UNIVERSITY OF KENT
Programme Specification
Please note: This specification provides a concise summary of the main features of the
programme and the learning outcomes that a typical student might reasonably be expected to
achieve and demonstrate if he/she passes the programme. More detailed information on the
learning outcomes, content and teaching, learning and assessment methods of each module
can be found in the programme handbook. The accuracy of the information contained in this
specification is reviewed by the University and may be checked by the Quality Assurance
Agency for Higher Education.
MSc Organisational Psychology
1. Awarding Institution/Body
University of Kent
2. Teaching Institution
University of Kent
3. School responsible for management of
the programme
Psychology
4. Teaching Site
Canterbury
5. Mode of Delivery
Full-time
Part-time
6. Programme accredited by
N/A
7. Final Award
MSc (fallback: PGDip/PGCert)
8. Programme
Organisational Psychology
9. UCAS Code (or other code)
N/A
10. Credits/ECTS value
180 credits (90 ECTs)
11. Study Level
M
12. Relevant QAA subject benchmarking
group(s)
QAA Psychology Subject Benchmarking
(2010) - this benchmarking statement is for
undergraduate degrees only, and has been
used here for guidance purposes with
adjustments appropriate to M-level study.
QAA Masters degrees in Business and
Management (2007)
13. Date of creation/revision
September 2013/April 2014
14. Intended Start Date of Delivery of this
Programme
From September 2014
15. Educational Aims of the Programme
The programme aims to:
1. Foster the intellectual development of postgraduate students by providing them with
specialised knowledge of a range of theoretical approaches to Organisational Psychology
and related disciplines, in order to take effective roles within the discipline.
2. Provide relevant statistical and methodological expertise, in order that students should be
1
Postgraduate programme specification MSc Organisational Psychology
UNIVERSITY OF KENT
well equipped to make their own original contribution to knowledge.
3. Provide an excellent quality of higher education, with teaching that is informed by current
research and scholarship and that requires students to engage with aspects of work at the
frontiers of knowledge.
4. Provide a multidisciplinary approach, with input from the School of Psychology, Kent
Business School, and elsewhere.
5. Help students develop research skills and transferable skills in preparation for entering
academic or other careers as practicing professional psychologists.
6. Satisfy the academic requirements of the knowledge base specified by QAA and other
relevant external agencies (e.g. British Psychological Society).
7. Enable students to manage their own learning and to carry out independent research.
8. Foster students’ development of general critical, analytic and problem solving skills that can
be applied in a wide range of settings, further study, and employment, thereby meeting the
lifelong needs of a diversity of students.
9. Build on close ties within Europe and elsewhere, especially with external organisational
partners (e.g. Dstl, NHS, etc.).
10. Prepare students for further study and/or employment.
16 Programme Outcomes
The programme provides opportunities for students to develop and demonstrate knowledge
and understanding, qualities, skills and other attributes in the following areas. The programme
outcomes have references to the subject benchmarking statement for Masters Awards in
Business and Management (2007) (SB) (Note: QAA Psychology subject benchmark has been
used as a reference point but is not referred to explicitly as it is not for postgraduate provision).
A. Knowledge and Understanding of:
1. A sound knowledge of a range of conceptual, historical, theoretical, and philosophical
issues underlying the discipline of organisational psychology.
2. Specialist knowledge and systematic understanding of the key issues in organisational
psychology.
3. A sound understanding of the major research and analytic techniques and methodologies
employed by organisational psychologists.
4. Knowledge of the basic contextual forces impacting organisations and the role of
organisational psychology, including political, environmental, technical, social and legal
(SB 3.4, 3.5).
5. Understanding the utility of psychology and management science to application of
organisational psychology within management and business (SB 3.6).
6. Knowledge and understanding of the use of relevant communication methods for the
research and application of organisational psychology (SB 3.9).
Teaching/learning and assessment methods and strategies used to enable outcomes to
be achieved and demonstrated
Learning and Teaching Methods and Strategies:
Lectures; Seminars; Readings; Visiting Lecturers/Speakers; Company visits; Case studies;
Discussion groups; Individual project work; Group project work; Research apprenticeship;
Online learning materials; DVDs and relevant websites.
2
Postgraduate programme specification MSc Organisational Psychology
UNIVERSITY OF KENT
Assessment Methods and Strategies:
Essays and extended essays; Seminar contributions; Seen and unseen examinations;
Individual and group presentations; Research reports; Press releases; Literature searches;
Critical reviews; Thought pieces
Skills and Other Attributes
B. Intellectual Skills:
1. Critical reflection on key themes with oral discussion and written analysis
2. Critical thinking and creativity, in order to evaluate and generalise appropriately (SB 3.10)
3. Select and synthesise complex material through organising, developing, and evaluating
relevance (SB 3.10).
4. Systematic approaches to problem solving, individually and in groups.
5. Plan work and study independently and use resources in a way suited to further study or
practice.
6. Communicate persuasively and lead and cooperate within a team.
Teaching/learning and assessment methods and strategies used to enable outcomes to
be achieved and demonstrated
Learning and Teaching Methods and Strategies:
Lectures; Seminars; Readings; Visiting Lecturers/Speakers; Company visits; Case studies;
Discussion groups; Individual project work; Group project work; Research apprenticeship;
Online learning materials; DVDs and relevant websites.
Assessment Methods and Strategies:
Essays and extended essays; Seminar contributions; Seen and unseen examinations;
Individual and group presentations; Research reports; Press releases; Literature searches;
Critical reviews; Thought pieces
C. Subject-specific Skills:
1. Use of major analytic techniques employed by organisational psychologists.
2. Evaluate and select appropriate methods for researching questions in organisational
psychology.
3. Applying ethical values to research and practice related to organisational psychology.
4. Ability to conduct organisational psychology research to address business and
management issues (SB 3.10; 5.1).
5. Ability to find, record, organise and contribute to knowledge on organisational psychology.
6. Ability to understand how psychological scientific theories and methods can be applied to
organisational issues.
Teaching/learning and assessment methods and strategies used to enable outcomes to
