In this module, students are able to gain a considerable portfolio of knowledge and skills to support them in interpreting published research in both psychology and allied fields, and in conducting their own psychological research. Students are encouraged to gain a critical understanding of the various epistemological positions taken by psychological researchers, and study the research methods concomitant with these philosophical assumptions. Students learn advanced literature searching and, through synthesis of published research, how to identify knowledge gaps and research questions. As the module proceeds, students have practice at developing such a research idea into a feasible and ethically sound research protocol. Both quantitative and qualitative data collection and analysis techniques are covered, the former to an advanced level. Students learn how to select, administer, and score psychometric instruments. Whilst psychometrics are taught in the research setting, their applied use is also discussed. This will include the historical development of psychometric theory. Students will be required to demonstrate competence in the administration and interpretation of tests of cognitive ability and providing verbal and written feedback. Students will also be introduced to procedures of test construction and test validation, and will be required to demonstrate an understanding of validation methodology. At the end, students will study research methodology relating to their specific courses; Counselling Psychology, Cyberpsychology, Forensic Psychology and Occupational Psychology, in order to prepare then further for the independent research project.

This module provides an introduction and overview of contemporary issues in human factors and design of work. The module examines workplace design from a physical and psychological perspective. Students will discover some of the physical and psychological factors affecting individuals at work, and the impact these have on both workers’ attitudes and their ability to do their jobs. The implications of findings from relevant research in these areas will be assessed through a combination of seminar style lectures and practical group activities. in addition, students will be introduced to a variety of contextual and practical issues within Occupational Psychology services such as work design, individual and organisational interventions. For those studying the MSc Occupational Psychology, the module covers and assesses aspects of three of the newly redeveloped 5 areas identified by the BPS Division of Occupational Psychology required for stage one training. The knowledge areas covered are: Work Design, Organisational Change and Development, Wellbeing at Work and Applying Psychology to Work and Organisations.

Within this module, students will be introduced to historical and contemporary theories of organisational behaviour such as motivation and engagement at work, leadership, power and organisational change. This module covers three aspects of the new revised BPS framework in Occupational Psychology including Work Design, Organisational Change and Development, Leadership, Engagement and Motivation and Applying Psychology to Work and Organisations.

This module provides an introduction and overview of approaches to performance management and personnel development in addition to theories and approaches to counselling and coaching in an organisational setting. This module will critically assess psychological theory and research on major issues in personnel development, performance appraisal, career development, and leaving work (redundancy/retirement). A range of career theories will be introduced as well as approaches to career development including psychological assessment. In addition, the module incorporates skills-based activities of designing appraisal systems, basic counselling and coaching skills. The module covers aspects from three of the five knowledge areas identified by the BPS Division of Occupational Psychology. The knowledge areas covered are: Wellbeing and Work, Leadership, Engagement and Motivation, and Learning, Training and Development. PLEASE NOTE: Completion of this module confers credits towards completion of Stage One training in Occupational Psychology for MSc Occupational Psychology students only.

This module provides an introduction and overview of approaches to performance management and personnel development in addition to theories and approaches to counselling and coaching in an organisational setting. This module will critically assess psychological theory and research on major issues in personnel development, performance appraisal, career development, and leaving work (redundancy/retirement). A range of career theories will be introduced as well as approaches to career development including psychological assessment. In addition, the module incorporates skills-based activities of designing appraisal systems, basic counselling and coaching skills. The module covers aspects from three of the five knowledge areas identified by the BPS Division of Occupational Psychology. The knowledge areas covered are: Wellbeing and Work, Leadership, Engagement and Motivation, and Learning, Training and Development. PLEASE NOTE: Completion of this module confers credits towards completion of Stage One training in Occupational Psychology for MSc Occupational Psychology students only.

The research Project is an independent study module in which students will negotiate, plan, manage and execute a programme of research and analysis. In addition, students will develop skills in critical thinking, report writing and will have the opportunity to present their work in progress at the end of year research conference.