Doctor of Psychology

Purpose

To equip learners as advanced, doctoral-level, producers of scholarly knowledge in the discipline and profession of Psychology.

Rationale

This qualification enables learners to develop in-depth knowledge of the principles, major theories and paradigms, and methods of Psychology as an academic discipline and/or as a professional practice. They will develop advanced research competency that involves the capacity to independently plan, implement and manage the research process, and to write a research proposal and a doctoral thesis that reflects the ability to engage in scholarly debate in the generation and validation of knowledge in Psychology.

Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL)

The University of South Africa (UNISA)'s policy on Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL) may be applied where required. Due cognisance need to be take of the requirements of professional affiliation with the Health Professions Council of South Africa (HPCSA) in certain fields such as Clinical Psychology.

Entry Requirements

The minimum entry requirement for this qualification is

• Master's Degree in Psychology at National Qualifications Framework (NQF) Level 9.

This qualification comprises of compulsory modules at National Qualifications Framework (NQF) Level 10 totalling 360 Credits.

Compulsory Modules, Level 10, 360 Credits

• Thesis, 360 Credits.
• Research proposal module, 0 Credits.

1. Demonstrate a comprehensive and systematic knowledge base in the field of Psychology.
2. Demonstrate a coherent and critical understanding of the local, national and international context of Psychology.
3. Demonstrate an in-depth understanding of a range of research methods, techniques and technologies and an ability to select these appropriately for a particular research problem in the area of Psychology.
4. Ability to identify, analyse and deal with complex and/or real world problems and issues using evidence-based solutions and theory-driven arguments.
5. Demonstrate an efficient and effective information retrieval and processing skills.
6. Ability to present and communicate academic work effectively.

Associated Assessment Criteria are applied in an integrated manner to the Exit Level Outcomes

• Demonstrate a coherent and critical understanding of relevant theories in Psychology and Psychology-related fields.
• Ability to rigorously critique and evaluate current research in Psychology.
• Ability to identify, analyse and contextualise local, national and global Psychological issues.
• Ability to rigorously participate in scholarly debates in the area of Psychology and an advanced skill in information retrieval and processing.
• Demonstrate mastery in undertaking a research project and applying relevant research methods and techniques in an independent and innovative manner.
• Ability to produce a research-based thesis which meets the standards of professional writing.
• Demonstrate capacity for continual critical self-evaluation.
• Demonstrate capacity to manage complex tasks autonomously, professionally and ethically.

Integrated Assessment

All assessments will be conducted in line with the principles of assessment as defined in the University of South Africa (UNISA) Assessment Policy.

Submitted proposals are assessed and approved by the supervisor and Departmental Research and Higher Degrees Committee to be ratified by the College Research and Higher Degrees Committee.

Assessment will be done by three external examiners. External examiners are recognised experts in their fields and must not be attached to or affiliated with UNISA. All examiners are recommended by the Departmental Chairperson and/or Departmental Research and Higher Degrees Committee and their names are forwarded for appointment by the College Research and Higher Degrees Committee.

The result of the doctoral thesis is based on a judicious appraisal of the examiners' reports.

Before awarding of the qualification, a candidate must achieve the completion of a research proposal typically within one academic year and completion of research and a research thesis typically within three years and approved by at least three external moderators of whom at least one should be international.