PY0652 - Organisational Psychology

You will learn through lectures, workshops, group activities and independent learning. Lectures will combine with independent study and preparation to support you in consolidating knowledge and understanding and prepare you for module exercises.

Independent study is supported by the University’s eLearning Portal which will give you access to a range of study mediums including, academic journals, e-books, podcasts and lecture/presentation recordings for example. Essential and recommended independent study and preparation will be given in advance of lectures via the digitised module reading list.

Student based activities are an important feature of the module enabling you to work in small groups or pairs to apply knowledge and develop skills. Scenarios and cases studies are used to reinforce the applied nature of the subject and help with the transfer of theoretical concepts and academic findings to the real world. Skills based workshops will allow you to experience applications of organisational psychology concepts and to practice skills. The interactive nature of the student based activities and skills workshops will give you opportunities to develop confidence and skills in areas such as group working, critique and debate and presentation skills for example which in turn can enhance your employability.

The module tutor will support you by making a variety of resources linked to the taught elements and assessments available on the e-learning portal (e.g. PowerPoint slides, handouts, reading lists, directed assessment related-activities). In addition tutors will respond to questions via the module’s discussion board at the University’s eLearning Portal so that the whole group can benefit.
Tutorials can provide an opportunity for students to discuss issues related to the module with a member of staff.

All modules at Northumbria include a range of reading materials that students are expected to engage with. The reading list for this module can be found at: http://readinglists.northumbria.ac.uk
(Reading List service online guide for academic staff this containing contact details for the Reading List team – http://library.northumbria.ac.uk/readinglists)

Knowledge & Understanding:

• MK1: You will be able to demonstrate conceptual knowledge of Organisational Psychology by critically discussing relevant theory, recent research and methodological approaches
• MK2: You will develop an understanding and appreciation of the applied nature of organisational psychology demonstrated by drawing upon an evidence base to support recommended applications of knowledge

Intellectual / Professional skills & abilities:
• MIP1: You will develop and demonstrate your ability to communicate academic and/or complex information to a range of audiences

• MIP2: You will develop your ability to self-reflect, to evaluate your strengths and development areas and to consider the implications in the context of wider career plans. Such skills are valuable for enhancing employability.

Personal Values Attributes (Global / Cultural awareness, Ethics, Curiosity) (PVA):
• MPV1: You will develop the characteristics of a Northumbria Psychology graduate by valuing the role of research in the creation of new knowledge.

Formative Assessment
You will participate in group activities and skills workshops. Examples include group presentations and problem solving tasks. Workshops will be focused upon organisational psychology relevant skills such as interview practice for example. Formative feedback will be provided verbally by the module tutor on your skills development and peer formative feedback will be encouraged as part of the process. Self-assessment and reflection will also be encouraged. Appropriate written formative feedback will also be provided by the module tutor to identify ways to support skill development and employability enhancement.
(MK1, MK2, MIP1, MIP2, MPV1)

Summative Assessment
The main assessment consists of one piece of individual written work (3500 words) worth 90% of the module mark. You will be required to provide a review of a body of knowledge/current evidence relating to a specific area of organisational psychology and communicate this in a report for a lay audience. (MK1, MK2, MIP1,MPV1)

The second assessment is a self-reflective account in which you will be asked to consider how this module has impacted on your employability and future career (MIP2). This will be worth 10% of the module mark.

Feedback
Formative assessments, the module tutor will provide verbal feedback on top of peer feedback provided through discussion in group activities.


Summative assessments. Feedback will be provided in the form of comments against specific areas of your text, in addition a summary of the strengths and limitations of your approach will be provided.

None

None

‘Organisational Psychology’ will increase your understanding of psychological factors that impact modern workplaces. Lectures, workshops and a comprehensive range of materials relating to current thinking on organisational issues combine to help you to develop an appreciation of the evidence based application of psychology in organisational contexts and to support your personal and skills development. The module is designed to address topical and current issues such as “How do we create a happy, productive workforce?”, “What makes an effective team?” You will be required to participate in a range of interactive activities and to reflect upon your learning and development. Whilst the module may be particularly relevant to those wishing to progress careers in Occupational/Business psychology and related professions such as Human Resources, it will however be appropriate for anyone who wishes to understand more about organisations or an applied psychology area and/or to enhance skills that will be relevant in a wide range of career areas. It will be assessed by a written assignment and a reflective account of your career development learning.