POSTGRADUATE DEGREE

Master of Organisational Psychology

With a focus on employee wellbeing and organisational effectiveness, the Master of Organisational Psychology will equip you with the tools to enhance motivation, performance, and satisfaction. From designing job structures to selecting top talent, this programme covers a wide range of essential skills for today's people leaders.

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ENTRY TIMES
9 October 2023
29 January 2024
22 April 2024 TBC
15 July 2024
7 October 2024 TBC

DURATION
1.5 years - full-time
3 years - part-time

PRICE
$1079* per 15 point course for domestic learners
$5125* per 15 point course for international learners

*Fees outlined are based on the 2023 fee schedule and are subject to revision each year. Prices include GST where applicable. Non-tuition fees, such as the Student Services Levy (SSL), will also apply. 

QUALIFICATION
MOrgPsyc

Overview


The Master of Organisational Psychology is designed to equip aspiring and established leaders, managers, Human Resource professionals and those involved in creating positive work environments with the skills and knowledge to drive positive change.

By focusing on employee wellbeing and organisational effectiveness, you'll learn to enhance motivation, performance, and satisfaction. The programme covers a wide range of essential skills, including job design, talent selection, and creating policies and practices that support employee wellbeing. This programme will help you advance your career in organisational psychology and make a meaningful impact in the workplace.

Requirements

To ensure that our learners have the necessary background and experience to succeed, admission to the Master of Organisational Psychology is based on your previous studies in a relevant bachelor’s degree, or a qualification and practical experience considered to be equivalent.

To enrol in the MOrgPsyc, you must have completed one of the following:

  • A bachelor's degree with a major or minor in psychology with a grade average of B or greater in your 300-level (or equivalent) courses
  • A bachelor's degree or equivalent qualification with a major or minor in psychology and at least two years of practical, professional or scholarly experience in a relevant field (such as human resources or psychology)
  • A bachelor's degree or equivalent qualification in any subject and at least five years of practical, professional, or academic experience in a relevant field (such as human resources or psychology)
  • An equivalent degree, or degree plus experience as outlined above, from an international institute that is approved under Academic Equivalent Standing.

If English is your additional language, you are also required to meet UC's English language requirements.

Your eligibility will be considered upon enrolment, with successful applicants approved as students by the Amo Pūtaiao | Executive Dean of Science or delegate.

For full entry requirements, see the Regulations for the Master of Organisational Psychology or use the admissions requirements checker. 

We welcome enquiries from learners who do not meet the academic requirements but have extensive relevant experience. Please register your interest here and we will get in touch with you to discuss. 

Course requirements

All learners will begin by taking one foundational course, Key Topics in Organisational Psychology (OPSY610). Once you’ve successfully completed this foundation course, you can enrol in up to two 15-point courses per term, before undertaking the 45-point research project. Admission to the Research Project (OPSY630) requires at least a B grade in Research Methods for Organisational Psychology (OPSY622).

 

Structure


With multiple courses on offer each term throughout the year, you have the flexibility and convenience of being able to study at a pace that works for you, whether it be slow and steady, or taking the express route.

You'll start out by taking one foundational course, Key Topics in Organisational Psychology (OPSY610). Once you've successfully completed this foundation course, you can enrol in up to two 15-point courses per term, before undertaking the 45-point research project. Our courses are flexible, enabling you to plan your study around your other commitments. 

Time commitment

UC Online learners study across terms, rather than semesters. We have four terms per year (starting January, April, July and October) which consist of eight-weeks of study, plus a two-week period of marking and feedback.

Part-time learners complete one 15-point course every term, requiring approximately 18.5 hours of study per week. Full-time learners complete two 15-point courses every term, requiring approximately 37.5 hours of study per week. We would recommend undertaking the 45-point research paper across three terms for part-time learners, and two terms for full-time learners. 

Upcoming term dates 

Our current eight-week learning dates can be found below (please note: these dates exclude our two-week period of marking and feedback).

