Loughborough University

What you'll study

The programme blends core psychological theory with practical skills for workplace assessment, intervention and evaluation. You will study research methods and advanced statistics, individual differences and psychometric assessment, organisational behaviour and design, leadership and team processes, employee wellbeing and occupational health, and learning, development and training.

Teaching typically comprises lectures, seminars, workshops and laboratory or field-based activities. Applied learning is emphasised through case studies, consultancy-style projects, role-play assessments and a substantial research dissertation or applied project that addresses a real organisational problem.

• Research methods and statistics – quantitative and qualitative approaches, experimental design, multivariate analysis.
• Assessment and selection – psychometric testing, competency frameworks, interview design and validity.
• Organisational behaviour and change – culture, structure, change management and organisational development.
• Leadership, teams and performance – group dynamics, leadership theory and performance management.
• Occupational health and wellbeing – workplace stress, wellbeing interventions and prevention strategies.
• Learning and development – training needs analysis, evaluation of learning and development interventions.
• Applied project / dissertation – independent research or consultancy project applying theory and methods to a workplace issue.

Entry requirements

Applicants normally need an undergraduate degree in psychology or a related social science subject from a recognised institution. A 2:1 honours degree is typically expected, though applicants with a 2:2 plus relevant professional or research experience may be considered. Candidates who already hold the Graduate Basis for Chartered Membership (GBC) of the British Psychological Society may find the programme aligns with professional routes; applicants without GBC should check how their prior study maps to professional requirements.

Entry also depends on demonstrating research ability and quantitative skills; some experience of statistics or research methods at undergraduate level is advantageous. International applicants must meet the University's English language requirements (for example, an approved English test or equivalent evidence of English-medium study).

Career prospects

Graduates go on to roles in HR analytics, organisational development, learning and development, employee wellbeing and occupational health, selection and assessment, and consultancy. The programme prepares students for practitioner roles in private and public sector organisations, specialist consultancies and non-governmental organisations, and for continuing to doctoral-level research.

For those pursuing professional qualification, the master's provides a strong foundation for the next stage of professional training or supervised practice in occupational or organisational psychology. Typical job titles include organisational development adviser, talent analyst, learning and development specialist, people psychologist, HR consultant and research officer.

Why study at Loughborough University

Loughborough is known for its applied approach and strong links with business and industry, which supports practical, work-relevant learning and placement opportunities. The university hosts active research groups and centres working on workplace wellbeing, performance and organisational change, giving students access to current research and expert supervision.

Students benefit from dedicated employability services, strong careers support and opportunities to network with employers through seminars, guest lectures and consultancy projects. Loughborough's campus environment and facilities support collaborative learning, practical experimentation and access to wider university resources.