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: PY1IPR Introduction to Psychological Research or PL1LING1 Introduction to Linguistics
Modules excluded:
Current from: 2023/4

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, occupational, health and forensic psychology, and consider these within the context of their own skills, values and preferences.

This module is delivered at University of Reading and University of Reading Malaysia. UoRM Lead is Putri Nurain Shazana Megat Nadzruddin Feisal (p.megatnadzruddinfeisal@reading.edu.my)

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 culminate 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 

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. 

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.  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 development planning will be supported via academic tuto rials.

Contact hours:

	Autumn	Spring	Summer
Lectures	1	17
Tutorials		2
Practicals classes and workshops		15
Guided independent study:
Wider reading (independent)		20
Wider reading (directed)		30
Advance preparation for classes		20
Preparation for tutorials		5
Preparation for presentations		30
Preparation of practical report		30
Completion of formative assessment tasks		10
Reflection		20
Total hours by term	1	199	0
Total hours for module	200

Summative Assessment Methods:

Method	Percentage
Report	65
Oral assessment and presentation	25
Practical skills assessment	10

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. Oral Assessment and Presentation (25%) A poster presentation providing a summary of the role of a professional psychologist, with consideration of qualifications, experience, roles and responsibilities, and describing a psychological theory applied within the role


2. Practical Skills Assessment (10%) Facilitation of small group activities and discussions.  This is marked on a pass/fail basis 


3. Report (65%) A reflective journal, critically reflecting on module content, in-class participation and personal and professional development.

Formative assessment methods:

Students will receive:  

• Peer feedback on facilitation skills 


• Group level verbal feedback and peer feedback on the first reflective journal entry, to inform subsequent entries which will be summative. 


• Peer feedback on poster presentation and an opportunity to gain verbal feedback during a poster drop-in session. 

Penalties for late submission:

The Support Centres 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 (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: https://www.reading.ac.uk/cqsd/-/media/project/functions/cqsd/documents/cqsd-old-site-documents/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 addressing the module’s intended learning outcomes. Reassessment will take place during the University resit period.

Additional Costs (specified where applicable):

1) Required text books: 

2) Specialist equipment or materials: 

3) Specialist clothing, footwear or headgear: 

4) Printing and binding: 

5) Computers and devices with a particular specification: 

6) Travel, accommodation and subsistence: 

Last updated: 17 October 2023