  • 9 October - 3 December 2023
  • 29 January - 24  March 2024
  • 22 April - 16 June 2024
  • 15 July - 8 September 2024
  • 7 October - 1 December 2024

Begin

   
Organisational psychology

Get started with an introduction to Key Topics in Organisational Psychology. This foundational course is the introductory step in the Master of Organisational Psychology and is the only course you will take in your first term of study.

Course taken: Key Topics in Organisational Psychology (OPSY610).

Learn

   

Having successfully completed Key Topics in Organisational Psychology you’ll further your learning by progressing through the suite of organisational psychology related courses. 

Courses taken: Recruitment and Selection (OPSY621), Psychology of Stress, Health and Wellbeing (OPSY619), Training and Development (OPSY613), Performance Management and Appraisal (OPSY612), Leadership in Organisations (OPSY614) and Organisational Change: Directions for Organisational Psychology Practice (OPSY618).

Develop

   

Develop your organisational psychology scientist-practitioner knowledge and skills.

Course taken: Contemporary Issues in Organisational Psychology (OPSY620).

Progress

   
Master of Organisational Psychology

Develop your research methodology skills that will be essential to the success of your Master's research project.

Course taken: Research Methods for Organisational Psychology (OPSY622). You must achieve a B grade or better to progress to the Research Project (OPSY630). 

Apply

   

Apply your advanced organisational psychology knowledge and skills through conducting original research. 

Course taken: Research Project (OPSY630).

Master

   

Graduate and showcase your mastery with the University of Canterbury Master of Organisational Psychology degree!

What you'll study

The Master of Organisational Psychology is comprised of nine 600-level courses (detailed below), concluding with a research project related to your chosen area of professional focus.

Key Topics in Organisational Psychology (OPSY610) | 15 points

Description 
This course introduces the scientist-practitioner field of organisational psychology. The course covers the five key areas of Recruitment and Selection, Performance and Motivation, Leadership, Organisational Change, and Employee Wellbeing. Learners’ own organisational experiences and specific organisational contexts, including contemporary Māori and indigenous organisations are considered throughout the course.

Learning Outcomes
On completion of the course, it is expected that learners will be able to: 

  1. Describe relevant theories and concepts in organisational psychology.
  2. Apply organisational psychology theory to specific contexts.
  3. Evaluate organisational practices in given contexts, including contemporary Māori and indigenous organisational structures.
  4. Reflect on the application of organisational psychology theory to your own experience. 

Recruitment and Selection (OPSY621) | 15 points

Description
This course explores the evidence-based practices for attracting and hiring the most appropriate talent for a job role. This includes the three key stages in the recruitment and selection process: 1) conducting a job analysis, and 2) developing and 3) validating a selection system. Contemporary challenges in recruitment and selection within Aotearoa New Zealand and internationally will also be considered: for example, the issue of bias on fairness and equity in personnel decision-making.

Learning Outcomes
On completion of the course, it is expected that learners will be able to: 

  1. Conduct a job analysis and create verifiable job descriptions and specifications
  2. Develop tools for a selection system informed by a job specification and guided by the value of kia tika.
  3. Determine the validity of selection decisions.
  4. Critique the strengths and limitations of methodologies used in personnel psychology.
  5. Justify the value of personnel psychology in contemporary workplace practices.

Prerequisites: Key Topics in Organisational Psychology (OPSY610).

Psychology of Stress, Health and Wellbeing (OPSY619) | 15 points

Description
This course focuses on stress, health, and wellbeing at work. The course will provide an overview of recent research on how to create psychologically healthy workplaces. It provides learners with a framework for analysing how stress, health, and wellbeing at work impact on individuals and organisations. The course also focuses on how organisational psychology can contribute to solving problems related to stress, health, and wellbeing at work. Critical thinking, relating theory to practice, and relating new concepts to old theories, as well as critical reflection and discussion, both oral and written, will be emphasised. 

