Doctor of Psychology

Purpose

The Doctor of Psychology is designed to teach learners both the processes and the content necessary to become skilled research practitioners in the field of Psychology, involved in a variety of ways in conducting research. This qualification will address the needs of our service region with a commitment to improving quality of life. Ethics and values play a significant role in this qualification to be able to created and fully fledged individuals who are ready to render professional service through research in the society.

This qualification is also aimed at educating skilled research practitioners who have solid appreciation of the role science play in all aspects of professional activity. Graduates will have the requisite knowledge, skills and experience for the ethics of the profession. They will be able to find, select, organise, use, analyse, synthesise and evaluate a variety of relevant information sources. This qualification will equip graduates with appropriate skills such as reading, interpreting and summarising and integrating information from various sources in order to make meaningful informed decision. Learners produced by this qualification would have been rigorously trained to demonstrate academic integrity and excellence in research, learners who would be able to present and make reasoned choice between alternative solutions. They will also be able to use techniques of psychological reasoning, methodology and argumentation to reach a plausible conclusion.

Rationale

The qualification will enable the learners to expand their generic research skills to enhance employability and at the same time making the students to be creators of research and be able to contribute to a broadening of the leadership base for innovative and academic research activities in the country. This qualification will enable the learners to use appropriate research methods to address health and psychosocial problems faced by the society at large. In this way they will be able to analyse and interpret critically any research conducted in the field of Psychology.

On completion of this, learners will be able to work as Independent Researchers, be able to teach research methodology, and carry out research projects together with writing and publishing research articles and conducting research webinars as a way of sharing knowledge.

The qualification was established for the following reasons such as to provide South Africa with scientific researchers that have a broad theoretical expertise and practical skills in Psychology and also to prepare students for careers as practicing research psychologists.

This qualification prepares students for post-doctoral work in Psychology and it is also aimed at developing creative, rigorous researchers for both academic and non-academic careers around the world.

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

• Master of Arts in Psychology, NQF Level 10.

Or

• Master of Psychology, NQF Level 10.

This qualification consists of the following compulsory module at NQF Level 5, 10 totalling 360 Credits.

Compulsory Module, Level 10, 360 Credits

• Thesis, 360 Credits.

1. Plan and write a research proposal.
2. Communicate effective using oral, written and electronic medium.
3. Ability to access, critically review and apply relevant scientific information.
4. Develop, design and implement a research project.

Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 1

• Write a research proposal for implementation.
• Describe the different research methods and techniques as they apply to Psychology.
• Critic appraisal of recent literature on Psychology related topics.

Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 2

• Present a scientific review article with current issues on psychology and mental health using oral, written and as a poster communication skills.
• Applied research skills are demonstrated during data collection.

Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 3

• Critical analysis of psychology research results and how it relates to good health.
• Write a scientific article for publication in an accredited journal.
• Establish systems to promote cost-effective and efficient service delivery within a health care unit.

Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 4

• Implement a research project by collecting data.
• Write a research dissertation.

Integrated Assessment

Formative Assessments

• Workplace (practical placement) assessments.
• Oral examinations.
• Assessment of the thesis.
• Assessment of journal articles.