Occupational and Organizational Psychology MSc

1 Year On Campus Masters Program

University of Surrey

Program Overview

The MSc Occupational and Organizational Psychology at University of Surrey combines advanced psychological theory with practical workplace applications, preparing students for roles in organisational consultancy, human resources and applied psychology. It suits psychology graduates (or those with equivalent knowledge) seeking British Psychological Society (BPS) accreditation and director-level skills in people and performance.

Curriculum structure:
In Semester 1, students engage with modules like Organisational Behaviour: Psychology in the Workplace and Performance, Engagement & Well-being, learning how individuals and groups behave in work contexts and how organisations can design jobs and cultures to optimise wellbeing and performance. In Semester 2, key modules such as Applying Psychology at Work (which introduces consultancy skills), The Psychology of Leadership & Decision-Making, and Human Resource Development deepen the applied focus on leadership, motivation and training. The programme culminates in a Year-long Dissertation/Applied Research Project that allows students to conduct original empirical or consultancy-based work, integrating research methods with real-world organisational issues.

Focus areas: "Workplace behaviour, leadership psychology, employee engagement, organisational change, consultancy skills"
Learning outcomes: "Students develop advanced expertise in applying psychological theory to organisational settings, designing and evaluating interventions, conducting rigorous research and presenting consultancy-style findings."
Professional alignment (accreditation): Fully accredited by the British Psychological Society (BPS) and aligned with the qualification requirements for Stage 2 of the Chartered Occupational Psychologist route. 
Reputation (employability rankings): Surrey’s Business School reports 91 % of its postgraduate graduates in employment or further study within 15 months. 

Experiential Learning (Research, Projects, Internships etc.)

Students develop practical skills through applied research, and they utilise specialist facilities and have access to the School of Psychology's research laboratories. The programme's experiential components include:

  • Research Project: A substantive empirical dissertation in health psychology

  • Professional Training: Stage 1 training towards becoming a Chartered Health Psychologist

  • Software: Training in SPSS for statistical analysis of health data

  • Laboratory Access: Use of the School of Psychology's specialist research facilities

  • Applied Research: Development of health intervention and behaviour change skills

Progression & Future Opportunities

Graduates of the MSc Occupational and Organizational Psychology at the University of Surrey develop key expertise in applying psychological principles to improve workplace effectiveness, wellbeing, and leadership. Typical careers include Occupational Psychologist, HR Consultant, Organisational Development Specialist, and Employee Wellbeing Advisor.

  • Surrey’s Careers and Employability Service offers personalised career coaching, employer networking events, internship and placement support, and guidance on British Psychological Society (BPS) professional stages.

  • Around 91% of Surrey Business School graduates proceed to employment or further study within 15 months, with competitive salaries in occupational psychology and related roles.

  • The program is accredited by the British Psychological Society (BPS) and the Association to Advance Collegiate Schools of Business (AACSB), enhancing professional recognition.

  • Key partnerships include companies like Amazon, Deloitte, and ARUP, offering real-world consultancy opportunities and industry exposure.

  • Graduates typically secure roles driving organisational change, talent development, and employee wellbeing using evidence-based psychological practice.

Further Academic Progression:
Graduates often pursue Chartered Occupational Psychologist status, Doctorate in Occupational Psychology, or further leadership training in organisational psychology.​

Program Key Stats

£25,900 (Annual cost)
Sept Intake : 30th Jul


70 %
No
Yes

Eligibility Criteria

3.2
3 or 4 Years

N/A
N/A
N/A
6.5
95
2:1

Additional Information & Requirements

Career Options

  • Occupational psychologist
  • Organizational Psychologist
  • Human Resource Specialist
  • Vocational Counselor

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