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.

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.

The master's programme in work and organisational psychology builds on a bachelor's degree with 90 credits of specialisation in this part of the psychology discipline:

• Bachelor's thesis in psychology or equivalent to at least 10 credits
• 15 credits method (qualitative and quantitative method)
• A specialisation of at least 20 credits in work and organisational psychology and 7.5 credits in leadership psychology.
• For applicants who have completed a bachelor's degree in occupational and organisational psychology, the requirement is 15 credits in specialisation in occupational and organisational psychology and 7.5 credits in leadership psychology, in addition to a bachelor's thesis.

Bachelor's degrees that qualify:

• Bachelor in Work and Organisational Psychology at UiB

Other bachelor's degrees may qualify if they have 90 credits in psychology or equivalent, including the aforementioned specialisation in occupational and organisational psychology.

Candidates must also have:

• Average minimum grade of C in the subjects that form the basis of admission.
• The language requirements for both Norwegian and English for this programme of study are covered with general university and college admission certification, either on the basis of Norwegian Upper Secondary School or in another way.
• Minimum Norwegian requirements for applicants who have all or partial admissions criteria from a country outside the Nordic region: The Master of Psychology is a Norwegian language master¿s programme with the following Norwegian requirements.

• MAPSYK301 Perspective in psychological science, 15 credits
• MAPSYK321 Leadership, team and organisational development, 15 credits
• MAPSYK322 Working environment work and conflict management. 15 credits
• MAPSYK302 Research Methodology, 15 credits
• MAPSYK345 Master's Thesis, 45 credits

In the first semester MAPSYK301 and then MAPSYK321 are taught. In the second semester, MAPSYK322 and MAPSYK302 are taught.

The master's thesis MAPSYK345 will be written in the third and fourth semesters with submission no later than mid-March in the fourth semester. In the second half of the fourth semester, MAPSYK323 is taught. This course is an elective and can upon application be replaced with other relevant courses at UiB or at other institutions at home and abroad.

First year:

1st semester (Autumn):

• MAPSYK301 Perspective in psychological science, 15 credits
• MAPSYK321 Leadership, team and organisational development, 15 credits

2nd semester (Spring):

• MAPSYK322 Working environment work and conflict management. 15 credits
• MAPSYK302 Research Methodology, 15 credits

Second year:

3rd and 4th semesters (Autumn and Spring):

• MAPSYK345 Master's Thesis, 45 credits

4th semester (Spring):

• MAPSYK323 Practical development work and the role of internal and external development agent: student company, 15 credits

The courses MAPSYK301 and MAPSYK321 and MAPSYK322 and MAPSYK302 or equivalent must be passed before progressing to the work on the master's thesis.

The course MAPSYK323 requires a pass in MAPSYK301, MAPSYK321 and MAPSYK322 or equivalent courses during part of a programme of study taken 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.

The form of assessment for individual courses included in the master's programme is discussed in more detail in the course descriptions. Various forms of assessment are used, such as a school examination and a home examination.

Students must write a master's thesis of 45 credits in the second year, as a general rule in collaboration with another student. A common grade is given for the thesis. Guidance is provided from the academic group on the thesis where you can collect your own data, write theoretically or rely on already collected data from the academic supervisor or the academic group.

Candidates with a master's degree in occupational and organisational psychology will typically work with personnel development, working environment development, leadership development and organisational development, both in the private and public sectors, and in organisations at local, national and international levels.

Candidates will be able to work in personnel/HR departments, within occupational health services, in consulting companies, public administration and business administration, and research and education.

The programme qualifies for further research education. The programme provides practical analytical competence for various work assignments, such as independent planning and implementation of project work, research, reporting and documentation work, and information work.