Master of Social Science in Clinical Psychology

The Master of Social Science in Clinical Psychology

• Equips learners with a high competency of specialised knowledge of human behaviour; to equip them with life skills which will contribute to their personal growth and development; to enhance their employment opportunities through broadly applicable functional (work related) skills.
• Equips learners for specialisation in specific fields/categories of Psychology, as stipulated by the Professional Board for Psychology.
• Equips learners to be registered, as professional Clinical Psychologists, with the Health Professions Council of South Africa.
• Provides the theoretical and practical structure for learner, specialising in Psychology, including course work, practical work and an internship of one (l) year at accredited institutions in the Mafikeng area of the North West Province, namely, Ipelegeng Child and Family Centre, and Mafikeng Provincial Hospital (Bophelong Hospital).
• Equips learners with appropriate research skills, which will give them competency to complete a mini-thesis.

Entry Requirements

The minimum entry requirement for this qualification is

• Bachelor of Social Science Honours in Psychology, NQF Level 8.

Exit Level Outcomes

1. Reflect a general fund of knowledge regarding fields/categories of specialisation.
2. Have developed skills in practical application of knowledge during an internship qualification of one (l) year at an accredited institution.
3. Have had eight (8) hundred hours of practical experience in administering psychological tools, techniques and methods.
4. Have developed professional attitudes and a personal style and interpersonal skills, sense of responsibility and accountability.
5. Conduct research independently and write scientific reports.
6. Have been involved in development of psychological qualifications in rural areas of the North West region.

Exit Levels Outcome

1. Critically analyse, integrate and evaluate.
2. Creative approach in utilisation and integration.
3. Practical Experience.
4. Professional Attitudes, interpersonal skills.
5. Research and Reportwriting skills.
6. Development in Rural Areas.

Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 1

• Expands understanding by purposefully seeking information.
• Systematic, complete assessment procedure.
• Skill and good judgement in following up cues.

Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 2

• Good observation and consideration of nonverbal reactions of patient.
• Realistic appraisal of the recourses and limitations of the patient and family and appropriate structuring of goals.

Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 3

• Shows understanding of the uses and limitations.
• Can extract relevant information, and interpret in the context of the particular case.

Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 4

• Establishes rapport with patients, reduces tensions and inspires confidence by exhibiting interest, considerations and a relaxed professional manner.
• Takes decisions and responsibility within the limits of competence.

Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 5

• Independent research and quality of thesis.
• Concise, clear, pertinent.
• Applied Value.

Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 6

• Flexible according to needs of clinical situation.
• Cross-Cultural efficiency.
• Ongoing mutual assessment of progress.

Integrated Assessment

• Knowledge of theoretical work will be determined by means of tests, examinations, assignments, report writing.
• Supervision of practical work will be done by registered, Clinical Psychologists, according to the rules and regulations of the Professional Board for Psychology.
• Completion of a mini-thesis.