A bachelor's programme in work- and organisational psychology will provide the student with an in-depth insight into interpersonal relationships and communication in working life, and the significance of good and bad working environments for employees' well-being, and efficiency and productivity within the organisation.

Academic content:

The bachelor's programme in work- and organisational psychology is a 3 year study (180 credits). It will contain an introductory course of up to 30 credits, with 120 credits of specialisation (1 1/2 years course of study) in work- and organisational psychology or an approved subject combination. All or parts of the last 30 credits can be chosen from other subjects. A completed bachelor's programme leads to a Bachelor degree in work- and organisational psychology.

The programme is based on the fact that working life is one of the most important arenas for people of our time. At work we meet others, we develop and realise ourselves as people and provide ourselves with a material basis for existence. During the course of the programme you will be given a basic insight into how individuals react and act in relation to different aspects of organisation and working life, the methods that can be used to develop individuals, groups and organisations, and what can be done to prevent and deal with problems occurring in the workplace.

Emphasis will be placed on communicating knowledge about, and understanding of, key subject areas such as: organisational theory, leadership, psychosocial working environment factors, stress, coping, burnout, job satisfaction, bullying, conflict management, organisational culture, organisational theory, restructuring, recruitment, staff turnover, job insecurity, capacity for work, diversity, psychological contracts, career development, sickness absence and health in working life.

A candidate who has completed his or her programme of studies should have the following learning outcomes defined in terms of knowledge, skills and general competence:

Knowledge

The candidate...

• has knowledge and understanding of key concepts, theories and models within the subject area Work- and Organisational Psychology.
• understands how the phenomenon can be studied and explained in various ways at the individual, group and organisation level, and assess different theoretical explanations in relation to one another.
• has the ability to describe the subject's historical development.
• has the ability to keep updated on the academic subjects of work psychology, organisational psychology, personnel psychology and leadership psychology.
• has knowledge of research methods within work- and organisational psychology

Skills

The candidate...

• has the ability to assess different research methods for collection and analysis of data material.
• has the ability to use individual, group based and organisational perspectives in the analysis and description of relevant phenomena.
• has the ability to carry out literature searching and assess relevant specialist literature.
• has the ability to demonstrate a good command of written and oral communication skills in line with the area of study.
• has the ability to carry out an independent limited academic work in line with academic, methodological and ethical guidelines.

General competence

The candidate...

• has the ability to adopt a critical approach to current knowledge and practice within the field of study of occupational and organisational psychology.
• has the ability to work independently and with others in groups, organise and plan the work within given deadlines and in line with ethical requirements and guidelines.
• has the ability to present key specialist material to different target groups in both written and oral form.
• possesses an insight into relevant subject ethical issues.

General university and college admission certification.

To be eligible to apply for admission to the bachelor's programme in work- and organisational psychology, you must have general university and college admission certification, or satisfy the requirements for prior learning and work experience. Apart from this, there are no specific requirements for prior knowledge.

The introductory course is comprised of a total of 30 credits, and comprises an introduction to psychology and the history of psychology, ex Phil, and a subject in research methods.

This programme will provide you with an introduction to a different ways of thinking in relation to knowledge and science in general, about subject-specific history and scientific theory, as well as providing an introduction to the subject of psychology.

• PSYK111 Introduction to psychology and the history of psychology (15 credits): which gives an overview of the subject of psychology. You will learn about the biological foundation of psychology, about memory, learning, developmental psychology, social psychology and personality. You will also learn about the theoretical foundation of psychology, the origin of psychology and the historical development of psychology as a scientific discipline. The course also gives an introduction into subject specific scientific theory.
• PSYK113 Introduction to method (5 credits): provides a basic introduction to research methods
• Ex. Phil. (10 credits): provides an overall philosophical perspective. Through teaching and reading the syllabus you will be provided with an introduction to central, common basic problems of western thinking, especially in relation to basic psychological problems. NB: this is normally covered in the fourth semester, in accordance with the recommended course of study. Parallel to PSYK210.

The introductory courses are the compulsory parts of the degree, but can on application be replaced by other approved introductory course combinations. The introductory course of Examen Philosophicum is taken following the recommended course of study in the fourth semester.