be achieved and demonstrated
Learning and Teaching Methods and Strategies:
Lectures; Seminars; Readings; Visiting Lecturers/Speakers; Company visits; Case studies;
Discussion groups; Individual project work; Group project work; Research apprenticeship;
Online learning materials; DVDs and relevant websites; School Ethics Committee training
3
Postgraduate programme specification MSc Organisational Psychology
UNIVERSITY OF KENT
Assessment Methods and Strategies:
Essays and extended essays; Seminar contributions; Seen and unseen examinations;
Individual and group presentations; Research reports; Press releases; Literature searches;
Critical reviews; Thought pieces
D. Transferable Skills:
1. Numeracy: Data analysis skills to integrate numerical and other forms of information;
Understand statistical analyses conducted by others in published works; Understand the
limits of arguments based on quantitative analyses.
2. Communication: Write coherently, concisely, and in an organised way; Oral discussion
and presentations; Negotiating, persuading or influencing others using a wide range of
media (SB 3.6).
3. Working with others: Review the work of others; Work cooperatively in group and teams to
recognise and maximise the contribution of self and others; Understand ethical issues and
methods of obtaining ethical approval for research.
4. Personal development: Explore personal strengths and weaknesses; Time management;
Autonomy; Self-drive and self-management; Respect for diversity in people (SB 3.10).
5. Information technology: Computer use for data analysis, research, word processing,
reports, presentations, email, and bibliographic research.
6. Problem solving: Identify and define problems; Explore and discriminate alternatives; Test
solutions; Scan and organise data to abstract meaning and potential solutions.
Teaching/learning and assessment methods and strategies used to enable outcomes to
be achieved and demonstrated
Learning and Teaching Methods and Strategies:
Lectures; Seminars; Readings; Visiting Lecturers/Speakers; Company visits; Case studies;
Discussion groups; Individual project work; Group project work; Research apprenticeship;
Online learning materials; DVDs and relevant websites; School Ethics Committee advice and
training; Career development workshops; Media training
Assessment Methods and Strategies:
Essays and extended essays; Seminar contributions; Seen and unseen examinations;
Individual and group presentations; Research reports; Press releases; Literature searches;
Critical reviews; Thought pieces
For information on which modules provide which skills, see the module mapping
17 Programme Structures and Requirements, Levels, Modules, Credits and Awards
This programme is studied over one year full-time or two years part-time.
Students must successfully complete each module in order to be awarded the specified
number of credits for that module. One credit corresponds to approximately ten hours of
'learning time' (including all classes and all private study and research). Thus obtaining 180
credits in an academic year requires 1,800 hours of overall learning time. For further
information on modules and credits refer to the Credit
Framework
at
http://www.kent.ac.uk/teaching/qa/credit-framework/creditinfo.html
Each module is designed to be at a specific level. For the descriptors of each of these levels,
refer to Annex 2 of the Credit Framework at http://www.kent.ac.uk/teaching/qa/creditframework/creditinfoannex2.html. To be eligible for the award of a masters degree students
must obtain 180 credits, at least 150 of which must be Level M. Students who obtain 120
credits, but excluding the dissertation, will be eligible for the award of diploma. A Postgraduate
4
Postgraduate programme specification MSc Organisational Psychology
UNIVERSITY OF KENT
Certificate may be awarded on achievement of 60 credits in the taught element of the
programme.
Compulsory modules are core to the programme and must be taken by all students studying
the programme. Optional modules provide a choice of subject areas, from which students will
select a stated number of modules.
Where a student fails a module(s) due to illness or other mitigating circumstances, such failure
may be condoned, subject to the requirements of the Credit Framework and provided that the
student has achieved the programme learning outcomes. For further information refer to the
Credit Framework at http://www.kent.ac.uk/teaching/qa/credit-framework/creditinfo.html.
Where a student fails a module(s), but has marks for such modules within 10 percentage points
of the pass mark, the Board of Examiners may nevertheless award the credits for the
module(s), subject to the requirements of the Credit Framework and provided that the student
has achieved the programme learning outcomes. For further information refer to the Credit
Framework.
At postgraduate level the ‘Summer Term’ may extend into the beginning of the standard
summer vacation period. Where this is the case, it is indicated in the table below. If students
require specific details before commencing on the programme they should contact the
programme director for information.
Note: Different credit amounts for modules utilised by School of Psychology and Kent
Business School lead to a mixture of 15 credit or 20 credit blocks. This has been accounted
for in the details below. The Programme Director can grant variations to optional modules as
all programme learning outcomes are addressed by the compulsory modules.
Code
Title
Level
Credits
Term(s)
Stage 1
Compulsory Modules
SP8XX
Organisational Psychology: Methods and
Statistics
M
20
1
SPXXX
Entrepreneurship, Innovation, and Creativity
M
20
1
SP817
Social and Applied Psychology II
M
20
2
CB8029
Psychology of Selection and Assessment
M
15
2
SP8XX
Research Apprenticeship Dissertation
M
60
2&3
Optional Modules Students must select 30 credits in Term 1 and 15 credits in Term 2 from a
choice of the following:SP8XX
Groups and Teams in Organisations
M
15
1
SP8XX
Extended Literature Review: Applying
psychology to an organisational issue
M
15
1
CB9047
Leadership and Management
M
15
1
CB8010
Learning and Development
M
15
2
CB8007
Managing Diversity and Equal Opportunities
M
15
2
CB8001
Employment Relations
M
15
2
CB8000
Employee Resourcing
M
15
2
5
Postgraduate programme specification MSc Organisational Psychology
UNIVERSITY OF KENT
18 Work-Based Learning
Disability Statement: Where disabled students are due to undertake a work placement as part
of this programme of study, a representative of the University will meet with the work placement
provider in advance to ensure the provision of anticipatory and reasonable adjustments in line
with legal requirements.
There is no work-based learning element that constitutes a formal part of this programme.
Nonetheless, the programme demands the study of actual organisations, with specific
examples. In addition, some assignments can be organisationally based. The Programme
Director will manage links with organisations on a case-by-case basis, and all research will be
subject to the Psychology Ethics approval procedures.
19 Support for Students and their Learning
















