Plymouth Business School

MSc Business Psychology

Programme code 8002
Duration

1 year
Course type

Full-time, Part-time route available
Study location Plymouth
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The most successful organisations recognise that understanding human behaviour is their greatest competitive advantage. Our MSc in Business Psychology equips you with insights into workplace dynamics and organisational success, whether you're starting your career or seeking advancement. Through real-world projects and industry experience, we combine psychological insights with practical business applications, developing your ability to influence workplace behaviour and drive positive change.

Careers with this subject
Graduates enter a job market where business psychology professionals are in high demand, particularly in fields such as HR, leadership, marketing, internal communications, sales, consulting, and organisational psychology.
Careers service
The University of Plymouth has a dedicated careers service supporting you from the moment you start your degree, to three years after graduation.
Careers advice is embedded into your academic programme through workshops, events, placements, networks - working with the academic staff teaching on your course. We also offer materials, networks and resources online through our 24/7 portal, and a wide-range of activities, opportunities and support centrally in the Careers Service space within the Student Hub.
We are here to help you to explore, connect and succeed.

Key features
  • Discover how psychological principles drive business success through our cutting-edge programme that combines the latest research with real organisational challenges.
  • Work alongside industry professionals on live consultancy projects, turning psychological theory into practical business solutions through hands-on workshops and genuine workplace challenges.
  • Build your professional portfolio by tackling real organisational projects, where you'll apply psychological insights to solve complex business problems and drive strategic change.
  • Experience dynamic learning through intensive workshops, collaborative projects, and expert-led seminars designed to prepare you for a global business psychology career.

Course details

  • Year 1

  • Behavioural Insights in Consumer Behaviour
    The module will outline the different ways in which individual and corporate consumer behaviour can be understood, analysed and influenced. You will assess how you might encourage desired behavioural change in consumers and stakeholders.
    Leading, Managing and Developing People
    This module will provide an introduction to the complexities of leading, managing and developing people in the workplace. It is one of the core areas in the field of both Human Resource Management and Management, and through an exploration of both relevant theory and practice, it seeks to develop a critical understanding of the complexities and contested nature of leadership and management and the opportunities for leading and developing people, groups and organisations.
    Business Psychology Consultancy
    In a landscape where organisations grapple with complex people-related challenges, Business Psychology Consultancy offers students vital skills to diagnose, design, and implement interventions. From navigating ethical dilemmas to evaluating impact, this module cultivates ethical decision-making and reflective practice essential for effective consultancy.
    Recruitment, Selection and Development
    Struggling to recruit, select, develop, and retain top talent? Our module tackles this challenge head-on, offering insights into effective selection, learning interventions, and performance management strategies. Explore cutting-edge tools and techniques to optimise your organisation's talent pipeline and drive success.
    Retention and Wellbeing
    Explore workplace well-being and motivation in our dynamic module. From talent retention to social intelligence, delve into stress management, emotional resilience, conflict resolution, and organisational needs assessment. Gain practical strategies for navigating today's workplace challenges and fostering optimal performance.
    Capstone Project
    In this capstone project, you will synthesise and apply learning from the taught element of the programme to a project of your choosing. There is scope for you to undertake a broad range of project types, including consultancy, business analysis, business development or academic study.

    Core modules

    HRL7008
    Leading, Managing and Developing People

    This module will provide an introduction to the complexities of leading, managing and developing people in the workplace. It is one of the core areas in the field of both Human Resource Management and Management, and through an exploration of both relevant theory and practice, it seeks to develop a critical understanding of the complexities and contested nature of leadership and management and the opportunities for leading and developing people, groups and organisations.

    MKT7006
    Behavioural Insights in Consumer Behaviour

    The module will outline the different ways in which individual and corporate consumer behaviour can be understood, analysed and influenced. You will assess how you might encourage desired behavioural change in consumers and stakeholders.

    PBS7000
    Capstone Project

    In this capstone project, you will synthesise and apply learning from the taught element of the programme to a project of your choosing. There is scope for you to undertake a broad range of project types, including consultancy, business analysis, business development or academic study.

The modules shown for this course or programme are those being studied by current students, or expected new modules. Modules are subject to change depending on year of entry.

Every postgraduate taught course has a detailed programme specification document describing the programme aims, the programme structure, the teaching and learning methods, the learning outcomes and the rules of assessment.

