Introduction
Scotland's only MSc combining Human Factors and Organisational Psychology. Develop expertise in workplace psychology and human-system interactions through our distinctive cross-industry approach.
Study Information
At a Glance
- Learning Mode
- On Campus Learning
- Degree Qualification
- MSc
- Duration
- 12 months
- Study Mode
- Full Time
- Start Month
- September
- Location of Study
- Aberdeen
The MSc Human Factors and Organisational Psychology is a unique programme in Scotland that combines expertise in human factors with organisational psychology. You'll learn to apply psychological principles to improve workplace performance, safety, and wellbeing across various industries.
This programme will equip you with the knowledge and skills to:
- Evaluate and improve workplace safety and performance
- Design and implement organisational interventions
- Assess and enhance non-technical skills across different industries
- Manage organisational change effectively
- Create and motivate high-performing teams
What You'll Study
This programme provides comprehensive training in human factors and organisational psychology. You'll explore how psychological principles and theories are applied in the workplace, while developing practical skills in research and assessment. By the end of this programme, you'll be able to:
- Apply human factors principles to evaluate and improve workplace systems and safety
- Design and implement evidence-based workplace interventions
- Assess non-technical skills and their impact on organisational performance
- Analyse organisational culture and its influence on workplace behaviour
- Conduct independent research in human factors and organisational psychology
- Stage 1
-
Your first term establishes fundamental knowledge in human factors and workplace psychology, introducing key theories and research methods.
Compulsory Courses
- Human Factors
- Professional Skills
- Psychology at Work (PS5059)
-
15 Credit Points
At some point in our lives we will, hopefully, enter the world of work and be met with some of the challenges and issues which confront organisations globally such as managing organisational change, how to create a talent pipeline and how to create high performing teams. This online module provides an opportunity for students to understand the role of Occupational Psychology in dealing with these challenges and how psychological theory underpins practice in the workplace and across organisations.
- Advanced Quantitative Methods and Analysis for Psychology (PU5054)
-
15 Credit Points
This course teaches students in the field of health psychology how to conduct high quality quantitative research and how to think and operate within a professional, ethical framework. The structure of the course reflects the logical flow of the research process itself, moving week on week from the planning of research (generating and refining research questions, evaluating evidence, designing studies), through study conduct (ethical practice, quantitative methods, measurement issues, data handling, research governance) to the statistical analysis, interpretation, reporting and dissemination of research findings (to academic, policy, public, and media audiences).
- Stage 2
-
Build on your foundation with advanced topics in organisational safety and positive psychology, while developing research expertise
Compulsory Courses
- Organisational Safety and Risk
- Qualitative Methods
- Critical Review
- Positive Psychology at Work (PS5541)
-
15 Credit Points
Positive psychology is “the scientific study of what goes right in life” and “what makes life most worth living” (Peterson, 2006). Focusing on what is right with people is increasing being successfully applied to the world of work thus creating work settings which provide the greatest satisfaction amongst workers and where people, teams and organisations flourish and thrive. This course considers how the application of positive psychology theory and models can help overcome organisational challenges such as change management, motivation and effective leadership.
- Stage 3
-
Apply your knowledge and research skills to conduct an independent thesis project in your area of interest within human factors or organisational psychology.
Compulsory Courses
- Thesis Project
We will endeavour to make all course options available. However, these may be subject to change - see our Student Terms and Conditions page.
Please refer to our Tuition Fees page for fee information for this programme, or contact study@abdn.ac.uk.
Fee Information
Additional Fee Information
- In exceptional circumstances there may be additional fees associated with specialist courses, for example field trips. Any additional fees for a course can be found in our Catalogue of Courses.
- For more information about tuition fees for this programme, including payment plans and our refund policy, please visit our Tuition Fees page.
Scholarships
All eligible self-funded international Postgraduate Masters students starting in September 2025 will receive an £8,000 scholarship. Learn more about this Aberdeen Global Scholarship here.
