Required courses

PSY511 - Psychology & Work Today: An Introduction to Work Psychology
This course introduces key concepts, theories and practices of psychology applied to the workplace. Students will be equipped with basic knowledge of work psychology that helps our understanding and management of the world of work today.

PSY 512 - Personnel Psychology
This course is designed to expose postgraduate students to personnel psychology. It will cover key areas in the field of personnel psychology, including job analysis, performance evaluation, employee selection, training, etc. Practical and legal implications of the personnel practices will be discussed.

PSY 513 - Organisational Psychology
This course introduces students to the field of organisational psychology, which is the study of human behaviour in groups and organisations. Students will learn about the dynamics between individuals and groups, and how these dynamics affect individuals’ behaviors in organisational contexts. Students will build their knowledge by learning the principles underlying the analysis and understanding of human behaviors in organisations.

PSY 514 - Occupational Health Psychology
This course will provide students with an introduction to theories and practices in occupational health psychology within the emerging field of positive psychology. The important dynamic relationship between work and the workers is highlighted. In line with the development of positive psychology, this course offers a platform for an impressive blend of research, discussion and training in human strengths in promoting workers’ health and well-being, thereby enhancing the experience and consequences of work itself.

PSY 515 - Research Methods in Work Psychology
This course provides an overview of practical research methods used in workplace settings. Students will learn key concepts in conducting research, such as sampling techniques in data collection, reliability and validity in psychological assessment, and the use of appropriate research design for a particular research question, such as survey and observation methods. Students will also learn to use correct statistical skills in handling and analysing data, and research ethics in recruiting humans as participants. The course emphasises underlying principles and practical application. Students will have hands-on practice in actual data analyses using common statistical software as well as company/site visits.

Elective courses

PSY 601 - Psychology of IT at Work
This course is designed to introduce the sub-discipline of human computer-interaction (HCI) to students. This course will cover the basics of HCI with a focus on information technology (IT) in work settings. The course will examine principles, techniques and methods in HCI research in relation to practical IT applications. An overarching theme of this course is to teach students to think about technology in relation to organisational psychology, safety, work efficiency and effectiveness.

PSY 602 - Human Relationship and Interpersonal Skills in Organisations
This course emphasizes the understanding and development of effective interpersonal skills and strategies in verbal and non-verbal communication in organisations. Personal, situational, and cultural influence on human interaction will be addressed. Key topics in this course include interpersonal dynamics, listening skills, conflict management, effective negotiation, communication in work team, business communication styles, etc. Video clips will be used to demonstrate effective and ineffective communication. Group discussion will be facilitated to discuss factors which may influence the interpersonal communication process.

PSY 603 - Seminar on Selected Issues in Work and Organisational Psychology
The focus of this seminar is to critically examine current issues and controversies in the areas of work and organisational psychology. Recent theoretical developments and emerging viewpoints are emphasized.

PSY 604 - Consumer Psychology
This course aims at providing a clear understanding of the principles and concepts of consumer behaviour. The course mainly focuses on the consumer as an individual and provides both the micro and macro perspectives of the factors influencing consumers. It emphasizes how the basic psychological process (e.g., personality, perception, memory, persuasion, etc.) and social and cultural factors (e.g., group dynamics, family, social class, etc.) affect consumer behaviours (e.g., brand attitudes, brand loyalty, decision making, etc). Students will learn how to use the knowledge of consumer psychology to develop effective marketing tactics. It is hoped that after completing the course, students will be able to think like marketers and be better consumers.

PSY 605 - Coaching and Counselling in the Workplace
This course is intended as an introduction to the basic concepts and issues of workplace coaching and counselling. Various problems faced by employees that hinder their professional and personal growth are also examined in order to promote civility, teamwork, work-life balance, and well-being in the workplace.

PSY 606 - Applied Positive Psychology at Work
This course introduces new developments in positive psychology, specifically the applied positive psychology perspective, to enhance happiness, resilience, well-being, individual health, and performance/productivity of institutions. The course also highlights positive psychology ideas and science, and some psychological capacities such as Psychological Capital to psychological intervention in different work settings.     

PSY 607 - Social Problem Solving and Decision Making in the Modern World
This course introduces students to social problem solving models to help them find ways to effectively deal with problems in their day-to-day lives. Life is a dynamic process, filled with many flourishing experiences which make life meaningful. However, when some experiences become troublesome or involve problems, people may face uncertainty and be unable to cope effectively. Hence, the study of social problem solving deals innovatively with different types of problems including intrapersonal problems (such as emotional or personal health), interpersonal problems (such as marital conflict, domestic violence), and impersonal problems (such as insufficient finances). Topics of interest include conflict management, suicide risk, decision-making, and financial investment.

PSY 608 - Guided Research
This course aims to provide students with hands-on research experience. In particular, a research project related to work and applied psychology will be conducted. In their projects, students will implement research ideas by extending theories and research skills that they have learned and acquired. They will produce a research report under the supervision of the instructor.