PSYC3911: Work-Based Learning and Career Development

• 60 credits from Level 2 Psychology, including PSYC2232 - Advanced Research Methods and Statistics

• None

• None

• The module aims to help students develop an understanding of a working environment in which psychological knowledge and skills are relevant and requires them to undertake some sort of individually secured work-based learning such as a placement, shadowing, or mentorship. Furthermore, the module will help students develop strong organisational and interpersonal skills.

• Content will cover relevant topics (e.g. producing a CV, applying for jobs, writing reports, reflective writing, inclusivity and wellbeing in the workplace) and the module will provide an opportunity for students to share their experiences with others.

Subject-specific Knowledge:

• Have gained a broad understanding of many of the key aspects of how their psychological knowledge relates to the workplace.

Subject-specific Skills:

• Ability to engage in professional conduct and understanding of how to apply their psychological skills in an appropriate work environment.

Key Skills:

• Be able to use interpersonal skills effectively.
• Be able to organise and prioritise.
• Be able to demonstrate competency in written and oral communication

• This module includes interactive lectures and a work-based learning opportunity such as a placement, shadowing experience, or mentorship. The work-based learning opportunity is to be secured by the student and is not guaranteed. Students must have this opportunity secured before the module commences in order to be able to take the module.
• The lectures introduce employability related topics and provide an opportunity for students to share and reflect on their experiences and to discuss specific issues in Psychology relevant to the workplace. These sessions will provide the chance to develop applied knowledge and communication skills.
• The work-based learning opportunity allows the student to develop a range of interpersonal skills, and the professional competencies expected of a psychology graduate.
• Student performance will be summatively assessed through a portfolio that reflects on the work-based learning, a teacher-supervisor review completed by the work-based learning supervisor, and a short presentation reflecting on how a broader conceptual issue in the workplace (e.g. workplace values, diversity, cognitive biases in workplace decision making, change management) relates to their individual work-based learning opportunity.
• The report will provide the means for students to reflect on their own personal development, on their work-based learning experience, and to demonstrate written communication skills. It will also provide the opportunity to demonstrate how psychological skills relate to the workplace.
• The teacher-supervisor review is completed by the work-based learning supervisor and is an independent corroboration of progress, including the student's approach, attitude, appreciation of key skills and performance in their work-based learning opportunity.
• The presentation will provide a means for students to reflect on how their own work-based learning opportunity relates to one of several broader issues (e.g. inclusivity, academic-to-professional transition) in the modern workplace.

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