foster the development of key psychology skills, including coaching, feedback provision, delivering presentations, utilising statistical software and the data lab, group work, and information management. You'll also receive complimentary training to become a certified psychometric assessor for both ability and personality tests.

Towards the end of the programme, you will undertake a dissertation focused on your interests within a real-world organisation, honing your communication, negotiation and project management abilities. Recent dissertations have covered diverse, cutting-edge topics, such as understanding younger workers' experiences of age-related discrimination, exploring the impact of remote working and virtual meeting technology on efficiency and wellbeing, and analysing whether and how people disclose their neurodiversity in the workplace.

A significant proportion of students engage in projects sourced through the Institute of Work Psychology's business network or the Management School's Employability Hub, enabling them to address practical organisational issues. The dissertation project provides a platform to apply your knowledge in practice and further develop organisational skills.

### Accreditation

The MSc in Business and Organisational Psychology degree is accredited by the British Psychological Society (BPS), meeting the stage one requirements for obtaining Chartered Psychologist status.

The Management School is Triple Crown accredited by AMBA, EQUIS and AACSB.

[Association of MBAs (AMBA)](https://www.associationofmbas.com/)
 [EFMD Quality Improvement System (EQUIS)](https://www.efmdglobal.org/accreditations/business-schools/equis/)
 [Association to Advance Collegiate Schools of Business (AACSB)](https://www.aacsb.edu)
 [British Psychological Society (BPS) - accredited occupational psychology](https://www.bps.org.uk/)

## Modules

We're revising the curriculum of the course for this year of entry and are in the process of confirming the modules. The information here gives you an idea of the areas we expect the course to cover. There may be changes before you begin your studies. As you progress through your course, we’ll confirm additional details of the core and optional modules available to you.

MSc modules

### 

Applying Psychology to Work and Organisations
:   This module provides the essential toolkit for evidence-based psychologists. We will work on building your skills in a range of areas including group facilitation, applying research to practice, conflict resolution, dealing with ethical issues and being creative. This is done through interactive sessions involving discussion, individual presentation and feedback, group activities, reflection, skill development and evaluation, with the outputs being captured in a series of portfolio entries. Effort has been made to match the assessment methods of this module with those used in Stage 2 of the QOccPsych so that this forms a logical progression from this module and the MSc programme onto Chartership.

    **15 credits**

Leadership, Engagement and Motivation
:   In this module you will develop an evidence-based understanding on how to motivate people, lead teams, and accurately appraise performance. You will examine existing theoretical approaches to topics including work motivation, leadership, power and politics, engagement, and employee voice. The module seeks to develop your critical understanding of these topics, so that you can apply this knowledge to organisational situations. A workshop approach is used to combine lectures with small group activities, to encourage discussion, debate, and skill development.

    **15 credits**

Learning, Training and Development
:   The module aims to develop in students a critical understanding of the ways in which people learn and develop in the context of work and organisation. First, students will learn about the theory and practice of employee training, focusing on issues such as needs analysis, learning theories, different training methods and evaluation strategies. This will then be followed by a wider examination of career development activities, including coaching, counselling and mentoring. Sessions will combine theoretical inputs with opportunities to apply knowledge through discussion, case studies and simulation exercises.

    **15 credits**

Selection and Psychological Testing in Organisations
:   This module looks at how the art and science of employee selection come together. We explore the theory of how recruitment and selection should happen, before considering how it does happen in the real world. You will have the opportunity to gain additional specialised qualifications in delivering psychometric assessments. The three-hour workshops involve lecture elements, analysis of case studies, group problem solving tasks as well as thought-provoking discussions. In this module we critically dissect existing selection practices in organisations, contemplating their validity, reliability, ethics, and legality. Our learning environment is immersive and participatory.

