PY0779 - The Organisation

What will I learn on this module?

You will learn about the field of organisational psychology from both a theoretical/academic and applied perspective. The module adopts a widened organisational perspective and considers topics such as organisational culture, organisational change and development, leadership and team working. You will learn to develop a critical approach to theories and models and to identify the practical, professional and ethical issues inherent in undertaking research and practice in the area of occupational and organisational psychology.

How will I learn on this module?

You will learn through seminars, group activities and independent learning. Seminars will combine with independent study to support you in mastering theories and concepts and prepare you for module exercises.

Independent study is supported by the University’s e-learning portal (elp) which will give you access to a range of study mediums including, for example, academic journals, e-books, podcasts and lecture/presentation recordings. Essential and recommended independent study and preparation will be given in advance of lectures via the digitised module reading list.

Student based activities are an important feature of the module enabling you to work in small groups or pairs to apply knowledge and develop skills. Scenarios and case studies are used to reinforce the applied nature of the subject and help with the transfer of theoretical concepts and academic findings to the real world. The interactive nature of the student based activities will give you opportunities to develop confidence and skills in areas such as, for example, group working, critique and debate, and presentation skills, which in turn can enhance your employability.

How will I be supported academically on this module?

Support will include feedback from module tutors during group during small-group seminars and tutorials. In particular they will support you in adapting to the learning approach and consolidation of knowledge throughout the module and how it relates to other modules within the programme. In addition, tutors will respond to questions via the module’s discussion board at the University’s eLearning Portal so that the whole group can benefit.

What will I be expected to read on this module?

All modules at Northumbria include a range of reading materials that students are expected to engage with. Online reading lists (provided after enrolment) give you access to your reading material for your modules. The Library works in partnership with your module tutors to ensure you have access to the material that you need.

What will I be expected to achieve?

Knowledge & Understanding:

KSU 1: You will be expected to critically evaluate theoretical models of organisations/organisational change and development

KSU 2: You will utilise an evidence base to critically evaluate organisational development interventions and approaches


Intellectual / Professional skills & abilities:

IPSA 1: You will be able to analyse critical issues related to performance, improvement and change within an organisational scenario/case study

IPSA 2: You will develop your ability to communicate academic and/or complex information to a range of audiences

Personal Values Attributes (Global / Cultural awareness, Ethics, Curiosity) (PVA):

PVA 1: You will be able to identify ethical and professional issues related to research and practice in the field of organisational psychology

How will I be assessed?

Formative Assessment:

You will participate in group activities and one to one work where you will apply the skills learned as part of the module. Examples include group presentations and extracting and communicating information from complex reports. Feedback will be provided verbally by the module tutor on your skills development and peer feedback will be encouraged as part of the process. Self-assessment and reflection will also be encouraged. Where appropriate, feedback will also be provided by the module tutor to identify ways to support skill development and employability enhancement. (KU1; IPSA1 PVA 1)

Pre-requisite(s)

N/A

Co-requisite(s)

N/A

Module abstract

‘The Organisation’ will provide you with an introduction to the field of organisational psychology enabling you to have a better understanding of contemporary organisational issues, particularly those relating to the human element. Academic literature is utilised alongside interactive activities and case studies to help students to link theory, research and practice. Ethical and professional issues encountered by practitioners and researchers are explored and a scientist-practitioner model is promoted to develop students’ critical thinking and their ability to apply psychological principles in organisational settings. Completion of the module will provide you with key knowledge and skills that are directly relevant to future employment in areas such as occupational psychology, human resource management, organisational development and consultancy.

Course info

Credits 20

Level of Study Postgraduate

Mode of Study 1 year Full Time
2 other options available

Department Psychology

Location City Campus, Northumbria University

City Newcastle

Start September 2025

Fee Information

Module Information

All information is accurate at the time of sharing. 

Full time Courses are primarily delivered via on-campus face to face learning but could include elements of online learning. Most courses run as planned and as promoted on our website and via our marketing materials, but if there are any substantial changes (as determined by the Competition and Markets Authority) to a course or there is the potential that course may be withdrawn, we will notify all affected applicants as soon as possible with advice and guidance regarding their options. It is also important to be aware that optional modules listed on course pages may be subject to change depending on uptake numbers each year.  

Contact time is subject to increase or decrease in line with possible restrictions imposed by the government or the University in the interest of maintaining the health and safety and wellbeing of students, staff, and visitors if this is deemed necessary in future.

 

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