Psychology training can prepare you for the new workplace realities and help you to excel, even in the face of challenges

Our lives have been drastically altered by the Covid-19 pandemic, not least how we work. With more employees operating from home than ever before, the workplace culture has been radically reinvented, creating a need for new collaboration and engagement models.

In these times of unprecedented upheaval in the world of work, applied psychological knowledge can give managers and other professionals the edge when it comes to addressing the human aspect of any business or workplace issue, says Associate Professor Jonathan Ramsay, Academic Head of the School of Social and Health Sciences in the Singapore campus of James Cook University (JCU).

He adds: "Working in this VUCA world can be stressful, but it's important to remember that there are specific psychological attributes - skills, mindsets, attitudes, values - that not only confer resilience but also allow people to thrive in this kind of environment.

"Training in psychology not only helps you understand your strengths and growth areas in this regard, but also helps you understand how to bring out the best in others, whether through management, training, coaching or other methods."

In addition to being a broad and versatile discipline, psychology enables one to gain a wealth of transferable skills, ranging from softer interpersonal and intercultural skills to harder ones like research design and data analysis. In Singapore's increasingly skills-based job market, this could increase an individual's employability.

Building on traditional strengths

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In Singapore, JCU has long been known for its Bachelor of Psychology Science and Master of Psychology (Clinical) degrees. The latter is one of only two clinical psychology master's programmes in Singapore.

The JCU difference

As well as the unique thrust of some of JCU's programmes, its strong psychology faculty team, both in terms of teaching quality and research, sets it apart from many other institutions in Singapore.

In addition, the university's psychology programmes are regularly reviewed and enhanced to ensure the best training for students, whether they intend to become psychologists or plan to use their knowledge and skills in other careers.

JCU's new and established psychology programmes also offer a quality blended learning experience, making the most of the advantages that technology provides while maintaining a strong focus on taking classes in person.

The university is now looking to leverage its psychology and business programmes to make the most of Singapore's status as a global business hub. Earlier this year, it introduced a new Master of Psychological Science (majoring in Business Psychology) programme, and in November, it will offer a Graduate Certificate in Psychological Science.

The Graduate Certificate of Psychological Science is a short programme - four months full-time or eight months part-time - designed to introduce psychology to those without any background in the subject. Additionally, it offers those without a psychology undergraduate degree a path towards earning a Master of Psychological Science degree (with an emphasis in Business Psychology).

The Master of Psychological Science (majoring in Business Psychology) programme is the only business psychology programme currently offered in Singapore. A Masters by Coursework degree, it equips students with the knowledge and skills to perform effectively across a range of business functions.

For example, it prepares them to communicate effectively and to better understand key issues such as work performance and interpersonal dynamics. Also, they will learn to appreciate the range of perspectives of internal and external stakeholders and, most importantly, apply a science-based approach in achieving organisational goals.

Aimed at the working crowd

Except for two of JCU's psychology courses, all the other programmes are available on a part-time basis, making them particularly convenient for mid-career professionals who need to work full-time while going to school to enhance their psychology expertise.

Assoc Prof Ramsay notes that such knowledge and expertise are crucial for many mid-career professionals, who often have to take on managerial responsibilities as part of their advancement.

He elaborates: "With this comes an expectation that you can lead, motivate, support, and develop a team of individuals, each with their own personalities, strengths, aspirations, and interpersonal styles. Without an understanding of psychology, one cannot fully appreciate how and why people act, think and feel the way they do."

JCU's part-time psychology programmes equip working professionals with this knowledge and, more importantly, the ability to apply it to the people-related challenges and opportunities they face in their careers.

What's more, these programmes are widely applicable and have a broad range of target markets. They are designed to be flexible enough to cater to seasoned and less experienced professionals across many industries and business functions. Assoc Prof Ramsay encourages JCU's psychology students to apply their new knowledge to their current and past work experiences, as well as to their personal lives.

He adds: "This will benefit all students, but especially those seeking to upskill for career advancement."

Click here to find out the right part-time degree programme at JCU for you.