Module PSYS3251: PSYCHOLOGY IN THE WORKPLACE

Department: Psychology (Applied Psychology) [Queen's Campus, Stockton]

PSYS3251: PSYCHOLOGY IN THE WORKPLACE

Prerequisites

• 100 credits from C817 Psychology (Applied) or C800 Psychology Level 2 modules

Corequisites

• None

Excluded Combination of Modules

• PSYS3221 Psychology into Schools

Aims

• To offer a taste of a working environment in which psychological knowledge is relevant
• To help students develop strong organisational and interpersonal skills, and understand how to address the needs of individuals
• To learn to devise and develop solutions and provide reports on psychology-related, work-relevant problems
• To learn how to work effectively as part of a group
• To reflect on the relevance of knowledge of psychology on potential career options

Content

• A competitive interview system will be used to match students with appropriate placements
• A series of lectures on relevant psychological concepts
• Placement of approx 3hrs a week in the workplace every week for at least 15 weeks
• Tutorials which will provide an opportunity for students to share their experiences and learn from others
• The student will write an essay on a specialist topic relevant to the needs of the placement
• The student will write the essay as a report for public consumption
• The student will keep a journal of their own progress in their placement and will reflect on their experiences in light of their psychological understanding and knowledge
• The staff in the placement organisation will act as the main source of guidance during the placement but the students will also be able to discuss progress with the module co-ordinator whenever necessary

Learning Outcomes

• Be able to assess and devise appropriate ways to communicate a difficult principle or concept to a lay audience
• Have gained a broad understanding of many of the key aspects of how their psychological knowledge relates to the workplace
• Have an advanced understanding of Psychology through having to communicate to others

• Will know the responsibilities and appropriate conduct for an employee in their placement organisation
• Will know how to give (and take) feedback on Psychology issues
• Will be able to communicate Psychology generally to a lay audience
• Will know how to prepare reports on work-relevant issues

• Be able to communicate effectively, both one to one and with small groups
• Be able to understand the needs of individuals
• Be able to use interpersonal skills when dealing with colleagues
• Be able to improvise when necessary
• Be able to organise, prioritise and negotiate
• Will know how to work with others in teams

Modes of Teaching, Learning and Assessment and how these contribute to the learning outcomes of the module

• This module includes lectures, tutorials and a work placement
• The initial lectures provide an introduction to the work placements, covering topics such as what to expect from the placement, and key relevant psychological concepts
• The tutorials will provide an opportunity for students to share their experiences and to discuss specific issues in Psychology relevant to their work placements. These tutorials will provide the chance to develop theoretical understanding and communication skills
• The work placement allows the student to develop a range of interpersonal skills and the professional competencies expected of a graduate level employee
• Student performance will be summatively assessed through a Reflective Journal on the placement, a Report communicating a relevant psychological concept to a lay audience, an End of Module Presentation and an Employer’s Assessment
• The Reflective Journal and End of Module Presentation will provide the means for students to reflect on their own personal development, on their experience of work and to demonstrate written and oral communication skills
• The Report will enable students to demonstrate their understanding of how psychological concepts relate to the workplace, as well as their ability to communicate to a lay audience
• The Employer’s Assessment is an independent corroboration of progress, including the student's approach, attitude, appreciation of key skills and performance in the placement

Teaching Methods and Learning Hours

Summative Assessment

Formative Assessment:

Formative Reflective Journal

■ Attendance at all activities marked with this symbol will be monitored. Students who fail to attend these activities, or to complete the summative or formative assessment specified above, will be subject to the procedures defined in the University's General Regulation V, and may be required to leave the University