The COD master’s track consists of four specialist courses of 6 ec each. Specifically, the programme includes two core courses and a methodological course:

• Organisational Change and Consultancy 

• Conflict and Cooperation 

• Methodology: Analysing, Presenting, and Scientific Writing 

  And one of the following elective courses: 

• Organisational Creativity and Innovation

• Team Development through Action Research 

The courses are scheduled in the first two periods of Semester 1. The courses are designed based on the principles of active learning, taking a student-centered approach. In addition to lectures and self-study, we use a variety of teaching methods such as assignments, cases, seminars, tutorials and practicals in which students will actively work with the literature. The courses aim to develop both students’ academic (e.g., critical thinking, argumentation) and professional skills (e.g., organisational consultancy, conflict management), and focus on the application of theory and scientific insights to practical problems. As such, students are trained as scientist-practitioners who can work in a critical and evidence-based manner in the area of consultancy and organisational development.

In addition to the courses, the master’s track includes an internship (18 ec) and a thesis (18 ec). The master’s internship and thesis can be started only after completion of the courses (i.e., in period 3 of Semester 1) when the entry requirements are fulfilled. The entry requirements for the master’s internship include having passed two substantive courses of the master’s track (e.g.., Organisational Change and Consultancy, and Conflict and Cooperation). 

As of January, you can start your internship. The main focus of the internship is for you to demonstrate you can effectively apply the knowledge and skills obtained during your study in the professional practice. The duration of the internship must be at least 504 working hours during which you mostly work in practice in the role of a Work and Organisational psychologist. An important aspect of the internship is the execution of a specific Work and Organisational Psychology-related internship assignment. The internship can be fulfilled in The Netherlands or elsewhere in the world.

As of January, you will work on writing your Master’s thesis (18 ec). You will be asked to choose a topic from a list that you will receive in the second period of the first semester. You will be supervised by one of the teachers of the Work & Organisational Psychology team based on a step-by-step thesis planning guide. Previous topics include promoting long-term intergroup cooperation, transformation of creative ideas to innovative solutions, and situational leadership in work teams. 

The main difference between the WOP Master’s tracks is the focus of each track. The main focus of each track is reflected in the 2 or 3 mandatory specialist courses. The Master’s track Coaching & Vitality in Organisations focuses on (positive) occupational health psychology. The two core courses are Interventions in Occupational Health Psychology and Coaching. The Master’s track Human Resource & Career Management focuses on personnel psychology.

The two core courses are Human Resource Management & Psychological Assessment and Career Management. The Master’s track Consultancy & Organisational Development focuses on organisational psychology. The two core courses of this track are Organisational Change and Consultancy and Conflict and Cooperation. Finally, the Master’s track Sport and Performance Psychology focuses on improving performance at work or in sport. The 3 mandatory specialist courses of this track are Essentials in SPP, New Horizons in SPP and Interventions in SPP. 

Yes, the Master’s tracks Coaching & Vitality in Organisations (CVO), Consultancy & Organisational Development (COD), and Human Resource & Career Management (HRCM) have some overlap. Some courses are shared by two tracks. For one track it might be a mandatory course and for another track it might be an elective course. Therefore, it is good to think about which courses you are most interested in, to compare the Master’s tracks and to see which track fits best. 

You will have weekly lectures or other forms of literature discussion sessions for all courses, practicals or working group sessions for some, and a number of professional skills trainings. However, a large part of your program consists of self-study and working on assignments, that can either be focused on practical application or on theoretical elaboration. Lectures and other types of meetings are scheduled on campus on 3 to 4 days of the week. Attendance is compulsory for all courses. 

• Lectures: approx. 6 hours per week  
• Tutorials/practicals: approx. 5 hours per week  
• Self-study: approx. 31 hours per week 
• Study load per week: 42 hours (21 hours per course)