Yearbooks

Programme: BSocSciHons Psychology

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Code Faculty Department
01243019 Faculty of Humanities Department: Psychology
Credits Duration NQF level
Minimum duration of study: 1 year Total credits: 120 NQF level:  08

Admission requirements

  1. Relevant bachelor’s degree with specialisation in Psychology
  2. A weighted average of at least 70% for Psychology at final-year level
  3. At least 50% for the research component at undergraduate level

Note: Additional work/modules may be required in order to reach the desired level of competency.

Additional requirements

A research module (RES 320 or an equivalent undergraduate research module). Additional research modules may be required, if deemed necessary by the head of department.

Please note the following:

  • Prospective students may be required to do additional work/modules to enable them to reach the desired level of study.
  • The Department also considers equity, in terms of race, gender, and disability when selecting candidates.
  • The number of students selected will be limited.
  • The programme is structured for one year full-time study.

Minimum credits: 120

Elective modules

Select 4 elective modules.

Availability of elective modules is subject to departmental resources. Not all modules are presented each year, please confirm with the department before registration.

Core modules

  • Module content:

    *Closed – BSocSciHons (Psychology) only. 

    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.

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  • Module content:

    *Closed - BSocSciHons (Psychology) only. Requires departmental selection.

    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.

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  • 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.

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Elective modules

  • Module content:

    *Closed - BSocSciHons (Psychology) only.

    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 context.

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  • Module content:

    *Closed - BSocSciHons (Psychology) only.

    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.

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  • Module content:

    *Closed - BSocSciHons (Psychology) only. Requires departmental selection.

    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.

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  • Module content:

    *Closed - BSocSciHons (Psychology) 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.

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  • Module content:

    *Closed - BSocSciHons (Psychology) only. Requires departmental selection.

    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.

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  • Module content:

     *Closed - BSocSciHons (Psychology) only.

    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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  • Module content:

    *Closed – BSocSciHons in Psychology only.
    In this module a wide range of personality theories as well as a study of on human functioning in the South African context is studied. The aim of the module is to teach conception of the implications of various personality theories for human functioning. The applications are relevant in therapeutic and counselling contexts, as well as for our understanding of human functioning in everyday life. Themes pertaining to relevant current societal issues form the focus of the practical application of the module.

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  • Module content:

    *Closed – BSocSciHons in Psychology only.
    This module introduces students to various postmodern approaches and ethical issues. In addition, upon completion of the module, students should have acquired an in-depth knowledge of a specific therapeutic approach of their choice and demonstrate these approaches can be used to intervene at the, individual, family and community level.

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  • Module content:

    *Closed – BSocSciHons in Psychology only.
    The module deals with the study of human development over the entire life span. Developmental Psychology supplies important background information for students who would like to become clinical or counselling psychologists. Knowledge gained by studying developmental psychology is also most valuable for parents, teachers, social workers as well as people in the health professions and in the business world or industry.

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  • Module content:

    *Closed – BSocSciHons (Psychology) only.
    The offering of this module is subject to staff capacity and determined in consultation with the HOD.
    Students are exposed to a contemporary topic or field in Psychology not covered elsewhere in the curriculum, such as positive psychology, sports psychology or evolutionary psychology, for example.

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The information published here is subject to change and may be amended after the publication of this information. The General Regulations (G Regulations) apply to all faculties of the University of Pretoria. It is expected of students to familiarise themselves well with these regulations as well as with the information contained in the General Rules section. Ignorance concerning these regulations and rules will not be accepted as an excuse for any transgression.

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