What will I learn on this module?
The Psychology for Life module will primarily focus on developing your knowledge of how psychology is applied in the real world, and supporting you in making longer term decisions about your career. You will be introduced to different chartered routes in psychology, as well as broader professions, in which psychology can be readily applied. This knowledge in the application of psychology will help you to develop your understanding and self-efficacy when it comes to making career-related decisions. In-class discussions will also enable you to develop transferable skills valued by employers, such as communication skills and the role of teamwork.
You will have access to specialist input from the Careers and Employment Service in how to begin your journey in psychology, looking at securing relevant work experience, reflecting on your own skills and interests, CV writing, and interview support. Making use of this service will ensure that you are building your employability from the early stages of your journey in psychology.
Within the department of psychology, we also run invited speakers’ programmes for you to network with a range of practitioners and academics from outside of the university.
How will I learn on this module?
On this module you will learn by being introduced to a number of professionals and practitioners from the areas in psychology such as Health, Clinical, Forensic, Organisational and Experimental Psychology. In addition, you will have the opportunity to engage with the Careers Service for Psychology and develop the skills and experience to support your future career.
The module will employ technology enhanced learning tools such as the eLearning Portal (an online application where you can access information about your programme and modules), electronic reading lists, lecture capture and online submission and feedback tools to support your learning.
How will I be supported academically on this module?
You will be supported academically by your module tutor who will make a variety of resources available for you. The materials used in the taught sessions will be available to you via the eLearning Portal. These materials will include the PowerPoint slides, workshop materials and links to further reading. There will also be a variety of other resources available on the eLearning Portal that will support your studies. These include reading lists, activities, and CV development. Discussion boards will also be available to you, allowing you to post questions and queries for other students and staff members to answer, this will enhance peer-support and collegiality. You will also be able to access recordings of some sessions via the eLearning Portal. Tutorials with staff can provide an opportunity for students to discuss issues related to the module.
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:
• KU1: You will be able to recognise the chartered routes within psychology and show an understanding of the day-to-day life of professionals working in these fields
• KU2: You will understand ways in which psychology can be applied outside of the discipline
Intellectual / Professional skills & abilities:
• IPSA1: You will develop communication skills to enable you to deliver information relating to psychology to a non-academic audience
Personal Values Attributes (Global / Cultural awareness, Ethics, Curiosity) (PVA):
• PVA1: You will show an awareness of the role of psychology in the wider world
• PVA2: You will develop your career development learning, supporting you to make career-related decisions as you progress to undergraduate study
How will I be assessed?
Formative Assessment
You will complete a range of in class exercises and meet practitioners, to support you in selecting the area of psychology you are interested in for the summative assessment
Summative Assessment
You will be required to select a career route and create an information leaflet demonstrating an understanding of the area, how psychology is applied to it, how you can pursue a career in this area and show an understanding of working within this field (worth 100% of the module mark) - All MLOs
Feedback
Feedback on in class activities will be given during the taught sessions. For the summative work, individual feedback will be provided on Blackboard along with an overall summary of performance in general; this will be released via the submission portal.
Pre-requisite(s)
None
Co-requisite(s)
None
Module abstract
Psychology as a discipline can be applied in a wide range of professions. For example, following successful completion of a chartered undergraduate degree students are eligible for Graduate Basis for Chartership with the British Psychological Society (BPS), enabling them to pursue further training as a chartered psychologist, in areas such as Clinical, Health, Forensic, Counselling or Organisational Psychology. In contrast, many individuals who study psychology go on to work in broader professions such as Marketing, Education and Human Resources. The Psychology for Life Module has been developed to familiarise you with the broad range of careers that are available to Psychology graduates and provide you with the understanding to make informed choices regarding your future career goals.
Course info
UCAS Code C801
Credits 20
Level of Study Undergraduate
Mode of Study 1 year Full Time followed by a further 3 year or 4 years full-time study
Department Psychology
Location City Campus, Northumbria University
City Newcastle
Start September 2025
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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