PL3S154 - Using Psychology 01 Sep 2023 - 31 Aug 2027 | Version 4

Associated Module Information

Module Code: PL3S154
Module Title: Using Psychology
Faculty: Faculty of Life Sciences and Education
Faculty Group: Psychology
Faculty Sub Group: Youth and Community
Module Leader: James Greville
Module Team: Philip Tyson, Kirsty Richards, Dan Bowers, Alexis Jones, Leigh Attwood
First Intended Intake: SEP 2018 Final Year of Intake: 2023
Date Closed:
Credit Value: 20 Credit Level: 6
Language: English
Percentage of Module Taught in Welsh: 0
Equivalent Module:
HECOS codes: 100497 - psychology
HECOS Code Weighting: 100

Document Version Information

Version 4
Valid From 01 Sep 2023
Valid To 31 Aug 2027

Module Aims

To encourage critical reflection on the use of Psychology in practice, real-life contexts and current national and international debates.

Content Summary

This module focuses on the role of Psychology within specific practice contexts as well as the ways that this can contribute to broader societal change. Content is organised thematically to encourage critical evaluation and appreciation of the multiple perspectives in Psychology; and how these can be applied in different settings. These themes include “Working with Diverse Populations”; “Psychology in Social, Cultural and Political Contexts”; “Applying Evidence to Practice” and “Working Ethically in Psychology”. The working content of the sessions will change from year to year but will reflect current thinking and relevant current debates from both academic and practitioner perspectives. Taught content from USW staff will be supplemented by guest sessions from established practitioners who will contextualise a relevant theme within their own discipline, topic or field. Directed tasks and independent formative assessment will encourage students reflect on these themes and apply them to a range of real-world contexts.

Learning and Teaching Methods

Activity Type Hours
Lecture 24
Practical classes and workshops 24
Independent Study 120
Directed Study 32
Total Hours Selected 200

Learning Outcomes

# Learning Outcome
LO1 Demonstrate a critical and reflective appreciation of the considerations associated with using Psychology in different contexts.
LO2 Critically assess the ethical and socio-cultural contexts in which Psychology operates as a discipline.

Module Requisites

N/A

Assessment Criteria

Assessment Category Assessment Type Description Duration Word Count Weight (%) Best of? Pass Mark
Written Assignment (CW) Self Reflective Assessment (CW) 1 A log of self-reflections based on themes and tasks covered across the module 0 3000 60 No 40
Written Assignment (CW) Case Study (CW) 1 A case study of a single practice context which is analysed with reference to each of the themes covered in the module 0 2000 40 No 40

Assessment Matrix

Assessment Type Learning Outcomes
LO1 LO2
Self Reflective Assessment (CW) 1
Case Study (CW) 1

Reading List

Bassot, B, (2015). The Reflective Practice Guide. Routledge

BPS (2009). Code of Ethics and Conduct (pdf). URL: https://beta.bps.org.uk/news-and-policy/practice-guidelines

BPS (2014) Code of Human Research Ethics (pdf). URL: http://www.bps.org.uk/system/files/Public%20files/inf180_web.pdf

BPS (2017). Practice Guidelines (3rd Edition – pdf). URL: https://beta.bps.org.uk/news-and-policy/practice-guidelines

Heine, S. (2015). Cultural Psychology. W.W. Norton & Company

Piekkola, B., (2017). Conceptual and Historical Issues in Psychology. Sage Publications

Plus journal articles as appropriate to the themes under discussion and debate

TED talks as appropriate to the themes under discussion and debate