Programme: BSocSciHons specialising in Psychology

Kindly take note of the disclaimer regarding qualifications and degree names.
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
Contact:
Dr M Bezuidenhout
[email protected]
+27 (0)124204835

Programme information

This is an academic programme only, and does not lead to registration with the Health Professions Council of South Africa (HPCSA).

Admission requirements

General Admission Regulations:

Refer to the UP Institutional Admissions Policy as well as the General Academic Regulations and Student Rules (Go to www.up.ac.za./yearbooks/home and click on General Rules and Regulations, then on General Academic Regulations and Student Rules)

  1.  All applications must be accompanied by the following documents: 
    1. Certified full academic transcripts from undergraduate to current level; 
    2. Certified copy of ID or passport; 
    3. A research concept note (not applicable to honours or coursework master's degrees): A description of the proposed research field indicating a research topic and the broad scope of the proposed study, not exceeding 500 words.
  2.  All applicants with international qualifications must submit the following documents, subject to provision number 9: 
    1. A SAQA evaluation of the completed qualification or a comprehensive Foreign Qualification Report
    2. *TOEFL or IELTS or Pearson Test of English or Oxford Test of English test results (if applicable) 
    3. Certified copy of passport.
  3. All postgraduate applications are subject to departmental admissions processes. 
  4. Admissions is based on the content of and performance in the prior degree, bridging arrangements (where required), academic merit and prior work experience (if applicable). 
  5. Admission to all qualifications is subject to supervisory capacity and/or research projects in the field of specialisation in a department, therefore the relevant department has the right to limit the number of students per year. 
  6. Complying with the minimum admissions requirements, does not automatically guarantee admission to the degree. 
  7. Proposed research studies for masters and doctoral applicants should align with the research focus of the relevant department. 
  8. If a qualifying candidate has expressed an interest in a field of study that the relevant department cannot  accommodate, the applicant may be considered for an alternative project. 
  9. All postgraduate applicants must be proficient in English as English is the official language of tuition, communication and correspondence at the University of Pretoria. Candidates who cannot provide evidence that previous studies were completed in English, must submit TOEFL or IELTS or Pearson Test of English or Oxford Test of English test results with their application. 
  10. All applicants must be computer literate.
  11. All students need to have access to an internet enabled device, as well as consistent email and internet access.
  12. Allowance will be made for the diversity profile of students in accordance with the University strategy. 

Minimum admissions requirements

  1. Relevant bachelor's degree with specialisation in Psychology
  2. An average of at least 70% each for Psychology at second and final-year level
  3. A research module (RES320 or an equivalent undergraduate research module) passed
  4. In addition to the UP Admission Application, candidates are also required to submit a Departmental Application Form to the Deppartment of Psychology. More information can be obtained at https://www.up.ac.za/psychology/article/43589/honours-programme 

Additional requirements

In addition to the UP Admission Application, candidates are also required to submit a Departmental Application Form to the Department of Psychology. More information can be obtained at  https://www.up.ac.za/psychology/article/43589/honours-programme. 

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.

Examinations and pass requirements

Assessments

  1. In order to pass a module, a final mark of at least 50% must be obtained.
  2. Progress in modules is assessed through a variety of activities in the form of normative and continuous assessments. Assessment is designed to ensure that all the outcomes of the modules have been evaluated.
  3. The final results for all modules will only be published after confirmation of the results by the examination commission of the Faculty of Humanities. No results will be released beforehand.

Promotion to next study year

The programme is a one-year full-time course.

Pass with distinction

The degree is awarded with distinction if a candidate obtains at least a 75% cumulative weighted average on successful completion of the degree.

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 specialising in Psychology only. 

    In this module various paradigms in psychology and typical theories emanating from these paradigms, are considered. The philosophical underpinnings of these paradigms and theories are explored, specifically with reference to ontology, epistemology, methodology and method. Emphasis is then placed on the praxis of theory-building against the background of research.

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  • Module content:

    *Closed - BSocSciHons specialising in Psychology only. Requires departmental selection.

    The research report for BSocSciHons specialising in Psychology constitutes an integrated assessment of all learning offered for this learning programme. Students will be required to write a full research project on an approved topic in the specific context selected for the elective component, and complying to all requirements set by the supervisor.

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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 specialising in 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 specialising in 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 specialising in 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, such as cultural tailoring 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 specialising in 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 specialising in Psychology only. Requires departmental selection.

    This module introduces the neuropsychology of acquired brain injury and neurodegenerative disorders. The synthesis of brain structure and function in relation to cognition, emotion and behaviour will be reviewed in detail. Various neuropsychological assessments and case studies highlighting distinct neuropsychological clinical profiles form the focus of the practical application of the module.

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  • Module content:

     *Closed - BSocSciHons specialising in 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 specialising in Psychology only.


    In this module a wide range of personality theories are 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.

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  • Module content:

    *Closed – BSocSciHons specialising 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 specialising 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 specialising in 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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General Academic Regulations and Student Rules
The General Academic Regulations (G Regulations) and General Student Rules apply to all faculties and registered students of the University, as well as all prospective students who have accepted an offer of a place at the University of Pretoria. On registering for a programme, the student bears the responsibility of ensuring that they familiarise themselves with the General Academic Regulations applicable to their registration, as well as the relevant faculty-specific and programme-specific regulations and information as stipulated in the relevant yearbook. Ignorance concerning these regulations will not be accepted as an excuse for any transgression, or basis for an exception to any of the aforementioned regulations. The G Regulations are updated annually and may be amended after the publication of this information.

Regulations, degree requirements and information
The faculty regulations, information on and requirements for the degrees published here are subject to change and may be amended after the publication of this information.

University of Pretoria Programme Qualification Mix (PQM) verification project
The higher education sector has undergone an extensive alignment to the Higher Education Qualification Sub-Framework (HEQSF) across all institutions in South Africa. In order to comply with the HEQSF, all institutions are legally required to participate in a national initiative led by regulatory bodies such as the Department of Higher Education and Training (DHET), the Council on Higher Education (CHE), and the South African Qualifications Authority (SAQA). The University of Pretoria is presently engaged in an ongoing effort to align its qualifications and programmes with the HEQSF criteria. Current and prospective students should take note that changes to UP qualification and programme names, may occur as a result of the HEQSF initiative. Students are advised to contact their faculties if they have any questions.

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