This module will introduce students to key topics about Psychology in the workplace such as leadership, corporate crime, and workplace motivation – there will be a focus on the application of psychology to real business issues and questions, and lectures will focus on expertise within the School of Psychology at Kent. In particular, this module will focus on (1) fundamental applications of psychology, as a science, for understanding important business, work, and organisational 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 application of psychology to core work and organisational issues.
Total contact hours: 30
Private study hours: 120
Total study hours: 150
Compulsory for Business Psychology BSc and Business Psychology with a Placement Year BSc. Optional to all single-honour undergraduate Psychology programmes. Available Elective. Available to short-term credit students.
Examination 2 hours 75%
Poster Presentation 25%
Reassessment methods: Like for like.
Reading list (Indicative list, current at time of publication. Reading lists will be published annually)
Main Texts:
Arnold, J., & Randall, R., et al. (2010). Work psychology: Understanding human behaviour in the workplace (6th ed.). Essex: Pearson.
Supplementary Reading:
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.
Ryan, M.K., & Branscombe, N.L. (2013). The sage handbook of gender and psychology. London: Sage.
See the library reading list for this module (Canterbury)
The intended subject specific learning outcomes. On successfully completing the module students will be able to:
8.1. Understand of the practical role played by contemporary organisational and business psychologists in society
8.2. Demonstrate introductory knowledge of psychology in the workplace as a discipline and research methods used within psychology in the workplace
8.3. Show awareness of the fundamental application of psychology, as a science, to understand key organisational and business issues
8.4. Demonstrate 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 organisational and business psychology)
8.5. Evaluate core theories and research in psychology of the workplace
8.6. Summarise research evidence for a wide audience
The intended generic learning outcomes. On successfully completing the module students will be able to:
9.1. Appreciate and understand the variety of theoretical and methodological approaches used in psychology
9.2. Utilise self-reflective qualities required to receive constructive feedback from staff in order to improve understanding and academic performance
9.3. Demonstrate independent learning and research skills required to support academic learning and development
9.4. Use self-regulation skills in the form of study planning and overall time management
9.5. Demonstrate development of information technology skills required to obtain key learning resources (e.g., use of online journals and learning resources as directed by lecturers).
9.6. Work effectively in a group
University of Kent makes every effort to ensure that module information is accurate for the relevant academic session and to provide educational services as described. However, courses, services and other matters may be subject to change. Please read our full disclaimer.
