Programme: MA Research Psychology (Coursework)

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Code Faculty
01250433 Faculty of Humanities
Credits Duration
Minimum duration of study: 2 years Total credits: 180
Contact:
Dr TA Thomas
[email protected]
+27 (0)124202923

Programme information

This programme provides integrated professional and academic training equipping the candidate to function as a specialist researcher in pschology.

Closing date for applications: 31 May annually.

The programme is a  one year of full-time programme; and consists of a (50%) and a research (50%)  component.Both components need to be passed to obtain the MA (Research Psychology) degree.

Once a student has successfully completed the MA (Research Psychology) degree, such student can apply for registration as an intern research psychologist with the Professional Board for Psychology at the Health Professions Council of South Africa (HPCSA) to do a one year full-time internship in Research Psychology. After successfully completing the internship in research psychology and the board exam of the Professional Board for Psychology at the HPCSA, an intern research psychologist can apply for registration as a research psychologist with the Professional Board for Psychology at the HPCSA. Such registration is subject to the regulations of the Professional Board for Psychology at the time of registration

A. Coursework training
Consists of one-year academic training during which a core curriculum will be followed.

B. Mini-dissertation (NSK 895)
The writing of the mini-dissertation coincides with the coursework training which consists of one-year academic training. Students are expected to successfully write a research proposal, conduct a research project and to write a mini-dissertation (NSK 895).

Admission requirements

  • BSocSciHons or BAHons in Psychology or equivalent qualification accredited by the Council on Higher Education.
  • Admission to the MA (Research Psychology) programme is subject to assessment and selection of the candidate based on requirements prescribed by the programme as applicable from time to time.

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 a process of continuous assessment. Assessment is designed to ensure that all the outcomes of the modules have been evaluated by means of informative assessment.
  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

Requirements for progress to year II of the programme

  1. In each programme all requirements for year I of the programme must be met before proceeding to year II of the programme.
  2. Should all the requirements of year I not be met, year I may not be repeated and the student will have to leave the programme.
  3. Should the student wish to continue, he or she will have to reapply for admission in accordance with the rules applicable to the selection process for all new applications.
  4. No module may be carried over from year I to year II.

Requirements for progress to internship

  1. The rules and regulations as laid down by the Health Professions Council of South Africa (HPCSA) and as amended from time to time, will apply.
  2. All programme requirements of the degree must be successfully completed and the assessment thereof processed through the necessary committees of the University.
  3. The master’s degree must be completed in two years.

Pass with distinction

A student will pass a module with distinction if a final mark of at least 75% is achieved.

General information

Professional misconduct
Enquiry with regards to possible professional misconduct within the programme:
Should a student be considered in breach of any professional rule, regulation or code of conduct as laid down by the Professional Board for Psychology or the HPCSA, the student may be required to present him/herself before the executive committee of the Department of Psychology for an enquiry in order to ascertain whether or not the matter should be referred to the Professional Board or the HPCSA for a further investigation.

Discontinuation of participation in the programme
The Dean may, on the recommendation of the Head of the Department of Psychology, conduct an enquiry into the alleged conduct and/or fitness of the student to practice. Possible outcomes of this process could include, but will not be limited to, the discontinuation of the student’s participation in the programme during an academic year. This decision will be considered by a committee within the Department and various aspects of the student’s progress and conduct within the programme will be assessed. The student will have the opportunity to respond and make representations regarding the allegations brought against him/her.

Core modules

  • Module content:

    *NSK modules from an integral part of the coursework MA programmes and are compulsory for all students who are selected and admitted to these specialised programmes.  These modules are closed and may not be taken by students who are not selected for the respective programmes.

    Themes on the philosophy of science, research design, validity in research, test development, ethics, and appropriate statistical methods are addressed in this module.

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  • Module content:

    *NSK modules from an integral part of the coursework MA programmes and are compulsory for all students who are selected and admitted to these specialised programmes.  These modules are closed and may not be taken by students who are not selected for the respective programmes.

    A number of issues relating to qualitative research are addressed. At the end of the module, students should be able to engage critically with the paradigm both from a theoretical and practical perspective.

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  • Module content:

    *NSK modules from an integral part of the coursework MA programmes and are compulsory for all students who are selected and admitted to these specialised programmes.  These modules are closed and may not be taken by students who are not selected for the respective programmes.

    This module consists of themes with regard to social psychology studied critically from theoretical perspectives such as systems theory and social cognitive psychology.

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  • Module content:

    *NSK modules from an integral part of the coursework MA programmes and are compulsory for all students who are selected and admitted to these specialised programmes.  These modules are closed and may not be taken by students who are not selected for the respective programmes.

    Students are exposed to various themes such as media research, market research, community psychology and cross-cultural psychology.

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  • Module content:

    *NSK modules from an integral part of the coursework MA programmes and are compulsory for all students who are selected and admitted to these specialised programmes.  These modules are closed and may not be taken by students who are not selected for the respective programmes.

    The module consists of themes in cognitive psychology (such as memory and perception), practical applications of cognitive psychology and neuropsychology.

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Core modules


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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