University of Nottingham

What you'll study

This programme combines core theoretical foundations with applied methods used in contemporary workplace settings. Teaching covers individual differences and selection, training and development, leadership and team effectiveness, occupational health and wellbeing, organisational change, and the psychology of performance. You will study advanced research methods and psychometrics to equip you to design, run and interpret workplace assessments and evaluation studies.

Typical modules include:

• Research methods and statistics for workplace settings
• Psychometrics and assessment: test design, validation and use
• Personnel selection, assessment centres and talent management
• Learning, training design and evaluation
• Leadership, teams and organisational behaviour
• Health, wellbeing and workplace interventions
• Organisational change and consultancy techniques
• Applied project or dissertation focused on an original workplace study

Programme delivery typically combines lectures, seminars, hands-on skills workshops (for example in psychometric software and assessment methods), case-based learning and an independent research project. The dissertation or applied project gives you the opportunity to work with real organisational data or to develop and evaluate an intervention.

Entry requirements

Applicants are normally expected to hold a good honours degree (typically upper second class or equivalent) in psychology or a closely related discipline. Applicants without a psychology degree but with substantial relevant professional experience may be considered; such applicants may need to demonstrate eligibility for graduate membership with the relevant professional body or complete a conversion route first.

The programme values demonstrable interest in applied psychology and evidence of quantitative skills. The University also requires international applicants to meet its English language standards; specific test scores and acceptable qualifications are listed on the University of Nottingham website and in the programme entry guidance.

Career prospects

Graduates pursue a range of careers in people-related fields. Typical roles include occupational/organisational psychologist (following further supervised practice and professional qualification), HR specialist, learning and development practitioner, talent and performance analyst, organisational development consultant, assessment and selection specialist, and wellbeing or occupational health advisor.

Employers include private HR and management consultancies, recruitment and assessment firms, large public and private sector organisations, healthcare providers, and research institutes. Many students also progress to further professional training or doctoral study to qualify as chartered occupational psychologists or to move into academic research.

Why study at University of Nottingham

The University of Nottingham offers a research-active School of Psychology with staff who undertake applied and theoretical research relevant to workplace issues. The programme benefits from strong links with employers and consultancy partners, providing opportunities for applied projects and practitioner input to teaching.

Students have access to dedicated facilities and practical training in assessment methods and statistical software, alongside university careers and employability support to help with placement searches and professional development. The campus environment and central location also make it easy to build networks with local organisations and national employers.