Master of Health Sciences in Psychology

Purpose

The main purpose of this qualification is to educate and train researchers in the field of Psychology who can actively and appropriately, at a very advanced level, contribute to the development of new knowledge in this field.

Rationale

In developing this qualification national and regional needs in the Psychology profession were taken into consideration. Completion of this research-based qualification opens up certain career possibilities in the profession and prepares the student for further postgraduate studies in the field of Psychology.

Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL)

In recognising previous learning, it deals with provable knowledge and learning that the applicant obtained by following formal teaching programmes or by experience. At all times the question will be what level of competence was reached, judged in the context of the exit level skills required for the contemplated teaching-learning programmes (or modules therein) or status for which the applicant is applying and not merely about the experience the applicant can prove. Recognition of previous learning takes place in terms of the relevant skills that the applicant demonstrated in the application with reference to the exit outcomes that should be reached in the chosen programme.

The admission requirements to this qualification are as follows

• Honours Bachelor of Arts, Level 8.
• Honours Bachelor of Science, Level 8.

• Demonstrate specialist knowledge of the field of Psychology and engage with and critique current research or practices in this field.
• Analyse, evaluate and then choose appropriate enquiry methods and processes for the study of relevant materials related to the field of Psychology.
• Demonstrate critical knowledge and understanding of the ethical and legal considerations applicable to research and the consequences of interventions on individual, group and organisational level.
• Design, plan, conduct and evaluate, by means of appropriate and creative qualitative and quantitative research methods, appropriate intervention strategies to address relevant needs and problems within the field of Clinical Psychology.
• Interpret psychological dynamics and pathology required for specialised screening of individuals, groups and organisations.
• Demonstrate critical knowledge and true understanding of hierarchical relations and networks (equivalent professional peers within the primary health care system) within the relevant system and be able to use these to the advantage of individuals, groups and organisations.
• Supervised research and write a dissertation in the field of study and develop and sustain independent learning, academic and professional development.
• Demonstrate in practice of 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.
• Utilise appropriate technology (computer, e-mail, fax, psychometric tests) effectively.
• In the academic environment (technological and environmental literacy).
• Explore different effective learning strategies to acquire the different capabilities of a practitioner in the field of Psychology.
• Promote responsible citizenship through their approach towards the holistic application of Psychology related skills, assessing and diagnosing different needs and problems at the individual, group and community levels.
• Consult individuals, groups and organisations to facilitate growth and development in the quest for the actualisation of human potential.

Integrated Assessment

For the qualification by dissertation assessment is done by means of a single advanced research project, culminating in the production and acceptance of a dissertation.