Business Psychology | BSc (Hons) | University of Lincoln

Siobhan Wray - Programme Leader

Siobhan Wray is a Senior Lecturer in Organisational Behaviour and Programme Leader for BSc (Hons) Business Psychology.

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LIBS100 Funded Field Trips

Business School students can broaden their horizons and see international business in action by joining funded international field trips to exciting overseas destinations.

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Welcome to BSc (Hons) Business Psychology

Understanding what motivates and influences people, and aligning these to the needs of an organisation, is a key driver of success in today's competitive global market.

Business Psychology is a field of study that can help to improve employees' wellbeing and performance, investigating how human aspects in the workplace can help businesses to become more effective and profitable.

This degree aims to develop students' understanding of human and organisational behaviour. It enables them to gain core management and leadership capabilities to create better, more efficient organisations.

Aside from the core study of business psychology, students are encouraged to learn about contemporary issues, including marketing, demographics, the impact of technology, and classic theories of psychology on consumer behaviour.

The course introduces the use of data analytics and theories of human behaviour alongside models of business and organisational behaviour. Teaching covers a broad field of knowledge, from a range of subject areas, giving students the opportunity to develop an in-depth understanding of the interrelation of psychology and business.

How You Study

The BSc (Hons) Business Psychology is a joint programme between the School of Psychology and Lincoln International Business School. It seeks to enable students to enter the career market with specific knowledge, skills, and attitudes to make successful work-based decisions and interventions.

All modules are carefully designed to enable students to take charge of their own learning and develop their understanding of the behaviour of people in business and how this can be applied in different organisational contexts.

The first year offers an introduction to the psychological theories and frameworks behind human interaction in the workplace. This is developed further in the second and third years, where students can explore some of the main methods and techniques deployed by psychologists. They can develop critical evaluation skills with an emphasis on the application of theory and practice in a range of scenarios.

Students are expected to apply these theories in practice, taking a global perspective of business, and may work on team projects with client organisations. They have the opportunity to think and act as leaders, developing their knowledge of management, coaching, people leadership, and marketing.

Contact time can be in workshops, practical sessions, seminars, or lectures, and may vary from module to module and from academic year to year. Tutorial sessions and project supervision can take the form of one-to-one engagement or small group sessions.

What You Need to Know

We want you to have all the information you need to make an informed decision on where and what you want to study. To help you choose the course that’s right for you, we aim to bring to your attention all the important information you may need. Our What You Need to Know page offers detailed information on key areas including contact hours, assessment, optional modules, and additional costs.

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An Introduction to Your Modules

† Some courses may offer optional modules. The availability of optional modules may vary from year to year and will be subject to minimum student numbers being achieved. This means that the availability of specific optional modules cannot be guaranteed. Optional module selection may also be affected by staff availability.

