The aim of this module is to introduce students to some of the main applications of psychology. Key major theoretical approaches within psychology will be identified, and their role in a variety of applied settings will be discussed. The module also aims to describe some main processes involved in using psychological interventions in a variety of settings and consider related methodological and ethical issues.

Students will be required to investigate the major areas of applied psychology, for example* clinical, forensic, criminological, educational, counselling, occupational, health psychology and sport and exercise psychology, as well as teaching, research and other postgraduate work within psychology (*topics may change annually to reflect the debates at the forefront of the discipline).

At the end of the module a 1500-word Advisory Brief assignment will assess learning outcomes 1-4. This will require students to construct a professional response to a real-world problem (*provided by the tutor).

Formative assessment opportunities will be available during workshop sessions with students given problem-based case studies to analyse in small group presentations. Tutor and peer feedback on student's case study responses will be given during the teaching sessions. Tutors will provide formative feedback on summative assessment plans during assessment preparation and drop-in sessions.

Scheduled Learning and Teaching Activities (32 hours)

The teaching sessions in this module are a combination of lectures, face-to-face workshops, face-to-face tutorials. Independent study will be facilitated by asynchronous online (podcasts/”watch party”) learning content (made available via the University VLE platforms). This variety of teaching strategies will allow students to gain and develop contemporary knowledge surrounding issues and debates in applied psychology. The teaching sessions will facilitate an understanding of how psychology is utilised across a range of careers and what skills underpin the use of psychology in a professional capacity (including both chartered routes and other pathways).

Demonstrate knowledge and understanding of the major theoretical approaches and contemporary issues in applied psychology.
Knowledge and Understanding

Recognise the importance of professionalism in the application of psychology (e.g., ethics and BPS Code of conduct).
Application

Demonstrate an understanding of some of the current issues and research associated with applied psychology.
Learning; Reflection

Develop a coherent and structured argument which applies relevant theory and research to a real-world scenario.
Problem-Solving; Analysis

Blackboard VLE

Library access to relevant textbooks, journals, ebooks

Internet access to relevant websites and online databases

Bayne, R, & Jinks, G. (2013). Applied Psychology: Research, Training and Practice. SAGE Publications

British Psychological Society. Psychology Careers Guide. [Fact sheet]. https://www.bps.org.uk/sites/www.bps.org.uk/files/Policy/Policy%20-%20Files/Psychology%20Careers%20Guide.pdf

Davey, G.C. (2011). Applied psychology (BPS Textbooks). Hoboken, N.J.: Wiley-Blackwell.

To be registered on the BSc Hons Psychology course (including placement year and foundation year versions)

This module will consider how psychology is used in practice and how psychology can help people. Key major theoretical approaches within psychology will be identified, and their role in a variety of applied settings will be discussed. The module also aims to describe some main processes involved in using psychological interventions in a variety of settings and consider related methodological and ethical issues. You will be required to investigate the major areas of applied psychology, for example* clinical, forensic, criminological, educational, counselling, occupational, health psychology and sport and exercise psychology, as well as teaching, research and other postgraduate work within psychology (*topics may change annually to reflect the debates at the forefront of the discipline).