Embedding employability in the psychology undergraduate research project through a framework of authentic assessment and training support

We present an evaluation study of a framework of authentic assessment and training support in the undergraduate research project designed to provide students with opportunities to develop professional competencies through their research project, beyond core research-related skills, and with particular focus on reflection, to gain experience in identifying and articulating these competencies, and to support them in their project work. We present our approach to module design and key findings from the following measures: (a) A survey with final year students (N=201), (b) students’ self-evaluations of their proficiency in key competencies (N=251). Ourfindings show that engaging with the assessment supported students in developing key professional competencies, including reflection. Engaging with training supported students in assessment preparation, skills development, and self-efficacy. These findings provide evidence that designing the core curriculum with a focus on graduate competencies has a positive impact on student learning and skills development.