Master of Arts in Neuropsychology

Purpose

The graduate exiting this qualification will be equipped with advanced research and academic knowledge and skills with applicability in the field of mental health. The graduate's career will be enhanced by qualifying as a neuropsychologist. Further, the qualification will produce graduates who can contribute to the economy and social well-being of South Africa by providing expert service in neuropsychology contexts, with particular emphasis for those previously unable to access specialist practitioners with neuropsychological expertise.

The graduate of this qualification will be equipped with the necessary knowledge, skills and values to register and practice as an autonomous and socially responsible neuropsychologist, in accordance with the regulations and standards laid down by the Professional Board of Psychology of the Health Professions Council of South Africa (HPCSA). The Master of Arts: Neuropsychology will lead to professional registration as a Neuropsychologist with the HPCSA.

Rationale

The HPCSA has approved the implementation of Neuropsychology as a new registration category and has developed the relevant Scope of Practice and education and training guidelines. This Degree will stand alongside those of Master of Arts: Clinical Psychology and Master of Arts: Community Counselling. Students who wish to pursue a career and profession within the applied psychological arena will now have a further alternative opportunity to do this. The HPCSA has deemed this registration category relevant and a requisite for the South African context as South Africa has extremely high numbers of people who are born with cognitive impairment, or acquire cognitive impairment secondary to insult, illness, or accident. Little knowledge, training or intervention is available at present for such individuals and the Neuropsychologist will play a major role in the identification and treatment of such individuals.

Students who complete this qualification and register as Neuropsychologists with the Professional Board will have opportunities to work in the Health Professions and develop individual careers devoted to the service and care of others.

South Africa has long lagged behind other countries in offering training and registration in Neuropsychology. Such training and registration is offered in places such as the United States of America, the United Kingdom, Australia and New Zealand. This Master of Arts in Neuropsychology will provide education and training in a priority area of need for South Africa. The structure of the qualification, complete with face-to-face learning and personal supervision, as well as a careful selection process, will facilitate the development of each participating student, from all cultural backgrounds, which in turn, will lead to social and economic development of the nation at large.

It is assumed that the learner has core competencies in basic neuro-anatomy, neuro-physiology, cognition and brain/behaviour relationships, as well as a basic knowledge of the fundamental principles and concepts of research and statistical methods.

Recognition of Prior Learning

Recognition of Prior Learning may be applied on presentation of the requisite evidence and in agreement with the HPCSA to grant access to the qualification for those who do not meet the minimum entry requirements.

Access to Qualification

An Honours or equivalent degree in Psychology with a minimum pass of 65% and a credit in Cognitive Neuropsychology or equivalent subject is required.

The qualification comprises a minimum of 180 credits.

In order to obtain the qualification, the student is obliged to complete all of the following

• Coursework: 90 Credits.
• Submission of a Research Report: 90 Credits.
• One year as an Intern at an HPCSA-accredited institution (no Credits attached).

The qualification will not be awarded unless all three of these requirements are satisfactorily completed.

1. Demonstrate in-depth understanding of own position in relation to major debates within the chosen field.
2. Engage in independent research in a chosen focus area.
3. Apply critical and analytic approaches in relation to a research subject matter of neuropsychology.
4. Design, execute and write-up a scholarly research report that contributes to the advancement of knowledge within neuropsychology.
5. Apply concepts, ethics, theories and analytical processes in relation to a chosen focus within neuropsychology.
6. Apply group dynamics, processes and roles to obtain desired outcomes.
7. Plan, execute and evaluate professional practice and research at an advanced level which takes into account notions of inter-relatedness and reciprocity.
8. Demonstrate specialist forefront knowledge and expertise in a chosen field and apply these creatively within the chosen field.

Critical Cross-Field Outcomes

This qualification enables all the Critical Cross-Field Outcomes to be addressed.

Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 1

1.1 Understanding of a range of terminology and key concepts used in neuropsychology in South African and found in international literature is demonstrated in the learning and work context.

1.2 Knowledge is applied to specialist primary and secondary clinical and research resources and methodologies through a sophisticated selection of search strategies for appropriate databases and information resources.

1.3 Extensive, in-depth meta-cognitive understanding of own position in relation to debates within neuropsychology and cognate disciplines is demonstrated through synthesising and critically evaluating different kinds of data and texts within the contextual and conceptual framework of neuropsychology.

1.4 A sophisticated understanding of the role of self and supervision in clinical practice is demonstrated by determining and justifying own position within the practice framework of neuropsychology.

Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 2

2.1 Sophisticated understanding of academic and professional conventions in neuropsychology is demonstrated in the planning and conducting of a range of appropriate research designs, methods, techniques and technologies for the specific research problem.

2.2 Analysis of the research theme includes a comprehensive and critical review of current literature and investigations and demonstrates understanding of current debates and research findings in relation to neuropsychological interventions.

2.3 Appropriate conventions and representational technologies are used to sustain cogent arguments so that research reports critically and coherently describe theoretical arguments, the research process, methodology, results, conclusions and recommendations.

2.4 Clear integrated research proposals and reports are produced which evidence an in-depth understanding of neuropsychological information.

Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 3

3.1 Current literature and existing research documentation in neuropsychology are analysed and systematically organised in the chosen focus area.

3.2 The limitations of different theoretical models are critically evaluated in relation to practice and contextual realities, and alternatives are suggested.

Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 4

4.1 Advanced knowledge of research methods and their application are demonstrated.

4.2 In-depth knowledge of relevant literature pertaining to neuropsychology is demonstrated.

4.3 Own studies and research contribute to the advancement of knowledge within the chosen focus area.

Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 5

5.1 Advanced knowledge needed for self-directed, learning and practice for continuing professional development and research is clearly demonstrated.

5.2 The relevant concepts, methods, ethics, theories and analytical processes are applied in the chosen field.

5.3 Individual responsibility and competence clearly demonstrate a purposeful and reflective practitioner, therapist and scholar.

5.4 The capacity to balance and manage a range of commitments is demonstrated.

Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 6

6.1 An understanding of the range of diversity in own and other contexts is demonstrated.

6.2 Social skills are understood and applied appropriately within the professional context.

6.3 An ability to function effectively within group-learning and multi-disciplinary contexts is demonstrated.

6.4 An ability to work constructively with diversity within a dynamic/changing situation is clearly demonstrated.

6.5 Independence, initiative, creativity, purposefulness and co-operation is demonstrated in professional relations.

Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 7

7.1 Understanding of the position of neuropsychology in relation to cognate disciplines is demonstrated.

7.2 Understanding of the interrelated nature of multi-disciplinary and collegial working relations are demonstrated.

7.3 The complex interface between clinical practice and political, social and economic forces is discussed.

Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 8

8.1 The problems and issues of advanced theory, current knowledge and expertise in the chosen focus area are analysed.

8.2 Solutions based on theory and proven methods in the chosen focus area that reflect purposeful and creative plans for interventions and/or recommendations are sought.

8.3 Advanced application of appropriate skills, strategies and techniques in accordance with corresponding theoretical assumptions in the chosen focus area is demonstrated.

8.4 Tools and/or data relevant to the chosen focus area are used appropriately and creatively in the resulting research and/or interventions.

Integrated Assessment

Integrated assessment will take the form of a battery of assessment instruments, including written and oral examinations, selected essays and assignments, the completion of an accredited internship and a research report within specified parameters which contributes to the advancement of knowledge in the area of neuropsychology.