School and University induction programme
Programme/module handbooks
Student Support and Wellbeing www.kent.ac.uk/studentsupport/
Student Learning Advisory Service http://www.kent.ac.uk/uelt/about/slas.html
Counselling Service www.kent.ac.uk/counselling/
Kent Union www.kentunion.co.uk/
Graduate Student Association (GSA)
www.kent.ac.uk/graduateschool/community/woolf.html
Graduate School (Provision of (i) skills training (workshops and online courses) (ii)
institutional level induction and (iii) student-led initiatives such as social events,
conferences and workshops) www.kent.ac.uk/graduateschool/index.html
Information Services (computing and library services) www.kent.ac.uk/is/
Postgraduate student representation at School, Faculty and Institutional levels
Centre for English and World Languages www.kent.ac.uk/cewl/index.html
Careers and Employability Services www.kent.ac.uk/ces/
International Office www.kent.ac.uk/international/
Medical Centre www.kent.ac.uk/counselling/menu/Medical-Centre.html
Library services, see http://www.kent.ac.uk/library/
PASS system, see http://www.kent.ac.uk/teaching/qa/codes/taught/annexg.html
Psychology Student Adviser

Psychology postgraduate training opportunities, e.g. skills workshops, guest provision

20 Entry Profile
The minimum age to study a degree programme at the university is normally at least 17 years
old by 20 September in the year the course begins. There is no upper age limit.
20.1 Entry Route
For fuller information, please refer to the University prospectus
At minimum, an upper second class undergraduate degree or equivalent. The undergraduate
degree will either be from psychology, management sciences, or a related psychology
discipline. For international students, a minimum of an average 6.5 in IELTs test, minimum 6.0
in reading and writing. Applicants without this IELTS can be considered for the Graduate
Diploma in Psychology, specifically designed to improve language skills and gain extra training
6
Postgraduate programme specification MSc Organisational Psychology
UNIVERSITY OF KENT
in psychology - http://www.kent.ac.uk/psychology/pg/gdip.html
20.2 What does this programme have to offer?







