Psychology in Practice module (PY50003)

This module is a great opportunity to undertake a practicum and gain workplace experience in psychology. You can get involved in subject areas, research methods, or fields of practice different from those chosen for your research dissertation. You will undertake a practicum either directly in one of the laboratories in Psychology, or in a project associated with an academic member of staff, or in form of a work placement in a non-academic setting.

Available practicums will be presented at the beginning of semester 1. Occasionally, there is also the option to source your own practicum.
 

What you will learn

In this module, you will:

• undertake a practicum to gain workplace experience in either a research or practical setting
   

By the end of this module, you will be able to:

• demonstrate critical and deep understanding of a subject area in psychology
• understand and critically reflect on your professional strengths, weaknesses, and values
• demonstrate your contribution to a workplace setting in psychology
• demonstrate research skills or professional practice skills
• demonstrate transferrable skills, e.g. applying theoretical knowledge to practical settings, ability to learn and adapt, problem-solving skills, interpersonal/communication skills, planning and organising skills, handling challenging situations, technical skills and/or time management skills

Assignments / assessment:

• placement portfolio (100%)
  • practicum logbook, no word limit (pass/fail)
  • reflective practicum report 2,500 words
     

This module does not have a final exam.

Teaching methods / timetable: 

Lectures and tutorials will provide general guidance and allow you to ask questions, helping you stay on track. However, most learning will take place at the practicum under guidance from a practicum supervisor either individually or in small groups.

Your practicum will be in either a research or a practical setting:

• a research-based practicum might involve activities ranging from reviewing the literature to completing ethics applications, preparing study material, collecting data, analysing data, and even writing up
• a practice-based placement might involve activities ranging from co-facilitating group sessions to providing general psychological support to service users, assessing wellbeing or the outcome of support, developing staff resources, conducting research within an organisation, developing social media material, and writing outcome reports

The practicum will normally take place throughout semester 1 and 2. You will complete 90 hours of practicum time. All practicums will cover a subject area of psychology. The subject area, tasks and scope varies for each practicum.