    **15 credits**

Statistical Methods for Occupational Psychologists
:   This module covers intermediate level and more advanced statistical techniques needed in organisational research. Lectures will be used to teach the rationale behind hypothesis testing and describe techniques such as linear regression, including testing for mediation and moderation; exploratory factor analysis; and reliability analysis. Students will also attend small group practical classes taught by a statistician, in which the students will get the opportunity to work through practical examples of each method and learn to understand and interpret output. \
    \
    The module is taught by an expert statistician. For more details see here: https://www.sheffield.ac.uk/management/people/academic-staff/chris-stride

    **15 credits**

Work Design, Organisational Change and Development
:   The ability to redesign jobs, assist in organisational change initiatives and enhance people development are skills that organisations look for in employees. This module locates Occupational/Work Psychology within a global context, providing you with an effective grounding for other core knowledge areas. It covers a range of topics, including: organisational structure, design and culture; models of change and development; organisational effectiveness, performance and communications; the design of jobs, work systems and environments; workplace safety; and methods for managing risk and reducing human error. You will critically engage with contemporary themes, such as technology-mediated work and the role of social media in the workplace. Case studies, practical examples and exercises are used throughout the module to integrate theory and practice.

    **15 credits**

Well-being and Work
:   This module covers one of the core knowledge areas required for Occupational/Work Psychology and explores how work relates to individual and organisational well-being by considering the role of work and employment. It will cover areas related to the employment lifecycle, patterns of work, occupational health, stress and emotions, the causes, symptoms, assessment, prevention and management of stress, bullying and harassment, positive psychological perspectives and the promotion of wellbeing. Individual differences and diversity in responses will be considered. Critical evaluation of the psychological evidence base for relevant interventions and how these might be implemented and evaluated in practice will also be discussed.

    **15 credits**

Research Methods for Occupational Psychologists
:   In this module, you will develop transferable skills that are relevant to research and practice. You will learn about the purpose of research, how it is evaluated, and why it allows humanity to progress. You will also learn how to select appropriate methods for answering specific research questions, as well as the rationale for using different research designs. The module includes a range of guest speakers, who are often international experts on their areas of focus. Moreover, skill based sessions are used to illuminate areas such as interviewing skills, theory development, and a range of qualitative analysis methods.

    **15 credits**

Dissertation
:   This module is designed to integrate and apply extensive academic knowledge to practical, real-world situations, representing a vital element of the MSc. Students will embark on a comprehensive research project, conducted within an organisational setting, under the guidance of an academic supervisor from the Institute of Work Psychology.\
    \
    The dissertation module is unique in that students have the opportunity to undertake their research project with a real organisation, not only building their research skills but also their network. This dissertation offers a distinctive opportunity for students to engage directly with contemporary issues in occupational psychology. It allows for the exploration of a specific area of interest, facilitated by a one-to-one mentorship with experienced faculty members. This process involves a thorough review of relevant academic literature, leading to the formulation of pertinent research questions and the application of appropriate methodologies.\

    **60 credits**

The content of our courses is reviewed annually to make sure it's up-to-date and relevant. Individual modules are occasionally updated or withdrawn. This is in response to discoveries through our world-leading research; funding changes; professional accreditation requirements; student or employer feedback; outcomes of reviews; and variations in staff or student numbers. In the event of any change we will inform students and take reasonable steps to minimise disruption.

## Open days

Interested in postgraduate taught study?

- [Take part in our online open day](https://sheffield.ac.uk/postgraduate/visit/open-day "Postgraduate online open days") on **Wednesday 29 April**
- [Join us on a discovery afternoon](https://sheffield.ac.uk/postgraduate/visit/masters-study-discovery-afternoon "Masters study discovery afternoon") on **Tuesday 12 May**
- [Register your interest](https://sheffield.ac.uk/postgraduate/register-your-interest "Register your interest in postgraduate study at the University of Sheffield") in studying at Sheffield.

## Duration

1 year full-time

## Teaching

- Lectures
- Seminars
- Case studies
- Group work for collaborative learning
- Web-based discussion groups

## Assessment

- Individual assignments
- Group projects
- Dissertation

## School

### Management School

We are a leading management school with Triple Crown accreditation (AACSB, AMBA and EQUIS). These awards have been achieved through the outstanding quality of our programmes, research output, support for students and alumni, and links with industry. We have a world-class reputation for high quality teaching, ground-breaking research and cutting-edge thinking.

You’ll be part of a dynamic and engaging management school that puts you and your future at the heart of everything it does. We balance a rigorous academic foundation with practical skills to ensure you are ready for the world of work.

We want you to develop skills so you can apply course content in a company setting. Our close links with organisations keep us in tune with the changing demands of the workplace. We know what employers are looking for.

