University of Mpumalanga

Bachelor of Arts Honours in Psychology

Human and Social Studies - General Social Science

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Purpose and Rationale

Program: Bachelor of Arts Honours in Psychology

Purpose:

The main purpose of Bachelor of Arts Honours in Psychology is to provide learners with appropriate skills, knowledge and attitude to contribute to the field of Psychology. Learners will be able to apply psychological theories and methodologies and contribute to the current debates in psychology in the South Africa context and internationally. Learners will be able to plan, design and execute research using the relevant methodology, report on the findings and contribute to the generation of new knowledge that may be used to address pertinent health issues affecting South Africa and globally. A qualified learner will be able to:

  • Demonstrate an advanced understanding of the general principles, theories and methodological approaches underpinning the scientific study of psychology, within a multicultural context.
  • Distinguish between normal and abnormal behavioural characteristics while recognising the difficulties associated when making such a distinction.
  • Administer, score and provisionally interpret psychological assessment measures that they have been trained to use ethically and professionally and prepare a written report on the results.
  • Demonstrate appropriate listening, clarifying, probing and reflection skills within a group and an individual intervention context.
  • Demonstrate the systematic application of behavioural research methods as well as data collection and analysis methods to generate answers to human behaviour questions in a scientific way.
  • Demonstrate a commitment to assisting in the optimal development and functioning of all South Africans and respect for the basic human rights of others.
  • Exhibit the skills of interrogating multiple sources of knowledge in psychology, and evaluating both this knowledge and the process of psychological knowledge production to analyse and address complex and abstract psychological problems.
  • Apply their knowledge and understanding, and problem-solving abilities in new or relatively unfamiliar environments within broader or multidisciplinary contexts and can handle complexity, integrate different knowledge perspectives and interests and accommodate multiple views to reality.
  • Communicate and share their conclusions and views, and the knowledge and rationale underpinning these, to specialist and non-specialist audiences clearly and unambiguously using appropriate discourse, suitable audio visual tools and technology, as well as appropriate referencing conventions.
  • Manage their own learning and demonstrate the attributes of learning-driven and self-directed learners.
  • Work in a group as a member or leader and take full responsibility for own work, and, where appropriate, that of fellow students, as well as accountability for her/his own actions and where necessary, those of fellow students.

Rationale:

The Bachelor of Arts Honours in Psychology prepares learners for advanced study in Psychology, and to obtain employment in a range of psychology-related vocational pursuits. The qualification is designed to consolidate and deepen the learners' expertise in the disciplines of five core and aligned fields within Psychology, namely Psychopathology, Community-based Counselling, Cognitive Psychology, Therapeutic interventions, Psychological assessment, Developmental Psychology, Neuropsychology and Social Psychology. Learners will work in a diverse range of fields including National and Provincial Governments and the Private sector. Learners will also work as consultants. The qualification was developed in response to the high demand for Clinical Psychologists, Social Work and Counselling Professionals. This was evident in the DHET National List of Occupations in High Demand (South Africa, 2018:16) and the Labour Market Intelligence Partnership report and a Technical report (2018). The Honours Degree is the bridge to further postgraduate research-based studies and it is expected that many Honours learners will progress to Master's and Doctoral studies and contribute to research-based solutions to challenges and issues.

Outcomes

  1. Apply and evaluate general principles, theories and methodological approaches underpinning the scientific study of psychology and intervention within a multicultural context.
  2. Distinguish between normal and abnormal behavioural characteristics while recognising the difficulties associated when making such a distinction.
  3. Analyse general theoretical underpinnings of psychological measurement and assessment within a multi-cultural context.
  4. Administer, score, provisionally interpret and report on psychological assessment measures that they have been trained to use ethically and professionally.
  5. Demonstrate appropriate listening, clarifying, probing and reflection skills within a group and an individual intervention context.
  6. Identify and analyse behavioural research methods, data collection and analysis methods to generate answers to human behaviour questions in a scientific way.
  7. Identify and apply professional ethics and rules in psychology and conduct in practice within a South African context.
  8. Critically reflect on the development and functioning of all South Africans and respect for basic human rights.
  9. Analyse and evaluate multiple sources of knowledge in psychology and the process of psychological knowledge production to address complex and abstract psychological problems.
  10. Apply problem-solving skills in new or relatively unfamiliar environments within broader or multidisciplinary contexts and handle complexity, integrate different knowledge perspectives and interests and accommodate multiple views to reality.
  11. Communicate and share their conclusions and views, and the knowledge and rationale underpinning these, to specialist and non-specialist audiences clearly and unambiguously using appropriate discourse, suitable audio visual tools and technology, as well as appropriate referencing conventions.
  12. Manage their own learning and demonstrate the attributes of learning-driven and self-directed learners.
  13. Work in a group as a member or leader, and take full responsibility for own work and, where applicable, that of fellow students, as well as accountability for her/his own actions and where necessary, those of fellow students.

Assessment Criteria

The following criteria are applied to the Exit level Outcomes:

  1. Evaluation of Theories and Practices in Psychology: Evaluate theories, principles, procedures, and practices, research methodologies, methods, and techniques in psychology.

  2. Analysis of Psychological Interventions: Critically analyze theories and principles underlying psychological interventions within a multi-cultural context.

  3. Comparison of Normal and Abnormal Behaviours: Compare and contrast between normal and abnormal behaviors.

  4. Assessment of Psychological Measurement and Intervention: Critically assess the theoretical underpinnings of psychological measurement and intervention within a multi-cultural context.

  5. Psychological Assessment Measures: Administer, score, and interpret psychological assessment measures while ensuring written reports adhere to standard conventions.

  6. Communication Skills: Demonstrate the ability to listen, ask clarity-seeking questions, and probing questions in individual and group sessions.

  7. Independent Research in Psychology: Undertake independent research in psychology with outcomes including:

    • Conceptualization of the project question and scope.
    • Preparation of a literature review supporting the project.
    • Development of a project plan with timeframes, budget, goals, targets, and indicators.
    • Identification of appropriate research methods, including statistical methods.
    • Consideration of ethical issues and seeking approval if necessary.
    • Data collection, collation, and analysis.
    • Interpretation and discussion of data in the context of the literature review.
    • Formulation of recommendations.
    • Preparation of a research report in an appropriate format for the discipline.

  8. Ethical Issues in Psychology: Identify ethical issues in psychology and determine the best ways to address them.

  9. Evaluation of Sources: Critically evaluate various sources used to address complex and abstract psychological problems.

  10. Application of Advanced Knowledge and Skills: Apply familiar and unfamiliar contexts in making psychological assessments, ensuring correct application of advanced knowledge and skills.

  11. Communication of Research Results: Communicate research project results to professional and lay or community audiences using appropriate language and technology.

  12. Language and Writing Style: Use appropriate language in the research report, present the report in the approved style, and adhere to norms for scientific writing in psychology.

Qualification Details

Type
Honours Degree
NQF Level
08
Min. Credits
120
SAQA Source
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University of Mpumalanga
University of Mpumalanga
Description
The University of Mpumalanga is a public university located in Mbombela, Mpumalanga, South Africa. It was established in 2014 and is one of the newest universities in the country. The university focuses on providing quality education and research opportunities in various fields, including agriculture, natural sciences, education, and management sciences. It aims to contribute to the development of the Mpumalanga province by producing skilled graduates who can contribute to the local economy and society. The university also emphasizes community engagement and strives to create a supportive and inclusive learning environment for its students.
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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.