Module Information

Module Identifier
PS11710
Module Title
Personal Development and Organisational Behaviour
Academic Year
2025/2026
Co-ordinator
Semester
Semester 1
Reading List
Other Staff

Course Delivery

 

Assessment

Assessment Type Assessment length / details Proportion
Semester Assessment Reflective Patchwork Assessment  100%
Supplementary Assessment Reflective Patchwork Assessment  If students fail the module overall, any failed component must be re-sat or determined as the Examination Board sees fit.  100%

Learning Outcomes

On completion of this module, students should be able to:
1. Demonstrate an understanding of the importance of recording and reflecting on their skills, goals, and achievements in a structured way.
2. Demonstrate an ability to plan for a career that matches their interests and abilities.
3. Critically evaluate the challenges and opportunities in planning for a career as a psychologist.
4. Evaluate the application of academic literature to professional and workplace settings
5. Present their individual skills, knowledge and abilities in a structured and concise way.

Brief description

This is a skill development module that aims to develop student's employability skills in a number of the areas identified by the Higher Education Authority as being important to graduate recruitment. For example, problem solving, research skills, communication, improving own learning and performance, information technology, personal development and career planning and subject- skills specific to psychology

Content

  • Personal development and Planning
  • Life-long learning
  • Job search
  • Resume design
  • Research skills
  • Careers in Psychology
  • Volunteering

Module Skills

Skills Type Skills details
Application of Number Not directly applicable; however, students will be expected to comment on aspects of statistical analysis through the examination of appropriate literature and sources.
Communication Students will be introduced to theory and research relating to good communication through lecture content. Students will learn how to present their ideas in writing and how to assert themselves to advantage. They will understand the importance clear communication and how to exploit these. They will know how to use the most appropriate form of communication to the best advantage. Students will be expected to submit their work in word-processed format, and the presentation of work should reflect effective expression of ideas and good use of language skills to ensure clarity, coherence, and effective communication.
Improving own Learning and Performance The module aims to promote self-management and reflective practice. Students will be expected to improve their learning and performance by undertaking their research and to exercise their initiative, including searching for sources, compiling a list of their skills and abilities, and considering (under guidance) the direction of their future career paths and how they will meet their aspirations. Students will be encouraged to build links with other university departments such as the Careers and Lifelong Learning Departments The module will support reflection on and integration of thinking about the applications of psychology.
Information Technology This module develops IT skills, as part of their assessment and through an exploration of career aspirations and the labour market. Students are supported in creating a suitably formatted CV electronically, converting the files to PDF, etc. Students will be encouraged to search for sources of information on the web, as well as seeking sources through electronic information sources (such as Web of Science, PsychLit, and PsychInfo). Students will critically appraise the significance of social media and technology to the workplace.
Personal Development and Career planning Personal development and career planning is a central goal of the module. Students will explore reflective practice and its use in academic and work settings. Through lectures, seminars, and assessment, students will critically appraise employability development and the contemporary labour market. They will engage in activities designed to support reflection on skills development and engagement with academic and extra-curricular activities. They will learn about the process of planning for a future career and be supported in thinking about their own current and future portfolio.
Problem solving Independent project work and problem solving is a central goal of the module. Group activities will encourage reflection about organisational behaviour and career planning. This module is designed with a number of short pieces of course work which develop problem-solving skills in a number of areas including practical skills such as job search, creating a formatted CVs and reflective skills.
Research skills This module will support students in developing an awareness of the tools available to assist in information gathering and direct those tools to solve a problem. As students explore a broad range of career options, they will be supported in accessing support from available career and organisational behaviour sources.
Subject Specific Skills Through an introduction to organisational behaviour, students will be encouraged to reflect on their own skill set in the workplace setting. Students will have the opportunity to consider different careers in psychology.
Team work Students will be introduced to theory and research relating to teamwork and leadership through lecture content. They have the opportunity to reflect on their experiences of teamwork in their assessment.

Notes

This module is at CQFW Level 4