To see our full range of scholarships, visit our Funding Database.
How You'll Study
Learning Methods
- Individual Projects
- Lectures
- Research
- Seminars
Why Study Human Factors and Organisational Psychology?
- Unique Programme: The only combined Human Factors/Organisational Psychology MSc in Scotland.
- Distinctive Approach: Cross-industry focus providing broader perspective than single-industry focused programmes
- Expert Teaching: Learn from specialists in human factors and organisational psychology through our experienced academic team.
- Research Opportunities: Conduct independent research supported by our specialist research groups.
Entry Requirements
Qualifications
The information below is provided as a guide only and does not guarantee entry to the University of Aberdeen.
BPS-accredited Psychology 2.1 (upper second class) degree or BPS-accredited MSc Psychology conversion programme (commendation), or equivalent for international students.
Please enter your country or territory to view relevant entry requirements.
English Language Requirements
To study for a Postgraduate Taught degree at the University of Aberdeen it is essential that you can speak, understand, read, and write English fluently. The minimum requirements for this degree are as follows:
IELTS Academic:
OVERALL - 6.5 with: Listening - 5.5; Reading - 5.5; Speaking - 5.5; Writing - 6.0
TOEFL iBT:
OVERALL - 90 with: Listening - 17; Reading - 18; Speaking - 20; Writing - 21
PTE Academic:
OVERALL - 62 with: Listening - 59; Reading - 59; Speaking - 59; Writing - 59
Cambridge English B2 First, C1 Advanced, C2 Proficiency:
OVERALL - 176 with: Listening - 162; Reading - 162; Speaking - 162; Writing - 169
Read more about specific English Language requirements here.
Document Requirements
You will be required to supply the following documentation with your application as proof you meet the entry requirements of this degree programme. If you have not yet completed your current programme of study, then you can still apply and you can provide your Degree Certificate at a later date.
- Degree Transcript
- a full transcript showing all the subjects you studied and the marks you have achieved in your degree(s) (original & official English translation)
- Personal Statement
- a detailed personal statement explaining your motivation for this particular programme
Aberdeen Global Scholarship
Eligible self-funded Postgraduate Taught (PGT) students will receive the Aberdeen Global Scholarship. Eligibility details and further information are available on our dedicated page.
Aberdeen Global ScholarshipCareers
There are many opportunities at the University of Aberdeen to develop your knowledge, gain experience and build a competitive set of skills to enhance your employability. This is essential for your future career success. The Careers and Employability Service can help you to plan your career and support your choices throughout your time with us, from first to final year – and beyond.
- More information on employability at the University of Aberdeen
- More information on the Careers and Employability Service
Our Experts
Our programme brings together experts in human factors and organisational psychology, with research spanning various industries and workplace contexts. Their expertise directly informs the programme content.
areas include:
- Non-Technical Skills across multiple industries (aviation, healthcare, agriculture)
- Workplace behaviour and interpersonal dynamics
- Risk management and safety in high-risk industries
- Workplace wellbeing and support systems
- Organisational behaviour and workplace interventions
- Programme Coordinator
- Dr Amy Louise Irwin
- Other Experts
- Dr Peidong Mei
- Linda Engles
Information About Staff Changes
You will be taught by a range of experts including professors, lecturers, teaching fellows and postgraduate tutors. However, these may be subject to change - see our Student Terms and Conditions page.
Features
Eye Tracking Facilities
The School of Psychology has four in-house eye trackers. The Eyelink 1000 system allows the recording of eye gaze at a sampling rate of 1000 Hz.
Psychophysiology Centre
This facility consists of several spacious rooms that house electroencephalographic (EEG) equipment and sound-attenuated, shielded testing booths.
Get in Touch
Contact Details
- Address
-
Student Recruitment & Admissions
University of Aberdeen
University Office
Regent Walk
Aberdeen
AB24 3FX