Learning Outcomes
On completion of the course, it is expected that learners will be able to: 

  1. Discuss and contrast existing theories on work stress, health, and wellbeing at work.
  2. Analyse how employee attitudes, health, and wellbeing may be affected by working conditions, management practices, and interpersonal interactions at work
  3. Apply theories on stress, health, and wellbeing, including Māori models of wellbeing, to diagnose related problems at work
  4. Propose solutions to issues related to stress, health, and wellbeing in working life and how these solutions can be implemented and evaluated.
  5. Reflect on your own wellbeing journey and what your values, strengths, and preferences are in working life, taking into account your culture and beliefs.

Prerequisites: Key Topics in Organisational Psychology (OPSY610).

Training and Development (OPSY613) | 15 points

Description
Training is a systematic method of learning new skills, rules, concepts, or attitudes that can result in an improvement in performance. This course will consider training and development in the context of employees in workplaces. Content will cover the theories, research, and practices behind how to design and execute a training programme responsive to learners’ needs, how to optimise the likelihood of training transfer into the workplace context, and how to critically evaluate a training programme.

Learning Outcomes
On completion of the course, it is expected that learners will be able to: 

  1. Identify individual and organisational training needs and recommend training design and implementation plans that suit different needs and support equity and inclusion.
  2. Develop and facilitate a training programme, considering indigenous models of development, knowledge, and behaviours.
  3. Evaluate individual and group learning progress and the utility of a training programme.
  4. Critique current research in training and development and evaluate its applicability to relevant contexts, including bicultural contexts.
  5. Reflect on your own learning journey throughout the course and plan out how to enable the transfer of new knowledge to your career aspirations. 

Prerequisites: Key Topics in Organisational Psychology (OPSY610).

Performance Management and Appraisal (OPSY612) | 15 points

Description
This course will focus on the theory and application of performance management research. This will include the development of performance management systems in organisations. Topics include criterion theory and development, performance appraisal methods, feedback, job evaluation and reward systems.

Learning Outcomes
On completion of the course, it is expected that learners will be able to: 

  1. Explain the purpose of performance management in relation to an organisations strategic plan.
  2. Critically discuss the relevant literature to performance management.
  3. Critically evaluate performance management systems, understanding both their benefits and limitations.
  4. Design a performance management system, incorporating the values of whanaungatanga, tiakitanga, and manaakitanga.

Prerequisites: Key Topics in Organisational Psychology (OPSY610).

Leadership in Organisations (OPSY614) | 15 points

Description
This course focuses on the domain and scope of leadership in organisations. Classic and contemporary theories and research are outlined and discussed, highlighting their contributions and limitations in occupational settings. The topics include trait and behavioural theories, values-based leadership frameworks, and their implications to organisational dynamics and success.

Learning Outcomes
On completion of the course, it is expected that learners will be able to: 

  1. Critically discuss foundational theories in leadership
  2. Explain leadership emergence and effectiveness using leadership theory.
  3. Evaluate the applicability of leadership theories and research, including indigenous models of leadership, to organisational challenges
  4. Formulate evidence-based strategies for leadership development, which uphold the value of manaakitanga


Prerequisites: Key Topics in Organisational Psychology (OPSY610).

Organisational Change: Directions for Organisational Psychology Practice (OPSY618) | 15 points

Description
This course considers the frameworks and research (e.g., leadership, motivation, training, and individual differences) that inform organisational change planning and implementation. Learners will develop knowledge and competencies to: a) critically analyse organisational change practices, b) identify challenges faced by change leaders and employees, and c) facilitate organisational change implementation. Topics covered include psychological mechanisms of change resistance and readiness, change leadership, and training for changing organisations. 

Learning Outcomes
On completion of the course, it is expected that learners will be able to: 

  1. Evaluate the contribution of organisational psychology in facilitating organisational change.
  2. Apply concepts from change research and literature, as well as the value of kia aroha, to design a change management proposal.
  3. Describe the influence of individuals, groups, leadership and organisations on change outcomes.
  4. Critically appraise organisational change research, theory, and current organisational practices.

Prerequisites: Key Topics in Organisational Psychology (OPSY610).

