Psychology, Work and Organizational Psychology, Master Programme, 120 credits
120 credits
Do you want to learn more about people at work?
The programme will give you a deeper understanding of people and their interaction in professional life.
The programme targets national and international students with a bachelors degree and 90 credits in psychology, with an interest to specialize in one of the most important areas in modern applied psychology. A Master in Work and Organizational Psychology opens up opportunities for employment in a wide range of private and public organizations.
The programme contains elements of relevant practical activities. We have established links with public organizations and private companies in the region, and students have a valuable opportunity to interact with them at several points during the programme. We also have a range of external speakers from industry (some international) and alumni talks. The thesis research problem should have a clear link to work and organizational psychology and provides an opportunity to conduct research on real world problems with relevance to the modern workplace and organizations.
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Career
A qualified specialist in work and organizational psychology may work with the evaluation and development of organizations, with psychosocial issues, or as an internal consultant on organizational development. Since the programme has a significant element of intercultural competence, such a person could also provide important expertise in developing global strategies for multinational organizations.
Our graduates have gone on to work in a variety of environments, from modern start-up companies to large multinational organizations (including TESLA, Accenture, the United Nations, Daimler, PwC), government and charities.
Degree
Master of science (120 credits) with specialization in industrial and organizational psychology. Main study area: Psychology
Programme Coordinator
Important information about the programme
We speak, read, and write English in this program. Not only English, but academic English. You need to master academic English on a rather high level, so that you will be able to demonstrate that your learning curve is ascending. Most exams are written, and seminars and lectures are of course dependent on your oral performance.
This is an academic program with more focus on generic skills, and less on practical skills. The step from bachelor to master will be a big one, in one's abilities to approach any situation in work life with an analytical mind, scrutinizing approach, and not least with a critical eye. It is about maturation of thinking, of solving problems, creating solutions, etc. Also, a master degree will tell any future employer that you are a quick learner!
Quantitative methodology
Psychology relies heavily on quantitative methodology, though mixed methods, etc., are slowly advancing into the scientific community. Therefore, be prepared that you are expected to know at least basic statistics, e.g., t-test, correlation, ANOVA (Analysis of Variance) and MRA (Multiple Regression Analysis)
An education that gives the students a great foundation to choose any career path in organizational psychology
The Programme has helped lucija to further develop her interests. She appreciates the facilities at the university and in the future she would like to work in research.
Read the interview
- I was looking for Master’s programmes in Organizational Psychology and the one at the Linnaeus University caught my interest because the university seemed different than the universities that had a longer history. I was particularly amazed by the nature and lakes that surrounded the campus, which was in contrast quite modern looking. For me, it combined the best of both worlds, the university focused on innovation and entrepreneurship while nurturing the nature surrounding the campus site.
For Lucija it has been challenging to get used to a more flexible structure of courses, which is different from her previous educational experience. Al though, after getting accustomed she realized that it opened up possibilities for her. She also has a good relationship with the professors.
- It has been challenging for me, but also it has helped me to further develop my other interests, like participating in founding the student association for our programme or learning a new language.
Great facilities and study environment
Lucija appreciates the facilities at the university and that the professors are engaged in the students’ work.
- The University offers a great library with a lovely coffee shop and spaces for students that can be reserved for meetings and study groups, along with other restaurants across the campus. It makes campus a great place to do all of our studying and other school related work. The professors are very approachable and encourage feedback and I think that allows the university to improve constantly.
She is happy that she chose to study the programme. In the future she would like to stay in the academic world in some way.
- It gives a great foundation for students to choose any career path in organizational psychology, be that working in human resources, becoming a researcher or a data scientist. The programme focuses on learning to recognize quality research and apply it to modern day organizational issues. Furthermore, it teaches students to write and conduct research as well. I would like to stay in the academic area, by doing a PhD or just participating in research. My dream job would definitely revolve around doing research.
The programme covers a wide range of topics
Molly believes that the international aspect of the programme has been beneficial in her career. She appreciates the Swedish way of teaching and that students have the freedom to be creative in their learning. Today, she works a researcher at University of Strathclyde in Glasgow.
Read the interview
- As an international student studying at Linnaeus University, I found the people and atmosphere really welcoming, helpful and inclusive. I also enjoyed experiencing the Swedish teaching style as it’s very different from the British way of teaching. Particularly the flexibility and informality of classes, and the concept of only studying one course at a time. My class was also very international, which was a great way to meet new people from across the world, learn new cultures and make lifelong friends.
Today she is working as a Marie Curie Early-Stage Researcher on the DoSSIER project at University of Strathclyde in Glasgow, Scotland.
- DoSSIER (Domain Specific Systems for Information Extraction and Retrieval) is an EU Horizon 2020 funded project involving the participation of academic and industrial partners across Europe and the world to produce fundamental insights into how users interact with information in professional environments. My particular project is focused on measuring and modelling the cognitive cost and effort of users during the information-seeking process.
Molly feels that the international aspect of her education has been rewarding.
- I definitely think that the international aspect of my education has benefitted me in both my previous and current job, mainly in that it has opened my mind to new experiences and ways of thinking. The programme also emphasised a very collaborative approach to learning, which I think applies also to working with your team in a professional environment.
The programme itself has breadth and covers a wide range of different topics.
- I think there’s an opportunity to find out which areas of the field you are most interested in. When it comes to writing your thesis, I think the variety of courses on the programme really helps you reflect on what you’ve learned and to identify particular research areas that you would like to explore in more depth.
The programme comes with a lot of freedom, but you have to show discipline and not be afraid to take initiatives.
- I think the programme allows for a lot of freedom and creativity in what you learn and how you learn, so I think it would suit a person who is self-motivated and takes initiative for their own learning.
Student testimonials
Andrea Strinic
This program will allow you to learn more about various subjects within the field of Industrial and Organizational Psychology, but it also aims to allow you to explore your interests within these diverse subjects. It gives you the possibility of posing research questions and finding possible answers to topics that appeal to you. The structure of the program will allow you a great degree of freedom and independence, of course with continuous guidance and support. This is a great opportunity for you to delve deeper into Industrial and Organizational Psychology and explore your interests.
In today's times we are confronted with constant rapid change and a need for innovation, and organizational setting is no exception to that. Thus, the program aims not to only focus on knowledge that is relevant right now, but to equip you with a possibility of developing skills that will help you critically evaluate current knowledge, push it further and acquire the ability to quickly adapt and learn new things. Employers will have various demands, but we aim to give you the setting in which you will develop the needed skills to adapt to these demands.
Växjö – the student city with a living campus
Just south of Växjö’s city centre you will find Linnaeus University’s campus. In Växjö, many students choose to live on campus.
Here you will have five minutes’ walking distance to friends, restaurants, lecture rooms, gym, grocery store, the University Library, nature trails, and student pubs. If you live in another part of Växjö, you can quickly get to the university by bus or bicycle.
With its 90 000 inhabitants, Växjö is one of the fastest growing cities in Sweden. Here you will find the famous Småland entrepreneurship spirit and a lot of companies, for instance within the IT industry – perfect for when you are looking for an internship position or a job. Växjö is also a picturesque city where you are always close to forests and water.