Why accreditation matters: Takeaways from our MSc Business & Organisational Psychology webinar

If you're starting out in business psychology, stepping into leadership or looking to pivot your career, finding the right postgraduate programme can be crucial. Accreditation, practical learning and the flexibility to balance study with life all play a role in that decision.

In our recent webinar, we were joined by Dr Dawn Nicholson, Vice Chair and Head of University Accreditation at the Association for Business Psychology (ABP), and Dean Bowles, a current online MSc Business and Organisational Psychology student at Edinburgh Business School, who shared expert insights on accreditation and personal reflections on the value of the programme and how it fits around professional life. Here are the key takeaways from that session.

Watch the full webinar

To hear the key takeaways straight from our guest speakers, watch the full recording of our webinar below.

What is the Association for Business Psychology and why does accreditation matter?

The Association for Business Psychology (ABP) is the UK’s professional body for those applying psychological principles to workplace challenges. As explained by Dawn Nicholson, Vice Chair and Head of University Accreditation, the ABP “champions both professional excellence and evidence-based practice,” focusing on real-world impact rather than just academic theory.

The organisation accredits university programmes that meet its rigorous standards, which in turn assures students and employers that these qualifications are professionally relevant. “It is all about the application to make business psychology help improve workplaces,” Dawn said, noting the growing importance of applied psychology in today’s complex, rapidly evolving work environments.

What professional benefits does ABP accreditation provide?

Accreditation doesn’t just benefit organisations - it provides graduates with an opportunity to stand out from the crowd. For students on an ABP-accredited programme like our online MSc in Business and Organisational Psychology, there’s a direct route to professional certification.

Graduates are eligible to use the Certified Business Psychologist (CBP) post-nominal - a professional designation that signals credibility and expertise in applied psychology. Unlike graduates from non-accredited programmes, who must pay and undergo a lengthier assessment process. In contrast, our learners can follow a fast-tracked, simplified route. As Dawn Nicholson explained, “You can avail yourself of a fast-tracked and simplified process to achieve Certified Business Psychologist status… you can then use the post-nominal CBP and you will be given a digital badge.”

To activate CBP status, you must apply for full ABP membership after graduating (for free) and submit a copy of your MSc degree certificate for verification. Once confirmed, you are free to use the title and gain access to the ABP’s broader professional network and resources. This makes accreditation a meaningful career advantage, both in terms of recognition and access to ongoing development.

How relevant is the MSc Business and Organisational Psychology to real-world practice?

Dean Bowles, an HR advisor from Canada currently studying the MSc, praised the relevance and structure of the course. He described how the programme’s assignments mirror real business scenarios: “The assessments resemble the type of things that people in the field of business psychology would actually do,” he said.

Despite being just one-third of the way through, Dean is already applying course concepts at work. “There are times where I learn about a particular psychological model in the evening… and then I see it play out in real life the next day,” he said.

Unlike traditional academic approaches focused on exams or essays, this programme prioritises applied learning. “The courses have used a good variety of videos, audio clips and online discussions in addition to readings and written pieces,” Dean explained. These methods support a more practical understanding of business psychology in action.

He also highlighted the global nature of the student cohort: “When I look at the course discussion boards, I get insights from the experiences of people all over the world… I really do feel as though I’m getting an international view on business psychology.”

For Dean, the benefits are both immediate and long-term. As he looked ahead to the future, he said: “I am putting aside some travel funds so I can visit Edinburgh to attend the graduation ceremony in person.”

How flexible is the MSc for working professionals?

The programme’s design allows students to balance study with employment and personal commitments. Dean, who works full-time, has found the structure highly manageable: “I aim to do two hours every day - one in the morning before work, and one after. That approach gives me time on evenings and weekends to spend with my family.”

The on-demand format and multiple assessment windows make it adaptable for different schedules. “There is a lot of flexibility, someone else could run on a completely different schedule, just so long as they put in their 200 hours or so,” he noted.

Why choose this programme later in your career?

Dean decided to return to education after building a career in both teaching and HR. “I always wanted to continue my education and after several years of life getting in the way, I decided it was finally time to pursue a master’s,” he said.

His choice of programme was strategic, helping him add rigour and credibility to his HR practice. “Many senior leaders have MBAs or postgraduate degrees,” he said. “They expect us HR folks to show our work and provide justification for decisions. A master’s degree helps with that.”

Drive change with a professionally accredited online MSc

Whether you're already in the field or looking to move into business psychology, the MSc in Business and Organisational Psychology from Edinburgh Business School at Heriot-Watt University offers a flexible, accredited route with clear professional benefits. With fast-tracked certification, applied learning and a truly international cohort, it’s designed for working professionals who want more than just a degree – it’s for people who want to make an impact.

Find out more about the online MSc Business and Organisational Psychology.

If you have any questions, please email our Enrolment team at HWOnlineApps@hw.ac.uk