PY0778 - Learning and Development in Organisations

What will I learn on this module?

This module will introduce the psychological theory and empirical evidence behind the learning and career development of individuals in a work context. You will learn and evaluate theories of career development, lifelong learning, occupational choice, training, employability, coaching and counselling. You will develop an appreciation of applied approaches taken by individuals and organisations to develop careers and compare them for their effectiveness. A broad organisational perspective will be taken to employee development which includes contemporary issues affecting careers. You will reflect critically upon the theoretical and empirical literature by applying this to real world scenarios, developing an appreciation of the psychological processes which can impact upon career.

How will I learn on this module?

You will participate in seminars, group activities and independent learning. Material provided as part of the module will be designed to support you to understand theories, concepts and enhance your skill development.

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

As the content relates to careers, this will give you the opportunity to critically reflect on your own career journey. Experiential learning will be encouraged which will enable application of theory as well as goal setting and reflection to enhance your employability. Student based activities are an important feature of the module which will enable you to work in small groups or pairs to apply knowledge and develop skills. The use of case-based learning will ensure that material is applied in nature, drawing upon key theories to inform interventions designed to improve learning and career development. The interactive nature of the student-based activities will give you opportunities to develop confidence and skills in areas such as group working, critique and debate and presentation skills for example which in turn can enhance your employability.

How will I be supported academically on this module?

Support will include feedback from module tutors during small-group seminars. 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:
KU1: You will critically evaluate approaches to learning and/or career development within an organisational context
KU2: You will utilise an evidence base to critically evaluate learning and/or career development interventions

Intellectual / Professional skills & abilities:
IPSA1:You will be expected to demonstrate skills relevant to learning and career development in organisations to enhance professional competence


Personal Values Attributes (Global / Cultural awareness, Ethics, Curiosity) (PVA):
PVA1: You will be asked to consider a number of ethical and professional issues surrounding learning and development in an organisational context
PVA2: You will be encouraged to critically reflect upon your own learning and career development experiences by applying the theories to real world scenarios

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 work and coaching skills. 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 utilising tools taught as part of the module content such as reflective logs, employability questionnaires etc. Where appropriate, feedback will also be provided by the module tutor to identify ways to support skill development and employability enhancement. (IPSA 1; PVA 2)

Summative Assessment:
You will produce a 4000-word case study report based upon a real-world scenario which will provide the opportunity for you to demonstrate your achievement of learning outcomes KU1, KU2, IPSA 1 and PVA 1.

Pre-requisite(s)

N/A

Co-requisite(s)

N/A

Module abstract

This module aims to provide you with a broad understanding of how learning and career development occurs within a career and organisational context. You will learn about various approaches to learning and career development and will evaluate their effectiveness in achieving individual and organisational goals such as career success and return on investment. Multiple sources of evidence will be utilised to encourage discussion and debate of contemporary employee learning and development issues. Ethical and professional issues encountered by practitioners and researchers will also be discussed. This module will not only enable a greater understanding of career and employee development in the workplace, but will also develop an appreciation of contemporary career theory applied to you as a student on the programme and in the pursuit of employability.

Course info

Credits 20

Level of Study Postgraduate

Mode of Study 2 years Part 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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