HONOURS
PROGRAMME IN PSYCHOLOGY 18414 - 778 |
Admission and selection requirements |
| For admission into the Honours programme in Psychology a Bachelor’s
degree, with a major in Psychology which was passed with at least 65%, is
required. A higher performance cut-off for Psychology 3 may be set in a
given year, depending on the number and achievement level of applicants.
Admission into the programme is dependent upon selection based on academic
achievement, and takes place in November of the preceding year. The annual
closing date for applications is 31 October. |
| Programme structure and contents |
| The Honours programme in Psychology can only be attended as a one-year
full-time programme. The programme is presented during the day in English. |
| Nature of the programme |
| The programme focuses on advanced knowledge of human behaviour, intrapsychic
as well as interpersonal, normal as well as abnormal, individually as well
as in group contexts. It also encompasses the application of such knowledge
in the multi-cultural South African society, particularly with regard to
the understanding of specific psychosocial problems and the development
of intervention and preventative strategies. In addition, the programme
also focuses on the development of critical-analytical and problem-solving
thinking skills, as well as social-scientific research knowledge and skills. |
| Module description Based on the credit values of modules (indicated in brackets after each module) a selection of modules is made to a minimum of 120 credits for the programme. The module in Research Methodology as well as the Research Assignment are compulsory for all students, while the modules in Psychotherapy, Psychopathology and Psychometry are also compulsory for students who wish to be considered for the professional Masters programme. |
| 711 Psychotherapy (20) (1st Semester) Theory and practice of different psychotherapeutic approaches, including psychodynamic therapies, person-centered therapy, existential therapy and cognitive behaviour therapy; research in psychotherapy; psychotherapy in the South African context. |
| 742 Psychopathology (20) (2nd Semester) Assessment of psychopathology and culture-bound syndromes; diagnostic formulations according to the DSM-IV classification system; description of the nature, aetiology and maintenance of psychopathology from different theoretical perspectives; a South African perspective of abnormal behaviour and mental health. |
| 741 Psychometry (20) (2nd Semester) Psychometric properties of psychological tests; cultural variables and psychological measurement; different types of tests and their application; ethical principles for the construction and application of psychological tests. |
| 771 Research Methodology (20) (1st & 2nd Semester) Quantitative methods (including naturalistic observation, case-study research, survey research, correlational and differential research, field research, research designs); qualitative methods (including phenomenology, ethnography, action research, interviewing, focus groups, observation, quality control); data-analysis (including statistical models, data exploration, non-parametric methods, multiple regression analysis, ANOVA, MANOVA, factor analysis). |
| 745 Social Psychology (10) (2nd Semester) Existing approaches in social psychology and its relevance in understanding current social issues in South Africa; racism, violence, poverty, consumerism, nationalism and globalization, cultural and political identity, crowds and collective action. |
| 712 Vocational Psychology (10) (1st Semester) Theories of vocational psychology, including those of Super, Holland and Gottfredson; application of these theories in vocational psychology and on aspects of human resources management such as recruitment, selection and placement; career choice and development in the South African world of work. |
| 714 Community Psychology (10) (1st Semester) Historical context and development of community psychology; theoretical models and core values underpinning community psychology; psychosocial problems in the South African context; needs assessment; planning, implementing and assessing community interventions. |
| 715 Family Psychology (10) (1st Semester) Normal family processes; different types of families; theoretical models of family competency; family functioning and genetic influences, ethnicity, cultural diversity, race, class and poverty. |
| 716 Child Psychology (10) (1st Semester) Development and problems of normal children in normal families; children within the context of all the social systems in which they function; psychopathology, assessment and interventions for children. |
| 711 Interpersonal Relationships (10) (2nd Semester) History of sexuality; diverse sexualities; theoretical perspectives on sexuality; sexuality as social construction; sexuality and intimate relationships; sexual health issues in South Africa; interventions in human sexual behaviour. |
| 713 Eco-psychology (10) (1st Semester) Philosophical underpinnings and principles of Eco psychology; ecological identity and the ecological Self; Wilderness therapy and experiential practices in nature; application of ecotherapy in the South African context |
| 743 Cognitive Psychology (10) (2nd Semester) Information processing paradigm; emotional disorders and cognition; attention bias; selective memory; automatic processing; implications for psychotherapy. |
| 744 Psychological Development of Women (10) (2nd Semester) Theoretical approaches to the development of women; epistemological issues; methodology in studying the development of women; life cycle of women; women and intimate relationships; women and work; differences in the development of women due to poverty, race, class and ethnicity; psychological support of women.. |
| 746 Alcohol abuse in South Africa (10) (2nd Semester) Alcohol abuse in South Africa; alcohol and individual and community health; high risk groups; assessment of alcohol related disorders; alcohol and the family; alcohol and violence; advertising and drinking patterns; fetal alcohol syndrome; alcohol and HIV/Aids; current treatment models and their applicability within the South African context. |
| 772 Compulsory research assignment (10) (1st & 2nd Semester) A research assignment, based on independent research, under supervision. |
| Assessment Modules are assessed by means of practicums, written assignments and written evaluations in June and November. A minimum of 50% is required as pass mark for every module. |
| Enquiries Programme co-ordinator: Tel.: (021) 808 3464 |