A strong grounding in theory and research related to organisational psychology from a
multidisciplinary perspective, which provides a strong foundation for pursuing further
research and/or employment.
The development of a wide range of transferable skills, highly sought after by employers
across all sectors.
A structured approach to gaining knowledge and developing the skills required to gain
employment or further study.
The opportunity to learn in an environment of research excellence, with experts from
psychology and management sciences.
The chance to develop networks and to have learning opportunities with external
organisations working in partnership with the School of Psychology and Kent Business
School.
An excellent student experience, with integration in a large postgraduate community.
Opportunity to take part in the research process, as a participant and researcher, with
access to specialised equipment (e.g. Survey and Experimental Software, Various
laboratories including observation suites, virtual reality, physiological measures, and eye
tracking).
20.3 Personal Profile





Psychology undergraduate degree with a wish to increase employability, and/or a career in
industry – private, public, or third sector OR Management science or psychology related
disciplines undergraduate degree with a wish to increase employability, and/or a career in
industry – private, public, or third sector OR Professional background with a good first
degree (or other prior learning) who seek additional knowledge and training (i.e. executive
students)
Possibility of professional background and a wish to enhance organisational performance
with the benefit of psychological science perspectives
Seeking a career as a research scientist or considering an academic career in psychology
or the management sciences
Good English communication skills, and commitment to independent learning
Willingness to work in groups, and engage in mutual learning with peers.
21 Methods for Evaluating and Enhancing the Quality and Standards of Teaching and
Learning
21.1 Mechanisms for review and evaluation of teaching, learning, assessment, the
curriculum and outcome standards






Quality Assurance Framework http://www.kent.ac.uk/teaching/qa/codes/index.html
Periodic Programme Review http://www.kent.ac.uk/teaching/qa/codes/taught/annexf.html
External Examiners system http://www.kent.ac.uk/teaching/qa/codes/taught/annexk.html
Annual programme and module monitoring reports
http://www.kent.ac.uk/teaching/qa/codes/taught/annexe.html
QAA Higher Education Review, see http://www.qaa.ac.uk/InstitutionReports/types-ofreview/higher-education-review/Pages/default.aspx
Student module evaluations
7
Postgraduate programme specification MSc Organisational Psychology
UNIVERSITY OF KENT



Annual staff appraisal
Peer observation
Student surveys (e.g. PTES)

Student Advisor and related support staff
21.2 Committees with responsibility for monitoring and evaluating quality and standards





Board of Examiners
School Graduate Studies Committee
Faculty Graduate Studies Committee
Faculty Board
Graduate School Board

Staff/Student Liaison Committee
21.3 Mechanisms for gaining student feedback on the quality of teaching and their
learning experience






Psychology Staff-Student Liaison Committee (Postgraduate)
Psychology Graduate Studies Committee
Apprenticeship Supervision
Psychology Full School Committee
Postgraduate Taught Experience Survey (PTES)
Student module evaluations

Postgraduate Student Representation System (School, Faculty, and Institutional level)
21.4 Staff Development priorities include:












Annual Appraisals and Annual Individual Research Plans
Institutional Level Staff Development Programme
Study Leave
Academic Practice Provision (PGCHE, ATAP and other development opportunities)
PGCHE requirements
HEA (associate) fellowship membership
Membership of relevant professional bodies
Professional body membership and requirements
Programme team meetings
Research interest group seminar/discussion series (e.g. Social Psychology Seminar Series,
People in Organisations (Psychology and KBS member) Seminar Series)
Research seminars
Developing external partnerships for research and enterprise

Conferences (attendance and presentation)
22 Indicators of Quality and Standards



Annual External Examiner reports
Results of periodic programme review (Psychology last PPR – June 2011)
Annual programme and module monitoring reports
8
Postgraduate programme specification MSc Organisational Psychology
UNIVERSITY OF KENT


Graduate Destinations Survey
Postgraduate Taught Experience Survey (PTES) results

QAA Institutional Audit 2008
22.1 The following reference points were used in creating these specifications:






QAA UK Quality Code for Higher Education
QAA Benchmarking statement/s for QAA Masters degrees in Business and Management
(2007) and Psychology (2010) - this benchmarking statement is for undergraduate degrees
only, and has been used here for guidance purposes with adjustments appropriate to Mlevel study.
Professional standards of British Psychological Society (although accreditation not sought
at this time)
Professional standard of the Chartered Institute of Personnel and Development (although
accreditation not sought at this time)
School and Faculty plan
University Plan, Vision, Mission, and Learning and Teaching Strategy
Staff research activities
Other Psychology MSc programme specifications

Business plan submitted to Executive Group (developed in conjunction with KBS)


9
Postgraduate programme specification MSc Organisational Psychology