Bachelor of Social Science Honours in Psychology
Human and Social Studies - Psychology
Purpose and Rationale
Purpose:
The purpose of the Bachelor of Social Science Honours in Psychology (BSocSciHons) (Psychology) Degree is to provide a better understanding of the social world. Learners will be able to interpret and analyse relevant social research data, comprehend and develop a better understanding of self and others in a social context. The depth of understanding and insight provided through this degree is pertinent to South African realities where diverse races and cultures co-exist within different cultural, socio-economic, and educational levels. Furthermore, learners will develop explicit core competencies in:
- The Nature of Psychology.
- The Nature of Psychological Challenge.
- Psychological Intervention/Application.
- Research Methods in Psychology.
- Diversity.
- Values in Psychology.
- Policy and standards implementation and project implementation and management.
- Psychological assessment and interpretation.
Rationale:
The Bachelor of Social Science Honours in Psychology Degree (BSocSciHons (Psychology)) is aligned with the institution's strong Social Science orientation with regards to the vision, mission, education, training, and overall academic and pedagogic approach. The degree is particularly well suited for learners with a Psychology undergraduate background who wish to engage with Psychology at an Honours level with a career in Psychology or related fields in mind. The degree offers an alternative NQF Level 8 qualification for learners interested in post-graduate studies in Psychology.
The BSocSciHons (Psychology) degree seeks to:
- Advance scholarship in Psychology at an Honours level.
- Enhance theoretical engagement and intellectual independence.
- Provide training in core competencies.
- Create articulation pathways for advanced study.
- Open avenues of employment in various sectors.
- Provide learners with a well-rounded education.
The rationale behind the qualification offering is to empower learners with critical thinking skills, effective communication, and the ability to apply psychological principles in various contexts. Additionally, the degree prepares learners for further studies and meets entry requirements for a Masters in Psychology or similar post-graduate qualifications.
Extensive consultation and research were conducted to align the core competencies of the degree with national and international best practices in counselling and psychology. Learners will also develop implicit core competencies such as lifelong learning skills, personal/career development, and information, technological, and academic literacy.
Overall, the BSocSciHons (Psychology) degree aims to equip learners with the knowledge and skills necessary for a successful career in psychology and related fields, emphasizing a practical and ethical application of psychological principles in various settings.
Outcomes
- Acquire knowledge, skill and insight of psychopathology and use the DSM-V classification system in the analysis of psychopathological patterns of behaviour from a number of theoretical perspectives including a South African perspective of abnormal behaviour and mental health.
- Demonstrate knowledge, critical understanding, insight and competence analysing and evaluating best fit research design, methodology, analysis and implementation for various research projects.
- A critical understanding, insight and competence in analysing and evaluating as well as being able to apply the importance of diversity and cross-cultural issues in the discipline as well as having socio-cultural and international awareness.
- Critical understanding, insight and competence, analysing and evaluating as well as being able to apply the values that govern psychology and demonstrate the ability to act ethically.
Assessment Criteria
Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 1:
- Critically evaluate the utility of South African and international tests commonly used
- Interpret and reflect upon key concepts and theories of psychology in different social contexts
- Comprehend and evaluate new information, concepts, and evidence from various sources in social science and psychology
- Use specialised skills to identify, analyse, and address complex problems
- Conduct a class presentation on major challenges facing South Africans
- Develop an understanding of human behavior in a multi-cultural environment
- Explore different psychotherapeutic approaches and apply psychotherapy models in the South African context
- Consolidate, extend, and apply skills in a professional Psychology context
Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 2:
- Acquire understanding of theories, research methodologies, methods, and techniques in the field
- Apply knowledge in a particular context and research projects
- Demonstrate knowledge, critical understanding, and competence in analyzing and evaluating research design, methodology, and analysis
- Conduct a comprehensive review of academic literature
- Execute independent research, collect and analyze data
- Write a research thesis demonstrating data gathering, analysis, synthesis, and evaluation
- Attend research colloquiums
Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 3:
- Interpret and analyze relevant social research data to understand self and others in various social contexts
- Apply contextually relevant modalities in Psychology
- Develop an understanding of contexts and systems
Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 4:
- Understand social, cultural, and personal values and biases influencing interpersonal and counselling relationships
- Identify and address ethical issues based on reflection on ethical value systems in specific contexts
Integrated Assessment:
- Balance formative and summative assessments to facilitate learning
- Formative assessments include case studies, role-plays, reflection exercises, literature reviews, essays, and oral presentations
- Provide constructive feedback on assessment tasks
- Summative assessments include examinations, theoretical papers, practical reports, and research projects
- Inform learners of assessment task expectations, criteria, standards, weighting, and submission dates
- Support equity, diversity, and learner-centered approaches in assessment practices
- Use diverse assessment models and unbiased language
Length/Duration, Weighting, and Submission Dates:
- Detailed for each assessment task within each module
- Include expectations, criteria, standards, weighting, and submission dates
Assessment Practices:
- Support equity, diversity, and learner-centered approaches
- Use diverse assessment models
- Avoid gender, racial, cultural, or second language bias in language and content
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.