Heriot-Watt University BA Management and Psychology

Introduction

Based in Scotland with three campuses around the world, Heriot-Watt University (www.hw.ac.uk) is the eighth oldest higher education institution in the UK.   The name commemorates George Heriot - the 16th century financier to King James, and James Watt - the great 18th century inventor and engineer.    The University focuses on delivering research and teaching of international standing, providing innovative and problem-solving capacity for business, industry and society, and exploiting novel multi-disciplinary approaches.  Heriot-Watt University offers their MSc, PG Diploma and PG Certificate in Business Psychology as a supported Distance Learning programme through Approved Learning Partners (including B&B) worldwide.

Course Overview

Psychology studies and analyses human functions and behaviour so as to predict and shape actions.  The Business Psychology programme provides detailed understanding of the many and varied applications of psychology to organizations.The MSc/PGDip/PGCert is designed to equip students with the right tools for developing into consummate business operators. Students will receive training in all aspects of psychology relevant to a career in business; allowing a better understanding of the business environment and of consumer behaviour.

Course materials emphasize lessons for actual business practice, addressing optimal means of designing products, how to attract customers, how to get the most out of and lead employees and how to successfully manage change in commercial organizations.

Accreditation and Future Progression

The HWU MSc, PGDip and PGCert in Business Psychology is accredited internationally through the Royal Charter of Heriot-Watt University.   The Royal Charter is the official recognition granted to universities in the UK.   To maintain this award, the systems of HWU are assessed and approved periodically by the Quality Assurance Agency for Higher Education (www.qaa.ac.uk) the national regulator of standards and quality in higher education in the UK.  The psychology programmes are also accredited by the British Psychological Society.

We have submitted an application to the University Council of Jamaica seeking the local (Jamaican) accreditation of the HWU programmes.  It is expected that this will be received in 2011.   

Graduates will be well-prepared for a variety of careers in Commerce, Business Management, Industry, Education, Public Administration, as well as careers within the psychology profession itself. Graduates may also decide to use the skills learnt to establish a successful business.

What you will cover

Consumer and Economic Psychology, Ergonomics, Leadership, Psychology of Coaching, Diversity, Social and Organizational Change, Research Methods, Organizational Culture, Research Project.

Entry Requirements

To pursue the MSc and PGDip, entrants should have a degree in any subject area or may also be allowed an open-entry through the Mature Student Entry Route (MSER), i.e. 10 or more years of business experience.

Students may enter the PGCert providing that they have five years experience. Successful completion of the PGCert will allow transfer onto the PGDip or MSc.

Interim/exit awards

Students do not have to wait to complete the entire programme before they can be recognized for their accomplishments.   Passes in 4 courses including at least one core lead to the award of a Postgraduate Certificate in Business Psychology.   Passes in 8 courses including at least one core lead to a Postgraduate Diploma in Business Psychology.

Key Programme Dates

There are two class periods for the programme each year - January to May and July to November.   The respective registration deadlines are November 30 and May 30.  Examinations are held in June and December.

Classes in the programme will be held on Sundays between the hours of 9:00 AM and 4:00 PM.

Duration

Students may take up to seven years to complete the MSc and four years to complete the PGDip or PGCert. The course is divided into eight taught modules plus a MSc project. Each of the taught module is worth 15 credits, while the MSc project is worth 60 credits.

In order to obtain the MSc, students must obtain 180 credits. In obtaining the PGDip, students must obtain 120 credits and for the PGCert, 60 credits.