Occupational Psychology

This module provides the essential toolkit for evidence-based psychologists. It ties together the other modules, for example when you learn about career counselling in the training module, you practice the skills involved in this module. We will work on building your skills in a range of ways such as group facilitation, conflict resolution, dealing with ethical issues and being creative. This is done through interactive sessions involving discussion, individual presentation and feedback, group activities, skill development and evaluation, with the outputs being captured in critical reflection and 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.

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.

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.

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.

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

This module locates Occupational/Work Psychology within a global context, providing students 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. Students also have the opportunity to critically engage with contemporary themes, such as technology-mediated work, consumer psychology 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.

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.

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.

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.

A key feature of this module is its emphasis on practical experience. Students will collaborate with various organisations, providing a platform to apply theoretical knowledge and research techniques to address real-world challenges in the field of occupational psychology. This not only enriches the learning experience but also enhances the students' professional competencies in conducting data analyses, negotiating with organisational stakeholders, and writing for both academic and practitioner audiences.

The dissertation module is crafted to ensure that students develop a robust understanding of both the theoretical underpinnings and practical applications of occupational psychology, equipping them with the skills necessary for a successful career in academia or industry.