Master of Arts in Psychology

The qualification trains research psychologists who may register with the Professional Board of Psychology in the category of Research Psychologist.

Given the history of the institution and current learners' backgrounds, the qualification has impacted on the existing imbalances of race, class and gender within the discipline and practice of psychology and more broadly, by prioritising the development of black, women and African-language speaking researches.

The qualification forms part of the objective of the institution to 'expand and develop and make the institution the locus of Allied Health Sciences and Public Health, in order to prepare learners for the rapidly changing provision of health service regionally and nationally'.

The qualification attempts to address social needs, particularly those evident within the field of mental health by training research psychologists who are socially aware and representative of historically disadvantaged communities and social groups.

Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL)

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.

Entry requirements

The minimum entry requirement for this qualification is

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

Or

• Postgraduate Diploma in Psychology, NQF Level 8.

1. Develop the skills necessary to practice in the category of Research Psychologist. The skills covered fall broadly into two groups: metatheoretical knowledge and research methodology. Metatheoretical knowledge involves becoming acquainted with a wide range of philosophical frameworks within the period of modernity to post-modernity. A wide range of philosophical frameworks and methods of research are covered and learners gain practical skills of the research process as well.
2. Identifying and solve problems using thinking: The qualification trains learners to identify psychological problems (assessment) and address them through the design of a research project. Learners also gain other skills of intervention, such as psycho-education for the practical work that they carry out as part of the qualification.
3. Work effectively with others in organisational/team structures: The qualification provides opportunities for learners to work in a team and in community settings/organisations. This takes place both through their practical qualification in the first year and in their internship year where they are based in an institution, working in a team which is usually interdisciplinary (e.g. other social science researchers, health practitioners).
4. Organise and manage activities effectively: Learners gain some skills and experience in managing a project, including a research and community intervention based project.
5. Collecting, analysing, organising and evaluating information: Learners are required to carry out a research project for their mini-thesis.
6. Communicate effectively: The qualification provides learners with skills and experience in interviewing, group facilitation skills, counselling and psycho-education, in which they are required to communicate information effectively with individuals and groups.
7. Use science and technology effectively and critically: Debates in this respect are integrated into the qualification and learners gain skills in technological equipment of use in their profession, such as computer processing, statistical computer packages, visual and audio tape recording.
8. A contextual understanding: There is a strong emphasis in the course on community and contextual theoretical and methodological understandings of psychological problems. This focus is integrated into all courses.
9. Contribute to the personal development of the learner: In respect of developing entrepreneurial opportunities, the qualification offers a professional training which opens options of private or public employ for learners. The process of developing skills in psychology assumes a strong focus on personal development and self-understanding in order to be effective as a helping-agent.

Integrated Assessment

• Integrated assessment is appropriately incorporated to ensure that the purpose of the qualification is achieved.
• Continuous assessment and final exams. Assessment of theoretical knowledge as well as skills.