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PSY-30176 - Module Specification
School of Psychology
Faculty of Natural Sciences

For academic year: 2026/27 Last Updated: 16 September 2026

PSY-30176 - Wellbeing and Mental Health at Work
Coordinator: Deborah Stevens-Gill
Lecture Time:
Level: Level 6
Credits: 15
Study Hours: 150
School Office: 01782 733736

Programme/Approved Electives for 2026/27

None

Available as a Free Standing Elective

No

Co-requisites

None

Prerequisites

None

Barred Combinations

None

Description for 2026/27

This module takes you on a deep dive into the topic of mental health and well-being at work. Initially, you will be introduced to key concepts in mental health and well-being, how they can be measured, and how these are relevant at work. You will then move to a critical examination of a range of contemporary theories and issues in work psychology.
Throughout the module, you will take a ‘work psychology’ stance in order to place the individual, rather than the business, as the focal point of the module.
This module is likely to appeal to you if you are interested in understanding more about how psychology can be applied to a wide range of work and organisational settings in order to improve the well-being of individuals. It will also appeal if you are interested in a career in Work, Business, or Occupational psychology.

Aims
This module will introduce the concept of well-being in organisations. You will develop a work psychology perspective to understand the well-being needs of individuals at work, as well as well-being implications for businesses and organisations. You will learn more about:
- the design and development of healthier, safer workplaces.
- the importance of the scientific method in the design, delivery and measurement of workplace interventions.
- the need for more work psychologists (working privately and in local government) to support the needs of workers with long-term mental health issues, chronic health issues and disability.
With a perspective of ethical practice, you will become competent in critically evaluating a range of evidence to select and develop a proposed intervention to improve well-being and measure its efficacy.

Intended Learning Outcomes

Analyse and evaluate psychological concepts of well-being in organisations and their measurement: 1
Synthesise evidence and select appropriate methods for the measurement of well-being in an organisational / work-based setting: 2
Critically evaluate psychological approaches to well-being interventions in organisations: 2
Apply psychological ethics and professional principles to evaluate practical and ethical issues relating to well-being at work: 1

Study hours

Active learning hours:
12x 2 hour weekly interactive lecture/workshops
Independent Study Hours:
12x 1 hour per week asynchronous learning and preparation (e.g. videos, complete psychometric test, reading, engagement with case studies).
12x 1 hour weekly reflections (important for ethics as cases will be authentic)
102 hours guided reading, independent learning and assessment preparation (approx 40 hours of which are assessment preparation).

School Rules

None

Description of Module Assessment

1: Podcast weighted 40%
Workplace Wellbeing Podcast style recording (5 minutes)
You will be supported to produce a 5-minute podcast-like recording exploring a contemporary workplace wellbeing issue. You will be provided with a selection of workplace wellbeing topics from which to choose. The podcast should communicate psychological theory, research, and evidence to an organisational audience in an engaging and accessible manner. Students should critically evaluate the issue and provide evidence-based recommendations for practice. The podcast should demonstrate an ability to translate psychological knowledge into meaningful insights for organisations, employees, managers, or other workplace stakeholders. You may choose to submit your work in an audio-only podcast format or as a video podcast, (for example an MP4 recording of a narrated PowerPoint if you prefer) and you may incorporate visual aids (e.g., images, diagrams, infographics, or slides) where these support communication of their ideas. You will also submit a script or detailed podcast plan that evidences the content, structure, and rationale of your submission.

2: Report weighted 60%
Wellbeing Consultancy Report and Implementation Infographic (2,000 words)
You will respond to an authentic organisational wellbeing challenge, acting as a workplace wellbeing consultant. You will be provided with a selection of organisational wellbeing challenges from which to select. Drawing on relevant psychological theory, research, and evidence, you will develop a proposal designed to improve employee wellbeing within the specified organisational context. The report should justify the proposed approach using evidence-based practice and consider the practical implications of implementation. You should critically evaluate relevant leadership approaches, wellbeing interventions, and methods for assessing wellbeing and measuring the effectiveness of your recommendations. The report should also consider alternative approaches, potential limitations, risks, and ethical issues associated with the proposed initiative. Alongside the report, you will produce a one-page implementation infographic designed for organisational stakeholders. The infographic should communicate the key recommendations, implementation plan, expected outcomes, and measures of success in a concise and accessible visual format suitable for a workplace audience. The infographic will not be included in the word count.

The University undertakes a continuous review of its teaching and research provision to ensure programmes are of a high quality and changes may be made to modules where it is necessary and reasonable to do so. Please be aware that minor changes to modules, such as a change to an individual assessment, can occur up until enrolment, although we endeavour to give you as much notice as possible of any changes. Details about the circumstance in which changes are made to programmes can be found in the Student Agreement, available at: https://www.keele.ac.uk/legalgovernancecompliance/governance/actcharterstatutesordinancesandregulations/studenttermsconditions/

Last Updated: 16 September 2026