Organisations, Stress and Health
Organisations, Stress and Health explores the role of psychological, social and organisational factors in individual and organisational health. A major theme is the nature of work-related stress, including causes and effects.
The module also considers other major contemporary concerns such as absence from work and the implications of an ageing workforce. The focus of the module then shifts towards an exploration of how these problems and others can be best controlled and managed. An overarching model of prevention and organisational interventions is suggested, and future challenges, both theoretical and practical, are identified.
Environmental Psychology and Design
This module explores some of the ways in which the physical environment influences peoples’ attitudes, behaviour and wellbeing. The focus of the module is upon the workplace and other organisational settings eg healthcare environments.
Evidence is presented throughout the module to show that the physical environment, whether natural or built, can influence attitudes, behaviour and well-being either directly or indirectly, ie in interaction with elements of the social environment. Loud noise, for example, is directly responsible for damage to the hearing system, while even low volume noise can make one feel very agitated if you are trying to sleep, or read a complex scientific paper.
A range of what might be termed psycho-geographic concepts are covered within the module including personal space, privacy, window access, personalisation and ‘supportive design’.
Consultancy Skills
This module covers the core consultancy skills required by those studying occupational, work and organisational, occupational health and health psychology. It also considers ethical issues and the Code of Conduct of the British Psychological Society.
Applied Research Project
At the end of the course you will have the chance to carry out an applied research project in your own area of interest. This can focus on any organisation, anywhere in the world, meaning that if you are an overseas student, you can undertake the project in your home country.
Psychological Health at Work: Legislation, Policy and Guidance
This module is organised in three sections and explores psychological health at work from three angles: how organisations and managers should tackle the management of such health issues; the legal systems and consequences when systems are inadequate or not adhered to and an employee’s health is alleged to have been ‘damaged’ by work; and how to treat and rehabilitate employees in difficulty.
The module draws upon the knowledge and theories in applied psychology, and emphasises the importance of understanding the evidence base. It focuses initially on British law and related government, employers’ and trade unions’ guidance, particularly with regard to issues of work stress and issues such as discrimination.
It extends this to provide an international perspective by addressing these matters in countries of your choice. Topics covered in the three different sections include: history of health legislation, an international perspective on law, employer and employee guidance; litigation, case law, the work of the psychologist as expert witness in the courts, improvement notices; and the evidence base regarding guidance and therapeutic approaches to improve the psychological health of employees in difficulty, such as Cognitive Behaviour Therapy (CBT), Acceptance Commitment Therapy (ACT) and counselling.
Occupational Health Psychology, Work and Well-being
This module provides students with an introduction to occupational health psychology (OHP) as a discrete discipline focusing on issues of research, career development and professional practice, and education. It discusses how OHP addresses and promotes work and well-being.
The module provides you with knowledge and skills that will be key in your professional career, combining an introductory workshop with a series of lectures and seminars that incorporate group and individual exercises in the form of case study analysis, reviews and presentations, role playing exercises, fact sheet development and report-writing.
Subjects covered include: theory and practice in occupational health psychology; psychosocial risk management and work-related stress; corporate health and well-being; positive psychology including work engagement; methods of enquiry; and translating research into practice and professional development.
The module will allow you to: develop an advanced understanding of occupational health psychology as a discipline as well as work and wellbeing issues; apply theoretical models through real-life case studies; review policy, research and practice in relation to key issues of concern in modern working life; and translate research findings into practice for use by different stakeholders.
Ergonomics, work design, health and safety
This module discusses several contemporary issues in ergonomics, safety and health, including accidents and musculo-skeletal disorders. In addition, this module will explore issues in human factors, such as the perceptual, cognitive and actions involved in dealing with equipment within varying organisational contexts.
Core Research Methods
This module discusses the nature and philosophy of psychology as a social science. You will be introduced to basic issues relating to the nature, philosophy and strategies of social science and to related issues of research methods and ethics. The module will consider the practical and social psychological issues involved in conducting research in field situations (eg obtaining participants, sampling and keeping records).
Applied Research Methods
This module builds on previous research methods modules and provides you with an introduction to further research methods and analysis. This includes both qualitative and quantitative approaches, and some new approaches to collecting and analysing data (eg internet based research).
The MSc Occupational Health Psychology is delivered on a full-time basis over one year or part-time over two years.
The course comprises 180 credits, split across 120 credits of core and optional taught modules and 60 credits of an Applied Research Project or two Dissertations.
Part-time students on this course are taught alongside full-time students and the choice of modules (and therefore the timetable) is flexible and a matter for agreement between you and the course director. In all cases, part-time students can access a wide range of teaching and learning facilities remotely via the student portal.
We also offer a Postgraduate Diploma Occupational Health Psychology, which mirrors the taught component of the MSc but does not include the Research Project or Dissertations.