The module will consider a number of contemporary issues and problems which impact on society as a whole, both nationally and internationally, and will evaluate the psychological research contribution towards understanding and influencing those issues. The contemporary issues may vary slightly from year to year, according to current events, but could include, for example, how psychology is represented in the media, the use of animals in psychological research, the increasing incidence of specific disorders (eg. Autism spectrum disorders, PTSD) and the growth and control of terrorism. In addition to these more global issues, the module will address the contemporary issues facing the Psychology profession today, and will evaluate the research contribution, constraints and challenges facing different psychological specialists. Again, these could vary from year to year, but are likely to include the challenges facing forensic, educational, clinical, health, counselling, sport and occupational psychologists, and the impact of these challenges on the workplace and career development within the profession.

An Essay 2000 words weighted at 60% (LO's 1, 2 and 3)

A Report length 1500 words weighted at 40% (LO 4) The report will be based on critical evaluation of in-class group presentations.

Formative Assessment/Feedback:
Students will be given tutor and peer feedback on presentations during the seminar sessions. Students will be expected to take part in teamwork; and to read and undertake preparation for participation in group presentations and participate in subsequent discussions. Module/assessment support sessions will provide the opportunity for formative feedback on essay progress and planning.

Blackboard VLE

Bayne, R. & Horton, I. (2003) Applied Psychology: Current Issues and New Directions. London: Sage Publications Ltd.
Coolican, H (Ed) (2007): Applied Psychology (2nd ed). London: Hodder
Lund, N., Hackney, M., Kinmond, K., Oakley, L., Haire, A. (2012) Contemporary Debates in Psychology. London: Routledge

Be registered on the BSc (Hons) Psychology award.

Learning strategies will encourage students to actively participate in their learning. Weekly 2 hour class based sessions will include lectures, workshops, activities and discussions, as well as online independent learning tasks and guided reading. At appropriate points during the year, class based sessions will also include student led presentations with tutor and peer feedback along with discussions and debate following the presentations.

The module will consider a number of contemporary issues and problems which impact on society as a whole, both nationally and internationally, and will evaluate the psychological research contribution towards understanding and influencing those issues. The contemporary issues may vary slightly from year to year, according to current events, but could include, for example, how psychology is represented in the media, the use of animals in psychological research, the increasing incidence of specific disorders (eg. Autism spectrum disorders, PTSD) and the growth and control of terrorism. In addition to these more global issues, the module will address the contemporary issues facing the Psychology profession today, and will evaluate the research contribution, constraints and challenges facing different psychological specialists. Again, these could vary from year to year, but are likely to include the challenges facing forensic, educational, clinical, health, counselling, sport and occupational psychologists, and the impact of these challenges on the workplace and career development within the profession.