| Code | Faculty | Department |
|---|---|---|
| 01250434 | Faculty of Humanities | Department: Psychology |
| Credits | Duration | NQF level |
|---|---|---|
| Minimum duration of study: 2 years | Total credits: 180 | NQF level: 09 |
The MA Research Psychology programme provides integrated professional and academic training equipping the candidate to function as a specialist researcher in psychology.
Closing date for applications: 31 May annually.
The programme is a two-year full-time programme and consists of an academic (50%) and a research (50%) component. Students need to pass both components as well as complete their internship to be awarded with the MA (Research Psychology) degree.
Once a student has successfully completed the coursework of the MA (Research Psychology) degree, such a student must apply for registration as an intern research psychologist with the Professional Board for Psychology at the Health Professions Council of South Africa (HPCSA) for a one-year full-time internship in Research Psychology. After successfully completing the internship and passing the board examination of the Professional Board for Psychology at the HPCSA, an intern research psychologist can apply for registration as a research psychologist with the Professional Board for Psychology at the HPCSA.
A. Coursework training
Consists of one-year academic training (year 1) during which a core curriculum will be followed.
B. Mini-dissertation (PSY 895)
The writing of the mini-dissertation coincides with the coursework training (year 1) and the internship training (year 2). Students are expected to successfully write a research proposal during their coursework training (year 1). Data collection and the writing of the mini-dissertation (PSY 895) takes place during year 2.
C. Internship (PSY 805)
Students are expected to successfully complete an internship at an accredited internship site according to the HPCSA regulations in order to register as research psychologists during year 2. Such registration is subject to the regulations of the Professional Board for Psychology at the time of registration.
Assessments
Requirements for progress to year 2 of the programme (PSY 895)
Requirements for progress to internship (PSY 805)
A student will pass a module with distinction if a final mark of at least 75% is achieved.
Professional misconduct:
Enquiry with regards to possible professional misconduct within the programme: Should a student be considered in breach of any professional rule, regulation, code of conduct, or legislation as laid down by the Professional Board for Psychology or the Health Professions Council of South Africa (HPCSA), or the legislation governing the conduct and training of Clinical Pyschologists (as health professionals) the student may be required to present themself before the executive management committee of the Department of Psychology and the Deanery of the Faculty of Humanities for an enquiry in order to ascertain whether or not the matter should be referred to the Professional Board for Psychology, the HPCSA, or the appropriate statutory authority, for a further investigation.
Discontinuation from Participation in the Programme:
The Dean may, on the recommendation of the Head of the Department of Psychology, conduct an enquiry into the alleged conduct and/or fitness of the student to practice. Possible outcomes of this process could include, but will not be limited to, the discontinuation of the student’s participation in the programme during an academic year. This decision will be considered by the management committee of the Department and various aspects of the student’s progress and conduct within the programme will be assessed. The student will have the opportunity to respond and make representations regarding the allegations brought against them.
Module content:
This module exposes students to research methodology, including quantitative and qualitative methodology, as well as mixed methods. Specific research methodology themes covered include the theoretical underpinnings of methodology, research designs/approaches, market and media research, data collection and analysis, and research ethics. Students will also receive training in the use of software to analyse data. The module will enable students to conceptualise, plan and execute rigorous research in a psychological context and expose them to a broad range of research techniques. This will equip students with the skills necessary to be flexible and adapt to the ever-changing research workplace. Instruction will be delivered through workshops, contact sessions and online materials.
Module content:
This module equips students with a diverse set of practical research skills to apply in various settings. Students are exposed to community research theory, programme monitoring and evaluation, and policy development. The research proposal sub-component of this module is included to assist students with completing their research proposals for approval by the Faculty.
Module content:
The module introduces students to theories relevant to research in psychology. These theories deal with new developments related to Research Psychology, thus providing students opportunities to identify research problems and questions relevant to their own research. These theories include positive psychology, cognitive and behavioural neuroscience, environmental psychology, indigenous psychology and critical social psychology. In recognising the importance of curriculum transformation, emphasis will be placed on issues of diversity and inclusion and how this relates to research.
Module content:
This module will demonstrate the process of test development from the perspective of Classical Test Theory (CTT) and Item Response Theory (IRT). Students are introduced to measurement theory, which includes an overview of measurement philosophy, true score theory, reliability, validity, item selection and use of statistical software. The specific IRT model constitutes the Rasch model allowing inspection of item fit, multidimensionality, bias, and related topics. Students are introduced to Winsteps and related software to enable them to do item calibration and IRT analysis. A brief introduction to how multidimensionality of tests can be assessed with Structural Equation Modeling (SEM) will also be included.
Module content:
According to the HPCSA regulations, a student needs to complete an accredited internship programme before registering as a professional psychologist. The internship includes a minimum period of one year (12 months) following a structured programme that includes practical competence-based activities in a specific registration category of psychology. This internship must be completed to formally register as a psychologist. The purpose of the internship is to enable student psychologists to integrate, apply and refine their skills and competencies essential for independent practice. The internship programme provides student psychologists with hands-on work experience and is a vital entry requirement for professional registration.
In order to register as an intern psychologist, students must have been registered as a student psychologist with the HPCSA for a period of nine months as outlined by the Professional Board for Psychology at the HPCSA.
Module content:
A research project under the guidance of a study leader is done. The mini-dissertation must be on a topic with a psychological perspective. It is expected from the student to conceptualise, plan, execute and document the research.
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