Master of Psychology

To train Psychologists who may register with the Professional Board of Psychology in the categories of Clinical, Counselling or Educational Psychologists.

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

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

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 Psychology Honours, NQF Level 8.

Or

• Postgraduate Diploma in Psychology, NQF Level 8.

1. Identifying and solving problems using critical thinking: The qualification trains learners to identify psychological problems (assessment) and address them with a broad range of interventions, including counselling, therapy, psycho-education and others.
2. Working effectively with others in organisational/team structure: 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 that is usually interdisciplinary (e.g. social workers, psychiatrists, nurses).
3. Organising and managing activities effectively: Learners gain some skill and experience in managing a project, including a research and community intervention based project.
4. Collecting, analysing, organising and evaluating information: Learners are required to carry out a research project for their mini-thesis and will be involved in such information-processing as part of the skill of assessment as well.
5. Communicating effectively: The qualification provides learners with skills and experience in interviewing, therapeutic interventions, counselling and psycho-education in which they are required to communicate information effectively with individuals and groups.
6. Using 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, computer statistical packages, visual and audio tape recording.
7. A contextual understanding: There is a strong emphasis in the course on community and contextual theoretical and methodological understanding of psychological problems. This focus is integrated into all courses and a specific course on contextual psychology and psycho-education is run.
8. Contributing to the personal development of the learner: In respect of developing entrepreneurial opportunities, the qualification offers professional training which opens options of private or public employ for graduate. The process of developing skills in psychology assumes a strong focus on personal development and self-understanding in order to be effective as an helping-agent.

The following associated assessment criteria apply across all Exit Level Outcomes

• Demonstrate the skills necessary to practice in Clinical, Counselling or Educational Psychology, by conducting interviews.
• Make a diagnosis and recorded accurately, using a broad range of interventions including counselling, therapy, psycho-education and others.
• Use psychometric instruments appropriately and effectively.
• Employ therapeutic models of intervention appropriately to the settings of each category, and cover individual, family, group and community interventions.
• Take work in multi-disciplinary teams with successful results.

Integrated Assessment

• Continuous assessment and final examinations. Assessment of theoretical knowledge as well as skills.
• Learners are also required to complete a research-based mini-thesis as a requirement of the qualification.