PY0796 - Organisational Psychology Consultancy Skills

What will I learn on this module?

You will learn about how organisational consultancy is applied in the field of organisational psychology from both a theoretical/academic and applied perspectives. Topics covered will include approaches to consultancy, applied data analysis for organisational problems, and issues central to professional identity and employability. 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 organisational psychology.

How will I learn on this module?

You will learn through seminars, e-learning and independent learning. The seminars will examine case-studies and problems based on real world situations relevant to the areas of occupational psychology consultancy across the five core areas of occupational psychology. This will allow you to apply the knowledge that you have developed on key topics and reflect on the subject information. Case-studies and problems will be examined in small groups where you will have the opportunity to discuss different approaches with peers. The use of discussion groups will ensure that material is applied in nature, drawing upon evidence on effective application of occupational psychology consultancy approaches.

You will develop background knowledge and understanding of key literature related to the weekly topic. This is supported by the e-learning portal, pre-recorded lectures, podcasts and pre-reading outlined in the electronic reading list.

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. Focused academic support coupled with timely formative and summative feedback should enable you to meet your full academic potential within this module. Feedback from the summative assessment will be made available 20 working days after submission through the eLP portal.

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. Focused academic support coupled with timely formative and summative feedback should enable you to meet your full academic potential within this module. Feedback from the summative assessment will be made available 20 working days after submission through the eLP portal.

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:
• MKU1: Critically evaluate and debate current knowledge theory and evidence relevant to the consultancy in Occupational/ Organisational Psychology
• MKU2: Understand the links between the theory and evidence and its practical application within the discipline if Occupational/Organisational psychology and wider

Intellectual / Professional skills & abilities:
• MIPSA1: Identify and develop skills and capabilities relevant to progression to Occupational/Organisational psychology practice and recognise the limits of their own competence
• MIPSA 2: Communicate effectively with a range of audiences including peers, supervisors and lay people

Personal Values Attributes (Global / Cultural awareness, Ethics, Curiosity) (PVA):
• MPVA1: Use reflective practice to record, evaluate and build on experiences, existing capabilities, and ethical practice.

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. (MKU1; MIPSA1, MIPSA 2, MPVA1 .)



Summative Assessment:
A 4000 word report responding to an organisational brief and reflecting upon own professional identity, personal learning, and employability MKU1, MKU2, MIPSA1, MIPSA2 and MPVA 1.

Individual written feedback on the summative assignment will be provided 20 days after the submission date on blackboard. A cohort summary will also be provided on blackboard where themes and good practices will be reported.

Pre-requisite(s)

None

Co-requisite(s)

None

Module abstract

This module is designed to allow students to reflect on their strengths and development needs in relation to transferable skills in occupational and organisational psychology. Students will consider issues of professional identity, applied practice and their own employability. The evidence base and application behind specific tools and techniques for gathering, analysing and feeding back data in organisational contexts will be examined in-depth. You will explore the British Psychological Society (BPS) consultancy cycle and its application. Understanding and application of the consultancy cycle forms a key requirement for those wishing to progress their career development in the occupational and organisational psychology profession in a range of organisational roles. Completion of the module will provide you with key knowledge and skills that are directly relevant to future employment in areas such as occupational and organisational psychology, human resource management, organisational development, learning and 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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