Bachelor of Arts Honours in Psychology

1. The first purpose of the qualification is to provide learners with an in-depth knowledge base at least the following substantive areas in Psychology: the Biological Bases of Human Behaviour, the Social Context of Behaviour, Community Psychotherapeutic Interventions, Psychological Research.
2. The second purpose of the qualification is to lay the basis for further training (including professional training) in Psychology.
3. The third purpose is to provide the communities which the university serves with graduates who have a thorough grounding in the fundamentals of psychology and community mental health issues.

Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL)

The institution conducts RPL in terms of the policy and guidelines of the institution to recognise other forms of formal, informal and non-formal learning and experience. In cases where learners do not comply with the formal admission requirements, the institution applies its RPL policy.

Entry Requirements

The minimum entry requirement for this qualification is

• Bachelor of Arts in Psychology, NQF Level 7.

Or

• Bachelor of Commerce in Industrial Psychology, NQF Level 7.

The qualifying learner has a thorough, critical and integrated understanding of

1. The main tenets of all the major extant theories of personality;
2. The major extant theories of, and the debates and research in Human Development particularly within the South African contexts;
3. The theories of, and research (particularly in the South African context) on, the major child, adolescent and psychopathologies;
4. The key western and indigenous theories and methods of psychotherapeutic interventions;
5. The principles of social and community psychology specifically in so far as they relate to topical social problems such as crime, violence, racism, xenophobia and systematic gender inequalities;
6. The philosophy, principles and methods of social scientific research;
7. Research expertise by conducting a research project, through all its stages (including planning, proposal writing, the writing of a literature review, data collection, and data analysis), and publishing the outcome of the research;
8. In a practical setting, a set of basic psychological assessment and psychotherapeutic intervention skills (including report writing);
9. Respect for the basic human rights of others;
10. A commitment to assisting in the optimal development and functioning of all South Africans.

Integrated Assessment

• Simulations.
• Workplace (practical placement) assessments.
• Written examinations.
• Oral examinations.

Other

• Assessment of participation in class discussions.
• Assessment of seminar presentations.
• Assessment of research and clinical placement reports.