University of Nottingham

What you'll study

The programme covers core topics in work and organisational psychology with an emphasis on evidence-based practice and research methods. You will study how psychological principles are applied to recruitment and selection, performance assessment, learning and development, leadership, teamwork and organisational change. Quantitative and qualitative research methods are taught in depth, with modules on statistics, psychometrics and research design preparing you to undertake independent empirical work.

• Organisational behaviour and change: theories and interventions for managing change, culture and performance.
• Selection, assessment and psychometrics: principles of test construction, validation and fair selection procedures.
• Work, wellbeing and health: job design, stress, wellbeing interventions and occupational health considerations.
• Leadership and teams: leadership processes, team dynamics, motivation and work engagement.
• Research methods and statistics: advanced quantitative methods, qualitative approaches and practical training in data analysis.
• Consultancy and applied practice: skills for diagnosis, intervention design, evaluation and client-facing work.
• Dissertation or applied research project: an independent piece of research or consultancy project that integrates theory and practice.

Entry requirements

Applicants typically hold a good undergraduate degree (usually a 2:1 or equivalent) in psychology or a related discipline. Those with a psychology degree that confers Graduate Basis for Chartered Membership (GBC) of the British Psychological Society will have direct subject grounding; applicants from other disciplines with relevant work experience or additional study in psychology may also be considered and are advised to contact the admissions team to discuss suitability. All applicants whose first language is not English must meet the University’s English language requirements.

Career prospects

Graduates go on to careers across human resources, organisational development, talent management, learning and development, assessment and selection, people analytics and consultancy. The programme also provides a strong foundation for further professional training in occupational/organisational psychology or for doctoral research in applied psychology. Typical roles include HR specialist, organisational development practitioner, assessment centre consultant, learning and development adviser, people analytics analyst and occupational psychology researcher.

Why study at University of Nottingham

The University of Nottingham combines a strong research culture in psychology with close links to industry and public-sector organisations, enabling students to engage with real-world workplace issues. The programme offers rigorous methods training alongside applied modules and opportunities for consultancy-style projects, supported by experienced academic staff and dedicated careers services. Students benefit from interdisciplinary collaboration across business, management and psychology, plus access to the University’s facilities for experimental and survey research, enhancing employability and readiness for professional practice.