| Code | Faculty |
|---|---|
| 01243009 | Faculty of Humanities |
| Credits | Duration |
|---|---|
| Duration of study: 1 year | Total credits: 150 |
| Mrs N Ndala-Magoro [email protected] | +27 (0)124205197 |
The programme provides advanced academic and research training in psychology, equipping students to preceed with the master’s degree programmes in any of the structured (professional) or academic programmes, transfer their skills to a variety of work contexts, and contribute to society. The training in this learning programme, furthermore, equips students with specific theoretical knowledge and the skills for applying this knowledge to understand, explain and describe human behaviour in a variety of contexts and to make predictions based on theory-driven arguments and sound research practices.
Classes will only be presented during daytime and English will be the only medium of instruction.
Closing date for applications: 30 September annually.
- A relevant bachelor’s degree recognised by the Senate of the University of Pretoria with a minimum of six semester modules in psychology of which at least two semester modules must have been obtained at third-year level.
Research modules (RES 210, 320 or equivalent) should have been included in the undergraduate degree. Additional research modules may be required, if deemed necessary by the head of department.
Note:
Only certain modules are presented annually. Please consult the programme manager in this regard.
Minimum credits: 150
Module content:
*Departmental selection – only for BSocSciHons in Psychology
The research report for BSocSciHons in Psychology constitutes an integrated assessment of all learning offered for this learning programme. Students will be required to write a research report on an approved topic in the specific context selected for the elective component, and complying to all requirements set by the programme manager.
Module content:
In this module five dominant paradigms in psychology – (neo) behaviouristic, (neuro) cognitivist, psycho-analytic, humanist and ecosystemic – and typical theories emanating from these paradigms, are discussed. The philosophical underpinnings of these paradigms and theories are explored, specifically with reference to modernism and postmodernism. Emphasis is then placed on the praxis of quantitative and qualitative theory-building against the background of the five dominant paradigms.
Module content:
The focus is on knowledge and skills necessary to understand the empirical research process as applied in psychology. The following aspects are included: theoretical and epistemological assumptions in psychological research, problem and hypothesis formulation, basics of measurement, control in research, threats to validity, and research designs. The module also incorporates statistical methods applicable in research as well as skills necessary to analyse qualitative data all of which is aimed at providing students with greater skills within the realm of research.
Module content:
Selected themes such as the following are explored in this module: social cognition, attitudes and attitude change, persuasive communication and social influence, human aggression, intergroup relations and intergroup conflict, social identity theory, and the role of culture in human behaviour. These themes are applied to problems in the contemporary South African scene.
Module content:
The module focuses on the nature of community psychology, theoretical approaches, community settings, consultation, interventions and the design and management of effective programmes. It includes the planning, coordination and facilitation of workshops. The practical component is based on community interventions. The module consists of two components: a theoretical part to develop a frame of reference to use in thinking about community processes and practical experience to address community issues. Focus will be on needs assessment, design, implementation and evaluation of interventions, basic counselling and group facilitation skills.
Module content:
*Closed: BSocSciHons Psychology only.
This is a theoretical module that deals with the process of assessment of human behaviour within various contexts. It does not include professional training to become a psychometrist. It does include topics such as the multi-dimensional nature, purpose, and characteristics of assessment; critical issues in psychological assessment within the South African context; the reasons for statutory control of psychological assessment and the ethics of assessment; the appropriate use of different kinds of psychometric and assessment methods and instruments; and the process of integration of assessment results and report writing.
Module content:
*BPsych and BSocSciHons only. Requires departmental selection
The module deals with abnormal behaviour and symptomatology related to various mental disorders, including intra-psychic, interpersonal and socio-cultural dysfunctions and pathology. The DSM IV classification system as well as a multi-dimensional perspective is discussed critically with regard to specific disorders.
Module content:
*Departmental selection: BSocSciHons in Psychology only.
*Only offered in English
This module examines brain-behaviour relationships with the aim of understanding the components of complex psychological processes. The primary features of cerebral dysfunction in neurological disorders, traumatic brain injury and executive functioning will be addressed. Various neuropsychological assessment techniques will also be introduced.
Module content:
*Only offered in English
This module addresses intermediate, well-formed and systematic knowledge and understanding of cognitive processes in order to provide evidence-based solutions for topical issues related to cognitive psychology. The module involves, inter alia, evaluation of current scholarly debates and discourses in cognitive psychology, analysis of contemporary contexts, and a critical evaluation of topical issues related to cognitive functioning.
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