Master of Science in Psychology

Purpose

The primary purpose of the Master of Science dissertation is to provide learners with specialised advanced education and training while meeting the requirements of a specific research component so that learners can master the required experimental and technological skills and necessary fieldwork competencies such as innovation, decision-making, strategic thinking and organisational skills. A dissertation-based Master of Science qualification consists of a comprehensive study of a specialised area in the field of specialisation, reported on and submitted in the form of a dissertation at the end of the qualification. The qualification demands a high level of intellectual and theoretical knowledge and insight into problems related to the field of study and of critical reasoning, formulation, analysis and evaluation of a specific problem in the field of study.

Rationale

• The Master of Science dissertation is to provide students with specialised advanced education and training while meeting the requirements of a specific research component so that learners can master the required experimental and technological skills.
• The Master's study programme comprises a research project based on an approved topic. A dissertation, which gives evidence of the research capability of the learner, is required.

Recognition of Prior Learning

Experienced learners are recommended to the Executive Dean and the HOD who will appoint a panel to follow the official procedure for Recognition of Prior Learning.

Entry Requirements

The minimum entry requirements for this qualification

• Bachelor of Science Honours in Psychology, NQF level 8.

• Dissertation, 180 Credits.

Exit Level Outcomes and the Associated Assessment Criteria

Students should be able to

1. Demonstrate the ability to identify to and solve problems in the field of psychology by applying the highly advanced theoretical principles correctly and reflect on the application made (problem solving skills).
2. Demonstrate the ability independently to generate a plan of work that includes all aspects of the research project such as statement of aims, motivation for the study, identification of theoretical scheme, description of analytical method, demarcation of scope of investigation, presentation of findings, and recording of bibliographical material.
3. Communicate effectively both orally and writing at an advanced level with the various role players in the field of psychology by applying the theoretical principles of communication and reflecting on the application and reflecting on the application made (communication skills).
4. Develop an accountable theoretical practical macro vision of the role of psychology internationally, nationally, provincially/regionally and locally (development of macro vision).
5. Organise and coordinate resources and opportunities in the field of psychology by applying advanced relevant theoretical aspects and reflecting on the application thereof (including entrepreneurship, where relevant) as well as accept responsibility for their own activities in the field of psychology (entrepreneurship, self-responsibility skills).
6. Practise accept social sensitivity in the relationship with others and working effectively in team by implementing the relevant theory and reflecting on the implementation thereof (team ship).
7. Utilise appropriate technology (computer, e-mail, fax, psychometric tests) effectively in the psychology environment (technological and environmental literacy).
8. Explore different effecting learning strategies to acquire the different capabilities of a practitioner the field of psychology (explore learning strategies).
9. Promote responsible citizenship through their approach towards the holistic application of psychology related skills in the field of psychology (promoting citizenship).
10. 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).
11. Acquire acceptable employment seeking skills for entry into different sectors of the psychology by utilizing the highly advanced theoretical principles of employment seeking and reflecting on the application thereof (employment seeking skills).
12. Plan, execute and write up research, investigation or development in the science area of specialisation under some supervision.

Integrated Assessment

In the case of the research Master's qualification the dissertation is the only assessment requirement that has to be fulfilled. The final assessment mark (which carries a weight of 100%) will be the average of the marks given by the supervisor (50%) and the external assessor (50%).