module specification

PC6056 - Work Psychology (2018/19)

Module specification Module approved to run in 2018/19
Module title Work Psychology
Module level Honours (06)
Credit rating for module 15
School School of Social Sciences
Total study hours 150
 
114 hours Guided independent study
36 hours Scheduled learning & teaching activities
Assessment components
Type Weighting Qualifying mark Description
Coursework 100%   One piece of coursework to include an academic literature review, practical applied section and a reflective log.
Running in 2018/19

(Please note that module timeslots are subject to change)
Period Campus Day Time Module Leader
Spring semester North Thursday Afternoon

Module summary

Students will gain a critical understanding of a range of theories, models, applied research and application within work and organisational contexts. They 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, students will have an enhanced opportunity to enter related postgraduate studies – business psychology and/or occupational psychology.  To enhance employability skills, students are presented with mini project-based learning opportunities followed by group presentations.  Specifically, business related case studies are provided necessitating self-managed problem solving within groups. Students are thus given the opportunities to take effective and appropriate action, work effectively with others and develop self-management skills.

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; leadership, engagement & motivation; well-being & work; work design, organisational change & development; psychological assessment at work. LO1,LO2,LO3,LO4,

Balance of independent study and scheduled teaching activity

Acquisition of knowledge of the subject matter of this module will be promoted through lecturer-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 outcomes

On successful completion of the module students will be able to:
1. Identify and describe key theories and applied models in Work/Organisational Psychology;
2. Use relevant research studies to evaluate the theories and models in (1), including their applicability and application to work contexts;
3. Develop and apply acceptable solutions for organisations by application of analytical skills and synthesis of psychology theory and established practise.
4. Develop personal strengths and clarify personal weaknesses through personal development planning and reflective learning of applied work

Assessment strategy

Summative assessment will be via a coursework component essay of 2500 words (100%).  
Additional formative assessment can be gained from an in class test and web based tests.

Bibliography

CORE
Arnold , J., et al  (2016). (6th Edition) Work Psychology. Pearson.
Lewis, R and Zibarras, L (2013)  Work and Occupational Psychology: Integrating theory and practice.  Sage.
Sutton, A (2015)  Work psychology in action.  Palgrave Macmillan.

ADDITIONAL

Cooper, C.L., Campbell-Quick,J., Schabracq, M  (Eds) (2009). International Handbook of work and health psychology. (3rd Edition).  Wiley-Blackwell, E Resource.
Jex, S. M & Britt, T.W (2014). Organizational Psychology: A Scientist-Practitioner Approach. (3rd Edition) Wiley, E Resource.
Matthewman, L, Rose, A and Hetherington, A (2009) Work Psychology: An Essential Guide to Human Behaviour in the Workplace. Oxford University Press
Woods, S.A and West, M.A  (2015) The Psychology of work and organizations. (2nd Edition) Cengage Learning, E Resource.

Journal of Occupational and Organizational Psychology.  Wiley http://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/journal/10.1111/%28ISSN%292044-8325
European Journal of work and Organizational Psychology.  Taylor and Francis. http://www.tandfonline.com/toc/pewo20/current
Journal of Applied Psychology. American Psychological Association.
http://0-web.a.ebscohost.com.emu.londonmet.ac.uk/ehost/command/detail?vid=0&sid=9ce7496c-0906-4fa1-a673-1bbd10e94340%40sessionmgr4009&bdata=JnNpdGU9ZWhvc3QtbGl2ZQ%3d%3d#jid=APL&db=pdh