UNIVERSITY OF KENT
SECTION 1: MODULE SPECIFICATIONS
1.
Title of the module
Business Psychology: An Introduction (SP311)
2.
School or partner institution which will be responsible for management of the module
Psychology
3.
Start date of the module
Spring 2014
4.
The number of students expected to take the module
150
5.
Modules to be withdrawn on the introduction of this proposed module and consultation with other
relevant Schools and Faculties regarding the withdrawal
N/A
6.
The level of the module (e.g. Certificate [C], Intermediate [I], Honours [H] or Postgraduate [M])
C (4)
The number of credits and the ECTS value which the module represents
15 credits (7.5 ECTS)
7.
8.
Which term(s) the module is to be taught in (or other teaching pattern)
Spring
9. Prerequisite and co-requisite modules
No prerequisites will be required for students registered for a psychology Programme of
Study. For non-psychology students either Introduction to Psychology I (SP304) or
Introduction to Psychology II (SP305) will be required as a pre/co-requisite.
10. The programmes of study to which the module contributes
This is an elective module for students studying for any degree, including the BSc (Hons)
Psychology.
11. The intended subject specific learning outcomes
11.1.
Understanding of the practical role played by contemporary organizational and
business psychologists in society
11.2.
Introductory knowledge of psychology in the workplace as a discipline and research
methods used within psychology in the workplace
11.3.
Awareness of the fundamental application of psychology, as a science, to understand
key organizational and business issues
11.4.
Understanding of key concepts and sub-topics within psychology of the workplace
and how they relate to each other (i.e., ability to synthesise core concepts within
organizational and business psychology)
11.5.
Basic ability to evaluate core theories and research in psychology of the workplace
11.6.
Ability to summarise research evidence for a wide audience
12. The intended generic learning outcomes
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12.1.
12.2.
12.3.
12.4.
12.5.
12.6.
Appreciation and understanding of the variety of theoretical and methodological
approaches used in psychology
Development of self reflective qualities required to receive constructive feedback from
staff in order to improve understanding and academic performance
Development of independent learning and research skills required to support
academic learning and development
Development of self-regulation skills in the form of study planning and overall time
management
Development of information technology skills required to obtain key learning
resources (e.g., use of online journals and learning resources as directed by
lecturers).
Ability to work effectively in a group
13. A synopsis of the curriculum
This module will introduce students to key topics about Psychology in the workplace, for
example, work motivation, leadership and management, corporate crime, and work-life balance
– specifically areas of research expertise within the School of Psychology. In particular, this
module will focus on (1) fundamental applications of psychology, as a science, for
understanding important business, work, and organizational issues, and (2) key research
methods common in work and organization psychological research. Throughout the module,
students will be encouraged to apply contemporary psychological concepts and methods to
understand the important work and organization psychological issues outlined.
14. Indicative Reading List
Arnold, J., & Randall, R. (2010). Work psychology: Understanding human behaviour in the workplace
(5th ed.). Essex: Pearson.
Ashleigh, M., & Mansi, A. (2012). The psychology of people in organizations. Essex: Pearson
Haslam, S.A. (2001). Psychology in organizations: The social identity approach. London: Sage.
Houston, D.M. (Ed.). (2005). Work-Life balance in the 21st century. New York: Palgrave Macmillan.
McKenna, E. (2012). Business psychology and organizational behaviour (5th ed.). Hove: Psychology
Press.
15. Learning and Teaching Methods, including the nature and number of contact hours and the total
study hours which will be expected of students, and how these relate to achievement of the intended
module learning outcomes
The learning and teaching methods will be made up of 10 two-hour lectures (20 hours in total)
and 3 two-hour workshops (6 hours). The remaining 124 hours will be of guided independent
learning making up a total of 150 hours of study. Each lecture will introduce students to the
main concepts, issues, and research methods relating to various sub-disciplines of
psychology in the workplace (this will address 11.1 through to 11.5; 12.1). Furthermore, each
lecture will introduce students to contemporary perspectives and controversies in
organizational and business psychological research (this will address 12.1; 11.2; 11.6). The
workshops will allow for practical demonstrations to consolidate learning, and a poster
session, and will be run using small discussion groups (this will in particular address 12.6).
