Work and Organisational Psychology/Behaviour Courses

What is Work and Organisational Psychology/Behaviour?

Organisational Behaviour, or organisational psychology, is the study of human behaviour in an organisational setting.

Organisational psychologists study workplace relations, attitudes, and behaviours. The goal is to help the company by promoting greater happiness, job satisfaction, and mental wellness amongst employees.

What 3rd level courses are available?

Universities and colleges in Ireland are offering courses in Work and Organisational Psychology/Behaviour in the following subject areas:

• MSc in Work and Organisational Psychology/Behaviour - The programme produces professionally qualified organisational psychologists and organisational behaviour specialists who can make significant contributions to organisations wishing to achieve optimal performance.
• Diploma in Organisational Management – Gain in-depth knowledge in key topics such as the fundamentals of marketing, understand marketing techniques, human resources management and information systems.
• Organisational Psychology - An introduction to the subject of organisational psychology: the applied branch of psychology that is concerned with understanding workplace behaviour and enhancing the well-being of people in organisations.
• Leading Organisational Change – The study of the tools, frameworks and ideas that can help you to lead change initiatives effectively as a manager of your organisation.
• Managing Organisational Performance - Gain the tools and techniques you need to identify objectives; understand, monitor, measure and manage performance.

Studying Work and Organisational Psychology/Behaviour 

There are many courses in Work and Organisational Psychology/Behaviour that may take place over a few days, weeks or even 1 year to 4 years depending on the course and modules selected. There are also part-time courses and night courses available so you can be sure to fit in your studies no matter what your schedule is like.

Courses will cover theory work through lectures, assignments, tutorials and taught modules. Assessments will take place on a continuous basis with written examinations and practical assignments combined in order to achieve a qualification.

You could also consider work experience or a work shadow in the industry. Try and get some administration experience with an occupational psychology consultancy or a human resources department and volunteer, if possible, to take on more people-focused activities. Relevant work experience is a good way of demonstrating a genuine interest in the field and is regarded favourably by employers.

Work Experience will not only give you the opportunity to obtain a deeper knowledge and understanding of the industry, it will also give you a chance to do some essential networking with other industry professionals and gain valuable contacts for the future.

Career options

After completing a Work and Organisational Psychology/Behaviour course you will be able to get started in a career that uses specific knowledge of how people behave at work in order to increase their productivity, job satisfaction and the overall effectiveness of an organisation.

As an occupational psychologist, you'll apply psychological knowledge, theory and practice to organisational issues in the workplace, such as culture and change, as well as issues at an individual or team level.

Focusing on employee performance and how individuals, groups and organisations function, your aim is to improve the effectiveness of the organisation and employee job satisfaction.

Your work overlaps with a range of areas including ergonomics, personnel management and time management. Collaboration is common with management, human resources officers and training and development officers, careers advisers and management consultants, business coaches, ergonomists and psychologists, trade union representatives and staff, both in teams and individually. You can work in a consultancy role or in-house as an employee of an organisation. As an experienced occupational psychologist, you may choose to move into self-employment and set up your own consultancy business.

Working hours will depend on whether you are self-employed, employed by a company with set business hours or if you are contracted to various businesses or companies. Working hours are generally 9 am to 5 pm, Monday to Friday, although you may occasionally have to work longer hours.

Related jobs include:

• Occupational psychologist
• Occupational hygienist
• Business adviser
• Careers adviser
• Equality, diversity and inclusion officer
• Health service manager
• Life coach
• Management consultant
• Recruitment consultant
• Training and development officer/manager
• Employee relations officer
• Ergonomist
• Human resources officer
• Office manager
• Training and development officer
• Arbitrator
• Civil Service Fast Streamer
• Mediator
• Operational researcher
• Recruitment consultant
• Sales executive
• Talent agent
• Trade union research officer

Further study

After completing a course in Work and Organisational Psychology/Behaviour you may choose to pursue further study in a specialist field to increase your knowledge base and skill set. Postgraduate study can also be used as a means to change career focus or to gain professional qualifications required to practise in certain career areas such as occupational health and safety, ergonomics and human resources.

FAQ

What is the importance of Work and Organisational Psychology/Behaviour? 

Organizational psychology is an area of psychology that is primarily concerned with aligning the interests of the company and the needs of its employees. It aims to improve the quality of life and conditions of employees to achieve greater performance and efficiency.

What skills could be helpful for a career in Work and Organisational Psychology/Behaviour?

Some skills that you may find beneficial when you are starting a career in Workplace or Organisational Psychology are:

• Excellent listening and communication skills
• Excellent motivational skills
• Excellent analytical and problem-solving skills
• great patience and the ability to empathise
• Ability to inspire trust and confidence in people from a wide range of backgrounds
• Ability to explain complex issues to people with little or no specialist knowledge
• Excellent observational skills coupled with the ability to interpret people's body language as well as what they say
• Ability to produce clear, concise written reports.

Where can I study Work and Organisational Psychology/Behaviour?

Explore your options here

 Did You Know?

• The concept of Organisational psychology has been around for a long time but was adopted more officially as a science around the turn of the 20^th century.
• The term ‘Psychology‘, has been derived from the Greek word ‘psyche’ translating as ‘breath, spirit, soul’ and ‘logia’ that corresponds to ‘study of’.
• It takes about 66 days for an average individual to make something a daily habit.
• An average individual’s mind wanders 30% of the time.
• The way an individual treats the employees at an establishment tells immensely about their character.
• Studies have shown that people in blue rooms are much more productive.