PSY768 Contextual and Contemporary Practice Assignment Brief 2026 | Wrexham University

Module title

Contextual and Contemporary Practice

Module code

PSY768

Assessment title

Choose and critically discuss an area of applied psychological practice exploring its theoretical underpinnings and implications (3,000 words).

Launch date

N/A

Submission deadline

Friday 27th March 2026 at midday

Expected date for return of marks and feedback

24/04/2025

(due to Easter closure)

Module outcomes assessed

2) Critically evaluate theoretical underpinnings of modern psychological practice.

3) Critically discuss the role of applied psychological practice in relation to management of psychological conditions and/or disorders.

Assessment weighting

70%

Word count (if relevant)

3000 (+/- 10%)

Assessment task details - provide a description of the task

For this assignment, you are required to select one specific area of applied psychological practice (e.g., clinical psychology, counselling psychology, health psychology, forensic psychology) and produce a 3,000-word critical discussion. Your discussion should focus on the theoretical underpinnings of the chosen area and their implications for modern psychological practice. Additionally, you will need to critically evaluate how this area contributes to the management of psychological conditions and/or disorders, considering real-world applications and challenges.

Generative Artificial Intelligence (GenAI) Guidance

The use of GenAI would not be appropriate for this assessment

Guidance as to how GenAI use might be permitted is available on the Learning and Teaching Hub

Submission instructions - What should be the format of the submission? / Where should it be submitted?

There is an expectation that assignments will be word-processed. Format for presentation: Font: Ariel or Times New Roman, size 12 with double line spacing.

Assignments should be submitted electronically through Moodle Digital Drop Box with a completed and signed declaration sheet. IT problems will not be accepted as mitigation and hard copies will not be allowed unless prior agreement has been sought. All assignments will be submitted through Turnitin via Moodle.

The assignment should be submitted by 12 mid - day on the date of submission.

Students will be required to declare a wordage and will be required to comply with the assignment brief in respect of wordage.

APA 7 referencing must be consistent in both the text and the reference list

The 3000 (+/- 10%) word limit is strict, and going over or under that limit will affect the mark.

Students may be subject to a word count penalty if they exceed the word count limit for an assessment by 10%. The penalty for exceeding the word count will be 5 marks per 1000 words excess.

Assignments should be submitted with the front of assignment cover sheet, and should not contain any reference to the students name. Students should NOT attach any extension request forms (including DLA) nor any supporting evidence to their submission. Extensions to assignment deadlines should be requested prior to the submission deadline via email to the Module leader, including any evidence. 

Hints and tips

Key Areas to Address:

Theoretical Underpinnings: Critically examine the theories and frameworks that form the foundation of the chosen area of practice. Discuss their relevance and application in contemporary psychological work.

Role in Managing Psychological Conditions/Disorders: Evaluate the contribution of this area to the assessment, intervention, and management of psychological conditions or disorders. Consider its impact on patient outcomes and the integration of theory into practice.

Critical Evaluation: Highlight the strengths, limitations, and controversies within this field, including how theoretical perspectives influence practical approaches.

Future Implications: Reflect on how advancements in research or theory might shape the future of the chosen area in managing psychological issues.

Remember you need to critically engage with literature!

Marking and moderation

All work is marked and moderated within the Psychology Department and then reviewed externally by one of our external examiners.

The level 7 essay rubric can be found on the assessment and feedback tab on the PSY770 moodle page.

Provisional grade and feedback will be available 15 working days after the submission deadline. This will be available on Moodle and students can book one-to-one tutorials to discuss feedback further if required.

Wrexham University Skills Framework
Employability Skills Applied

On successful completion of this module, a student will have had opportunities to demonstrate achievement of the following Employability Skills;

Tick all that apply.

Adaptability & Flexibility (Managing Change, Coping with Ambiguity, Transferable Skills)

Y

Career Development (Career information, Access to opportunity, Career readiness)

Y

Critical Thinking (Problem Solving, Analytical Skills, Critical Thinking)

Y

Digital Capabilities (Digital Tools & Software, Data Analysis, Digital Citizenship)

N

Enterprise and Entrepreneurship (Innovation, Commercial Awareness and Influencing)

N

Interpersonal Skills (Communication, Emotional Intelligence, Networking, Bilingualism)

Y

Personal Skills (Initiative, Leadership, Social intelligence)

Y

Resilience (Positive Mindset, Self Awareness, Motivation & Purpose)

Y

Social Impact and Sustainability (Social Responsibility, inclusivity, Cultural Awareness and application of the UN Sustainable development goals

Y

Teamwork (Collaboration Skills, Active Listening, Planning & Organising)

Y

Marking criteria

Available on Moodle within the Assessment & Feedback section