The Certificate of Organisational Psychology is a practical and comprehensive professional development program designed for professionals who want to better understand the people side of work. Whether you’re leading teams, shaping workplace culture, or managing HR practices, this course gives you the tools to apply psychological insights to real organisational challenges. It begins with a clear introduction to the field, unpacking core theories and the role of psychologists in the workplace—while equipping non-psychologists to apply these principles effectively in their own roles.
In this online organisational psychology course you’ll explore what drives people at work, learning key motivation theories and how they connect to job satisfaction, performance, and engagement. From goal-setting and recognition to meaning and purpose, this unit builds a solid foundation for improving workplace behaviour. Leadership and team dynamics are also core topics, with evidence-based insights into leadership styles, team development, group behaviour, and conflict management. You’ll learn how to foster trust, inclusion, and psychological safety across diverse teams.
The course also covers how organisations recruit, manage, and develop their people. You’ll explore evidence-based hiring practices, structured interviews, onboarding, performance management, coaching, and continuous employee development. You’ll learn how to use feedback and goal-setting more effectively, and how to support staff through growth mindset, mentoring, and targeted training.
Finally, the course addresses wellbeing and stress—highlighting why healthy, resilient teams are essential for long-term performance. You’ll learn how to manage workload, promote work-life balance, and build a culture that supports both performance and mental health. Across eight units, the Certificate of Organisational Psychology combines theory with action, giving you knowledge you can apply immediately to create better workplaces for yourself and others.
Course Structure
Certificate of Organisational Psychology
Unit 1: Introduction To Organisational Psychology
- Introduction to organisational psychology
- What is organisational psychology?
- Key theoretical frameworks
- Psychologists in the workplace
- Applying organisational psychology for non-psychologists
Unit 2: Work Motivation and Job Satisfaction
- Workplace behaviour and motivation
- Motivation theory
- Goal-Setting Theory
- Self-Determination Theory (SDT)
- Herzberg’s Two-Factor Theory
- Expectancy Theory
- Equity Theory
- Job satisfaction
- Rewards, recognition, and meaning
- Motivation and performance
Unit 3: Leadership and Management
- Leadership and management
- Leadership theories
- Trait theory vs behavioural theory
- Autocratic, democratic, and laissez-faire styles
- Transactional vs transformational
- Situational and contingency theories
- Understanding and applying leadership theories
- Effective leadership: traits and behaviours
- Understand leadership in multicultural and virtual teams
- Common management challenges
Unit 4: Team Dynamics and Group Behaviour
- Team dynamics and group behaviour
- Social identity theory
- Tuckman’s stages of group development
- Social learning theory (bandura)
- Group decision making
- Managing conflict in teams
- Drivers of team performance
- Psychological safety and trust
Unit 5: Organisational Culture and Change
- Organisational culture
- Organisational climate
- Assessing culture
- Models of organisational change
- Systems-based approaches to organisational change
- Lewin’s Change Model
- Kotter’s 8-Step Change Model
- Adkar Model
- McKinsey 7-s Framework
- The value of organisational change models
- Understanding resistance to change
Unit 6: Recruitment, Selection, and Onboarding
- Recruitment, selection, and onboarding
- Evidence-based selection practices
- Job analysis – step-by-step
- Structured interviews
- Standardised assessments
- Multiple data points and structured decision-making
- Competency frameworks
- Bias and fairness in recruiting
- Designing effective onboarding strategies
Unit 7: Performance Management and Employee Development
- Performance management and employee development
- Goal setting
- Feedback: driving improvement and engagement
- Applying psychological theories
- Cognitive theories
- Behavioural theories
- Evaluating and recognising performance
- Aligning goals, feedback, and appraisals
- Building performance through coaching
- The GROW model
- Growth mindset
- Mentoring for long-term growth
- Training design
- Overcoming obstacles to performance improvement
- Continuous employee development
Unit 8: Wellbeing, Stress, And Work-Life Balance
- Workplace wellbeing and stress management
- Workplace wellbeing
- Psychological health at work
- Sources of stress
- Impacts of work stress
- Developing personal resilience
- Creating resilient teams and organisations
- Sustaining resilience
- Work-life balance
Study Hours
Estimated duration 40 hours
Course Delivery and Start
Start anytime, self-paced and 100% online
Assessment
Assessment will be comprised of written exercises, including short-answer questions, reflective tasks, short reports and/or projects. There are no examinations or due dates for assessment. As a result, you can complete training in your own time and at your own pace with the assistance of unlimited tutor support.