• PSYK112 Social and personality psychology (10 credits): The course provides the students with an introduction into the central theories and research within social and personality psychology.
• PSYK114 Developmental, cognitive and biological psychology (15 credits): The course provides an introduction to the subject of psychology's biological and cognitive foundation, combined with developmental psychology. The course aims to provide an understanding of human behaviour and behaviour in other organisms.
• PSYK106 Personnel Psychology (15 credits): has its focus on the individual in the organisation, both the individual's prerequisites in entering the role of an employee, and the prerequisites of the organisation for managing and developing the individual. The subject of career development within and between organisations will be presented.
• PSYK110 Work and Organisational Psychology (30 credits): Organisational psychology is primarily directed towards the study of organisations and groups, and the leadership and development of these. The key topics are communication, conflict and conflict management, organisational culture, organisational learning and organisational development. Work psychology focuses on working people's experience of the working environment and the link between the working environment and health. Topics under discussion, are among others psychosocial working environment factors, motivation in conjunction with work, individual differences, social support, bullying, stress, and burnout, coping and health in working life.
• PSYK200 The Psychology of Leadership (15 credits): provides tuition in central theories and a perspective on leadership. Among others, a closer look at transformative and destructive leadership, and situation factors that influence leadership are covered. Based on Norwegian and international theory and empiricism, what influence leadership has on the organisation's productivity and the well-being of the employees is revealed.
• PSYK201 The Bachelor's thesis in Work- and Organisational Psychology (15 credits): provides an introduction into how an independent academic work is constructed. During the course you will, in collaboration with fellow students, write a thesis based on academic specialisation and empirical work.
• PSYK202 Method (15 credits): The course provides the students with knowledge about scientific research and measurement methods which are central to psychological and pedagogical research.
• PSYK210 Current trends in work and organisational psycholog(5 credits): New theories, methodological and empirical contributions to work- and organisational psychology will, in a critical and methodical manner, focus on new development and research in the area of study.

1st. semester (autumn):

• PSYK111 Introduction to psychology and the history of psychology
• PSYK112 Social and personality psychology
• PSYK113 Introduction to methodology

2nd. semester (spring):

• PSYK106 Personnel Psychology
• PSYK114 Developmental, cognitive and biological psychology

3rd. semester (autumn):

• PSYK110 Work and organisational psychology

4th. semester (spring):

• PSYK202 Methodology
• PSYK210 Current trends in work and organisational psychology (5 sp)
• Ex.phil. (10 sp)

5th. semester (autumn):

• Electives (30 sp) or exchange

6th. semester (spring):

• PSYK200 The psychology of leadership (15 sp)
• PSYK201 Bachelor's thesis in work and organisational psychology (15 sp)

In order to take the course PSYK201 Bachelor's thesis, a pass must be obtained in these courses:

• PSYK106 Personnel Psychology
• PSYK111 Introduction to psychology and the history of psychology
• PSYK112 Social and personality psychology
• PSYK113 Introduction to methodology
• PSYK114 Developmental, cognitive and biological psychology
• PSYK110 Work and organisational psychology
• PSYK202 Methodology (previously PSYK202B)

In order to take the course PSYK200 Leadership psychology, a pass must be obtained in these courses:

• PSYK111 Introduction to psychology and the history of psychology
• PSYK112 Social and personality psychology
• PSYK113 Introduction to methodology
• PSYK114 Developmental, cognitive and biological psychology
• PSYK110 Work and organisational psychology

In order to take the course PSYK210, a pass must be obtained in these courses:

• PSYK106 Personnel Psychology
• PSYK111 Introduction to psychology and the history of psychology
• PSYK112 Social and personality psychology
• PSYK113 Introduction to methodology
• PSYK114 Developmental, cognitive and biological psychology
• PSYK110 Work and organisational psychology

The programme of study provides a basis for admittance to Master in Work- and Organisational Psychology and Master of Psychology, and can also form the basis for admission to other Master Programmes at the Faculty of Psychology, and at other faculties at the University of Bergen or other Universities/University Colleges.

The programme provides competence in the understanding and development of people, groups and organisations. The programme aims to communicate knowledge of value creation, job satisfaction and health in the workplace, to provide the candidate, in the role of a leader, employee or advisor, with adequate competence to understand, safeguard and develop people within organisations, including preventing stress and resolving conflicts.

Different target groups can use the programme for various vocational and career paths:

• Students wanting an education within development and leadership of people within organisations.
• Managers wanting to develop personnel-related knowledge and skills.
• Personnel managers, consultants and personnel responsible for training in health, safety and the environment (HSE) and who require development of their competence and professionalism.
• Employee representatives wanting further professional development.
• Organisation consultants wanting in-depth knowledge within organisation and work.
• Psychologists and cand. psychol.students who wish to specialise in organisation and work.
• Candidates wanting to focus on research within the subject area.ce.

https://www.uib.no/en/psyfa/43828/student-information-center-faculty-psychologyStudent Information Center, Faculty of Psychology