Master of Social Science in Research Psychology

Purpose

This qualification aims to prepare independent researchers in socio psychological sciences who can contribute to the generation of knowledge at an advanced level by conducting original research that addresses complex context based issues, under the guidance of the research supervisor. The research project will culminate in a production of a research report in the form of a thesis in the traditional format or by publication. The qualification aims to provide leaners with a broad background of skills in the social sciences, specialist expertise in selected psychological research methods, and the ability to work in inter-disciplinary teams. The qualification aims to produce leaners who are able to apply socio-psychological research in society in an ethical and professional manner, and who can contribute to the field and national priorities for growth and development.

Rationale

This qualification is necessary in order to provide the country with a cadre of researchers in social sciences who are able to provide strategic and evidence informed guidance and contribute in a scholarly way in addressing local, regional and global social and psychological related issues. The leaners from this qualification should contribute in generating and/or broadening the knowledge base in the selected area of study and influence socio-psychological related policies and practices. This qualification will enable leaners to develop and become effective and skilled researchers in social sciences, equipped to become research orientated in their on-going professional development. The qualification will equip the leaner with the knowledge and the skills necessary either for employment in applied research organisations and in institution teaching and research positions; or for further independent research toward the Degree of Doctor of Philosophy (PhD).

Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL)

The institution accepts the principle underlying outcomes-based, source-based and life-long learning, in which considerations of articulation and mobility play a significant role, and subscribes to the view that Recognition of Prior Learning, whether acquired by formal education curricula at this or another institution or informally (by experience) is an indispensable element in deciding on admission to and awarding credits in an explicitly selected teaching-learning qualification of the institution.

A learner who falls outside of the formal qualifications system, but who can demonstrate (through the production of substantial and satisfactory evidence) experiential or work-based learning or a non-formal qualification (or a combination), may be considered for admission and/or for the Recognition of Prior Learning for the achievement of the qualification in part or in full.

A learner who after such assessment, is deemed to have sufficient potential, but is in need of further academic development, must be directed to other suitable learning qualifications prior to admission or to parallel qualifications after admission.

Entry Requirements

The minimum entry requirement for this qualification is

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

This qualification consists of the following compulsory and elective modules at National Qualifications Framework (NQF) Level 9 totalling 192 Credits.

Compulsory Modules, Level 9, 144 Credits

• Community Interventions, 16 Credits.
• Coursework Dissertation: Psychology, 128 Credits.

Elective Modules, Level 9, 48 Credits (Choose three)

• Applied Research, 16 Credits.
• Qualitative Methods, 16 Credits.
• Quantitative Methods, 16 Credits.
• Specialised Module, 16 Credits.

1. Apply a critical and evaluative approach to analysing complex issues in the chosen field of research in identifying and conceptualising a research area.
2. Demonstrate a comprehensive and systematic grasp of the specialist body of theoretical knowledge and its application in the critique of current research or practices in a selected field of study.
3. Utilise a wide range of specialised skills in designing and implementing a research project that address complex issues in the chosen field of study.
4. Demonstrate a critical understanding of the most advanced research methodologies, techniques and technologies applicable to the selected area of study.
5. Undertake independent research in the field of health sciences and report on this to reflects independent thinking, originality, critical analysis, ability to defend findings and advanced insight into the chosen field of research.
6. Identify and manage the ethical issues associated with research and knowledge production in the discipline.

• Apply their theoretical and critical insights and practical research- and community-oriented skills.
• Present research findings to a range of audiences using appropriate media or means to disseminate findings.

Integrated Assessment

The modules adopt an integrated approach to assessment that adheres with the institution's Policy on Assessment i.e. permits a leaner to demonstrate applied competence and which uses a range of formative and summative assessment methods. Integrated assessment is seen as crucial in determining the readiness of leaners to function as professional researchers in psychological or other fields of practice. Thus assessments of leaners learning in the modules are typically written and include a product of their applied learning and formal examinations. The products reflect the focus of the module and demonstrate leaners abilities to apply their theoretical and critical insights and practical research and community-oriented skills, e.g., a research proposal, ethics application, interview transcripts, research report, journal article, community project report, new online learning resources and a dissertation. The examinations cover specific theoretical content covered in the modules.

All assignments and assessment criteria are discussed by colleagues in the discipline. Assessment of learning outcomes is initially undertaken by the module facilitator/s and programme head. Thereafter, reports are written for the external examiner of each module, in connection with the modules expectations, assessment criteria, and the performance of the leaners. These reports, together with assessment tasks and internal examiners' comments, are forwarded to the external examiner. Assessment for each of the modules uses a combination of the following methods: examination, research reports, research proposals and ethics applications, tests and assignments.