Dr Rachael Molitor BSc (Hons), MSc, PhD, CPsychol, FHEA
University Lecturer and Chartered Psychologist | Health and Behaviour Change | Enhanced DBS Checked
Psychology Work Experience
As part of the university application process, UCAS emphasises the value of Work Experience in helping students gain an applied understanding of psychology in real-world contexts. However, due to the nature of psychological work, students often face significant challenges in securing meaningful, psychology-related work experience.
Providing in-school work experience opportunities supports students in developing a broader understanding of psychology as both an academic discipline and a professional career path. It also enhances their ability to articulate relevant experience in their university applications.
Providing in-school work experience opportunities supports students in developing a broader understanding of psychology as both an academic discipline and a professional career path. It also enhances their ability to articulate relevant experience in their university applications.
To address this need, we have developed a series of psychology work experience workshops, led by Dr Rachael Molitor, Chartered Psychologist specialising in behaviour change. These sessions are designed to offer hands-on experience and practical insights into key areas of applied psychology:
Introducing Psychological Therapies: The use of CBT and MI Techniques in Theory and Practice
Research Assistant for the Day: Quantitative & Qualitative Research Methodology and Presentation
Creating Successful Behaviour Change: Intervention Development and Implementation
Each workshop is structured to provide students with authentic experiences they can reflect upon in their UCAS applications, demonstrating both their enthusiasm for psychology and the development of valuable, discipline-specific skills.
Introducing Psychological Therapies: The use of CBT and MI Techniques in Theory and Practice
Research Assistant for the Day: Quantitative & Qualitative Research Methodology and Presentation
Creating Successful Behaviour Change: Intervention Development and Implementation
Each workshop is structured to provide students with authentic experiences they can reflect upon in their UCAS applications, demonstrating both their enthusiasm for psychology and the development of valuable, discipline-specific skills.
Work Experience Options
Courses below can be tailored to your requirements, designing the format specifically depending on; your time availability, number of students, and additional opportunities for UCAS support.
- Psychological Therapies and the use of Motivational Interviewing Techniques in Behavioural Settings.
- Key points: Learning the principles of psychological therapies like MI introduces students to how psychologists facilitate change through communication. This experience helps students develop interpersonal and reflective skills, and builds a foundational understanding of therapy in applied psychology.
- Content of the day: Students will be introduced to the core principles of MI (engaging, focusing, evoking and planning). Through discussion, demonstration, and role-play exercises, students will learn to apply skills such as open-ended questioning, reflective listening, and affirmations. Case scenarios will be used to explore how therapy techniques support behaviour change in different settings.
- Skill acquisition:
- Understand the theoretical foundations of Motivational Interviewing.
- Practice communication skills used in therapeutic contexts (e.g., active listening, empathy, rapport building).
- Learn to apply MI techniques in a basic format through guided role-play.
- Reflect on the purpose and ethical considerations of therapeutic work.
- Develop confidence in speaking and working in pairs/groups.
- Research Assistant for the Day; Quantitative and Qualitative Research Methodology and Presentation.
- Key points: Understanding and applying research methods is a fundamental skill in psychology and essential for further study at university. This workshop provides students with practical exposure to both quantitative and qualitative research approaches. By actively engaging in the research process, students explore the scientific basis of psychology, develop critical thinking, and gain insight into real-world applications and potential career paths in psychological research.
- Content of the day: Students will take on the role of research assistants, working in groups to design and conduct a small-scale psychological study. Topics may include behaviour change, popular psychology myths, or observational studies in social behaviour. They will consider ethical implications, choose appropriate methods, collect and analyse data, and present their findings to their peers.
- Skill acquisition:
- Understand the fundamentals of research design, including both qualitative and quantitative methods.
- Apply ethical principles in psychological research.
- Develop skills in data collection, basic analysis, and interpretation of results.
- Write and present research findings clearly and concisely.
- Build confidence in presenting to a group and reflecting on their learning experience.
- Creating Successful Behaviour Change; Intervention Development and Implementation.
- Key points: Understanding how psychological theory is applied to real-world health issues is essential for aspiring psychologists. This workshop offers hands-on experience in designing behaviour change interventions, deepening students’ knowledge of health psychology, public health applications, and applied research. It also develops creativity, teamwork, and problem-solving—key skills for higher education and future careers.
- Content of the day: Students will explore core behaviour change models (e.g. Theory of Planned Behaviour, Transtheoretical Model). In small groups, they will choose a target health behaviour (e.g., smoking, exercise, healthy eating) and design a theoretical intervention to change it. They will consider target populations, delivery methods, ethical concerns, and how success would be measured. The day ends with group presentations and feedback.
- Skill acquisition:
- Understand key behaviour change theories and how they inform real-world interventions.
- Apply psychological theory to the design of a public health intervention.
- Develop group collaboration, communication, and planning skills.
- Reflect on ethical considerations and cultural sensitivity in psychological work.
- Present and defend their intervention ideas with evidence-based reasoning.
Workshop Costing and Fees
Full Day Psychology Work Experience Workshops are individually
costed based on Pupil Numbers and Location.
Limited places are available and on 'first come first booked' basis.
Bespoke Workshops available on request (from 1 or 2 hour talks / workshop / career sessions)
begin from £150 dependent on material creation, requests and travel.
costed based on Pupil Numbers and Location.
Limited places are available and on 'first come first booked' basis.
Bespoke Workshops available on request (from 1 or 2 hour talks / workshop / career sessions)
begin from £150 dependent on material creation, requests and travel.
Feedback from Students
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Exploring psychology careers through a session with a Chartered Psychologist expanded my understanding of the field. Researching different pathways has inspired me to pursue health or clinical psychology and develop the necessary skills for a career in this area. – Jaspreet
As part of my A-level Psychology studies, I had the opportunity to engage in a workshop led by a Chartered Psychologist specialising in behaviour change. This experience introduced me to Motivational Interviewing, an evidence-based therapeutic approach, enhancing my understanding of how psychology is applied in professional settings. – Sarah
Through a workshop with a Chartered Psychologist, I was introduced to Motivational Interviewing, an evidence-based psychological approach. Practising these techniques improved my communication skills and deepened my understanding of psychology’s role in behaviour change. – Ben
Discussing ethical dilemmas in psychology with a Chartered Psychologist helped me appreciate the complexities of real-world psychological practice. This experience strengthened my ability to critically evaluate ethical issues in research and therapy. – Supreet
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I designed and conducted a psychological research project investigating social media and addiction, applying research methods I learned from a Chartered Psychologist. This experience developed my analytical and ethical awareness, key skills for studying psychology at university. – James
Through a full day workshop, I gained insight into research methods, learning about both qualitative and quantitative approaches, which deepened my appreciation for the scientific foundation of psychology. This experience solidified my interest in pursuing psychology at university and developing my skills in research and psychological practice. – Sophie
Understanding Behaviour Change interventions in the real world has allowed me to think outside the box in a critical and complex manner. Understanding the successful techniques used in Commercial Weight Loss Programmes has helped me to gain insight into the Taxonomy of Behaviour Change and how this can support the general population with Health Promotion. Using these skills I am looking to follow a career in Psychology with Counselling. - Dana
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