Master of Social Science in Clinical Psychology

Purpose

The purpose of the qualification is to enable learners to apply educational knowledge, skills, principles and methods to function independently as professional psychologists in a variety of contexts ranging from private practice to employment in the private and public sectors and adhere to and comply with the professional guidelines laid down by the Professional Board of Psychology for professional practice.

More specifically this entails

• Providing an opportunity for learners to gain in-depth knowledge in a chosen area of clinical psychology.
• Enabling learners to weigh the significance of various ideas and points of view and synthesise these views to provide a critical and significant insight into the challenges and recommended solutions in the field.
• Providing an opportunity for social science learners to apply the Ontology, Epistemology and Methodology of social research in order to create insight into a specific field of study.
• Delivering learners who are able to use their knowledge, theoretical understanding and research skills in order to improve society.
• Enabling learners to be able to apply knowledge, skills, principles and methods to identify and analyse the needs and causes of problems relating to individuals, groups and societies.
• Providing learners with the opportunity to explore values (their own included).

Rationale

The institution believes that Social Science (as part of a Faculty of Humanities), rests on the promise that humans comprise a community and this community should be jointly shared and managed for the common good. A healthy democracy (a fundamental cornerstone of the common good) demands citizens who are informed, interested in the welfare of individuals and society and who are committed to the realisation of the common good. An understanding that a better world is possible is crucial to the long term well-being of individuals and society.

This qualification emphasises

• The need to manage society for the common good.
• The need to build a healthy democracy and belief that the world can be a better place.
• The cultivation of knowledge that explores the history and reality of power imbalances and that fosters the understanding that exclusion compromises the common good.
• The appreciation of various view of reality (including views of what the common good, identity and community is) and that these views and concepts are socially constructed and, therefore, contestable.
• That in-depth understanding of individuals and society stems from honest, rigorous, scientific analysis that presumes that the identification and resolution of social challenges (threats to the common good) should be based on balanced, in-depth scientifically grounded considerations.

The qualification will be able to deliver the above-mentioned aims.

Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL)

Where learners do not meet the minimum admission requirements, RPL may be used to grant access to the qualification. RPL will be applied according to the Recognition of Prior Learning, Credit Accumulation and Transfer, and Assessment policy. This will relate to both access to the qualification as well as for credit recognition or exemption towards achieving the qualification.

The institution will ensure that quality assurance processes that address the specificities of the RPL process (including applications, assessment, and reporting and management systems) are implemented; and that administrative and support systems, both prior and subsequent to RPL assessment, are in place.

Entry Requirements

The minimum entry requirement for this qualification is

• Bachelor of Science Honours in Psychology, National Qualifications Framework (NQF) Level 8.

This qualification consists of the following compulsory modules at National Qualifications Framework (NQF) Level 9 totalling 240 Credits.

Compulsory Modules, Level 9, 240 Credits

• Clinical Psychology Internship, 0 Credits.
• Clinical Psychology, 120 Credits.
• Mini dissertation, 120 Credits.

1. Integrate specialist knowledge within the field of clinical psychology.
2. Carefully design an appropriate treatment plan, including relevant therapeutic techniques, that is prescribed within the scope of clinical psychology.
3. Conceptualise a client case, determine the current challenges and creatively design problem-solving skills within the scope of clinical psychology using formal client portfolios.
4. Show ethical awareness in client cases, address the identified issues effectively and contribute to the development of ethical standards within the field of clinical psychology.
5. Use resources and communicate ideas and findings.
6. Make effective and relevant therapeutic interventions on child, adolescent and adult level.
7. Show insight and respect for the systems related to these interventions.
8. Develop own learning strategies which sustain independent learning and academic and professional development.

Associated Assessment Criteria For Exit Level Outcomes

• Critique current research or practice.
• Integrate different sources of specialist knowledge within the field of clinical psychology and choose appropriate literature to inform treatment plans.
• Conduct a comprehensive review of leading and current research in the field of clinical psychology.
• Operate independently, take responsibility, initiate processes and implement systems through own client case work, research dissertation and accountability.

Integrated Assessment

Formative assessment assignments, class tests, essays, reflective reports, supervision practices progress reports, case studies and class activities. Summative Assessment tests and examination papers, portfolios, oral exams. Research mini-dissertation during the internship progress is assessed by the internship organisations through supervision, case presentations, and academic discussions. The assessment takes place though clinical case supervision, formal client portfolios, orals and written assignments. Accessing, processing and managing information.