You'll learn from experts - many are former industry professionals and they work closely with businesses. Because our academics are world-leading researchers, your education will draw on the most current management theories.

We want you to engage with the academic content, be conscientious and take an independent approach to study. We want you to be informed, innovative and proactive and do everything we can to support and enhance your career, steering you in the right direction with all the knowledge and skills you require.

You'll benefit from tailored on-site and online professional careers support, dedicated skills sessions and events with experts from world-leading organisations and professional bodies. These activities will help guide your personal and professional development to help you secure your dream placement, internship or graduate role.

## Student profiles

[Take every opportunity to help you achieve your career goal

 Callum van Dyk

Postgraduate student ,
\
 Occupational Psychology MSc (now Business and Organisational Psychology MSc)](https://sheffield.ac.uk/management/postgraduate/meet-our-students/callum)

## Entry requirements

Minimum 2:1 undergraduate honours degree in psychology or a related subject with considerable coverage of research methods.

We assess each application on the basis of the applicant’s preparation and achievement as a whole. We may accept applicants whose qualifications don’t meet the published entry criteria but have other experience relevant to the course.

If required degree subjects and modules are listed, these are indicative only. Sometimes we may accept subjects or modules that aren’t listed, and sometimes we may not accept subjects or modules that are listed, depending on the content studied.

We also consider a wide range of international qualifications:

[Entry requirements for international students](https://sheffield.ac.uk/international/applying/postgraduate-taught "Postgraduate taught")

### **English language requirements**

IELTS 6.5 (with 6 in each component) or University equivalent

[Other English language qualifications we accept](https://sheffield.ac.uk/postgraduate/english-language "English language requirements for postgraduates")

### Other requirements

We will **not** ask you to provide references or referee details as part of your application.

We **do not** require a supporting statement for this programme.

If you have any questions about entry requirements, please [contact the school](#contactus).

## Fees and funding

### Fees

#### Peter Warr Postgraduate Scholarship

We're offering one scholarship worth £5,000 to a home fee-paying student joining the Business and Organisational Psychology MSc in September 2026.

[Eligibility criteria and information on how to apply for the Peter Warr scholarship](https://sheffield.ac.uk/funding/peter-warr-postgraduate-scholarship "Peter Warr Postgraduate Scholarship")

[Funding for postgraduate taught courses](https://sheffield.ac.uk/postgraduate/taught/funding "Funding for postgraduate taught courses")

## Save on your course fees

### £3,000 scholarships for international students

Overseas fee-paying students joining in September 2026 will [automatically receive a £3,000 tuition fee discount](https://sheffield.ac.uk/international/fees-and-funding/scholarships/postgraduate/international-postgraduate-scholarship "International Postgraduate Scholarship 2026") (subject to eligibility) - no separate application form required.

### Save up to £2,500 on your course fees

Are you a Sheffield graduate? You could [save up to £2,500](https://sheffield.ac.uk/postgraduate/alumni-discount "Alumni Discount") on your postgraduate taught course fees, [subject to eligibility](https://sheffield.ac.uk/postgraduate/alumni-discount#terms-and-conditions "Alumni Discount").

## Apply

You can apply now using our Postgraduate Online Application Form. It's a quick and easy process.

[Apply now](https://sheffield.ac.uk/postgraduate/taught/apply/applying "How to apply")

## More information

[Management School](https://sheffield.ac.uk/management/home)

## Contact

Start a conversation with us – you can get in touch by email, telephone or online chat.

[Contacts for prospective students](https://sheffield.ac.uk/contact/study "Contact us: course, application and study enquiries ")

Any supervisors and research areas listed are indicative and may change before the start of the course.

[Our student protection plan](https://sheffield.ac.uk/study/policies/student-protection-plan "Student protection plan")

Recognition of professional qualifications: from 1 January 2021, in order to have any UK professional qualifications recognised for work in an EU country across a number of regulated and other professions you need to apply to the host country for recognition. Read [information from the UK government](https://www.gov.uk/guidance/providing-services-to-any-country-in-the-eu-iceland-liechtenstein-norway-or-switzerland-after-eu-exit#recognition-of-professional-qualifications) and the [EU Regulated Professions Database](https://europa.eu/youreurope/citizens/work/professional-qualifications/regulated-professions/index_en.htm).

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