Module PSYC3591: PSYCHOLOGY IN THE WORKPLACE

Department: Psychology

PSYC3591: 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 skills are relevant.
• To help students develop strong organisational and interpersonal skills.
• To learn to develop solutions and provide reports on psychology-related, work-relevant problems.
• To learn how to work effectively as part of a group.

Content

• A competitive application system will be used to match students with appropriate placements.
• Tutorials will introduce relevant topics (e.g., producing a CV, applying for jobs, writing reports) and provide an opportunity for students to share their experiences and learn from others.
• Placement of approximately 4hrs a week in the workplace every week during Epiphany term. • The student will write a report about the project undertaken on placement, that is suitable for the employer with whom they were based (a copy will be provided to them).
• 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

• Have gained a broad understanding of many of the key aspects of how their psychological knowledge relates to the workplace.
• To have answered a question / addressed a challenge faced by a real-world workplace.

• Will know the responsibilities and appropriate conduct for an employee in their placement organisation.
• 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 use interpersonal skills when dealing with colleagues
• Be able to improvise when necessary
• Be able to organise, prioritise and negotiate

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

• This module includestutorials and a work placement.
• The weekly tutorials during Michaelmas term provide an introduction to the work placements, covering topics such as what to expect from the placement, and also 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 Report communicating a relevant psychological concept to a lay audience, an End of Module Presentation, and an Employer’s Assessment.
• The End of Module Presentation will provide the means for students to reflect on their experience of work and to demonstrate 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:

■ 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