Approval and Recognition
Australian Online Courses Pty Ltd is an approved and recognised member of IARC. The IARC is an International association that recognises quality and excellence in tertiary education providers.
Testimonials
Click to See What Our Students Say
It was a fantastic experience!
The online course was user friendly and very easy to navigate.
Yvonne | Taylors Lakes, VIC | Certificate of Industrial and Organisational Psychology
LOVED IT! I really enjoyed the “stay at your own pace” approach
S. Shone, Bexley North, NSW | Certificate of Industrial and Organisational Psychology
Amazing, I felt that the assignments are made specifically to test a real understanding of the subject, it was a positive experience, highly recommended
C. Medrano, Blacktown, NSW | Certificate of Industrial and Organisational Psychology
I found the course both interesting and challenging.
The subject matter was fit for purpose and I can apply my new skills in my current role
A.Dal Bon, Wollongong, NSW | Certificate of Industrial and Organisational Psychology
Studying with Australian Online Courses has been a fantastic experience. The course is well-structured, and the flexible learning option fit perfectly with my schedule. I really enjoyed the content which was very engaging. I look forward to continuing my study on the subject.
Stefania | Point Cook, VIC | Certificate of Industrial and Organisational Psychology
My experience was great with Australian Online Courses. The resources provided were excellent, clear, engaging and easy to follow. They made learning at my own pace truly enjoyable. I feel supported throughout the course, and the quality of the materials exceeded my expectations. I would highly recommend Australian Online Courses to anyone seeking to expand their skills with confidence.
Mareea | Aratula, QLD | Certificate of Industrial and Organisational Psychology
About Us
Graduation
A Certificate of Attainment and Statement of Results will be issued upon successful completion of this course.
How to Enrol
Enrolment Form – Employment Services and Rehabilitation Providers
Enrol via Live Chat (Business Hours)
Enrol via Telephone 1300 76 2221 (Business Hours)
Payment Options
Visa, Mastercard, BPAY and EFT/Direct Deposit. Please allow 1-2 Business days for processing for EFT and BPAY.
Course FAQs
Why Choose Australian Online Courses?
- Professional development that is widely recognised and respected;
- Improve your employment opportunities;
- Study online, anywhere via our elearning system;
- High-quality professional development programs written by industry experts;
- All course materials provided online – no textbooks to buy;
- Unlimited tutor support via email;
- We offer twelve (12) months’ access, with extensions available upon application (fees apply);
- Course may be tax deductible; see your tax advisor.
Are there any entry requirements or pre-requisites?
There are no course or subject pre-requisites for entry into our programs. However, our professional development programs are generally intended for people over the age of 18. In some circumstances, enrolments from younger people may be considered. Please complete the AOC Parent Guardian Consent Form prior to enrolling and submit here.
Are there any computer requirements?
To study online with Australian Online Courses you will need a computer (desktop PC/laptop) running a current/updated operating system with reliable high-speed internet access. You will need to use the Google Chrome browser to access your course.
When can I start this course?
You can start within 60 minutes during business hours when you enrol and pay in full with a credit card!
Credit card: Within 60 mins during business hours.
BPAY: Within 1-2 working days.
Internet Banking: Within 1-2 working days.
Cheque/Money Order: Upon receipt of mailed cheque.
How is this course delivered?
This course is delivered online via our easy-to-navigate Learning Management System (LMS), where you will discover interactive online learning/written content, resources and assessment.
Do I need to attend classes or undertake any work placements?
No. All courses are delivered online via our LMS and there are no work placement requirements in this course.
What support can I expect from Australian Online Courses?
Unlimited tutor support is available throughout your studies via email only during business hours Monday to Friday. Our Administrative team are available Monday to Friday via email, live chat and telephone.
I am an international student. Can I enrol into this course?
Yes! We accept enrolments from individuals both within Australia and internationally; location is no barrier to entry into our programs.
Career Pathways
Future growth
Strong
Unemployment
Low
- Recruitment Consultant
- Human Resource Advisor
Related Blogs
