Work & Organisational Psychology/Behaviour

The MSc in Work and Organisational Psychology/Behaviour at DCU Business School is the longest running specialised programme delivering organisational psychology education in Ireland.



The programme emphasises collaborative and participative team learning, and draws heavily on the experiences and insights of participants rather than on the lecturer as an expert.



CIPD gives out an award for the best dissertation for the MSc in Work & Organisational Behaviour and the MSc in Human Resource Management at Dublin City University and the sponsor presents the deserving candidates with the awards at the autumn graduation.



In essence, this programme is about people at work. Students learn about motivating and leading people, team building, developing trust and protecting employee well-being. The programme produces professionally qualified organisational psychologists and organisational behaviour specialists who can make significant contributions to organisations wishing to achieve optimal performance.



The programme aims to produce professionally qualified Organisational Psychologists and Organisational Behaviour specialists who shall:



-Develop the ability to objectively analyse specific and related aspects of the structure of an organisation and the tasks it performs;

-Have a complete understanding of both the measurement and influence of individual differences such as personality, motivation, leadership style and attitudes on organisational performance and efficiency;

-Be cognisant of the available methods of employee testing, appraisal and development, appropriate to organisational rationale;

-Be capable of analysing organisational staffing needs and prescribing job analysis, recruitment and selection techniques for that organisation;

-Develop distinctive psychological skills for the diagnosis of specific aspects of organisational behaviour and functioning such as training, decision-making, restructuring, problem-solving and job design;

-Develop the ability to aid organisations to embrace team working, multicultural workplace integration and innovative management techniques.

General Entry Requirements

For admission to the MSc in Work and Organisational Psychology (DC508) candidates must hold:



• A 2.1 Level 8 Honours degree in Psychology and relevant work experience



For admission to the MSc in Work and Organisational Behaviour (DC957) candidates must hold:



• A 2.1 Level 8 Honours degree in any discipline and relevant work experience



This programme is fully accredited by the Chartered Institute of Personnel Development and completion leads to graduate membership of C.I.P.D.



DC508 is also fully accredited by the Psychological Society of Ireland. For PSI membership (including graduate membership), please consult the PSI webpage as individual DWOP/PSI membership award decisions are made by the PSI.



As part of the application process applicants may be called for interview.



Due to the specialist nature of this programme, additional criteria may be used to assess suitability to undertake this programme. For further information, please contact the Programme Chair using the contact details above.



In addition, applicants who do not meet the academic requirements outlined above may be eligible for an offer of a place based on at least 7 years’ relevant managerial/organisational experience based on DCU’s Recognition of Prior Learning Policy (and at least a 2.2 degree for DC508). The process for approving such an offer involves an application and an interview with the Programme Chair and approval by the School’s Teaching & Learning Committee. The number of such places is limited in any given year so it is recommended that applicants considering this option apply early.

2 years part-time.

2025 Intake: Classes will be held on Wednesdays in first and second year of programme



*Note: Classes will be held on Tuesday’s on even years eg. 2024/2026/2028 and Wednesday’s on odd years eg. 2025/2027/2029

The programme commences in September 2025.

Note: Please ensure that you select the correct stream on your application:



DC957 – MSc in Work & Organisational Behaviour

DC508 – MSc in Work & Organisational Psychology

Career Prospects

From a careers perspective, this programme is ideal for professionals in senior management, leadership roles and those with an interest in organisational change management.



Alumni from this programme include: software engineers, school principals, doctors, project managers who chose the MSc Work and Organisational Psychology/Behaviour in order to effectively manage teams.



What kind of jobs do our graduates have?

People and Change Manager

Head of People Projects

Head of Global Commercial Recruiting

Ways of Working Coach

Senior Consultant

HR Projects, Engagement, and Communication Specialist

Organisational Development Consultant

Technical Recruiter

Global Learning & Development Business Partner