Contemporary Issues in Organisational Psychology (OPSY620) | 15 points

Description
This course focuses on developing your organisational psychology scientist-practitioner knowledge and skills. The course considers current topics relating to the professional, ethical, legal, and cultural practice of Organisational Psychology in Aotearoa New Zealand and internationally. Learners will identify current gaps in organisational practices and develop evidence-based solutions to address these gaps.


Learning Outcomes
On completion of the course, it is expected that learners will be able to: 

  1. Design an evidence-based solution to a contemporary organisational issue, taking guidance from the values of whanaungatanga and manaakitanga.
  2. Effectively communicate an organisational psychology topic to a general audience work.
  3. Reflect on your learning and development, taking into account your own culture and beliefs, to inform your approach to working in Organisational Psychology.
  4. Promote yourself as an Oorganisational Ppsychology scientist-practitioner.

 

Prerequisites: Recruitment and Selection (OPSY621), Psychology of Stress, Health and Wellbeing (OPSY619), Training and Development (OPSY613), Performance Management and Appraisal (OPSY612), Leadership in Organisations (OPSY614) and Organisational Change: Directions for Organisational Psychology Practice (OPSY618).               

Research Methods for Organisational Psychology (OPSY622) | 15 points

Description
This course aims to develop learners’ research methodology skills and knowledge in preparation for the research project. Quantitative and qualitative research designs relevant to organisational psychology are considered and contrasted. Ethical considerations involved in researching human participants and within organisations are explored. Reporting, analysing and interpreting research findings for organisational use are also examined. 

Learning Outcomes
On completion of the course, it is expected that learners will be able to: 

  1. Apply quantitative and qualitative research design within the organisational psychology context.
  2. Apply appropriate statistical and qualitative analysis methods to data, while upholding the value of tiakitanga.
  3. Communicate organisational psychology research findings to a general audience.
  4. Apply University of Canterbury human research ethical guidelines and procedures to a research proposal.
  5. Interpret organisational data to diagnose and address organisational issues, while demonstrating the value of whanaungatanga.


Prerequisites: Recruitment and Selection (OPSY621), Psychology of Stress, Health and Wellbeing (OPSY619), Training and Development (OPSY613), Performance Management and Appraisal (OPSY612), Leadership in Organisations (OPSY614) and Organisational Change: Directions for Organisational Psychology Practice (OPSY618).

Grade requirements: Learners will need to achieve a B grade or better in this course to progress to the Research Project (OPSY630).

Research Project (OPSY630) | 45 points

Description

Learners will undertake a 45-point research project based on an appropriate workplace or industry related research problem or opportunity. This course involves conducting an independent research project which aims to inform a relevant organisational issue or topic. This course will be undertaken on successful completion of the core courses in Master of Organisational Psychology programme. The project will involve planning, preparation, conducting and reporting the research project. 

Learning Outcomes

On completion of the course, it is expected that learners will be able to: 

  1. Critically analyse organisational psychology literature.  
  2. Apply theoretical concepts and frameworks to a given organisational issue.
  3. Carry out independent research in an organisational setting, while demonstrating the values of whanaungatanga, tiakitanga, and manaakitanga.
  4. Effectively communicate research findings to a range of audiences

Prerequisites: Contemporary Issues in Organisational Psychology (OPSY620) and Research Methods for Organisational Psychology (OPSY622). Learners must achieve a B grade or better in OPSY622 to progress to the Research Project.

Our people

The Master of Organisational Psychology is coordinated by Dr Fleur Pawsey, with contributions from Associate Professor Joana Kuntz, Professor Katharina Näswall, and Dr Jennifer Wong.  
 
