The MSc in Social and Organisational Psychology at the University of Exeter explores how people think, feel, and behave in social and workplace contexts. It suits students interested in applying psychological theory to real-world organisational and social issues.
Curriculum Structure:
In the first term, students study Social Cognition and Behaviour and Research Methods in Psychology, developing core skills in understanding interpersonal processes and data analysis. The second term introduces applied modules such as Organisational Psychology and Applied Social Psychology, linking psychological principles to leadership, motivation, and group dynamics. In the final term, students undertake an independent Research Dissertation focused on a contemporary issue in social or organisational psychology.
Focus areas: "Social influence, organisational behaviour, applied psychology, research methods"
Learning outcomes: "Students learn to apply psychological theory to social and organisational challenges through research and analysis."
Professional alignment (accreditation): Developed in line with British Psychological Society (BPS) postgraduate standards.
Reputation (employability rankings): Ranked highly for psychology and graduate employability (QS, Guardian).
Students on the University of Exeter's MSc in Social and Organisational Psychology gain practical skills through hands-on research in its specialised labs and engagement with organisational partners. They utilise facilities including the dedicated social psychology laboratories and have access to the Washington Singer Laboratories. This experiential learning is delivered through:
Software: Training in SPSS and R for advanced statistical analysis of social and organisational data.
Research Project: A substantive independent dissertation, often involving data collection in organisational or social settings.
Laboratories: Access to specialised labs for social psychology research, including group interaction studies.
Practical Projects: Group-based work designing interventions and conducting applied organisational research.
Centre Links: Engagement with research activities from the Social and Organisational Psychology Research Group.
Graduates of the MSc Social and Organisational Psychology at the University of Exeter develop strong scientific, analytical, and communication skills, enabling careers in research, professional psychology, marketing, and business. Typical roles include Researcher, Organisational Consultant, HR Specialist, and Market Analyst.
Exeter’s Career Zone offers personalised career coaching, employer networking, and support for placements and graduate opportunities in social and organisational sectors.
Graduates secure roles across business, education, health, and charity sectors, with employment rates around 90% and competitive salaries.
The program forms part of the ESRC Doctoral Training Centre and collaborates with leading businesses and research institutions.
Graduates benefit from long-term research and consultancy career value.
Outcomes include successful progression to research, business consultancy, and professional organisational psychology practice.
Further Academic Progression:
Graduates often pursue PhD research, professional psychology training, or leadership roles in organisational development.



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