Master of Arts in Psychology

Purpose

To provide students with specialised knowledge, skills, and attitudes (ethics) related to researching, describing, assessing, understanding, explaining and developing human functioning in a multi-cultural context.

Rationale

This qualification will provide opportunities to facilitate the application of the acquired specialised psychological assessment, research, referral and consulting knowledge, skills and attitudes to function effectively as a Research Psychologist; and to contribute to equity and redress in the South African society.

Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL)

The Faculty of Humanities accepts Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL) as an integral part of education and academic practice. It is acknowledged that all learning has value and the Faculty of Humanities will endeavour to assess prior learning and award credit where relevant.

The Faculty of Humanities manages RPL according to the University of Johannesburg's RPL policy, which will be applied as follows for purposes of this programme as set out in the Faculty of Humanities policy:

i. Through RPL a student may gain access, or advanced placement, or recognition of status, on condition that he/she continues his/her studies at the University of Johannesburg (UJ).

ii. Recognition takes place in terms of requirements and procedures applied by the Faculty of Humanities.

iii. RPL in the case of a student not complying with the formal entry requirements

> Is conducted after payment of the prescribed fees in accordance with the policy and guidelines of the University.

> Is based on other forms of formal, informal and non-formal learning and experience.

> Is considered only where prior learning corresponds to the required National Qualifications Framework (NQF)-level.

> Takes place where prior learning in terms of applied competencies is relevant to the content and outcomes of the programme.

> Is considered in terms of an assessment procedure that includes a motivated recommendation by an assessment panel to the Dean's Committee of the Faculty of Humanities.

> Is finally decided upon by the Faculty of Humanities Dean's Committee.

Entry Requirements

The minimum requirement for this qualification is

• A four-year Bachelor of Psychology, Level 8.

Or

• An Honours Degree in the related field, Level 8.

Or

• An equivalent qualification, Level 8.

This qualification consists of compulsory modules at National Qualifications Framework (NQF) Level 9 totalling 180 Credits:

• Thesis.

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

Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 3

• Apply the relevant theoretical principles and reflecting on the application made (problem solving skills).
• Utilise the relevant research principles and reflecting on the research undertaken (research skills).
• Apply the theoretical principles of communication and reflecting on the application made (communication skills).
• Accountable theoretical and practical macro vision of Psychology internationally, provincially/regionally and locally (development of macro vision).
• 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 Psychology (entrepreneurship/responsibility skills).
• 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).
• Utilise appropriate technology (computer, e-mail, fax, psychometric tests) effectively in the Psychology environment (technological and environmental literacy).
• Explore different effective learning strategies to acquire the different capabilities of a practitioner in the field of Psychology (explore learning strategies).
• Promote responsible citizenship through their approach/attitude/ethics towards the holistic application of Psychology related skills (promoting citizenship).
• Practise social, cultural and aesthetic sensitivity towards the people of different communities and the role players in the field of Psychology by applying the theoretical principles and reflecting on the application made (cultural and aesthetic sensitivity).
• Demonstrate the acceptable employment seeking skills for entry into the different sectors of the field of Psychology by applying the theoretical principles of employment seeking skills and reflecting on the application thereof (employment seeking skills).

Integrated Assessment

Assessment across the qualification forms an integral part of the teaching and learning process for this programme. In achieving the learning outcomes, students are required to comply with the minimum assessments set for the level of the qualification, as per the Institution's Assessment Policy. Assessments vary depending on the module and the outcomes of the module, however all modules are formatively and summatively assessed. The assessment of theoretical modules is usually in the form of assignments, practical's and written tests or examinations. The weighting of the different assessments toward the calculation of the final mark is clearly indicated to students in the learning guide for each module.

Integrated Assessments/case studies also take place through a variety of assignments, for example, those completed in industry or those that assess aggregated knowledge acquired (such as in a capstone module).

Formative and Summative Assessment

Formative Assessment opportunities are not formally recorded and take the form of class tests, question and answer sessions and monitoring of practical work.

Summative Assessment leads to the final judgmental mark in accordance to the institution's Assessment Policy. The assessments for theoretical modules will be in the form of assignments and written tests or practical examinations.

Besides the above, the student must show competency in all outcomes and specifically to present integrated research findings that are interpreted and linked to the existing literature across the entire area of the investigation in the dissertation.

Each student is assigned a supervisor based on their area of specialisation. The University of Johannesburg (UJ) Policy: Student-supervisor relationship outlines the rights and obligations of Master's students and supervisors and co-supervisors. It gives a clear and concise outline of the expectations of both parties with the aim of aiding the development and maintenance of a sound and productive relationship between student and supervisor.