Fleur-Pawsey-Masters-of-Organisational-Psychology

Fleur Pawsey

Programme Coordinator | University of Canterbury

Fleur is a Lecturer at the University of Canterbury. Fleur's PhD, awarded in 2020, focused on relationships between mindfulness, stress, and wellbeing. Fleur is interested in how mindfulness practices can be utilized in day-to-day life, to support employees and promote positive work experiences. With a background in high-performance endurance and adventure sports, and experience in coaching, Fleur is also especially interested in how employers can support the physical health and fitness of employees, and how organizations can weave aspects of nature into their working environments.

joana-kuntz-organisational-psychology

Joana Kuntz

Associate Professor | University of Canterbury

Joana Kuntz is an Associate Professor at the University of Canterbury, New Zealand. She gained her PhD from the University of Tennessee, and worked in organisational development in Europe and the United States prior to moving to New Zealand in 2009. She is the co-founder of the Employee Resilience Research group, a team of UC-based researchers who worked alongside government agencies and private corporations across sectors to facilitate the development of resilience capability following the Christchurch Earthquakes. Joana’s current focus is the future of work, and her applied research spans employee resilience and wellbeing, diversity and inclusion, leadership development, and organisational interventions (design, implementation, and evaluation).

Katharina-Näswall-Masters-of-Organisational-Psychology

Katharina Näswall

Professor | University of Canterbury

Katharina's research focuses on employee well-being and factors which lead to psychologically healthy workplaces, applying psychological principles and knowledge about human behavior and emotions. Katharina strives to work with end-users to disseminate findings from her own and others’ research to support organizational development, and has built several ongoing collaborations with organizations outside the University, providing advice and evaluations of staff engagement and wellbeing. Katharina supports her own wellbeing by gardening and walking in the Port Hills, Christchurch. She is from Sweden and moved to New Zealand in December 2010.

Jennifer-Wong-Master-of-Organisational-Psychology

Jennifer Hoi Ki Wong

Lecturer | University of Canterbury

Jennifer is a Lecturer at the University of Canterbury. She received her PhD in Industrial-Organisational Psychology in 2016. Her research interests are in workplace wellbeing and safety, positive psychology, leadership, team culture, and change management. Jennifer is passionate about achieving tangible impact through her expertise, and thrives off of figuring out how her research can help workplaces. She also works as a consultant with organisations, carrying out employee assessment, training and evaluation, and coaching. Her own wellbeing is achieved through activities in the great outdoors, or being crafty with her hands.

 

Express interest

With multiple intakes throughout the year, you have the flexibility to start your Master of Organisational Psychology at a time that works best for you. If you're keen to know more, stay updated on when enrolments open, ask a question or assess your eligibility, please express your interest below.

Please note: UC Online has a minimum enrolment threshold that must be met to enable opportunities for interaction, discussion, and feedback. If the minimum number of enrolments required for a course is not met, enrolled learners will be given the option to defer their enrolment to the next course date, or receive a refund. 

9 October 2023

Enrolments open

Apply now

2024

Enrolments opening soon

Express interest

Need more information?

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FAQ

Enrolling for October 2023 - finance information

There are a range of options you can use to finance your study, which you can learn more about here.

StudyLink student loans

We know that many of our learners are planning on using a StudyLink student loan to finance their study. We've recently been made aware that this cannot be accepted by StudyLink without confirmation of learners' 2024 courses. We are currently working to enable this change early, so affected learners can edit their application and add their 2024 courses for StudyLink success.

From Sunday 1 October, all learners will be able to add their 2024 courses, so that their StudyLink student loans can be processed.

If you’ve already applied for your student loan, please make sure you have provided all of the documentation required, by logging into StudyLink and checking your communications. If there are no requests, you do not need to do anything until we confirm that you can add your 2024 courses on 1 October. You may receive a notification that your application is declined, but this will be automatically re-assessed after you add your 2024 courses on 1 October. 

If you have not applied for your student loan yet, we would recommend starting this application process now, particularly if you are a first-time StudyLink learner, as you will need to fill in a Student Loan contract that is mailed to you. TYou may receive a notification that your application is declined, but this will be automatically re-assessed after you add your 2024 courses on 1 October. 

We know that this process can take some time, so if your application is not approved before learning begins on 9 October, we will grant StudyLink learners preliminary access to the programme, while their application is processed. We are also extending our programme withdrawal dates for StudyLink learners so you will not incur any debt if you need to withdraw from the programme beyond the usual 2-week deadline.