Appraising and Applying Psychological Evidence in Work Contexts 2022-23BUS1808MLevel 42022-23This 15-credit module aims to equip first year Business Psychology BSc students with the skills needed to appraise and apply psychological evidence in work contexts. In doing so, this module introduces students to both academic and practical understandings and applications of research and non-research evidence in the workplace, familiarising them with the role of a business psychologist. The module also provides students with a crucial underpinning in critical evidence appraisal required across their degree for understanding classroom teaching, independent enquiry and improving performance on assessments. Further, it aims to support student development into evidence-based practitioners of the future.CoreBrain, Behaviour & Cognition 2022-23PSY1160MLevel 42022-23This module aims to introduce students to a wide range of topics outlining the structure and functions of the brain and nervous system, and the relationship between these brain structures and the behaviours, both covert and overt, resulting from them. The module serves as the foundation for the second year core module in cognition, and a number of elective modules expand on ideas introduced here.CoreDeveloping Individual in Society 2022-23PSY1162MLevel 42022-23This module provides an introduction to three major areas of psychological theory and research, Developmental, Social and Individual psychology. The topics are covered in Semesters A and B respectively and grouped thematically. Content across all topics is embedded in the context of major, relevant general, developmental, social and individual differences theories.CoreIntroduction to Business Psychology 2022-23MGT1026MLevel 42022-23This module aims to provide students with a comprehensive introduction to the study of individuals behaviours, thoughts and emotions in business and organisational settings. The mainstream theories concerning business, work and organisational psychology will be presented along with the techniques deployed for research and practice. A greater emphasis will be placed on several topics varying from the most investigated psychological constructs to the range of skills and competencies valued by clients and employers in the job market.CorePrinciples of Marketing 2022-23MKT1001MLevel 42022-23This module is designed to provide an introduction to the theory and practice of marketing. Students will have the chance to examine the key concepts and issues of marketing.CoreJudgement & Decision Making: Theory and Practice 2023-24BUS2656MLevel 52023-24This module aims to provide students with a comprehensive introduction to the study of judgement and decision making in psychology, and to the application of theory in organizational settings. Key psychological theories of judgement and decision making will be presented and examined within organizational settings. Students will be encouraged to evaluate and apply key theories and evidence from the literature to judgement and decision making at the individual, team and organizational levels. Key methods for research and intervention evaluation will be examined.CoreNew Ways of Working 2023-24MGT2040MLevel 52023-24This 15-credit module aims to equip students with an understanding of the ways in which work is defined and experienced in the 21st century. There have been significant changes to the external business context in recent years driven by technology, changing customer demands, demography and globalization. Business psychologists can bring their understanding of people's behaviour, thoughts and emotions to the leadership and management of people engaged in work activities. Students will draw on much of the learning in the module Introduction to Business Psychology, applying psychological theories and techniques to this developing field. Weekly workshops will enable students to understand how working patterns and practices have evolved over time and how management processes may differ depending on context. Students will be expected to develop their own analytical skills when reviewing real-life case studies of working practices.CorePsychological Assessment & Psychometrics 2023-24PSY2174MLevel 52023-24The module aims to provide an introduction into psychological assessments using psychometrics, including questionnaires and scales. Based on the established theoretical and research context, this module will consider a range of assessment tools used in psychology to assess an individuals behaviour or behavioural disposition, and provide an introduction into psychometric test development. The modules also aims to provide students with the opportunity to administer, score, and interpret psychological tests.CoreResearch Methods for Business Psychology 2023-24BUS2657MLevel 52023-24This module prepares students for undertaking research for their dissertation, developing and evaluating interventions and for any research they will undertake in employment. It provides an overview of core principles of research methods they are likely to utilise in future research. The module introduces various qualitative and quantitative methods of data collection and analysis. In the context of qualitative data, students will learn how to conduct, transcribe and analyse semi-structured and open-ended interviews and other forms of text. The principles and procedures of survey design and statistical modelling will also be discussed; with students using appropriate computer-based statistical software, such as Stata, Eviews and SPSS, to analyse data.CoreTeam Dynamics 2023-24BUS2658MLevel 52023-24This module aims to equip students with a broad understanding of group behaviour in an organisational setting. The ability to work effectively in a team and build positive relationships with clients and colleagues is integral to the work conducted by Business Psychologists. Throughout this module, students will be encouraged to think critically about research in this area, their own practice, and the problems and issues they see in organisations. Weekly workshops will introduce students to some of the important psychological processes which occur in groups. Practical exercises will be used to support students to develop and improve a range of skills vital to effective teamwork and expected by graduate employers. These include decision-making, interpersonal communication, conflict management and project management skills, as well as others associated with developing personal effectiveness and credibility at work. Students will have the opportunity to apply these skills outside of the classroom by working in small teams on a community engagement learning project. Students will be supported through this process by a series of tutorials. By the end of the module, students will have compiled a portfolio of reflections and evidence which can be used to inform the design of future team building and team training interventions.CoreBuyer Behaviour 2023-24MKT2017MLevel 52023-24This module is designed to equip students with the knowledge and skills to understand what buyer behaviour is, why it is important for marketers and organisations; and how to initiate customer research activities to explore the increasing complexity of customer behaviour. The focus will be primary on consumer behaviour, but in addition important attention will be paid to business and organisational buyer behaviour.OptionalCharacter Strengths and Virtues 2023-24PSY2172MLevel 52023-24This module aims to offer students a critical introduction to the area of positive psychology referred to as character strengths and virtues. At the turn of the millennium positive psychology was launched with a multimillion dollar international research programme that aimed to identify the psychological strengths of character that are celebrated worldwide. As a result the VIA (Values in Action) classification of strengths and virtues was published. It aimed to identify character strengths in the same way that psychiatric diagnostic systems classify psychological disorder. Since the publication of the classification handbook in 2004, the 24 strengths identified have been the subject of thousands of empirical studies across the planet.OptionalCross Cultural Management 2023-24MGT2034MLevel 52023-24This module is designed for students who are thinking of a career in the international arena. It will be of use to anyone interested in working in multinationals or those interested in understanding how business is conducted across different culturesOptionalHealth Psychology 2023-24PSY2182MLevel 