Professional Skills Development (MPSY4167)

This module provides you with an opportunity to develop a range of professional skills linking to career development in psychological practice and related fields. Whether you are working towards professional chartership in the British Psychological Society or registration with the Association for Business Psychology, these are the professional skills that you will be required to have/be developing. A range of techniques, approaches and models will be introduced which will link and support the skills you gain across your course.

Part of Business Psychology MSc

This module is part of the University’s Business Psychology MSc . You will study alongside other students on this course. The module is also part of the Professional Development MA/MSc course - a flexible course that you help design to take your career to the next level.

Overview

On successful completion of the module, students should be able to demonstrate:

Demonstrate a systematic knowledge of models of reflection and their application to personal experience.
Evidence a structured and self-managed approach to learning, maintaining a record of development activities and application of academic knowledge to professional; development.
Demonstrate a critical, comprehensive understanding of the concepts of fairness and ethics and their application within a chosen are of practice.
Evidence a critical understanding and application of appropriate models of evidence based practice, for example the scientist practitioner model.
Apply a self-directed approach to identifying needs, analysing needs, and formulating solutions and evaluation strategies within the context of a chosen area of practice (ref BPS Practise Cycle).

It is expected that all advertised modules will run, but there may be situations where there are insufficient students to make a particular module viable.

Career benefits

Completing this module will equip the student with valuable skills and knowledge essential for professional development.

Firstly, a systematic understanding of reflection models will allow you to critically analyze personal experiences, enhancing self-awareness and continuous improvement. Maintaining a structured, self-managed approach to learning will demonstrate your ability to independently track and apply academic knowledge to real-world professional scenarios, ensuring ongoing growth and competence. A critical understanding of fairness and ethics, coupled with the ability to apply these principles within your practice, ensures that you uphold high ethical standards, fostering trust and integrity. Proficiency in evidence-based practice models, such as the scientist-practitioner model, allows you to integrate research and practical application effectively, enhancing the quality of your professional interventions. Finally, the capability to self-direct the identification of needs, formulation of solutions, and evaluation of methodologies within your practice area ensures that you remain adaptable and proactive in addressing challenges.

Module delivery

The University places emphasis on enabling students to develop the independent learning capabilities that will equip you for lifelong learning and future employment, as well as academic achievement.

A mixture of independent study, teaching and academic support through the personal academic tutoring system enables you to reflect on progress and build up a profile of skills, achievements and experiences that will enable you to flourish and be successful.

You will be taught through a combination of on-campus lectures and self-directed study tasks. All lectures are held on a Friday and Saturday. The days involve engaging with different learning activities, such as lectures, practical tasks (individual and/or group), discussion and reflection.

Timetabled sessions

25th Oct, 9.15am-4.45pm
26th Oct, 9.15am-4.45pm
6th Dec, 9.15am-4.45pm
7th Dec, 9.15am-4.45pm
21st Feb, 9.15am-4.45pm
22nd Feb, 9.15am-4.45pm
28th Mar, 9.15am-4.45pm
29th Mar, 9.15am-4.45pm

Entry Requirements

This module is open to students with a 2:2 Honours degree in a Psychology (non-BPS accredited) degree or a related subject (e.g. Business Management, Human Resource Management). Applications from those with a nonrelated subject will also be considered.

Recognition of Prior Learning (RPEL) is considered for prospective students who do not hold a first degree but have gained extensive experience and skills which are transferable. All applications are considered individually on a case-by-case basis. This course can aid career change for those seeking a new direction.

Professional experience within Business Psychology is not a requirement for entry to this course.