Professional Development Experience
| Module title | Professional Development Experience |
|---|---|
| Module code | PSY3910 |
| Academic year | 2024/5 |
| Credits | 5 |
| Module staff | Dr Hazel Mycroft (Convenor) |
| Duration: Term | 1 | 2 | 3 |
|---|---|---|---|
| Duration: Weeks | 8 | 8 | 0 |
| Number students taking module (anticipated) | 30 |
|---|
Module description
The Professional Development Experience module provides promising first, second and final year psychology students with the opportunity to become involved in cutting-edge research in close collaboration with a member of staff in an area of interest. Over the course of the internship, you will take responsibility for one or more aspects of a research project. The tasks that you work on vary from project to project, but may initially include participant recruitment, data entry and general research administration. As you gain experience you may have the opportunity to progress to more advanced tasks such as participant assessment, data collection, data analysis, literature searches, and so on. This module is especially recommended if you are considering a career in research (industry or academic) or as a psychologist. Acceptance into this module is competitive and you are expected to meet a high academic standard (typically, on track for a high 2:1 or 1st degree) as well as demonstrate a strong enthusiasm for the area of research. This module does not contribute towards degree progression or award.
Module aims - intentions of the module
The aim of the module is to improve your research skills (such as research design, data collection, data processing or project management), your knowledge of a cutting-edge area of psychological research and your employability (a clearer sense of the nature of a career in research; the development of skills and knowledge relevant to a career in research or psychology and evidence of these achievements).
Intended Learning Outcomes (ILOs)
ILO: Module-specific skills
On successfully completing the module you will be able to...
- 1. Design/conduct at an advanced level an empirical study and analyse/interpret findings in line with your project responsibilities
- 2. Describe theories, research and experimental techniques in the area of your project
- 3. Explain in depth how your specific project is associated with a career in research/psychology and illustrate the pathway to pursuing this career
ILO: Discipline-specific skills
On successfully completing the module you will be able to...
- 4. Acquire a critical understanding of knowledge at the forefront of an area of the discipline
- 5. Think critically about the limits of knowledge and methodologies for obtaining this knowledge
- 6. Evaluate critically and analyse empirical evidence
ILO: Personal and key skills
On successfully completing the module you will be able to...
- 7. Take responsibility for an important part of a research project and demonstrate professionalism in your delivery on your tasks
- 8. Act autonomously with minimal supervision or direction, within agreed guidelines
- 9. Manage time effectively to meet deadlines
Syllabus plan
The module follows an apprenticeship model of research training. Regular meetings are held with the supervisor throughout the module. Each member of staff contributing to the module offers a set of research project topics. As far as possible, students will be matched with staff who are conducting research within their area of interest. The supervisor will ensure that any necessary training is delivered in a timely fashion and that the intern receives an induction on their first day. Supervisors will meet regularly with the interns throughout the internship to ensure that you are adequately supported and that you have the opportunity to gain valuable skills and experiences. Supervisors will schedule a review session that will coincide with the midway point of the internship to discuss the progress of the internship.
Learning activities and teaching methods (given in hours of study time)
| Scheduled Learning and Teaching Activities | Guided independent study | Placement / study abroad |
|---|---|---|
| 45 | 5 | 0 |
Details of learning activities and teaching methods
| Category | Hours of study time | Description |
|---|---|---|
| Scheduled learning and teaching | 45 | Internship activities |
| Guided independent study | 5 | Internship diary |
Formative assessment
| Form of assessment | Size of the assessment (eg length / duration) | ILOs assessed | Feedback method |
|---|---|---|---|
| Weekly supervisor discussion | 30 minutes | 4-9 | Oral |
Summative assessment (% of credit)
| Coursework | Written exams | Practical exams |
|---|---|---|
| 50 | 0 | 50 |
Details of summative assessment
| Form of assessment | % of credit | Size of the assessment (eg length / duration) | ILOs assessed | Feedback method |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Internship participation | 100 | Competent completion of internship tasks | 1-9 | Written |
| 0 | ||||
| 0 | ||||
| 0 | ||||
| 0 | ||||
| 0 |
Details of re-assessment (where required by referral or deferral)
| Original form of assessment | Form of re-assessment | ILOs re-assessed | Timescale for re-assessment |
|---|---|---|---|
| Internship participation | Internship participation (20 additional internship hours) | 1-9 | August ref/def |
Re-assessment notes
Two assessments are required for this module. Where you have been referred/deferred in the reflective diary you will have the opportunity to resubmit it in the August/September re-assessment period. Where you have been referred/deferred in the Internship Participation, you will have the opportunity to complete an additional 20 internship hours on which your re-assessment will be based. If you are successful on referral, your overall module mark will be capped at 40%; deferred marks are not capped.
Indicative learning resources - Basic reading
- Sternberg, R.J. (1993) The Psychologists's Companion: A guide to scientific writing for students and researchers (3rd edition). Chapters 1,3 (especially), 4, 5. Cambridge University Press
Indicative learning resources - Web based and electronic resources
Web based and electronic resources:
- The Career Zone: http://www.exeter.ac.uk/careers/
CVs and Making Applications:
- CV Creator – www.ex.ac.uk/employability/cvcreator
- International and academic CVs: www.prospects.ac.uk; click on ‘Jobs and Work’ then ‘Applications and Interviews’ – useful power word list
- www.selectsimulator.com– practice online application form
- www.futuremorph.org– very useful Science Council careers site
Interviews:
- www.prospects.ac.uk– interview tips under the ‘Jobs and Work’ section
- www.bemyinterviewer.co.uk - online advice for answering hard questions
Work Experience:
- www.futuremorph.org - Setting aims and goals
Teaching:
Indicative learning resources - Other resources
None
| Credit value | 5 |
|---|---|
| Module ECTS | 2.5 |
| Module pre-requisites | None |
| Module co-requisites | None |
| NQF level (module) | 6 |
| Available as distance learning? | No |
| Origin date | 13/07/2015 |
| Last revision date | 17/03/2023 |
