IO Programs in UK?

[coldplate]

Hi everyone, first post here.

 

I have been thinking about IO psychology programs lately and I do not have a competitive GPA, my LSAT is at June and I have been looking at some schools for MSc in IO Psychology in the UK.

 

Does anyone know anything about them, i.e. the reputation of their programs in IO and whether or not it's a good idea to apply there?

 

I also tried to look in Asia for IO psychology programs and unfortunately cannot seem to find any.

 

Any advice would be much appreciated!

 

PS: if someone can tell me if IO psychology is heavy in research because I'm more interested in the practical aspect of things (though I don't mind research, but really I don't have much research experience, I do have experience volunteering in a crisis center and took a certificate course in peer counseling, so I have experiences and credentials in terms of interpersonal relationships, which I hope can be a + for IO in terms of dealing with people and consulting)

 

Much thanks in advance!

[chrono5g]

Do you plan on staying in the UK after you graduate?

[coldplate]

Most likely not, but who knows about the future

[chrono5g]

General consensus seems to be that IO programs abroad are not as developed as those in the states. If you plan on working in the states after graduating, I wouldn't bank on an overseas program. 

 

Lacking research experience can/will hinder your chances (at least in the states) of being admitted to a reputable IO program. Your experience with a crisis center and peer counseling are a definite plus for a counseling program, but I'm not sure how much it will help for an IO program (unless it was a RA or TA position). Consultation work is generally reserved for those who have a doctorate in IO. 

 

Also, why are you looking at IO programs if you are taking the LSAT in June? 

Edited April 6, 2015 by chrono5g

[coldplate]

Sorry, for that's a huge typo. I meant GRE.

 

Currently I do not have much research experience under my belt except for the experience with a crisis center and peer counseling program. I am not sure if that should deter me from applying because it seems like I won't have even a slim chance. 

[chrono5g]

Ha, that makes more sense. 

 

If you're applying for the Fall 2016 cycle, you still have time to rack up some research experience. It doesn't have to be directly related to IO (very few undergraduate programs allow students to take part in IO related research), but having general RA or TA experience will definitely increase your chances of admission. Are you still in school?

 

Also, don't let a subpar GPA scare you away. Study hard for the GRE, and kill it! You can make up for a low GPA with high GRE scores. 

Edited April 6, 2015 by chrono5g

[coldplate]

Thanks for the encouragement! I graduated last Spring, currently working in a peer counseling certificate program to get a good recommendation latter there and volunteering in the crisis center as well. I will try to land a RA experience but I might have to look for full time employment starting May of this year once my certificate ends. I'm really just trying to expand my options and see what masters I can apply to. Originally I'm interested in counseling but I'm not sure if I can see myself doing it for the years to come. Social work is also something that also stands out to me. IO appeals to me because of how interesting it is, but I'm not a very statistics heavy person, so that scares me a little as well.

 

I wish there was more information about the programs in UK because from what I heard their IO psychology programs focus more on practical/industrial aspect and not research, which happens to be the opposite of North America.

[UMG]

Hey, I don't know anything about IO programs abroad. But in the US, IO programs, at least the PhDs are very heavily resesrch focused. Terminal masters programs are much more applied, and might give you the experience you're looking for. Check out this site, lots of good information, also the author responds to almost all comments, and he is a professor at old dominion university, so maybe he can give you some perspective on programs in UK: http://neoacademic.com/2011/06/14/grad-school-should-i-get-a-ph-d-or-masters-in-io-psychology/#.VSu5pUb3bCQ