Doctor of Philosophy in Psychology

Purpose

To prepare learners for the general practice of professional clinical psychology including education and training regarding the broader social and systemic factors that contribute to human dysfunction such as poverty, oppression, and marginalisation. The qualification will help learners develop evaluation techniques and assessment, psychological foundations, remediation and intervention procedures and programme evaluation and research.

Rationale

A Doctorate-level Degree in psychology is required to work in many areas, including as a licensed clinical psychologist or counselling psychologist. A Doctorate Degree is also often required in fields such as school psychology or health psychology.

Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL)

Where applicants do not meet the minimum admission requirements, RPL may be used to grant access to the qualification.

Entry Requirements

The minimum entry requirement for this qualification is

• Master of Psychology, Level 9.

This qualification consists of the following elective modules at National Qualifications Framework Level 10 worth 360 Credits each. The learner must choose one.

Elective Modules, 360 Credits (Choose/Select one)

• Five Related Publishable Articles: Psychology, 360 Credits.
• Thesis: Psychology, 360 Credits.

1. Synthesise and evaluate information autonomously.
2. Make sound evaluations based on independently generated criteria.
3. Communicate fully and professionally with other colleagues in relevant fields and subfields in Psychology.
4. Examine Psychology problems and providing appropriate solutions.
5. Publish research results in accredited journals.
6. Apply new knowledge and findings in the field of Psychology.

Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome

• Conduct independent and original research in the field of Psychology.
• Produce a thesis that places the research within the broader context of the field, and which withstands international intellectual scrutiny.
• Contribute to original knowledge in the field.
• Undertake research on an advanced level in Psychology.
• Select appropriate tools and research methods relevant to the field of Psychology.
• Publish research results in accredited journals.

Integrated Assessment

Learners must submit a doctoral thesis or five related publishable articles in psychology containing the report of their research. The dissertation has to meet all the standards and requirements of a doctoral dissertation - which include proof of a successful integration of all the elements required to substantiate the central thesis and contribution(s) of the research to the field of psychology. Complexities, reasoning skills and integration of knowledge and skills are developed through a range of face-to-face and/or online supervision and feedback strategies. The assessment used for this qualification ensures that the purpose of the qualification is achieved.

ii) A dissertation and oral examinations are used.

iii) The assessment used meets the standard and level of achievement for NQF Level 10.