Students can apply for selection for professional or academic training at master's level with any of the following honours modules. The list below is the only modules that will be presented in 2023/2024.
Core Modules (3x compulsory):
SLK 751: Theories and Paradigms in Psychology: Five dominant paradigms in psychology will be discussed, including (neo) behaviouristic, (neuro) cognitivist, psycho-analytic, humanist and ecosystemic, as well as typical theories emanating from these paradigms. The philosophical underpinnings of these paradigms and theories are explored, specifically with reference to modernism and postmodernism. Emphasis is placed on the praxis of quantitative and qualitative theory-building against the background of the five dominant paradigms.
SLK 761: Research Report (year module): The research essay constitutes an integrated assessment of all knowledge offered in this learning programme. Students will be required to write a research essay on an approved topic within a specific context.
SLK 764: Research Methodology: The focus is on gaining the knowledge and skills that are required 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 the skills that are necessary to analyse qualitative data – all of which is aimed at providing students with greater skills within the realm of research.
Elective Modules (Choose any 4):
SLK 753: Community Psychology: 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, and a practical component based in the community.
SLK 755: Psychological Assessment: This theoretical module deals with the assessment of human behaviour within various contexts. It does not include the professional training that will qualify students as psychometrists, but includes topics such as the multidimensional 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.
SLK 756: Psychopathology: The module deals with abnormal behaviour and symptomatology related to various mental disorders, including intrapsychic, interpersonal and sociocultural dysfunctions and pathology. The DSM-V classification system and multidimensional perspectives are critically discussed with regard to specific disorders.
SLK 760: Neuropsychology: The module examines brain-behaviour relationships to develop an understanding of the components of complex psychological processes. Various neuropsychological assessment techniques are also introduced.
SLK 766: Therapeutic Psychology: 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.
SLK 768: Capita Selecta: 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.
In 2020/2021 Sport Psychology formed part of the Capita Selecta module. Sport Psychology is a dynamic, developing field that combines Psychology and Sport Science. Specialisation in this field is in high demand within the South African context. This module will focus on high performance not only in the sport context, but is relevant in any performance-evaluative contexts, such as academia, performing arts and the corporate environment. High performance is dependent on the well-being of the participant, and the reciprocal relationship between high performance and well-being will be thoroughly explored in this module. Psychological principles and skills, as well as mindfulness, will be applied in this module as part of the third wave cognitive development in Psychology to improve high performance and well-being.
In 2022/2023, Health Psychology will be part of the Capita Selecta module, which will replace the Sport Psychology module. Health Psychology is the study of the psychological and behavioural processes in health, illness, and healthcare. It is concerned with understanding how psychological, behavioural, and socio-cultural factors contribute to physical health and illness. Health Psychologists can improve and promote health by working directly with individual patients or indirectly in large-scale public health programs by means of conducting health-related research. The Health Psychology module aims to present a critical, exploratory, trans-disciplinary, and participatory approach to health psychology. The module exposes students to various theories and critical perspectives within and beyond the discipline of Health Psychology. The module integrates traditional, critical, and positive approaches to Health and Health Psychology, with an emphasis on both global and South African contexts. The module is designed and well-suited for students wanting to pursue further postgraduate education and training in Clinical, Counselling, or Research Psychology by providing them with the foundational knowledge and skills of Health Psychology.
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