Undergraduate Modules

Departmental enquiries can be emailed to [email protected]

 

Click here if you want to repeat your 3rd year Psychology (SLK) modules or take up undergraduate Psychology (SLK) modules for the first-time

 

To be able to apply, candidates must comply with the minimum requirements for degree studies, as well as with the minimum requirements for the relevant programme. The calculation of an Admission Point Score (APS) is based on a candidate’s achievement in any SIX recognised NSC 20-credit subjects by using the NSC seven-point rating scale. Life Orientation is a 10-credit subject and may not be used for calculating the APS. Life Orientation is also not a faculty-specific subject requirement.

 

There are no specific prerequisite school subjects for the BA General, but you need an AP-Score of 30.

 

Students who want to major in Psychology at postgraduate level may start with any one of the following degrees, to name a few.  There are more degrees where psychology may be taken as an elective. 

 

-  BA General
-  BSc Human Physiology, Genetics and Psychology 
-  BA Law

 

Applicants should adhere to the admission requirements as stipulated by the University of Pretoria to qualify for admission.

 

 

 

 

The following modules are on offer in the different year levels, and you can register for them at any point during your years of study, except if prerequisites prevent you from doing this. You can take one or all of the modules presented in each year level, or take only those modules prescribed by your training programme. 

First-year Level

24 credits (12 credits each for SLK 110 & SLK 120) 
 

This module is a general orientation to psychology. An introduction is given to various theoretical approaches in psychology, and the development of psychology as a science is discussed. Selected themes from everyday life are explored and integrated with psychological principles. The module also focuses on major personality theories. An introduction is given to the various paradigmatic approaches in psychology. 

 

This module introduces the student to a basic knowledge and understanding of the biological and cognitive basis of human behaviour. The module addresses the key concepts and terminology related to the biological and cognitive subsystems, the rules and principles guiding biological psychology, and identification of the interrelatedness of different biological systems and subsystems. Various cognitive processes are studied, including perception, memory, thinking, intelligence and creativity. Illustrations are given of various thinking processes, such as problem-solving, critical, analytic and integrative thinking.
  

SLK 210 - Developmental Psychology

In this module, human development from conception through adolescence and adulthood is discussed with reference to various psychological theories. Incorporated are the developmental changes related to cognitive, physical, emotional and social functioning of the individual and the context of work. Traditional and contemporary theories of human development and explaining and describing of these stages are studied in order to address the key issues related to development across the lifespan.

 

This module is a social-psychological perspective on interpersonal and group processes. Themes that are covered include communication, pro-social behaviour, social influence and persuasion, political transformation, violence and group behaviour.
 

60 credits (30 credits each for SLK 310 & SLK 320)

SLK 310 - Psychopathology

This module deals with the identification of abnormal behaviour in children based on knowledge of normal childhood development. It offers an introduction to the study of various models pertaining to abnormal behaviour and the understanding and application of basic concepts in child psychopathology.  This module also provides an introduction to psychopathology and symptomatology of adult abnormal behaviour. Terminology, definitions of abnormal behaviour, problems in diagnosis, labelling and myths regarding abnormal behaviour are discussed. Neurosis as a specific mental disorder is studied critically from a multidimensional perspective, including intra-psychic, interpersonal and social-cultural explanations. 

 

This module deals with a community psychological perspective on human behaviour and psychological interventions. The module focuses on themes such as definitions of key concepts, principles and aims of community psychology and the role of the community psychologist. The application of these principles within the South African society, social change and psychological problems are investigated from a cross-cultural perspective.  This module also critically explores the contribution of various perspectives in psychology. The impact of earlier theoretical frameworks on contemporary perspectives and the implications of these ideas for practical initiatives focusing on mental health in communities are discussed. All modules on year level 1-3 are presented full-time in both Afrikaans and English. At present, no telematics training is offered, although computer-based testing is possible for all modules.