Organisational Development and Change Management PgDip/MSc

The Organisational Development and Change Management PgDip/MSc is a flexible programme designed to meet the needs of those already working, or intending to work, in the area of organisational development and change in the public and private sector organisations. The programme is based on the latest research and practice in the field, combined with the practical application of new knowledge and skills to work-based situations.

What will you study?

The course will enable you to gain a critical understanding of contemporary practice as well as an in-depth knowledge of the competing perspectives of managing change and organisation development and their applicability within a wide range of complex organisational contexts. The range of topics and theory discussed will be of use to both public and private sector practitioners and managers.

PgDip students take five specialist modules. MSc students, in addition to the five modules, take a research methods module and a dissertation. 

Available modules

• Organisational Development and Planned Change

• Organisational Development and Planned Change

  Organisational Development (OD) is a process of planned change consisting of a cluster of approaches applied to organisational problems. This module focuses on theory and practice of developing of an understanding of the role and contribution made by OD. It will also help students develop their own role as change agents and understand the contemporary practice and experience of change management in organisations.

  
   
• Leadership, Change and Consultancy

• Leadership, Change and Consultancy

  This module is focused on understanding the leadership, processes and practice of change in organisations and the essential building blocks for organisational development. It considers:

  • organisational change from both proactive and reactive perspectives;
  • the current strategies that are implemented to manage such change;
  • a range of practitioner interventions focused on both development and change;
  • implications of change on motivation and performance;
  • theories of motivation, along with the evidence base for any relationship to performance;
  • links between leadership, change and motivation, along with implications for employee relations; and
  • the consultancy process and the importance of understanding the consultancy/contract cycle and ethical issues that may arise at each stage.

  This module covers two of the BPS-prescribed key knowledge dimensions, namely (i) employee relations and motivation and (ii) organisational development and change.

  
   
• Working with Complexity and Uncertainty

• Working with Complexity and Uncertainty

  This module focuses on understanding of theories and models of uncertainty and complexity how a systems-based worldview affects the way we take action as individuals and/or groups. It investigates some new ideas for organising alternative personal and organisational structures, while exploring practical ways to influence effective change in complex and uncertain environments.

  
   
• Strategic Leadership and the Management of Change

• Strategic Leadership and the Management of Change

  You will focus on developing your individual leadership skills within your organisation at a practical level whilst also developing an understanding of a range of current leadership theories. The theoretical foundations will be illustrated with examples including from a project context and integrated with practical exercises, and you will apply these theories to your own organisation. You will assess your own leadership style within the strategic context of your organisation, including leadership through change and continuity.

  
   
• Developing Skills for Business Leadership

• Developing Skills for Business Leadership

  A key purpose of this module is to encourage students to develop a strong sense of self-awareness and of their own strengths and weaknesses as managers and colleagues. The module is primarily concerned with the development of skills, and specifically seeks to develop and improve a range of definable skills that are pivotal to successful management practice and to effective leadership in a project context.

  
   
• Research Methods and Dissertation

• Research Methods and Dissertation

  This module focuses on the skills and knowledge needed for a masters research dissertation. Students learn to critically evaluate the literature, assess and develop the design of the research and the dissertation, understand ethical conduct, professional issues and practical constraints, the collection and analysis of data, and presentation of results.

  
   

The Faculty of Business and Law runs a number of postgraduate and post-experience open days. Visit us to find out how we can help you achieve your career ambitions.

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This course is taught by staff from Kingston Business School.

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