PC6056 - Work Psychology (2024/25)
| Module specification | Module approved to run in 2024/25, but may be subject to modification | ||||||||
| Module title | Work Psychology | ||||||||
| Module level | Honours (06) | ||||||||
| Credit rating for module | 15 | ||||||||
| School | School of Social Sciences and Professions | ||||||||
| Total study hours | 150 | ||||||||
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| Assessment components |
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| Running in 2024/25(Please note that module timeslots are subject to change) | No instances running in the year |
Module summary
You will gain a critical understanding of a range of theories, models, applied research and application within work and organisational contexts. You will work with organisational case studies and problem-based contexts, and thereby develop skills in applying psychological knowledge to the understanding of client needs and learn to provide solutions to address work problems, taking into account aspects of ethics and safety. In covering the five content areas of occupational psychology, as defined by the BPS, you will have an enhanced opportunity to enter related postgraduate studies – e.g., business psychology or occupational psychology.
You will also be invited to reflect on the way that work can entrench or challenge societal power structures through examining domains of work which are traditionally neglected by organisational psychology which has a focus on corporate and office-based work domains. In this way, you will be encouraged to develop a critical stance towards dominant discourses of hierarchical power structures. You will therefore address more marginalized occupational groups and specifically address the role of diversity in the workplace.
To enhance employability skills, you will be presented with formative mini project-based learning opportunities followed by group presentations. Specifically, business related case studies are provided necessitating self-managed problem solving within groups. You are thus given the opportunities to take effective and appropriate action, work effectively with others and develop self-management skills. The end of unit assessment specifically mirrors the report that would be expected from an occupational psychologist.
Prior learning requirements
PC5005
Syllabus
The Work Psychology topics will be drawn from the 5 content domains as defined by the BPS standards for programmes in Occupational Psychology: learning, training & development (1-3)leadership, engagement & motivation (1-3); well-being & work (1-3); work design (1-3), organisational change & development; (1-3) psychological assessment at work (1-3).
Balance of independent study and scheduled teaching activity
Acquisition of knowledge of the subject matter of this module will be promoted through tutor-led lectures and workshops (36 hours) and through the guided use of student-centred learning resources (114 hours) with self managed time and private study. Learning materials and formative assessments will be delivered via WebLearn.
Learning outcomes
On successful completion of the module students will be able to:
1. Identify and describe key theories, applied models and relevant research studies in work/organisational psychology
2. Develop and apply acceptable solutions for organisations by application of analytical skills and synthesis of psychology theory and established practise.
3. Reflect on the importance of considering EDI in recruitments, appraisal and motivation and reward structures
Assessment strategy
The module is assessed via a coursework based assignment(consisting of a literature review, a practical applied section and a reflective log). The assignment will be a formal report which would mirror the reports delivered by workplace psychologists and so enhance employability skills. The final report will be between 2500 to 3000 words in length (excluding references). The report will require the application of theory (LO1) to a workbased context (LO2). Students will be assessed on their ability to makes critical observations about the link between practice and theory (LO3). They will be explicitly required to address EDI initiative (LO3). The reflective logs will require them to report their reflection on personal strengths and weakness (LO3). Formative assessments will be provided throughout the module to help students prepare for the formative assessment. Sample reports from past students will also be provided to assist with the preparation. A minimum grade of 40% will be required to pass this module.