UNIVERSITY OF KENT
SECTION 1: MODULE SPECIFICATIONS
1. Title of the module
SP855: Research Apprenticeship Dissertation
2. School or partner institution which will be responsible for management of the module
School of Psychology
3. Start date of the module
September 2014
4. The number of students expected to take the module
20-30
5. Modules to be withdrawn on the introduction of this proposed module and consultation with other relevant Schools and Faculties regarding the withdrawal
None
6. The level of the module (e.g. Certificate [C], Intermediate [I], Honours [H] or Postgraduate [M])
Level M
7. The number of credits and the ECTS value which the module represents
60 credits
8. Which term(s) the module is to be taught in (or other teaching pattern)
Term 2 (Spring) and Term 3 (Summer)
9. Prerequisite and co-requisite modules
Organisational Psychology: Methods and Statistics (pre-requisite)
10. The programmes of study to which the module contributes
Compulsory for the MSc in Organisational Psychology
11. The intended subject specific learning outcomes
11.1
11.2
11.3
11.4
11.5
11.6
11.7
11.8
To understand a range of conceptual, historical, theoretical, and philosophical issues underlying the role of psychology in organisations
Specialist knowledge and systematic understanding of the key issues in organisational psychology.
To understand the major research and analytic techniques and methodologies used by psychologists investigating psychological issues in organisations.
To understand contextual forces impacting organisations and how they co-exist or interact with psychological factors (e.g. political, environmental, technical, legal, social).
To develop specialist knowledge, and evaluate critically current research in organisational psychology
To design a meaningful research study and write up research which links psychological science to organisational issues using APA format
To conduct organisational psychology research to address business and management issues
To apply ethical values to research and practice related to organisational psychology
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UNIVERSITY OF KENT
11.9 To understand how to apply psychological research to management and business contexts
12. The intended generic learning outcomes
12.1
12.2
12.3
12.4
12.5
12.6
12.7
12.8
To critically reflect on key themes with oral discussion and written analysis
To creatively evaluate and generalise appropriately
To select and synthesise complex materials, through organising, developing, and evaluating relevance
To systematically approach problem solving, individually and as part of a group, also using appropriate information technology
To plan work and study independently, through personal development and time management
To communicate persuasively, through written assessment and oral discussions
To cooperate within a team, and recognise the contribution of self and others
To conduct appropriate data analysis and to understand the statistical analysis conducted by others, and its limits
13. A synopsis of the curriculum
All students undertake a supervised empirical research project in an area of organisational psychology to gain practical experience of research. The module allows students to develop research skills by working closely with expert researchers or practitioners. The research will be conducted as a research apprenticeship, so the student will work on a wider programme or research developed by the supervisor, or on a project specific to an organisation (still with close supervision from an academic supervisor). Some of the apprenticeship will involve working in collaborative teams
(e.g. for data collection) but all students will write up the research independently in the form of a dissertation. Most projects will be with academics from the University (School of Psychology, Kent
Business School, or related disciplines) but there will be some opportunities for students to work on projects outside the University with external research partners.
14. Indicative Reading List
There is no particular reading list for this module, students will conduct their own suitable literature searches and discuss with their academic supervisors. Students will be directed to the general guides for conducting research.
American Psychological Association (2009). Publication Manual of the American Psychological
Association (6 th ed.). Washington: American Psychological Association
British Psychological Society (2009). Code of Ethics and Conduct . Available: http://www.bps.org.uk/system/files/documents/code_of_ethics_and_conduct.pdf
Brewerton, P., & Millward, L. (2001). Organizational Research Methods: A Guide for Students and
Researchers . London, UK: Sage Publications Ltd.
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 module will involve 20 hours of supervision time (meetings and phone/email contact with academic supervisor), this will be spaced out depending on the requirements of the individual project but should involve at least 2 hours per month. In addition, students will attend and present at a
“research seminar” session (approximately 8 hours, depending on student numbers). Students will also be required to attend at least 3 research seminars (minimum 3 hours - in organisational
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UNIVERSITY OF KENT psychology or related area) given by external speakers and to submit an abstract summarising that person’s research. The remaining 569 hours will be for independent learning time. As a guide students will expect to spend around 120 hours conducting literature searches and reading up on related research for the particular project, 80 hours developing suitable designs and piloting materials for the research project, 120 hours collecting data and analysing the data, 30 hours developing the research presentation, and a minimum of 180 hours preparing the final research report. The remaining 39 hours will be spent working on the abstracts for the research seminars, attending additional research seminars, and will be for further independent study time to deepen their understanding, and consideration of how the material can be applied to practice and research.
16. Assessment methods and how these relate to testing achievement of the intended module learning outcomes
The module will be assessed with a research seminar presentation (15%; 11.1, 11.2, 11.3, 11.4,
11.5; 11.6, 11.8; 12.1, 12.2, 12.3, 12.4, 12.5, 12.6, 12.7), 3 abstracts from research seminars (5%;
11.1, 11.2, 11.3, 11.5; 12.3, 12.5) and an 8000-word research report (80%; 11.1, 11.2, 11.3, 11.4,
11.6, 11.7, 11.8, 11.9; 12.1, 12.2, 12.3, 12.4, 12.6, 12.7, 12.8). The presentation will be submitted as a power-point presentation and presented orally in a timetable session. The research report will be written up in American Psychological Association manuscript submission format, including abstract, introduction, method, results, discussion, references sections.
17. Implications for learning resources, including staff, library, IT and space
Staff and IT impacts are considered within overall planning for the MSc Organisational Psychology.
18. The School/Collaborative Partner (delete as applicable) 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/Collaborative Partner’s (delete as applicable) disability/dyslexia support service, and specialist support will be provided where needed.
N/A
19. Campus(es) where module will be delivered:
Canterbury
If the module is part of a programme in a Partner College or Validated Institution, please complete the following:
20. Partner College/Validated Institution:
21. University School responsible for the programme:
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UNIVERSITY OF KENT
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"
................................................................
Director of Graduate Studies (delete as applicable)
......................16/5/2014........................
Date
……Dr Lindsey Cameron………………………
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"
.................................................................
Head of School
.......................16/5/014.......................
Date
…Professor Joachim Stoeber………….
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"
................................................................. ..............................................
Date Nominated Responsible Officer of Partner
College/Validated Institution
………………………………………………….
Print Name
…………………………………………………..
Post
………………………………………….
Partner College/Validated Institution
Module Specification Template
Last updated February 2013
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