Master of Arts in Clinical Psychology

The primary purpose of this qualification is to provide qualifying learners with intellectual and practical skills regarding therapeutic, psychometric and diagnostic principles and methods.

Recognition of Prior Learning

Potential learners who want to be credited for prior learning and/or experience for a particular module or modules, need to apply in writing to the Departmental Chairperson of the Department, offering the module or modules the learner wish to be credited for, clearly stating the title(s) of the module or modules they want to be credited for, as well as the basis on which they believe the accreditation should be granted.

The principles of RPL are subscribed to, and will be implemented, in a flexible manner. The principle of flexible and open access will, however, be offset against the provision that this is not be to the detriment of the potential learner and that his/her chances to succeed must be reasonable.

The Committee will assess learners` competencies in order to determine whether they are eligible for access to, or advanced placement in, or recognition of status for this qualification.

Entry requirements

The minimum entry requirement for this qualification is

• Bachelor of Arts Honours in Psychology, NQF Level 8.

Or

• Bachelor of Science Honours in Psychology, NQF Level 8.

1. Demonstrate their ability to apply the relevant theoretical principles of problem identification and solving correctly in the field of Clinical Psychology and reflect on the application made (problem-solving skills)
2. Plan and exercise research in the field of Clinical Psychology, including the correct gathering, analysing, synthesising and interpretation of information on Clinical Psychology issues by utilising the theoretical research principles and reflecting on the research undertaken (research skills)
3. Communicate effectively both orally and in writing (e.g. report writing) with the different role-players in the field of Clinical Psychology by applying the theoretical principles of communication and reflecting on the application made (communication skills)
4. Developed an accountable theoretical and practical macro vision of Clinical Psychology internationally, provincially/regionally and locally (development of macro vision)?
5. Organise and coordinate resources and opportunities effectively and responsibly in the field of Clinical Psychology by applying the relevant theoretical aspects and reflecting on the application made (including entrepreneurship, where relevant), as well as accept responsibility for their activities in the field of Clinical Psychology (entrepreneurship, self-responsibility skills)
6. Practise acceptable social sensitivity in their relationships with others and work effectively in a team by implementing the relevant theory and reflecting on the implementation thereof (team ship)
7. Utilise appropriate technology (computer, e-mail, fax, psychometric tests) effectively in the Clinical Psychology environment (technological and environmental literacy)
8. Explore different effective learning strategies to acquire the different capabilities of a practitioner in the field of Clinical Psychology (explore learning strategies)
9. Promote responsible citizenship through their approach towards the holistic application of psychology-related skills in the field of Clinical Psychology (promoting citizenship)
10. Practise acceptable social, cultural and aesthetic sensitivity towards the people of different communities and the role players in the field of Clinical Psychology by applying the appropriate theoretical principles and reflecting on the application made (cultural and aesthetic sensitivity)
11. Acquire acceptable employment seeking skills for entry into the different sectors of the field of Clinical Psychology by utilising the theoretical principles and reflecting on the application thereof (employment seeking skills)

1. Do the learners demonstrate their ability to identify and solve problems correctly in the field of Clinical Psychology by applying the relevant theoretical principles and reflecting on the application made (problem-solving skills)?
2. Can the learners plan and exercise research in the field of Clinical Psychology, including the gathering, analysing, synthesising and interpretation of information on Clinical Psychology-related issues by utilising the relevant research principles and reflecting on the research undertaken (research skills)?
3. Can the learners communicate effectively both orally and in writing (e.g. Report writing) with the different role-players in the field of Clinical Psychology by applying the theoretical principles of communication and reflecting on the application made (communication skills)?
4. Have the learners developed an accountable theoretical and practical macro vision of Clinical Psychology internationally, provincially/regionally and locally (development of macro vision)?
5. Are the learners able to organize and coordinate resources and opportunities effectively and responsibly in the field of Clinical Psychology by applying the relevant theoretical aspects and reflecting on the application made (including entrepreneurship, where relevant), as well as accept responsibility for their own activities in the field of Clinical Psychology (entrepreneurship/responsibility skills)?
6. Can the learners practise acceptable social sensitivity in their relationships with others and work effectively in a team by implementing the relevant theory and reflecting on the implementation thereof (team ship)
7. Are the learners able to utilise appropriate technology (computer, e-mail, fax, psychometric tests) effectively in the Clinical Psychology environment (technological and environmental literacy)?
8. Are the learners able to explore different effective learning strategies to acquire the different capabilities of a practitioner in the field of Clinical Psychology (explore learning strategies)?
9. Are the learners able to promote responsible citizenship through their approach/attitude/ethics towards the holistic application of Clinical Psychology-related skills (promoting citizenship)?
10. Are the learners able to practise social, cultural and aesthetic sensitivity towards the people of different communities and the role players in the field of Clinical Psychology by applying the theoretical principles and reflecting on the application made (cultural and aesthetic sensitivity)?
11. Do the learners demonstrate the acceptable employment seeking skills for entry into the different sectors of the field of Clinical Psychology by applying the theoretical principles of employment seeking skills and reflecting on the application thereof (employment seeking skills)?

Integrated Assessment

Continuous assessment practices form an integral part of the design of this qualification. Learning outcomes are made explicit to learners, and there is a coherent assessment strategy in place for each module, with a fair balance between formative and summative assessment strategies.

Formative assessment practices that will be implemented

Learners are continuously assessed by various qualified psychologists and learners are given feedback on their performance and progress. The learners are exposed to various practical contexts where they learn to apply their skills. They are also assessed by means of class tests, oral examinations and written examinations. For the requirements of the qualification they have to do independent research in their second year and the results of the research are written up in a dissertation which is examined internally and externally.

Summative assessment practices that will be implemented

Integrated assessment, focusing on the achievement of the exit-level outcomes, will be done by means of four examinations, namely:

• Psychopathology and psycho-diagnostics, a written examination at the end of the first year.
• Psychotherapy (basic principles), a written examination at the end of the first year.
• Psychotherapy (advanced techniques), an oral examination at the end of the first year.
• Integration of theory and practice, an oral examination at the end of the second year.