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 |
Dr M Bezuidenhout [email protected] | +27 (0)124204835 |
This is an academic programme only, and does not lead to registration with the Health Professions Council of South Africa (HPCSA).
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)
Minimum admissions 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:
Assessments
The programme is a one-year full-time course.
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.
Module content:
*Closed – BSocSciHons specialising in Psychology
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.
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.
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:
*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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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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