The module will enable students to gain valuable volunteer work experience as part of their university degree, and to apply psychological knowledge to their experience within the voluntary role.

Students will complete 40 hours of work experience (documented) of voluntary activity and reflect on the voluntary activity and the extent to which the experience can be illuminated through psychological knowledge and research. Fortnightly classes will explore the role of psychology in the workplace and the contribution of psychological research towards understanding relevant work related concepts and issues such as the nature of volunteering, community, relationships, interactions in groups and teams, motivation, and authority. These classes will also explore the extent to which this psychological research can be applied to practice, and how that application can be related to careers and career enhancement, and the development of the Staffordshire Graduate Attributes. Alongside scheduled classes, online learning will include exercises in reflection and self-development, reflective writing and employability skills identification and enhancement.

Virtual learning environment
Access to SU Involved database of volunteer roles
Library access to relevant textbooks and journals
Internet access the relevant websites and online academic databases.

Neugebauer, J., & Evans-Brain, J., (2009) Making the Most of Your Placement. Sage Publications Ltd, London.
Rochester, C., & Ellis Paine, A., (2012): Volunteering and Society in the 21st Century. Palgrave-Macmillan

HelpGuide.org (2012) Volunteering and its surprising benefits. Available @ http://www.helpguide.org/life/volunteer_opportunities_benefits_volunteering.htm

Be registered on any BSc (Hons) Psychology award

1. Identify and select relevant psychological concepts and principles which can be applied to the individual experience of voluntary work experience (Application, Knowledge and Understanding)

2. Effectively communicate the extent to which psychological knowledge and research can enable a greater understanding of aspects of individual voluntary work experience (Communication)

3. Critically evaluate the relevance and limitations of selected psychological constructs, research and theory as applied to the voluntary experience (Analysis)

4. Reflect on psychological knowledge, learning and experience gained duriing volunteer placement to propose workable and sustainable solutions to enhance future transferable skill development and employability (Problem Solving, Reflection)

Scheduled Learning and Teaching Activities: 2 hour face-to-face teaching sessions and 2 hour online monitored teaching sessions. Guided Independent Study: (124 hours) to include 40 hours volunteering Reading Assessment preparation Preparation for class based activities, including presentations

Assessment 1:
Voluntary placement hours: minimum of 40 hours, participation to be officially confirmed by the organisation pass/fail (0% weighting) (LO’s 3 & 4).

Assessment 2:
Reflective account (max 2000 words, 100% weighting), to include a reflection on the volunteering experience, identification of relevant psychological literature, an evaluation of the limitations of psychological literature to support any claims and conclusions, an evaluation of the skills development experienced, and a skills development action plan. (LO’s 1, 2, 3 and 4).

Additional Assessment Details (include formative feedback / assessment):

Students have the opportunity to access formative feedback and guidance on presentation during the two assignment support sessions (1 face-to-face, 1 online) Formative feedback will be given by the tutor and peers during class discussions.

The module will enable you to gain valuable volunteer work experience as part of their university degree, and to apply psychological knowledge to their experience within the voluntary role.

You will complete a voluntary work experience placement and reflect on the voluntary activity and the extent to which the experience can be illuminated through psychological knowledge and research. You will explore the role of psychology in the workplace and the contribution of psychological research towards understanding relevant work related concepts and issues such as the nature of volunteering, community, relationships, interactions in groups and teams, motivation, and authority. You will also explore the extent to which this psychological research can be applied to practice, and how that application can be related to careers and career enhancement, and the development of the Staffordshire Graduate Attributes. Alongside scheduled classes, online learning will include exercises in reflection and self-development, reflective writing and employability skills identification and enhancement.