Bachelor of Arts Honours in Psychology
Human and Social Studies - General Social Science
Purpose and Rationale
Bachelor of Arts Honours in Psychology
Purpose
The Bachelor of Arts Honours in Psychology aims to develop strategic problem-solving abilities, theoretical engagements, and intellectual independence at a high level. Learners will demonstrate competencies in contributing responsibly to the economic well-being of their organization. This qualification equips learners with various skills highly attractive to academic institutions and valuable in the workplace. It fosters the ability to think and act strategically, professionally, empathically, ethically, and contribute meaningfully to the mental health industry.
Building on the knowledge and skills developed in the Psychology undergraduate curriculum, this qualification focuses on research methods, critical analysis, and academic discourse. Learners will gain practical research experience and complete a self-directed research project, from proposal development to the final research paper. The goal is to acquire essential research skills for professional and academic contexts, enhancing employability with skills such as information-gathering, analysis, synthesis, methodological expertise, statistical reasoning, communication with diverse groups, and writing proficiency.
The Bachelor of Arts Honours in Psychology further develops sophisticated applied psychology skills, promoting employability through high-level literacy, numeracy, and computer proficiency. This qualification also includes scarce skills such as measuring complex processes, understanding habit formation and social appropriateness, social communication mechanisms, problem-solving approaches, pattern recognition, multiple perspectives analysis, and pragmatic problem-solving.
Aligned with the South African context, the qualification deepens expertise in core and aligned fields of Psychology, focusing on Ethics, Biological Psychology, Community Psychology, Psychopathology, and Psychotherapeutic interventions and assessments. The sustained focus on utility within the South African context addresses societal challenges.
Rationale
In South Africa, there is a demand for trained psychometrists with scarce skills in psychometry. Legislation requires relevant psychological assessment instruments tailored to South African social and multicultural contexts. The qualification not only prepares learners for the South African context but also provides skills recognized internationally. Additionally, it academically prepares learners for potential admission into higher professional qualifications as Clinical or Counselling Psychologists at Masters Level (NQF Level 9).
Outcomes
- Demonstrate knowledge and engagement in the area of Applied Psychology.
- Understand research theories, methods and techniques, and to apply this knowledge in order to conduct an independent research project.
- Exhibit the skills of interrogating multiple sources of knowledge in psychology, and evaluating both this knowledge and the process of psychological knowledge production.
- Display an understanding of the complexities of selecting, applying and transferring standard psychological techniques to a range of unfamiliar problems.
- Identify, analyse and address complex and abstract psychological problems through the systematic use of psychological knowledge and methods using specialised skills.
- Identify and apply ethical rules and conduct in practice within a South African context.
- Critically review information, synthesise data, manage and evaluate processes in psychological contexts to develop creative responses to psychological problems and issues.
Assessment Criteria
Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 1:
- Demonstrate knowledge of community psychology and insight into formative academic and social forces.
- Discuss the various factors contributing holistically to the development of specific psychological problems critically.
- Display knowledge of different therapeutic approaches and their key concepts.
- Exhibit in-depth knowledge and understanding of the psychometric principles guiding test development and usage.
Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 2:
- Demonstrate knowledge and understanding of concepts and methodologies of research.
- Apply principles of research appropriately.
- Differentiate between a range of research designs and their application within a specialised field.
Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 3:
- Reveal critical understanding of community psychology methodologies and interventions.
- Proficiency in concept operationalising and application.
- Identify techniques and procedures related to various psychotherapeutic approaches.
Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 4:
- Display critical understanding and analysis of core concepts and principles of community psychology and public health.
- Evaluate and apply various therapeutic interventions to particular case studies within the South African context.
- Assess and analyse the relationship between psychological theories and the design of assessment measures.
- Evaluate the sequence of development and relevant underlying processes within a lifespan framework critically.
Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 5:
- Review different models of community psychology critically.
- Evaluate the suitability and fairness of assessment measures and administration procedures within multicultural contexts critically.
- Discuss various controversial debates within developmental psychology about the nature and causes of change critically.
Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 6:
- Demonstrate understanding of the knowledge of relevant legislative frameworks impacting psychological practice and research.
- Apply research and practice ethics following legislative parameters.
- Analyse multiple role relationships in personal life, workplace settings, and academic roles.
- Evaluate current ethical dilemmas in various settings critically.
Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 7:
- Report and analyse data collected critically through a research process.
- Synthesise conceptual and methodological diversity into coherent responses to complex real-world problems and case studies.
Integrated Assessment:
- The institution implements formative and summative assessment practices in line with University strategies.
Formative Assessment:
- Continuous assessment throughout the module by both the lecturer and peers.
- Emphasis on constructive criticism and helping the learner recognize and work on shortcomings.
- Contributes 50% of the final mark.
Summative Assessment:
- Focuses on achieving Exit-Level Outcomes through written examinations, practical examinations, and project evaluations.
- Learner judged as competent or not yet competent.
- Assessment process transparent and discussed with the learner.
- Contributes 50% of the final mark.
Qualification Details
- Type
- Honours Degree
- NQF Level
- 08
- Min. Credits
- 120
- SAQA Source
- More Information
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This page includes information from the South African Qualifications Authority (SAQA) . Builtneat Pty Ltd trading as Study Start, has modified all or some of this information. SAQA has not approved, endorsed, or tested these modifications.