Students will be expected to engage in 124 hours of guided independent study, including
preparation for classes, assessments, and revising for the exam (this will address 12.2; 12.3;
12.4; 12.6). This learning will be firmly guided by lecturers who will recommend relevant
course texts, journal articles, and online resources (this will address 12.5). Further study
resources will be made available for students online (e.g., Government reports, research
articles) (this will address 12.5). This structured independent learning will enable students to
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engage in detailed, meaningful learning about key concepts and research methods in
psychology of the workplace (this will address 11.4; 11.5; 11.6).
16. Assessment methods and how these relate to testing achievement of the intended module learning
outcomes
Students will be assessed on the module learning outcomes with a poster presentation (25%)
and an end of year exam (75%).
Students will present a poster on a research topic covered in the curriculum during the final
workshop (11.6, 12.6). This will be conducted as a group exercise (25% of final module mark)
and the idea is to summarise research from an area of psychology to the workplace to a wide
audience (e.g. other students and academics from psychology and other disciplines, members
of the business community, addressing 11.6).
In addition, at the end of the module, there will be an unseen 2-hour secure multiple choice
exam. This exam will represent 75% of students’ assessment for this module. The test will be
developed by each of the lecturers contributing to the module and will examine students’
broad-based and more specific knowledge of the core concepts, issues and research methods
relevant to all of the sub-disciplines of organizational and business psychology covered in the
module (11.1 - 11.5). Most importantly, the exam associated with this module will test student
learning over and above the usual knowledge and comprehension skills typically tapped by
multiple choice exams. Thus, the multiple choice exam associated with this module will also
test students’ ability to (1) apply concepts and theories covered in the module to new
situations (i.e., questions testing application skills: 11.3), (2) combine knowledge from several
concepts (i.e., questions testing synthesis skills: 11.3-11.5), and (3) make choices and
decisions based upon key evaluations of evidence (questions testing evaluative skills: 12.112.5).
An alternative assessment may be provided for those short-term students who will no longer
be registered when the examination takes place.
17. Implications for learning resources, including staff, library, IT and space
It is anticipated that a lecture theatre of around 150 seats will be required, along with space for
the three workshops. The lectures will be taken by academic staff from the University of Kent
and occasional visitors. All reading materials will be made readily available via the library, and
lecturers will ensure that the University bookstore is stocked with sufficient numbers of core
texts. We anticipate that students will have excellent access to IT resources through school
computer labs (either in Keynes or other schools).
18. The School recognises and has embedded the expectations of current disability equality legislation,
and supports students with a declared disability or special educational need in its teaching. Within
this module we will make reasonable adjustments wherever necessary, including additional or
substitute materials, teaching modes or assessment methods for students who have declared and
discussed their learning support needs. Arrangements for students with declared disabilities will be
made on an individual basis, in consultation with the University’s disability/dyslexia support service,
and specialist support will be provided where needed.
The School is committed to the expectations of current disability legislation, and will work with
all relevant support services to ensure that arrangements for students with declared
disabilities are appropriate.
19. Campus(es) where module will be delivered:
Canterbury
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SECTION 2: MODULE IS PART OF A PROGRAMME OF STUDY IN A UNIVERSITY SCHOOL
Statement by the School Director of Learning and Teaching/School Director of Graduate Studies
(as appropriate): "I confirm I have been consulted on the above module proposal and have given advice
on the correct procedures and required content of module proposals"
................................................................
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Director of Learning and Teaching/Director of
Graduate Studies (delete as applicable)
Date
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Print Name
Statement by the Head of School: "I confirm that the School has approved the introduction of the
module and, where the module is proposed by School staff, will be responsible for its resourcing"
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Head of School
Date
…………………………………………………….
Print Name
SECTION 3: MODULE IS PART OF A PROGRAMME IN A PARTNER COLLEGE OR VALIDATED
INSTITUTION
(Where the module is proposed by a Partner College/Validated Institution)
Statement by the Nominated Officer of the College/Validated Institution (delete as applicable): "I
confirm that the College/Validated Institution (delete as applicable) has approved the introduction of the
module and will be responsible for its resourcing"
.................................................................
..............................................
Nominated Responsible Officer of Partner
College/Validated Institution
Date
………………………………………………….
Print Name
…………………………………………………..
Post
………………………………………….
Partner College/Validated Institution
Module Specification Template
Last updated February 2013
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