The following programme specification represents the latest programme structure and may be subject to change:

MSc Business Psychology 8002

Entry requirements
Normal minimum entry requirements are a 2:2 honours degree in any discipline, or an equivalent professional qualification. Candidates who do not possess a first degree or who have been awarded a third class honours or pass degree may be considered for the programme on the basis of previous work experience or relevant training.
If English is not your first language, you will need to have achieved at least 6.5 with a minimum of 5.5 in each element in IELTS or equivalent exams.
We welcome applicants with international qualifications. To view other accepted qualifications please refer to our
tariff glossary .

Fees, costs and funding
2024-2025 2025-2026
Home N/A £11,950
International N/A £18,950
Part time (Home) N/A £660
Full time fees shown are per annum. Part time fees shown are per 10 credits. Please note that fees are reviewed on an annual basis. Fees and the conditions that apply to them shown in the prospectus are correct at the time of going to print. Fees shown on the web are the most up to date but are still subject to change in exceptional circumstances. More information about fees and funding.

Postgraduate scholarships for international students

We offer several scholarships for international students who wish to study postgraduate taught (PGT) degree programmes.

How to apply

Apply online

When to apply

Most of our taught programmes begin in September. Applications can usually be made throughout the year, and are considered until programmes are full.

Before you apply

Familiarise yourself with the information required to complete your application form. You will usually be required to supply:
  • evidence of qualifications (degree certificates or transcripts), with translations if not in English, to show that you meet, or expect to meet the entry requirements
  • evidence of English language proficiency, if English is not your first language
  • a personal statement of approximately 250-400 words about the reasons for your interest in the course and outlining the nature of previous and current related experience. You can write this into the online application form, or include it as a separate document
  • your curriculum vitae or résumé, including details of relevant professional/voluntary experience, professional registration/s and visa status for overseas workers
  • proof of sponsorship, if applicable.
If you require further information take a look at our application guidance.

Disability Inclusion Services

If you have an impairment, health condition or disability, learn about the additional support the University provides .

International students

Support is also available to overseas students applying to the University from our International Office. Take a look at our how to apply information or email admissions@plymouth.ac.uk.

Submitting an application

Once you are happy that you have all of the information required you can apply using our online postgraduate application form (the blue 'Apply' icon on this page).

What happens after I apply?

You will normally receive a decision on your application within four weeks of us receiving your application. You may be asked to provide additional information; two academic/professional references, confirming your suitability for the course; or to take part in an interview (which in the case of overseas students may be by telephone or video conference) and you will be sent a decision by letter or email.
We aim to make the application procedure as simple and efficient as possible. Our Admissions and Course Enquiries team is on hand to offer help and can put you in touch with the appropriate faculty if you wish to discuss any programme in detail.
If you would like any further information please contact the Admissions and Course Enquiries team:
Telephone: +44 1752 585858
Email: admissions@plymouth.ac.uk

Admissions policy

More information and advice for applicants can be referenced in our admissions policy which can be found on the student regulations, policies and procedures page. Prospective students are advised to read the policy before making an application to the University.

On this programme you will....

Artificial Intelligence Technology - brain
Transform business performance through psychology
Learn how psychological principles drive organisational success. Develop practical approaches to enhance workplace performance, solve complex business challenges, and deliver measurable commercial impact.
Teamwork of business people assembling a brain jigsaw puzzle.
Connect professional theory with commercial practice
Experience the direct application of business psychology through live organisational projects. Work with industry partners to develop practical solutions, building professional expertise in this growing sector.
Concept of up skill and learning
Develop versatile business psychology expertise
Master psychological principles that enhance multiple business functions, from strategic leadership to marketing and commercial decision-making. Deliver impact across workplace culture, consumer behaviour, and organisational performance.

Modules overview

  • @Business psychology consultancy

  • @Recruitment, selection and development

  • @Retention and wellbeing

  • @Behavioural insights in consumer behaviour

  • @Leading, managing and developing people

  • @PBS7000 Capstone project

A new home to cultivate business leaders

Work is underway on the exciting new space for the Plymouth Business School.
When the new building opens, it will include an upgraded Bloomberg Interactive Learning Suite, where you learn how to analyse financial markets, as well as a Maritime Suite and a Language Lab.
Watch our video visualising what the new building will look like.

Bloomberg Interactive Learning Suite

Using cutting edge up-to-the-minute data to tap directly into the pace and excitement of financial markets.
Plymouth Business School’s ‘Bloomberg Lab’ brings real-world experience into the classroom, providing access to the same information used by leading banks, corporations and government agencies – deeply enhancing your academic studies. Bloomberg connects students to multiple disciplines in the world’s leading platform for business and finance news, data, analytics and research. With Bloomberg, your analytical skills move forward and you gain the competitive edge in today’s market, enhancing your employability and preparing you for a successful and proactive career.
Bloomberg interactive learning suite

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