MSc Organisational Psychology
Validated by University of Essex Online
Duration
2 yearsStudy Mode
OnlineTotal Tuition
£13,206Monthly Payment
£578Qualification
Master’s Degree (MSc / MA / MPH)Start Date
January, April, July OctoberProgramme Overview
The MSc Organisational Psychology from the University of Essex Online is a 100% online, part-time Level 7 Master's degree that combines psychology and business to examine how people, teams and organisations function in the workplace. The programme explores how psychological theory can be applied to improve organisational effectiveness, employee performance, leadership, motivation, talent development and organisational change. Students develop practical and transferable skills in psychological assessment, research methods, coaching, mentoring and management development, with a strong emphasis on employability. The programme comprises 180 credits and has an indicative duration of two years, making it particularly suitable for working professionals who want to advance their careers without leaving employment.
The degree is awarded by the University of Essex and delivered online by Kaplan Higher Education UK. University of Essex Online is a recognised member of the Quality Assurance Agency for Higher Education (QAA) and is registered with the Office for Students (OfS). Students study through a virtual learning environment with access to multimedia learning materials, live seminars and Q&A sessions, discussion forums, an eLibrary and academic/student support. The programme is suitable for professionals and graduates interested in organisational psychology, human resources, organisational development, employee development, leadership, management, learning and development, workplace assessment, coaching and related business disciplines. It can also provide a foundation for further academic research, including progression towards a PhD or professional doctorate in a related field.
For 2026–27, the published international tuition fee is £13,884, with flexible monthly payment options available or the option to pay in full upfront. Eligible international students residing in specified regions may qualify for global scholarships of up to 15%, while University of Essex/Essex Online alumni may be eligible for a 10% alumni discount; a maximum of two discounts or scholarships can be applied. The programme currently lists January, April, July and October 2027 start dates. The academic entry route requires an undergraduate degree from an approved institution equivalent to a UK Honours degree, or a relevant professional qualification. Alternatively, applicants may qualify through the work-experience route with at least three years of relevant work experience. Where English is not the applicant's first language, an IELTS Academic equivalent of 6.5 is normally required, although Essex provides a free online English assessment and exemptions apply to nationals or holders of qualifying degrees from specified countries. Applicants should be prepared to provide supporting academic/professional evidence and documentation requested during the application process. Students must also successfully complete their first assignment during the two-week induction period to continue with the programme.
Entry Requirements
Academic Entry Route
Applicants should normally have:
An undergraduate degree from an approved institution equivalent to a UK Honours degree; or
A relevant professional qualification.
Work Experience Entry Route
Applicants without the required academic qualification may be considered with:
At least three years of relevant professional work experience.
English Language
Where required, applicants should demonstrate English proficiency equivalent to IELTS Academic 6.5. Applicants who do not have an IELTS or equivalent qualification may use Essex Online's free online English assessment. Nationals of, or applicants holding a qualification equivalent to a UK degree from, specified countries may be exempt from providing English-language evidence.
Documents to Prepare
Applicants should generally be prepared to submit the documentation required to verify their eligibility, which may include:
Passport or government-issued identification
University degree certificate or relevant professional qualification
Academic transcripts
CV/resumé, particularly for applicants using the work-experience route
Evidence of relevant professional experience, where applying through the work-experience route
English-language evidence, where applicable
Any additional documentation requested by University of Essex Online during the admissions assessment.
Who is this course for?
HR professionals seeking postgraduate advancement
Human resource development professionals
Organisational development practitioners
Managers and supervisors responsible for people and teams
Learning and development professionals
Talent management specialists
Recruitment and employee-selection professionals
Coaches and mentoring professionals
Business and management professionals interested in workplace psychology
Psychology graduates seeking a business/organisational specialisation
Professionals seeking a career change into organisational psychology-related work
Professionals interested in research and future doctoral study
Career Opportunities
Organisational Development Consultant
Human Resources Manager
Organisational Psychology Consultant
Learning and Development Manager
Talent Management Specialist
Employee Engagement Specialist
Leadership Development Consultant
HR/People Analytics Specialist
Management Development Consultant
Workplace Researcher / Academic Researcher
Programme Highlights
This compulsory module introduces the foundations of psychological inquiry, including the history and philosophy of psychology, major research paradigms and professional ethics. Students learn how psychological data is collected and develop an understanding of both qualitative and quantitative research methods. The module establishes an important research foundation while helping students build transferable analytical and research skills that can be applied throughout the Master's programme.
This module examines the role of organisational psychology in helping organisations manage and implement positive change. Students explore theories and processes associated with organisational change while developing analytical and reflective capabilities. The module is particularly relevant to professionals involved in organisational development, transformation, HR strategy and change management.
Students explore how psychological assessment can be used within workplace environments, particularly in employee selection and understanding employee experiences. The module introduces the design and application of workplace assessment and considers how assessment practices can support organisational decision-making. This provides valuable knowledge for careers involving recruitment, talent management, human resources and business psychology.
This module focuses on mentoring and coaching as important interventions for developing organisational talent. Students examine the meaning and distinctions between mentoring and coaching and explore models and frameworks that can be used to support employee development. The knowledge gained is particularly relevant to HR, learning and development, leadership development and employee engagement.
Students examine leadership and management development within a global organisational context. The module explores interventions, policies and strategies used to develop effective leaders and managers. It is particularly valuable for professionals working in HR, organisational development, executive development and management who want to understand how leadership capability can be systematically developed within organisations.
This module advances students' understanding of research approaches, research design and research techniques in preparation for the Master's dissertation. Critical thinking is central to the module, enabling students to evaluate different approaches to research and understand the types of knowledge that different methodologies can generate. These skills are valuable both for academic research and evidence-based organisational decision-making.
The dissertation is the programme's largest individual component and provides students with the opportunity to conduct an independent empirical research study. Students select a topic within a relevant area of psychology, undertake independent research and demonstrate their ability to apply the knowledge and research skills developed throughout the programme. The dissertation provides a substantial opportunity to develop advanced research, analytical, writing and project-management capabilities.
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