Professional Psychology

Code

PSGY4072

School

Psychology

Level

4

Credits

20

Semesters

Full Year UK

Summary

This module will introduce topics in professional psychology and allow the student to explore these in more depth. The student will cover topics including how forensic, clinical, educational, and other professional psychologists work and how they apply psychology in various settings. The student will consider how psychological models are created and applied and how interventions are applied and evaluated. 

Target Students

Students on the MSc Psychology Conversion by distance learning only

Classes

• One 2-hour lecture each week for 20 weeks

Students will engage in regular online group discussion. Within these discussions, students will explore topics presented during lectures more deeply. Group discussions will be monitored by teaching faculty and will help students develop a deeper understanding of the topics presented, allow students to apply new knowledge, and help develop professional communication skills. Students will work on their own essay theme. Total working time on the module, including self-study, is recommended to be 200 hours.

Assessment

• 100% Coursework 1: 4000-word Individual Report

Assessed by end of spring semester

Educational Aims

Learning Outcomes

Knowledge and Understanding 
i.    Demonstrate understanding of the dominant approaches, major theories, and models in professional psychology, 
ii.    Understand the scientific underpinnings of psychology in various professional contexts, 
iii.    Recognize the diversity of the application of psychology in various professional contexts, 
iv.    Demonstrate a critical understanding of professional psychological practice

Intellectual Skills 
i.    Reason scientifically and demonstrate the relationship between theory and evidence
ii.    Can adopt multiple perspectives 
iii.    Can pose and operationalise research questions 
iv.    Provide evidence-based reasoning to establish the merits of competing psychological explanation 
v.    Produce written argument which shows critical appraisal and good understanding of the main issues central to the topics 
vi.    Develop a broader knowledge base of the subject’s studies via independent and appropriate reading 
vii.    Integrate the theoretical and applied nature of the topics where appropriate 
viii.    Provide evidence and support to argue the merits of the various approaches to Professional Psychology.
ix.    Appropriately interpret findings from studies of professional personality within forensic psychology, clinical psychology, neuropsychology, and educational psychology. 

Transferable (key) Skills 
i.    Can communicate ideas and research findings both effectively and fluently 
ii.    Can solve problems by clarifying questions, considering alternative solutions, and evaluating outcomes 
iii.    Can undertake self-directed study and project management to meet desired objectives 
iv.    Evidence of academic skills (essay writing, library research, independent study) 
•    Demonstrate evidence-based analysis and critical appraisal
•    Supply formal presentation and argument in analysis of evidence
•    Produce well-organised and structured written work
•    Work independently
•    Perform effective literature searches
•    Present written argument in concise and time-restricted manner

Conveners

• Dr Efsun Birtwistle
• Dr Larissa Szymanek