The Psychology Employability Programme is a joint initiative created by the Psychology Department, the Science and Technology Partnerships and Business Engagement Team, and Careers.
We have developed partnerships with local and national organisations to provide current Psychology undergraduate students with volunteering opportunities to help develop skills for a career in Psychology. There are also opportunities to volunteer as a research assistant to staff in the Psychology Department.
Volunteering is an excellent route to employment, but there are many good reasons why people volunteer and lots of rewards. Here is our top ten:
All of our volunteering opportunities can contribute to the Lancaster Award.
"For young people and students, volunteering is an excellent opportunity to learn, develop, increase knowledge and gain some real world experience. It can enhance your CV and help increase your confidence. Volunteering your services to help others is not just hugely satisfying; it can also teach you skills that are invaluable to potential employers.
"If you are a psychology undergraduate finding work experience through volunteering is an excellent way to gain practical insight into a career in psychology and can give you the opportunity to find out whether you enjoy this type of work. Many postgraduate training programmes will require you to demonstrate significant relevant work experience in order to gain a place on their course."
You need to be a current undergraduate student at Lancaster University, studying Psychology as part of your degree programme. Opportunities will be advertised on the science and technology internships website.
We are mindful of workloads, so students are only able to undertake one Research and one Community placement at the same time.
Apply via our website and follow us on Facebook for vacancy updates.
In order to advertise roles through our programme, we have selected organisations that provide opportunities to develop skills and experiences that will enhance your future employability, for example:
If your organisation would like to work with our Psychology students, please visit our Psychology Employability Programme for Partners page or contact the Student Engagement Team.
Activity Co-ordinator, Making Space Supported Housing
The aims and objectives of the placement will be to provide support to tenants with a mental health related condition to organise group activities or outings, to increase social inclusion within the community and prevent isolation.
Events Organiser, Neuro Drop-In
To work as part of the team of staff and volunteers at the Neuro Drop-In to support their activities with clients and their fundraising activities.
Research Assistant – Lancaster University Babylab
To support ongoing research in the Babylab that is investigating how children learn from media including television, storybooks and touchscreens.
Opportunities will either take place at the host premises, or remotely. We have deliberately chosen local organisations to minimise travel, and national organisations where volunteering can be done from your home, eg telephone befriending.
Psychology Student Charlotte Rothwell volunteered as a research assistant as part of the Psychology Employability Programme.
Read about CharlottePsychology Student Megan Wolstenholme volunteered with a National Autistic Society Youth group as part of the Psychology Employability Programme.
Read about Megan
For more information on the Psychology Employability Programme and how to get involved, please contact the Student Engagement Team: Pam Pickles and Rachael Sterrett.
