Industrial and Organisational Psychology
Qualifications
Overview
Industrial and Organisational (I/O) Psychology applies psychological theories and principles to understand individual attitudes and behaviours in the workplace, and how these attitudes, behaviours, and performance can be improved through hiring practices, training programs, leadership, and management systems.
Our graduates develop knowledge and competencies that allow them to improve employee motivation, satisfaction, and wellbeing, and make a significant positive contribution to people and organisations.
Application to the Master of Science in Industrial and Organisational Psychology is open to graduates who have completed bachelor's degrees in Psychology and who have a grade average of B or better for their stage three courses. Specifically, the prerequisites are:
- PSYC 105 and PSYC 106; and
- PSYC 206, and three courses from PSYC 207-213; and
- At least 75 points of 300-level PSYC.
- PSYC 344 is required for postgraduate study in Applied Psychology. PSYC 336 would be an advantage.
The minimum requirements to apply for doctoral study are that you should have completed, or be in the process of completing, a research-focused honours degree or master's degree. For PhD study you must achieve this degree at either the level of First-Class or Second-Class Division I (or equivalent).
UC offers the following postgraduate programmes in Industrial and Organisational Psychology:
See the individual qualification pages for more information on degree requirements.
Master of Science majoring in Industrial and Organisational Psychology
Part I of the MSc in Industrial and Organisational Psychology is 120 points, including PSYC 460 Research Methods in Psychology, and a selection of optional courses from APSY 601–619, PSYC 451, and PSYC 473. With approval one or more 400-level PSYC courses may be substituted in your options. Students need a B+ Grade Point Average to proceed to Part II of the degree.
Part II requires APSY 660 Dissertation, and another 30 points of courses from the same selection in Part I.
Doctor of Philosophy (PhD) in Industrial and Organisational Psychology
In the PhD, students need to pass a thesis of original research in the Industrial and Organisational Psychology field (APSY 790 Applied Psychology PhD).
Many of our graduates have decided to make Industrial and Organisational Psychology their career by becoming organisational development consultants, HR professionals, research analysts, or academics.
Industrial and Organisational Psychology graduates find employment in a variety of organisations. These have included human resource management or organisational development positions in a range of industries – banking and finance, manufacturing, IT, healthcare, NZDF, and government agencies. Some of our graduates have returned to obtain their PhD qualification, and pursued academic careers or specialist consulting roles.
I/O Psychology graduates enjoy great career prospects in Aotearoa New Zealand and overseas.
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