PY1APP-Applied and Professional Psychology

Module Provider: Psychology
Number of credits: 20 [10 ECTS credits]
Level:4
Terms in which taught: Spring term module
Pre-requisites:
Non-modular pre-requisites:
Co-requisites:
Modules excluded:
Current from: 2020/1

Module Convenor: Dr Amanda Branson

Email: A.Branson@reading.ac.uk

Type of module:

Summary module description:

This module provides an exploration of how psychology can be applied in the real world with broad consideration of professional values and ethics.  Students will learn about the various areas of professional psychology, such as educational, clinical, occupational, health and forensic psychology, and consider these within the context of their own skills, values and preferences.

Aims:

This module aims to provide students with an opportunity to explore how psychology can be applied in the real world, with broad consideration of professional values and ethics.  Students will learn about various areas of professional psychology, such as educational, occupational, health and forensic psychology and academia, research and teaching. 

In addition, students will begin to explore their skills, values and work preferences in the context of developing the professional skills and competencies that are required to become a psychologist.  

Assessable learning outcomes:

By the end of the module, students will be able to:

• Discuss the relationship between psychological theory and professional practice.


• Examine and critically reflect upon the roles and responsibilities of professional psychologists


• Demonstrate understanding of the techniques required for successful facilitation

Additional outcomes:

In addition, students will be able to:

• Recognise some of the central concepts involved in ethical practice


• Facilitate small-group activities and discussions


• Critically reflect on their personal and professional development


• Design and present a conference-style poster

 

Skills that will be developed include

• Confidence and self-awareness


• Ethical sensitivity


• Leadership skills


• Listening skills


• Planning and prioritisation


• Problem solving


• Team work


• Written and oral communication

Outline content:

Students will attend a series of lectures covering a range of topics including professional ethics. Several lectures will be led by professional psychologists, focusing on their role, the underpinning psychological constructs and how these constructs are applied within the given context.  Lectures will be complimented by workshops within which students will apply what they have learned in lectures to address contemporary questions and issues within the field.  Workshops will culmina te in a poster conference, during which students will present a poster on one area of professional psychology. Topics may include:

• Educational Psychology


• Occupational Psychology


• Forensic Psychology


• Health Psychology


• Consumer Psychology


• Sports and Exercise Psychology


• Academia, Research & Teaching

Underpinning the module will be the B PS code of ethics and conduct

Global context:

This module will consider the global context of applied psychology, with an aim to improve students’ understanding of how professional practice can be context-bound.  Internationally-relevant examples will be used to illustrate the similarities and differences in professional practice internationally.

Brief description of teaching and learning methods:

A range of methods will be employed to support achievement of the learning outcomes, including interactive lectures, e-learning and interactive peer-facilitated workshops utilising team and problem-based learning (TBL).  Students are expected to prepare in advance for workshops, using recommended and independent reading.  Students will be provided with additional support to aide their preparation for the poster conference. 

Personal and professional Developm ent Planning will be supported via group work.  

Contact hours: 

NB The contact hours in the table below are indicative of the contact hours for students studying this module in the UK, and may vary for students taking this module at branch campuses.

Contact hours:

	Autumn	Spring	Summer
Lectures		21
Tutorials		1
Practicals classes and workshops		14
Guided independent study:
Wider reading (independent)		40
Wider reading (directed)		40
Advance preparation for classes		18
Preparation for tutorials		6
Preparation for presentations		10
Preparation of practical report		40
Completion of formative assessment tasks		10
Total hours by term	0		0
Total hours for module	200

Summative Assessment Methods:

Method	Percentage
Report	75
Oral assessment and presentation	25

Summative assessment- Examinations:

This module is not assessed by examination.

Summative assessment- Coursework and in-class tests:

This module is assessed by coursework (100%).  Coursework components include:

1. A reflective journal, critically reflecting on module content, in-class participation and personal and professional development (75%)


2. A poster presentation providing a summary of the role of a professional psychologist, with consideration of qualifications, experience, roles and responsibilities. (25%)  

Formative assessment methods:

Students will receive:

• Peer feedback on facilitation skills


• Feedback on the first reflective journal entry, to inform subsequent entries which will be summatively assessed.


• Verbal feedback on Personal Development Plan during group tutorial 

Penalties for late submission:

The Module Convenor will apply the following penalties for work submitted late:

• where the piece of work is submitted after the original deadline (or any formally agreed extension to the deadline): 10% of the total marks available for that piece of work will be deducted from the mark for each working day[1] (or part thereof) following the deadline up to a total of five working days;
• where the piece of work is submitted more than five working days after the original deadline (or any formally agreed extension to the deadline): a mark of zero will be recorded.

The University policy statement on penalties for late submission can be found at: http://www.reading.ac.uk/web/FILES/qualitysupport/penaltiesforlatesubmission.pdf
You are strongly advised to ensure that coursework is submitted by the relevant deadline. You should note that it is advisable to submit work in an unfinished state rather than to fail to submit any work.

Assessment requirements for a pass:

A mark of 40% overall

Reassessment arrangements:

Reassessment is by submission of a written report in the August resit period 

Additional Costs (specified where applicable):

Last updated: 4 April 2020