Master of Arts in Clinical Psychology

The primary purpose of this qualification is to provide qualifying learners with content skills regarding relevant explanatory models, as well as master micro skills regarding relevant application models. He or she should also master conceptualisation skills. The learner should thus be familiar with the application of relevant context skills to remedial, preventative and fortigenetic areas and be able to apply both modernistic and postmodernist approaches to achieve this goal.

To enrol for this qualification, potential learners need to demonstrate the following competences

• A strong and cohesive knowledge foundation in Counselling Psychology;
• A knowledge foundation for applied research in Counselling Psychology on a postgraduate level;
• Analytical, interpretive and integrative skills which have practical value for the society as a whole;
• The ability to reflect on Psychology and a demonstration of a holistic view of Psychology and its applications in various Counselling contexts.

The learner should be in possession of an Honours degree in Psychology.

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 wishes 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 to the detriment of the potential student 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 a) access to, b) advanced placement in, or c) recognition of status for this qualification.

The learners should be able to

1. Demonstrate their ability to apply the theoretical principles of problem identification and solving correctly in the field of Counselling Psychology and reflect on the application made (problem solving skills).
2. Correctly plan and exercise research in Counselling Psychology, including the gathering, analysing, synthesizing and interpretation of information on Counselling Psychology issues by utilizing the theoretical research principles and reflecting on the research undertaken (research skills).
3. Communicate effectively orally and in writing (e.g. report writing) with the different role players in the field of Counselling Psychology by applying the theoretical principles of communication and reflect on the application made (communication skills).
4. Accountably develop a theoretical and practical macro-vision of Counselling Psychology internationally, nationally, provincially/regionally and locally (development of macro vision).
5. Effectively and responsibly organize and coordinate resources and opportunities in the field of Counselling Psychology by applying the relevant theoretical aspects and reflecting on the application (including entrepreneurship, where relevant) as well as accept the responsibility for their own activities in the field of Counselling Psychology (entrepreneurship, self-responsibility skills).
6. Practice acceptable social sensitivity in their relationship with others and work effectively in a team by implementing the relevant theory and reflect on the implementation thereof (teamship).
7. Utilize appropriate technology (computer, e-mail, fax, psychometric tests) effectively in the Counselling Psychology environment (technological and environmental literacy).
8. Explore different effective learning strategies to acquire the different capabilities of a practitioner in the field of Counselling Psychology (Explore learning strategies).
9. Promote responsible citizenship through their approach towards the holistic application of Counselling Psychology related skills (promoting citizenship).
10. Practise acceptable social, cultural and aesthetic sensitivity towards the people of different communities and the role players in the field of Counselling 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 Counselling Psychology by utilizing the theoretical principles and reflecting on the application thereof (employment seeking skills).

The learner can: / Does the learner

1. Demonstrate the ability to identify and solve problems correctly in the field of Counselling psychology by applying the relevant theoretical principles and reflecting on the application made (problem solving skills)?
2. Correctly plan and exercise research in the field of Counselling Psychology, including the gathering, analysing synthesizing and interpretation of information on Counselling Psychology issues by utilizing the relevant research principles and reflecting on the research undertaken (research skills)?
3. Can the learners communicate effectively orally and in writing (e.g. report writing) with the different role players in the field of Counselling Psychology by applying the theoretical principles of communication and reflect on the application made (communication skills)
4. Have the learners developed an accountable theoretical and practical macro-vision of Counselling Psychology internationally, nationally, provincially/regionally and locally (development of macro vision)?
5. Are the learners able to effectively and responsibly organize and coordinate resources and opportunities in the field of Counselling 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 Counselling Psychology (entrepreneurship/responsibility skills)?
6. Can the learners practice acceptable social sensitivity in their relationship with others and work effectively in a team by implementing the relevant theory and reflecting on the implementation thereof (teamship)?
7. Are the learners able to utilize appropriate technology (computer, e-mail, fax, psychometric tests) effectively in the Counselling 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 Counselling Psychology (explore learning strategies)?
9. Are the learners able to promote responsible citizenship through their approach/attitude/ethics towards the holistic application of Counselling 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 Counselling 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 Counselling 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 via assignments, videotaped role plays and reports regarding content skills, application skills and conceptualisation skills.

Summative assessment practices that will be implemented

Integrated assessment, focusing on the achievement of the exit-level outcomes, will be done by means of two written examinations, at the end of the modules, as well as one oral exam, during the first year of study.