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Psychology of Work MSc, PGDip, by distance learning

1-2 years

This is for you if... you want a sound knowledge and understanding of a broad range of topics in occupational psychology and to learn how this knowledge can be applied to the solution of problems that arise in occupational settings.

Psychology of Work MSc, PGDip, by distance learning, 1-2 years

This is for you if... you want a sound knowledge and understanding of a broad range of topics in occupational psychology and to learn how this knowledge can be applied to the solution of problems that arise in occupational settings.

Course information

UK fee £12,100

International fee £12,100

Taught by School of Psychology and Vision Sciences

Association for Business Psychology

Accredited by the Association for Business Psychology (ABP)

Course description

Course description

This Association for Business Psychology (ABP) accredited postgraduate distance learning degree will equip you with an excellent level of knowledge and understanding of a broad range of topics in Occupational Psychology, including an appreciation of theory, an awareness of the strengths and limitations of research evidence, and how research can be used to help organisations and its employees.

The course has a strong applied focus that will enable you to see the potential for using psychology, whether as a practitioner, or when engaging the services of consultants. You will learn how to apply occupational psychology methodologies to solve real-life problems in organisations. Core psychological theories will be illustrated with the latest research and examples of practice.

The course uses an online teaching and learning system to create an interactive learning environment. Your learning materials are accessed completely online at any time of the day. Distance learning with the School of Psychology means studying in your own time on a part-time basis, so you can combine achieving a qualification with work or family commitments. You will benefit from our professionally created course syllabus that meets to needs of professionals working in the field.  The course team consists of both academics and practitioners with a wide range of expertise across all areas of the subject.

An optional two-day Course Conference is held annually at the University and online, consisting of workshops and study skills sessions. The Conference provides support for your studies and the opportunity to hear esteemed speakers, both academic and practitioner, from different areas within applied psychology. It is also an excellent opportunity to meet staff and fellow students. The dates for the 2024 conference are Friday 11th and Saturday 12th October.

As part of the course you can also sign up for optional psychometric test training courses. (There is an additional cost for these.)

What's the difference?

The Postgraduate Diploma (PGDip) in Psychology of Work is the same as the MSc but without the dissertation. The PGDip takes 14 months, the MSc is a full two years.

Entry requirements

Entry requirements

Second class honours degree in Psychology or a related subject (e.g. Business or Health Studies), or equivalent.

You must also have some occupational experience.

English Language Requirements

IELTS 6.5 or equivalent. If your first language is not English, you may need to provide evidence of your English language ability.

International Qualifications

Find your country in this list to check equivalent qualifications, scholarships and additional requirements.

Countries list

Fees and funding

Fees and funding

UK Students

Starting in October 2025

  • MSc: £12,100
  • PGDip: £8,160

Find out more about how to pay and scholarships and funding.

Did you know you can apply for a Government Postgraduate Loan? Find out if you're eligible. (MSc only; not available for PGDip)

International Students

Starting in October 2025

  • MSc: £12,100
  • PGDip: £8,160

Find out more about how to pay and scholarships and funding.

Careers and employability

Careers and employability

A postgraduate qualification is an investment in your future. There is no doubt that studying for a postgraduate qualification can help your career prospects – you will gain the deeper knowledge and high end skills and that will set you apart. Studying with us gives a clear signal to employers. It demonstrates that you have the spark, ambition and commitment to take your career to the next level. Your employer will also benefit directly from your newly acquired understanding and capabilities.

Our Career Development Service is here to support you – by email, phone or skype – with advice on interviews, CVs, work experience and more. From registration to Graduation and beyond, they are here to help you reach your professional goals.

Related courses

Course structure

Year 1

Year 1

Modules

Modules shown represent choices available to current students. The range of modules available and the content of any individual module may change in future years.

Year 2

Year 2

Modules

Plus Dissertation - Literature Review or Empirical Dissertation (10,000 words) - MSc only

Recent dissertations topics include:

  • 'Aptitude or personality: student pilot performance in a cross-cultural setting'
  • 'A cross-cultural review of employee resistance to organisational change within the PCB industry'
  • 'The relationship between the physical work environment, job satisfaction and organisational commitment'
  • 'Occupational stress: a comparison between full-time and part-time working mothers'
  • 'The impact of Psychological Capital on the relationship between exposure to bullying behaviours and both psychological health and self-perceptions of being bullied'
  • 'Examination of perceptions of employee engagement'

Modules shown represent choices available to current students. The range of modules available and the content of any individual module may change in future years.

Why Leicester?

A distance learning course from the University of Leicester lets you study at home – from anywhere in the UK or from anywhere in the world - in a way that enables you to fit your learning around your personal and professional life.

At the end of the course you will have a fully recognised degree, just the same as those awarded to students on campus full-time.

Support for your studies is provided by members of our psychology team, some of whom are professional psychologists working in a range on industries.

Teaching and learning

On a distance learning course, you will study in your own time on a part-time basis, so you can combine achieving a qualification with work or family commitments.

Teaching is through specially prepared course materials and other directed reading. There are discussion boards on our virtual learning environment (Blackboard) which let you engage with tutors and other students; these also contribute to your assessment.

A range of assessments are used across the course including case studies, presentations (via Skype) and research reports. 

There is also an annual course conference at Leicester.

Key dates

Start date: 7 October 2024
Application deadline for October 2024: 16 September 2024

Apply now

Course Qualification Duration Start Dates Availability
Course Psychology of Work Qualification MSc Duration 2 years by distance learning Start Dates October each year Availability

Our online application system is currently unavailable. Find out more.


Course Psychology of Work Qualification PGDip Duration 18 months by distance learning Start Dates October each year Availability

Our online application system is currently unavailable. Find out more.


student sat chatting in a lecture hall

The course has been amazing. It’s given me a broad range of skills and I can apply the theory and concepts to my current role.

Amanda, MSc Psychology of Work

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