Bachelor of Arts Honours in Psychology

The purpose of the qualification is to prepare Psychometrists to function effectively in any appropriate setting, including independent practice, by providing training and experience within the relevant scope of practice. It will provide learners with advanced knowledge, skills and attitudes related to assessing, understanding, explaining and developing human behaviour in a multi-cultural context. In addition to this, the qualification will give learners entrance into the National Examination of the Professional Board for Psychology, after which they can register and practice as a Psychometrist. Value will be added to the qualifying individual in terms of relevant knowledge and skills and these will hold pertinent benefits to the institution and society in which they will practice the knowledge and skills.

Rationale

The qualification is intended increase the quality and quantity of people able to register as register and practice as Psychometrists. This is a first step in training in research and therefore this qualification is important for providing a pool of people able to train in research at a higher level.

Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL)

RPL will be applied according to Nelson Mandela Metropolitan University (NMMU) RPL Policy.

Entry Requirements

The minimum entry requirement for this qualification is

• Bachelor's qualification (National Qualifications Framework (NQF) Level 7) with Psychology as a major.

This qualification consists of the following compulsory modules at National Qualifications Framework (NQF) Level 8 totalling 122 Credits.

Compulsory Modules at Level 8,122 Credits

• Personality Psychology, 10 Credits.
• Psychological Intervention, 10 Credits.
• Neuropsychology, 10 Credits.
• Research Methodology (SPNM411), 2 Credits.
• Psychopathology, 10 Credits.
• Psychometrics, 11 Credits.
• Research Methodology (SP417), 2 Credits.
• Psychological Testing and Assessment, 14 Credits.
• Research Methodology (SMR411), 3 Credits.
• Community Psychology, 10 Credits.
• Treatise, 30 Credits.
• Data Analysis, 10 Credits

1. Demonstrate advanced knowledge of the general principles and theories underpinning the scientific
2. Demonstrate advanced knowledge of the general principles and theoretical underpinnings of psychological measurement and assessment, intervention and development as well as research.
3. Administer, score, provisionally interpret and report on psychological assessment measures in an ethical and professional manner.
4. Demonstrate appropriate listening, clarifying, probing and reflection skills within a group and an individual intervention context.
5. Implement specific psychoeducational intervention and developmental programmes in an ethical and professional manner.
6. Demonstrate research skills related to choosing a research problem, planning a study, conducting a study, analysing the resultant information, and reporting on it.
7. Critically evaluate psychological assessment and developmental intervention within the multi-cultural South African context.
8. Identify how their cultural background and values impact on the way in which they practice psychological assessment, intervention, development, and research.
9. Work effectively in a team with their peers and a supervisor/mentor in psychological assessment and intervention contexts.

Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcomes

The Associates Assessment Criteria will be applied in an integrated manner across the Exit level Outcomes.

• Administer, score and provisionally interpret psychological assessment measures that they have been trained to use in an ethical and professional manner.
• Prepare a written report on the results of psychological assessment measures that they have been trained to use.
• Demonstrate appropriate listening, clarifying, probing and reflection skills within a group and an individual intervention context.
• Identity when a psycho-educational intervention/development programme is needed and what type of intervention programme would be the most effective.
• Implement specific psycho-educational intervention and development programmes in an ethical and professional manner.
• Identify, plan, conduct and report on a research study.
• Identify personal growth needs and how to utilise appropriate facilitative opportunities.
• Generate a critical evaluation of psychological assessment and developmental intervention within the multi-cultural South African context.
• Demonstrate a critical understanding of how the discipline and profession of psychology synergistically interacts with related disciplines and professions.
• Identify how their cultural background and values impact on the process of psychological assessment, intervention, development, and research.

Integrated Assessment

The research project, practical and case based studies all provide opportunities for Integrated Assessment. Continuous Assessment of the foundational knowledge competencies is measured through tests, assignments and examinations. Furthermore, assessment of practical competencies through simulations role-plays and case studies. The development and presentation of an assessment portfolio containing, as a minimum: a summary, a log sheet, examples of completed assessment protocols, a comprehensive case study, a critical reflection. A research treatise, which will include a problem statement, literature review, a section on the methodology used, the research results and a discussion of them, as well as a critical overview of the study.