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Master

Work- and Organizational Psychology, master, 2 years

  • Years4 Semesters
  • ECTS credits120

Main content

Presentation

Objectives and content

The programme of study allows holders of a bachelor's degree in psychology with specialisation in work and organisational psychology to acquire expert knowledge and relevant research-based competence within this field. Candidates shall immerse themselves in relevant academic perspectives in occupational and organisational psychology research and applied evidence-based practice, as well as learn relevant scientific theory and research methods. In the second year of the programme, the candidates write a master's theses within their specialisation that makes an independent contribution to the research literature.

The programme provides research-based knowledge about how to understand and develop individuals, groups and organisations in a work-related context. Particular focus will be placed on the role as a change agent, and on mapping and intervention methods for leadership, group and organisational development, including focusing on aspects of working environment and conflict management.

The programme qualifies for various professions where change competence, critical thinking, academic writing, dissemination and the ability to work both independently and in teams are sought-after abilities. The programme also lays the foundation for further research, either as an academic career (PhD study), or in other professions where research is included as one of the activities.

Semester

Autumn

What you Learn

Required Learning Outcomes

Knowledge:

On completion of the degree, the candidate will:

  • have advanced knowledge of theory, research and applied development and improvement work in the field of work and organisational psychology, with special emphasis on aspects of work with working environment and conflict management and in relation to the development of leaders, teams and organisations.
  • have in-depth knowledge of the scientific theories and methods in this part of the psychology profession.

Skills:

On completion of the degree, the candidate will be able to:

  • use their knowledge and abilities in new areas to implement advanced development and improvement measures and other relevant problem solving in the occupational and organisational psychology field of study.
  • analyse professional issues and research questions based on relevant theory, research, subject history and evidence-based knowledge.
  • explain important and basic guidelines in Norwegian legal and contractual frameworks in relation to work as a change agent in the field of working environment and other occupational and organisational psychology practice
  • analyse existing theories, methodology and interpretations in the field of study, and work independently with theoretical and practical problem-solving and change work.
  • use relevant methods for undertaking research and specialist development work in an independent manner
  • analyse and be critical of various sources of information and use these to structure and formulate academic based analyses, reasoning and choice of working methodology.
  • undertake independent, defined research or development projects under academic supervision and in line with current research ethical norms and rules.

General competence:

On completion of the degree, the candidate will be able to:

  • analyse specialist, vocational and ethical research issues in the area of study
  • disseminate from own independent work and master the expressions used in psychology.
  • communicate specialist issues, analyses and conclusions relating to the subject of psychology, both to specialists and the general public.
  • contribute to professional innovation, and to good improvement and development processes in individuals, groups and organisations in working life.

Study Period Abroad

Study period abroad

As a master's student in work and organisational psychology, it is possible and recommended that you take part of your education in another country, and we have several exchange agreements that may be relevant. We recommend that you study abroad during the second semester. You must take a minimum of 7.5 credits in methods, preferably more. The remaining credits are electives within the thematic structure of the master's programme.

You can also take up to 15 credits as relevant electives abroad or at another Norwegian educational institution in your 4th semester as a replacement for MAPSYK323 Practical development work and the role of internal and external development agent: student company.

The Faculty will help you find a course offer at one of our collaborating institutions that suits your professional interests and plans.

Programme structure

Masterprogram i arbeids- og organisasjonspsykologi (krav 120 SP)
Masterprogram i arb- og organisasjonspsykologi - obligatoriske emner
Mandatory course
Course codeCourse titleSPSR
MAPSYK301Perspectives in Psychological Science151
MAPSYK302Research Methods151–22
MAPSYK321Organizational, team and leader development151
MAPSYK322Work environment development and work conflict management151–22
Masterprogram i arb. og organisasjonspsykologi valgemne
Elective course
Course codeCourse titleSPSR
MAPSYK323The student consultancy firm: Taking the role of an internal and external consultant in organizations154
Masteroppgave i arbeids- og organisasjonspsykologi
Mandatory course
Course codeCourse titleSPSR
MAPSYK345Master's Thesis in Work and Organisational Psychology453–44
SP = ECTS credits, S = Semester, R = Recommended semester

More information

About the programme

See full study plan