52023-24The module aims to introduce the area of Health Psychology to students by covering the theoretical approaches taken in this area of psychology and using several health-related topics to provide a more in-depth consideration of specific theoretical and research contexts.OptionalLIBS International Year Abroad 2023-24MGT2286MLevel 52023-24Lincoln International Business School (LIBS) believes that an option to study overseas is a valuable educational opportunity for our students. The optional year is intended to: -enable students to benefit from studying similar subjects within a cross cultural environment, by exposing students to a wider academic and cultural experience; -facilitate reflexivity in learning and personal and professional development; -enhance their future employment opportunities by increasing their cultural and professional mobility. This module is optional for all taught on campus undergraduate students within Lincoln International Business School. Study Abroad is a year long module which enables students to spend time studying abroad at one of the Universitys approved partner institutions. During the year spent abroad, students share classes with local students and study on a suite of locally-delivered taught modules which have been approved in advance by the University. As many partner institutions support internships it is anticipated that some students will elect to combine study (minimum one semester equivalent) with work and or a period of volunteering. Eligible students must have completed their second year of study to a satisfactory standard (normally with an average of a 2.2 or above, dependent upon partner requirements) standard and successfully completed the application process. Upon completion of the study period abroad, each student will be required to submit a portfolio including a reflection on the experience of living and studying in a different cultural environment and the skills acquired.OptionalPrinciples of Project Management 2023-24BUW2040MLevel 52023-24This module aims to provide a solid foundation in the theory and best practice of project management, with the aim of developing the practical skills of how to plan, implement and control projects. The module provides students with the chance to develop an understanding of the system perspective on management and a practically oriented introduction to the nature and purpose of project management and its key functions (scope, time, cost, quality, risk).OptionalSocial Theories and Applications 2023-24PSY2162MLevel 52023-24This optional module is designed to explore in greater depth some of the social psychological theories encountered on the degree programme. In this module, the issue of theory and application will be tackled in two ways. The early part of the module takes a series of human social behaviours as a start point and presents some of the competing theories that social psychologists have used to explain them. The later part of the module takes some of the social psychological theories as the start point and examines how successfully they have been applied to a series of human social behaviours.OptionalStrategic Management 2023-24BUS2654MLevel 52023-24The overall objective of module is for students to understand and rigorously apply the principal concepts, analytical frameworks and techniques of strategic management.OptionalBusiness Psychology in Practice 2024-25MGT3276MLevel 62024-25The 30-credit module Business Psychology in Practice will take an applied and evidence-based approach to exploring contemporary theoretical perspectives that underpin professional practice. This module will facilitate the development of intellectual, social and professional skills necessary to design and apply interventions in the workplace. The students will be stimulated to challenge some accepted models and critically reflect on their application in supporting individual wellbeing as well as personal and performance development, as well as wider organizational objectives. A broad range of topics will be covered and business case studies will be used to encourage student participation and critical engagement with the material.CoreDissertation (Business) 2024-25BUS3019MLevel 62024-25The dissertation is a major independent piece of work intended to develop a students ability to actively engage with core disciplinary issues. The dissertation focuses on analysis, synthesis, and critique. In undertaking dissertation research, students are required to demonstrate the ability to identify, organise, and select from a large body of material in order to produce a coherent, well-defined, and internally consistent representation of their findings.CoreCross-Cultural Psychology 2024-25PSY3125MLevel 62024-25This module aims to provide students with the opportunity to discuss concepts, theories and research methods in cross-cultural psychology, including analysis of psychological definitions of culture and cultural variables. Specific topics in social and developmental psychology are considered from a cross-cultural perspective, for example, cultural values, social roles and relationships, family organisation, and selected topics in child development.OptionalDiscourse 2024-25PSY3009MLevel 62024-25This module aims to develop students' knowledge of the development, theory and applications of the Discourse approach, which is a growing field within psychology. The module aims to introduce the Discourse perspective, in which language is seen as a means for people to do social actions: from blamings and invitations, to the establishment and maintenance of social relationships.OptionalGlobal Marketing Strategy 2024-25MKT3022MLevel 62024-25This module aims to consider the strategic and tactical marketing implications for companies operating in a rapidly changing and dynamic global business environment. The module gives students the opportunity to develop a range of skills which may enable them to think strategically and tactically in the context of this globalised business world. This module aims to provide you with the opportunity to develop an adequate understanding of the issues characterising international markets, such as the impact that macro and micro-environments have in international operations.OptionalHuman Resource Management (Level 3) 2024-25HRM3108MLevel 62024-25The main purpose of this module is to provide students with the opportunity to appreciate the importance of the Human Resource function in an organisational context. The module aims to explore and examine strategic as well as operational aspects of the function in the light of the contemporary business environment besides the social and ethical context.OptionalInvestigative and Courtroom Psychology 2024-25PSY3178MLevel 62024-25The module aims to introduce some of the key areas in Forensic Psychology that occur during the pre-conviction stage of a criminal investigation. Specifically, the module will focus on the police investigation and courtroom stage of the criminal process. It will explore a variety of established theoretical work and research within these domains and consider how this knowledge can be used to inform several key areas of the criminal investigation. The module will highlight the applied importance of Psychology to significant issues in the real-world.OptionalPatterns of Action 2024-25PSY3168MLevel 62024-25OptionalPsychology of Music 2024-25PSY3180MLevel 62024-25This is a module designed to help students to develop their knowledge of human interactions and responses to music. Over the course of the module, students will consider the ways in which we engage with, listen to, perform, and learn about music. This course will aim to provide a better understanding on the role of music in attachment, emotion regulation, social affiliation, the neurological overlap between music and language processing, and the development of humans as a species who enjoy music. Through explaining the research underlying the Psychology of Music we also aim to provide an understanding of how this field builds on and connects with other areas in psychology.OptionalRisk Perception, Assessment and Management 2024-25PSY3003MLevel 62024-25This module is designed to give students the opportunity to develop a critical awareness and understanding of psychological issues typically related to the assessment, perception, communication, management and governing of risk as it affects professional practices in such areas as public health, politics, the environment, science and technology, corporate communication, and clinical/forensic psychology.Optional

