Be registered on any BSc psychology undergraduate degree

1. Identify an organisational problem which is amenable to psychological analysis
Analysis

2. Apply appropriate psychological theory and research to an organisational problem
Application

3. Use psychological theory and research to propose practical solutions to an organisational problem Problem solving

4.Have a minimum of 40 hours voluntary work experience
Knowledge and Understanding

Report weighted 100% 2500 words
Minimum 40 hours voluntary work, evidenced by a letter of confirmation by host provider weighted 0%

Assessment 1:

Report, containing a minimum of three sections:
1. The identification of an organisational issue or problem which is amenable to psychological analysis. (LO 1)
2. Application of appropriate psychological theory and research to the organisational issue or problem to enable analysis of the underpinning issues (LO 2)
3. Based on the application of appropriate psychological theory and research, the identification of realistic and workable solutions to that organisational issue or problem (LO 3).

Assessment 2:

Letter of confirmation from host organisation confirming a minimum of 40 hours voluntary work experience (LO 4)

Students will be provided with formative feedback via discussion with their academic supervisor, and there will be opportunities in the taught sessions to gain formative feedback on assessment ideas and plans.

This module provides the opportunity for students to gain experience working in a voluntary role, and to apply psychological research and knowledge to problem solving within that experience. It is expected that all students on the module will themselves secure a voluntary role that enables them to do at least 40 hours of voluntary service over the course of the module. (The responsibility for securing the voluntary role lies with the student).

Students will work in conjunction with a named academic supervisor to identify an issue or problem experienced during the voluntary work which is amenable to psychological analysis. Issues can range from those directly affecting a student (eg. Working in teams, communication problems, motivation issues) through to those directly affecting an organisation (eg. Organisational culture, management systems, volunteer recruitment issues). Once the issue has been agreed with the academic supervisor, the student will independently (under supervision) identify and review the appropriate psychological literature which will enable analysis of that issue. Again, working with the supervisor, the student will then work towards identifying a set of solutions or recommendations for that issue to be addressed. (Where appropriate, and only with the endorsement of the supervisor, the report may be shared with the host organisation)

Scheduled Learning and Teaching Activities (150 hours total):

Class sessions (6 hours): Three two-hour face to face whole group sessions will introduce the module and prepare students for the assessment

Supervisor meetings (5 hours): Students will meet with their supervisor for an equivalent of half an hour per week, or one hour per fortnight over the other ten weeks of the module

Voluntary work (40 hours): An unpaid voluntary role, equivalent to a minimum of half a day per week over ten weeks [40 hours over the semester - actual timing to be negotiated with the host organisation]

Guided Independent Study: (99 hours) Academic supervisors will monitor progress and learning through a regular reporting mechanism (progress report and target setting record, signed by academic supervisor at each meeting).

General texts:
Arnold, J. & Randall, R. (2016) Work Psychology: understanding human behaviour in the workplace. Harlow: Pearson Education Ltd.
Hogg, M.A. and Vaughan, G.M. (2018). Social Psychology. Harlow, England. Pearson.
Jex, S.M. & Britt, T.W (2014) Organizational Psychology: a scientist practitioner approach (3rd ed). John Wiley and So

Student sourced voluntary work experience, minimum 40 hours

This module provides the opportunity for students to gain experience working in a voluntary role, and to apply psychological research and knowledge to problem solving within that experience.

You will work in conjunction with a named academic supervisor to identify an issue or problem experienced during the voluntary work which is amenable to psychological analysis. Issues can range from those directly affecting you (eg. Working in teams, communication problems, motivation issues) through to those directly affecting an organisation (eg. Organisational culture, management systems, volunteer recruitment issues). Once the issue has been agreed with the academic supervisor, you will independently (under supervision) identify and review the appropriate psychological literature which will enable analysis of that issue. Again, working with the supervisor, you will then work towards identifying a set of solutions or recommendations for that issue to be addressed.