Doctor of Psychology

Purpose

Apply educational knowledge, skills, principles and methods to demonstrate that they have acquired advanced knowledge and skills as practitioners in the field of Child Psychology, distinguishing them as leaders in the field and can make an original and unique contribution (by adding to existing or exploring unknown and unexplored fields of science) to the existing body of scientific knowledge in the field of Child Psychology.

• Responding to the needs of the community.
• Responding to business and industry needs.
• In life-long learning and the appreciation of the value of education and society.

Learners will demonstrate knowledge, skills and applied competence in the field of study that provide opportunities for continued personal growth, gainful economic activity and rewarding contributions to society.

Recognition of Prior Learning

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. The qualification recognises formal and non-formal prior learning (incorporating experiential learning) at a Higher Education and Training Certificate Level 8 in Clinical Counseling or Educational Psychology or a functional equivalent.

Entry Requirements

The minimum entry requirement for this qualification is

• Master of Psychology, NQF Level 9.

The planned combination of learning outcomes are integrated with critical cross-field outcomes for this qualification

1. The demonstrated ability/skill to integrate or connect our performances and to reflect on, evaluate and adopt the above competencies.
2. Evaluating and applying the latest theories on Childhood Development Psychology, Child Psychotherapy and Child Psycho development.
3. Evaluating the practices of the Child Psychologist from an advanced Philosophy of Science Perspective.
4. Demonstrate the application of various advanced research methods, techniques and skills in making an original and unique contribution to the existing body of scientific knowledge and insights into the field of Child Psychology.

The following Associated Assessment Criteria are used in an integrated manner across all Exit Level Outcomes

• Integrated assessment of a child`s development according to sound and scientifically acceptable Developmental Theories in Psychology.
• Psycho-diagnostic assessment of a child`s functioning according to the latest insights in to Child Psychopathology.
• Deliver specialised Child Psychotherapeutic services to children.
• Construct, implement and evaluate Psyche-developmental programs aimed at improving children`s life-skills.
• Gather and scrutinise extended relevant literature regarding an identified problem relating to children in order to clearly define and formulate a research question/problem within the discipline of Child Psychology.
• Utilise various advanced research methods, techniques and skills to investigate and address the defined research question/problem.
• Plan, execute and document the research process by offering a meaningful possible solution/recommendation to solve the identified problem.
• Make an original and unique contribution to the body of knowledge and insights into the discipline of Child Psychology.

Integrated Assessment

Competence is achieved, through continuous assessment by demonstrating the ability to achieve the outcomes of the Qualification:

• The delivery of papers.
• Conducting seminars.
• Oral and written examinations.
• Dissertations.