Practical Training Organizational Psychology

Course

URL study guide

https://studiegids.vu.nl/en/courses/2024-2025/P_MSTARBO

Course Objective

In general, the purpose of practical training (internship) is to enable students to gain experience in applying their theoretical knowledge and acquire new knowledge and skills in the field of Work and Organizational Psychology. After finalizing your internship, you: (1) Have demonstrable knowledge and insight into the way in which the theories covered in the program can be used in the practical context of the internship organization; (2) Are able to apply knowledge, yield insight, and problem-solving skills in the internship setting, are able to integrate knowledge, deal with complex subject matters, and show initiative in this regard; (3) Are able to make judgments on the basis of partial or limited information while taking into account social, public, and ethical responsibilities; (4) Are able to formulate conclusions (and explain the knowledge, motives, and considerations contributing to these conclusions) in a clear and unambiguous manner in the internship report and to the different parties involved in the internship; (5) Are able to direct the personal learning process during the internship, both as regards his or her working method and his/her role in the team, incorporating any feedback that is provided. Internship usually takes place at the end of the master trajectory; however, you can start internship earlier, e.g., in October. You are recommended to find an internship that will fit your training needs, interests, and motivation. More information regarding internship, e.g., required quality and procedures, are described in the course manual. The manual can be obtained from the course coordinator or on a Canvas course once the course is published, which usually happens in the first week of September. As this is a one-year master's track, it is expected that the students obtain their internship grade within one academic year.

Course Content

An internship may represent your first step to professional practice or an academic career. An internship gives you an opportunity to take part in the daily practices of institutions/organizations, to gain work experience under professional supervision, and to gain insight into their aspirations. It is one of the requirements of the Basic Diagnostic Registration (BAPD) of the Dutch Association of Psychologists (NIP). Note that it is possible to collect data for master's thesis during internship. In September/October, a general meeting will introduce more information about the course. During a Q&A session, you will have an opportunity to ask questions. Information about the meeting will be provided via a Canvas course.

Teaching Methods

Individual supervision by an internship supervisor and a department member (master's thesis supervisor). At the beginning of internship, you will formulate goals and a plan, which will guide you throughout your internship and will help write an internship report.

Method of Assessment

The final grade will be based on the evaluation by your internship supervisor or the first assessor of your master's thesis, and a written report.

Literature

It is strongly recommended to read the book by Carter (2021); see below for details. (1) Carter, J. (2021). Work placements, internships & applied social research. Sage. (2) American Psychological Association. (2020). Publication manual of the American Psychological Association (7th ed.). (3) Articles depending on your internship’s topic; one of the supervisors may recommend additional texts.

Additional Information

You need to sign up for this course via the VUweb and get access to a Canvas course at the start of the academic year, preferably no later than the first week of September. Contact the course coordinator for more information.

Entry Requirements

A bachelor's degree is required to start an internship.

Recommended background knowledge

You need to sign up for this course via VUweb and get an access to a Canvas course at the start of the academic year, preferably, no later than in the first week of September. Contact this course coordinator to obtain more information.

Explanation Canvas

Remember to join relevant Canvas course.
Academic year1/09/24 → 31/08/25
Course level18.00 EC

Language of Tuition

  • English

Study type

  • Master