Employer payments

If your employer is financing your study and wants to pay via invoice, this can be arranged after your application is approved. Please note that your employer will need to provide a written guarantee of payment so you can start learning on 9 October.  Alternatively, your employer can pay via bank transfer or credit card.

What is an online Master of Organisational Psychology?

The University of Canterbury's online Master of Organisational Psychology is a graduate degree programme designed to develop advanced knowledge and skills in the application of organisational psychology to the workplace.

Why study with UC Online?

Bringing together the latest industry-informed learning applicable to your life and career, the UC Online Master of Organisational Psychology gives you the same quality education as our on-campus programmes, with the flexibility of online learning.

This includes 24/7 access, academic advice and technical support, giving you the support to study anywhere, anytime, at your pace.

What career opportunities does this degree offer?

Graduates can work in a variety of settings, including consulting firms, government agencies, and private businesses, in roles such as organisational development consultants, human resources managers, and training and development specialists.

What are the tuition fees?

The overall cost of tuition fees per 15 point course:

  • for domestic learners is $1079* incl GST
  • for international learners is $5125* plus GST if applicable.

Total programme investment for 180 point programme based on 2023 fee schedule:

  • for domestic learners is $12953* incl GST
  • for international learners is $61500* plus GST if applicable.

Please note that the fees are charged on a per year basis and the amount charged reflects the number of courses/points enrolled in the current year. These are based on the 2023 fee structure and subject to revision – you can learn more about the University of Canterbury’s Tuition fee structure here.

Student Services Levy costs
Each year university students around Aotearoa New Zealand are charged a Student Services Levy (SSL) in addition to their tuition fees. All the SSL money collected can only be used for the benefit of students - never for academic or administrative costs.

The SSL is automatically calculated on how many points you enrol in per academic year, capped at a maximum of 150 points. UC Online learners are charged a reduced SSL rate, which is 20% of the usual on-campus student levy. This is calculated as $1.654 per academic point in 2023. You can learn more about the Student Services Levy here, and more about UC Support Services here.

Is the edX MicroMasters® able to be credited to this Master’s degree?

Those who have successfully completed the certified edX MicroMasters® in Organisational Psychology may apply to credit 15 points to the Master of Organisational Psychology and have OPSY610 waived. 

You can check the eligibility of your prior learning by emailing info@uconline.ac.nz.

How long does an online Master of Organisational Psychology Degree take to complete?

The programme can be completed from 1.5 years of full-time study, or 3 years of part-time study.

What are the benefits of studying an online Master of Organisational Psychology?

Studying online allows for flexibility in completing coursework, and the University of Canterbury's programme provides learners with the same quality education and resources as our on-campus programmes. 

How does an online Master of Organisational Psychology programme differ from a traditional on-campus programme?

The content of the programme is the same, but the online programme offers greater flexibility in terms of scheduling and location.

How is an online Master of Organisational Psychology programme delivered?

The programme is delivered entirely online, using a range of technologies including video conferencing, online discussion forums, and interactive learning experiences.

What kind of support is available to learners enrolled in an online Master of Organisational Psychology?

Learners have access to the same support services as on-campus students, including academic advising, technical support, and library resources.

How do I apply?

Applications are made online through our UC Online website – view open enrolments and/or expressions of interest for when enrolments open. 

What are the expectations for online participation?

Learners are expected to participate actively in online discussions, and complete assessments on time. The programme will at times be complemented by live online sessions to connect the cohort and facilitators, however these are non-mandatory and where relevant the sessions will be recorded and made available to all learners to access in their own time.

Is this course accredited for registration as a Psychologist?

This degree is not accredited for registration as a Psychologist, and eligibility into further study in an accredited programme should be discussed with the University of Canterbury.

Can the Master of Organisational Psychology lead onto further study?

The Master of Organisational Psychology is a standalone professionally relevant qualification. If you are specifically interested in pursuing a PhD, you may be able to upgrade to our on-campus Master of Science in Industrial and Organisational Psychology, which includes a 90-point dissertation (and therefore a pathway to PhD entry). This would depend on academic performance, be subject to approval and will be determined on a case-by-case basis.