Bachelor of Science Honours in Psychology

Purpose

The primary purpose of this qualification is to provide qualifying learners with a broad-based foundation of strong and cohesive skills for further studies in advanced Psychology. Learners should also acquire a skills foundation for applied and fundamental research in Psychology at a Master's level. He or she should also obtain analytical, interpretive and integrative skills that have practical value for the society as a whole. Learners should also be able to reflect on advanced Psychology and develop a holistic view of advanced Psychology and its applications in various contexts.

Rationale

The qualification serves to consolidate and deepen the learner's expertise in Psychology and to develop research capacity in the methodology and techniques of Psychology. This qualification demands a high level of theoretical engagement and intellectual independence, and serves as the initial science postgraduate specialisation qualification providing learners with in-depth scientific knowledge and skills preparing them for research based postgraduate science study.

Recognition of Prior Learning

Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL) is done in accordance with the institution RPL Policy. In cases of students not complying with the formal entry requirements, RPL will be determined in accordance with the policy and guideline of the University concerning the recognition of other forms of formal, informal and non-formal learning and experience. Recognition takes place only where prior learning corresponds to the required National Qualifications Framework(NQF) level, and in terms of applied competencies relevant to the content and outcomes of the qualification. Through Recognition of Prior Learning, learners may gain access on condition that they continue their studies at the institution.

Entry Requirement

The minimum entry requirement for this qualification is the

• Bachelor of Science in Psychology National Qualifications Framework(NQF) Level 7.

This qualification consists of compulsory modules at at National Qualifications Framework(NQF) Level 8 totalling 126 Credits:

• Health Psychology, 12 Credits.
• Neuropsychology A, 12 Credits.
• Psychological Assessment Theory, 12 Credits.
• Research Essay (Psychology), 30 Credits.
• Therapeutic Psychology, 12 Credits.
• Personality Psychology A, 12 Credits.
• Abnormal Behaviour: Critiques B, 12 Credits.
• Capita Selecta in Psychology A, 12 Credits.
• Capita Selecta in Psychology B, 12 Credits.

1. Identify, evaluate and address their own professional and on-going learning needs.
2. Demonstrate efficient and effective information retrieval and processing skills, using appropriate Information and Communications Technology(ICT).
3. Demonstrate a comprehensive, systematic and critical knowledge and understanding of the principles, scope, theories and epistemologies of Psychology.
4. Evaluate their own and others academic work and initiatives against informed criteria.
5. Present and communicate ideas and texts, offering professional insights, interpretations and solutions to problems and issues appropriate to Psychology.
6. Use science and technology in complex and challenging contexts and make autonomous ethical decisions on complex professional issues in accordance with recognised professional and/or ethical standards.
7. Critique current research and advanced scholarship in Psychology and make research methodologies and methods or techniques to research problem/s in Psychology.
8. Identify, analyse, synthesise and undertake independent evaluation of quantitative and/or qualitative data, and to engage with and evaluate current research and scholarly or professional literature in Psychology.

The following Associated Assessment Criteria will be used in an integrated manner across the Exit Level Outcomes

• Demonstrate ability to identify and solve problems correctly in the field of Psychology by applying the relevant theoretical principles and reflect on the application made.
• Correctly plan and exercise research in the field of Psychology, including the gathering, analysing, synthesising and interpretation of information on Psychology issues correctly by utilising the relevant research principles and reflecting on the research undertaken.
• Communicate effectively orally and in writing (e.g. report writing) with the different role players in the field of Psychology by applying the theoretical principles of communication and reflect on the application made.
• Develop an accountable theoretical and practical macro vision of Psychology internationally, nationally, provincially/regionally and locally.
• Effectively and responsibly organise and co-ordinate resources and opportunities in the field of Psychology by applying the relevant theoretical aspects and reflect on the application made (including entrepreneurship, where relevant), as well as accept responsibility for their own activities in the field of Psychology.
• Practice acceptable social sensitivity in the relationships with others and work effectively in a team by implementing the relevant theory and reflect on the implementation made.
• Utilise appropriate technology (e.g. computer, e-mail, fax, psychometric tests) effectively in the Psychology environment.
• Explore different effective learning strategies to acquire the different capabilities of a practitioner in the field of Research Psychology.
• Promote responsible citizenship through their approach/attitude towards the holistic application of Research Psychology related skills.
• Practice social, cultural and aesthetic sensitivity towards the people of different communities and the role players in the field of Research Psychology by applying the theoretical principles and reflect on the application made.
• Demonstrate acceptable employment seeking skills for entry into different sectors of the field of Research Psychology by applying the theoretical principles of employment seeking skills and reflect on the application.

Integrated Assessment

The qualification is coherently aligned in that all teaching, learning and assessment activities are linked to module and qualification outcomes. Assessment methods are varied and includes summative and formative assessment to enhance applied competence from learners and facilitate authentic assessment and learning. Assessment will not only be used to determine whether outcomes were achieved, but also to generate data for grading and provide feedback in order to improve the curriculum. For all the assessment purposes to be achieved essays, computer-based assessments, theory tests, cases and open problems, practicals and interpretative skills evaluation, reporting on practicals and applications, presentations, analysis and problem solving assessment in the specific field of Psychology as assessment methods.