The new MSc Business Psychology and Strategic People Management provides a unique opportunity to study the intersection between the psychology of work and organisations alongside major principles and practices of strategic human resource management. It demonstrates how successful development and management of people in the workplace has the potential to transform organisational performance, innovation and employee wellbeing.
Introduction
This comprehensive programme encompasses a wide range of core and elective topics, including psychological assessment at work, strategic leadership and organisational change, well-being and work design, learning and organisational performance, as well as contemporary topics in people management such as diversity, equality and workplace inclusion, ethics and sustainability, the emerging role of artificial intelligence in people management, as well as people analytics.
This programme strongly focuses on developing professional behaviours and skills and understanding how to critically leverage research evidence to inform responsible people management strategies and decisions. You will also be adept at interpreting people data and the latest research findings to enhance people management practices and optimise employee development, engagement, and wellbeing at work.
Additionally, you will learn how to apply theoretical concepts by engaging in real-world case study analysis and consultancy challenges and develop tailored solutions for addressing current business challenges in people management and the psychology of work. By combining the core principles of organisational psychology and human resource management, this MSc seeks to cultivate confident, competent and socially responsible people management leaders of the future.
Who is this course for?
This is an ideal programme for aspiring leaders, recent graduates, and professionals looking to specialise in the people-focused side of the business. You’ll gain hands on experience in real world challenges, preparing you to make a meaningful impact on employee wellbeing, engagement, and organisational success.
What you'll learn
Strategic Human Resource Management
Wellbeing and Work Design
Learning and Performance in the Workplace
Psychological Assessment at Work
Strategic Leadership
Organisational Change and Development
Contemporary Issues in People Management
Course content
Discover what you'll learn, what you'll study, and how you'll be taught and assessed.
Semester one
Modules will be delivered via innovative teaching practices featuring flipped classrooms, blended learning, industry speakers and authentic assessments. You will have the opportunity to gain in-depth knowledge of business psychology, including psychological assessment, wellbeing, work design and leadership, as well as detailed understanding and application of strategic human resource management practices including strategic learning, training and development, performance management and organisational change.
You will gain professional skills and practical experience through the use of real-world case studies to apply theoretical knowledge to applied scenarios, enhancing problem-solving, strategic thinking and critical evaluation.
You will also take part in group projects and collaborative assignments which will foster teamwork and leadership abilities, preparing students for managerial roles in business psychology and people management.
Any optional modules listed above are illustrative only and may vary from year to year. Modules may be subject to minimum student numbers being achieved and staff availability. This means that the availability of specific optional modules cannot be guaranteed.
Semester two
Modules will be delivered via innovative teaching practices featuring flipped classrooms, blended learning, industry speakers and authentic assessments. You will have the opportunity to gain in-depth knowledge of business psychology, including psychological assessment, wellbeing, work design and leadership, as well as detailed understanding and application of strategic human resource management practices including strategic learning, training and development, performance management and organisational change.
You will gain professional skills and practical experience through the use of real-world case studies to apply theoretical knowledge to applied scenarios, enhancing problem-solving, strategic thinking and critical evaluation.
You will also take part in group projects and collaborative assignments which will foster teamwork and leadership abilities, preparing students for managerial roles in business psychology and people management.
Any optional modules listed above are illustrative only and may vary from year to year. Modules may be subject to minimum student numbers being achieved and staff availability. This means that the availability of specific optional modules cannot be guaranteed.
How you'll learn
The course will be delivered by experienced academics in the Work Organisation and Management Department, via a combination lectures, seminars, and enhancement workshops to provide a comprehensive and blended learning experience.
How you're assessed
Students are required to complete 180 credits to achieve a full MSc.
Subject to meeting specific criteria outlined by the University, students will graduate with a Pass, Merit or Distinction.
Assessment tasks are varied, and some may be designed specifically to meet the learning outcomes of a particular programme of study, including through presentations, case study analyses and traditional timed exams. The weighting of individual components will vary from one module to another.
Liverpool Hallmarks
We have a distinctive approach to education, the Liverpool Curriculum Framework, which focuses on research-connected teaching, active learning, and authentic assessment to ensure our students graduate as digitally fluent and confident global citizens.
Your experience
Graduating from this programme will significantly improve your employability, helping you advance your career in business psychology, human resources, consultancy or management roles. Your ability to engage in critical, evidence-based decision-making to cultivate employee and organisational performance will make you highly competitive in the job market.
Supporting your learning
From arrival to alumni, we’re with you all the way:
Careers and employability support, including help with career planning, understanding the job market and strengthening your networking skills
A dedicated student services team can help you get assistance with your studies, help with health and wellbeing, and access to financial advice
Support for students with differing needs from the Disability advice and guidance team. They can identify and recommend appropriate support provisions for you.
This course is designed to boost employability in fields where understanding people dynamics and effective management are key. It will prepare you to advance in roles related to business psychology, human resources, consultancy, and people management. You will become an attractive candidate for organisations seeking to cultivate and effective leadership.
Career support from day one to graduation and beyond
You will gain practical experience by engaging with real worlds case studies and consultancy challenges, allowing you to apply theoretical knowledge in practical contexts.
You will develop the necessary skills for people management, including interpreting data, applying psychological assessments, and creating solutions for workplace challenges.
You will be prepared for a range of career opportunities, particularly in roles involving employee engagement, HR consulting, strategic leadership, and organisational development.
Fees and funding
Your tuition fees, funding your studies, and other costs to consider.
Tuition fees
UK fees (applies to Channel Islands, Isle of Man and Republic of Ireland)
Full-time place, per year
£14,000
International fees
Full-time place, per year
£30,000
Fees stated are for the 2025-26 academic year.
Tuition fees cover the cost of your teaching and assessment, operating facilities such as libraries, IT equipment, and access to academic and personal support.
If you're a UK national, or have settled status in the UK, you may be eligible to apply for a Postgraduate Loan worth up to £12,167 to help with course fees and living costs. Learn more about fees and funding.
Additional costs
We understand that budgeting for your time at university is important, and we want to make sure you understand any course-related costs that are not covered by your tuition fee. This could include buying a laptop, books, or stationery.
We accept a 2:2 honours degree from a UK university, or an equivalent academic qualification from a similar non-UK institution. This degree can be in any subject discipline.
International qualifications
If you hold a bachelor’s degree or equivalent, but don’t meet our entry requirements, you could be eligible for a Pre-Master’s course. This is offered on campus at the University of Liverpool International College, in partnership with Kaplan International Pathways. It’s a specialist preparation course for postgraduate study, and when you pass the Pre-Master’s at the required level with good attendance, you’re guaranteed entry to a University of Liverpool master’s degree.
International applicants who do not meet the minimum required standard of English language can complete one of our Pre-Sessional English courses to achieve the required level.
English language qualification
Requirements
IELTS
6.5 overall, with no component below 6.0
PRE-SESSIONAL ENGLISH
Do you need to complete a Pre-Sessional English course to meet the English language requirements for this course?
The length of Pre-Sessional English course you’ll need to take depends on your current level of English language ability.
Liverpool bursts with diversity and creativity which makes it ideal for you to undertake your postgraduate studies and access various opportunities for you and your family.
To fully immerse yourself in the university experience living in halls will keep you close to campus where you can always meet new people. Find your home away from home.
Discover what expenses are covered by the cost of your tuition fees and other finance-related information you may need regarding your studies at Liverpool.
Contact us
Have a question about this course or studying with us? Our dedicated enquiries team can help.