How you are assessed

The way students are assessed on this course may vary for each module. Examples of assessment methods that are used include coursework, such as written assignments, reports or dissertations; practical exams, such as presentations, performances or observations; and written exams, such as formal examinations or in-class tests. The weighting given to each assessment method may vary across each academic year.

The University of Lincoln aims to ensure that staff return in-course assessments to students promptly.

Fees and Scholarships

Going to university is a life-changing step and it's important to understand the costs involved and the funding options available before you start. A full breakdown of the fees associated with this programme can be found on our course fees pages.

Course Fees

For eligible undergraduate students going to university for the first time, scholarships and bursaries are available to help cover costs. The University of Lincoln offers a variety of merit-based and subject-specific bursaries and scholarships. For full details and information about eligibility, visit our scholarships and bursaries pages.

Entry Requirements 2022-23

United Kingdom

A Level: BBC (112 UCAS Tariff Points from a minimum of 3 A Levels or equivalent qualifications).

International Baccalaureate: 29 points overall.

BTEC Extended Diploma: Distinction, Merit, Merit or equivalent.

Access to Higher Education Diploma: 45 Level 3 credits with a minimum of 112 UCAS Tariff points.

A combination of qualifications which may include A Levels, BTEC, EPQ, etc.

Applicants will also need at least three GCSEs at grade 4 (C) or above, which must include English and Maths. Equivalent Level 2 qualifications may also be considered.

The University accepts a wide range of qualifications as the basis for entry. We will also consider applicants with extensive and relevant work experience and will give special individual consideration to those who do not meet the standard entry qualifications.

International

Non UK Qualifications:

If you have studied outside of the UK, and are unsure whether your qualification meets the above requirements, please visit our country pages https://www.lincoln.ac.uk/home/studywithus/internationalstudents/entryrequirementsandyourcountry/ for information on equivalent qualifications.

EU and Overseas students will be required to demonstrate English language proficiency equivalent to IELTS 6.0 overall, with a minimum of 5.5 in each element. For information regarding other English language qualifications we accept, please visit the English Requirements page:

https://www.lincoln.ac.uk/home/studywithus/internationalstudents/englishlanguagerequirementsandsupport/englishlanguagerequirements/

If you do not meet the above IELTS requirements, you may be able to take part in one of our Pre-sessional English and Academic Study Skills courses.

If you would like further information about entry requirements, or would like to discuss whether the qualifications you are currently studying are acceptable, please contact the Admissions team on 01522 886097, or email admissions@lincoln.ac.uk

"I realised that Business Psychology was the perfect route for me into studying business as it explores the individuals behind organisations that thrive. The course also had a nice combination between business and psychology modules, testing my strengths in different areas and continuing my learning across two subjects."

Sian Wainwright, BSc (Hons) Business Psychology graduate

Career Opportunities

Business psychologists may be employed in public, private, or voluntary sector organisations. Possible careers include marketing, human resource management, organisation development, career counselling, coaching, and learning and development. Graduates may pursue options in academic research and teaching.

Working in Partnership

Lincoln International Business School works with students and organisations to enhance the contribution of business to society. For students, that means developing their business skills and knowledge to improve their career readiness.

The University of Lincoln is a member of AACSB, a global nonprofit association connecting educators, students, and businesses to achieve a common goal: to create the next generation of great leaders. Find out more.

Visit Us in Person

The best way to find out what it is really like to live and learn at Lincoln is to join us for one of our Open Days. Visiting us in person is important and will help you to get a real feel for what it might be like to study here.

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Key Information

BSc (Hons) Business Psychology