B.A. Honours (Psychology) Prospectus 2015

Transcription

1 UNIVERSITY of the WESTERN CAPE DEPARTMENT of PSYCHOLOGY Private Bag X 17, Bellville 7535, South Africa, Telephone: /2453 (Departmental Secretaries) Telephone: (Psych Honours Administrator) Fax: B.A. Honours (Psychology) Prospectus

2 Thank you for your interest in the BA Honours Psychology degree at the University of the Western Cape. This booklet contains information about the overall course, admission requirements, selection process, as well as the structure and content of the various modules offered. Please consult the course coordinator or senior officer for any further information. Enquiries should be directed to: The Senior Officer Ms. T. Fennie BA Honours Psychology Rm Social Science Building Department of Psychology University of Western Cape Private Bag X17 Bellville, Tel /2453 Fax The Programme Coordinator Dr. A. Padmanabhanunni Rm Social Science Building, Department of Psychology Tel Fax Note: The due date to submit applications is Thursday 30 October 2014 An application fee of R100 is compulsory. Please submit your receipt with your Departmental application form. Please do not scan your documents to the s in this DAF. Documents may be mailed or hand-delivered to the department as follows: The Senior Officer Psych (Hons) programme Room Social Science Building Department of Psychology University of Western Cape Private Bag X17 Bellville, 7535 This prospectus is correct as of May

3 1. INTRODUCTION The University of Western Cape BA Honours Psychology degree has been offered for over three decades. It has been adapted and refined in accordance with the changing needs of South Africa and increasingly the African continent, as well as the requirements of the Health Professions Council of South Africa (HPCSA). Alongside creating space for our students to learn and teaching the traditional psychological theories, practical skills, and research know-how, our Department seeks to be responsive to the needs of socially and economically deprived communities, cultivate the ability to work within and with members of these communities, and move students to participate in creating a different world. The Honours in Psychology is a course-work degree involving seminars, intensive preparation of academic papers, class presentations by students, and written examinations. The emphasis is on student initiative, participation, and independent work, with diversity and difference amongst both staff and students considered an asset. Modules are semester-based, with the exception of the Research Project. The aim of the course is to produce students who are equipped with theory and skills, poised to make intelligent, creative and relevant contributions to the rapidly changing needs of our country and the world. The course is approved by the Professional Board for Psychology as a Bachelor of Psychology (BPsych) equivalent degree since This means that completion of the Honours degree and an appropriate 6 month practicum will render graduates eligible to seek registration as Registered Counsellors or Psychometrists with the Professional Board. The course content has been brought in line to ensure competencies required of Registered Counsellors and Psychometrists. 2. ADMISSION (Rule J. 184 in University Calendar 2011, Part 8 p.68) Subject to the general authority of the Senate to refuse a student admission to the course, a student shall have obtained a bachelor s degree approved by the Senate for this purpose and unless the Senate on the recommendation of the Head of department decides otherwise, such a student shall have obtained, before admission to the course, an average minimum of 65% in the final Psychology 3 examinations. Please note that obtaining an average minimum of 65% in the third-year psychology modules, does not guarantee you a placement in the programme. Please note that all applicants must ensure that they meet full requirements of their respective degree programmes in order to be eligible for selection. Admission into the programme is contingent on successful completion of all undergraduate or Bachelor degree requirements i.e. whether the Bachelor s degree will be conferred. Special or Concessionary examinations: Students who are still writing Special exams or concessionary exams will only be eligible to apply for the Honours programme once they have completed all degree requirements i.e. passed the special/ 3

4 concessionary examinations. At the time of selection, such candidates will be considered ineligible if they still have to write the exam or are still awaiting the outcome of such exams. 3. INTERNATIONAL/ FOREIGN-TRAINED APPLICANTS Applicants who are in possession of an international qualification must have the following documentation: SAQA certification All applicants must ensure that they have submitted their degree qualifications to the South African Qualifications Authority (SAQA) for an equivalence evaluation. In order to be eligible for the Honours programme, your degree programme must receive a SAQA certification that is equivalent to a National Qualifications Framework Level 7 (NQF7). Students can contact SAQA via the following details: SAQA House Postnet Suite 248 Private Bag X06 Waterkloof, 0145 Tel Helpdesk Switch board Fax Website: saqainfo@saqa.org.za International applicants are required to be in possession of a study permit to continue their studies at the University. These permits must be applied for in the student s country of origin and must be kept valid at all times. Please submit copies of your application documentation to the Senior Officer for record keeping. Final documentation must be submitted to the Student Administration Office upon registration. Applicants, who hold a valid work permit and wish to study part-time, must apply for an amended work permit or visa that clearly indicates that they are eligible to enrol at the University for Part-time Studies. International students are required by law to have adequate medical cover as stipulated by the South African Department of Home Affairs and the University. The contact details of the former follows below. Department of Home Affairs Hotline: Tel

5 International students who wish to further their studies at UWC should also contact the Matriculation Board to determine whether they qualify for any type of exemption. The address of the Matriculation Boards is as follows: The Director Higher Education South Africa (HESA) Matriculation Board P.O. Box 3854, Pretoria, 0001 Tel /2 Website: International students are encouraged to contact the International Relations Office (IRO) at UWC for general information regarding the University and entry requirements. Contact IRO on: Tel SELECTION Only complete applications will be considered for selection. It is imperative that applicants accept full responsibility for submitting their final marks before the selection date. Applications without a final and complete transcript will be considered as incomplete. The Department typically receives in the region of applications annually. However, there are only 40 places in the Honours programme which means that the process is very competitive. The selection for this programme is conducted by a panel of academic and administrative staff members who take the following into consideration: Academic merit: The typical academic cut-off is around a 70% aggregate in Psychology III. Recognition of Prior Learning: Applicants who have worked in a psychology-related field will be considered for recognition of prior learning to be taken into account when marks are lower or there has been a long period between completing third year and applying for the Honours programme. Equity targeting: Race, Gender and Disability are some of the criteria taken into account for redress. Community involvement: Although this is not a prerequisite, applicants with a history of community involvement will be looked upon favourably. Resource constraints: The final number accepted into the programme will be dependent upon the availability of staffing and other resources. Please note that the decision of the selection panel is final. No correspondence will be entered into in this regard 5

6 5. DURATION OF CURRICULUM (Rule J.186) Unless the Senate decides otherwise, the duration of the curriculum for full-time students shall be one year and for part-time students two years. 6. MODULES The following modules are currently offered in the department: Module Name Alpha Numeric code Credit value Advanced Research Project PSY Abnormal Psychology PSY Psychological Interventions PSY Research Procedures & Statistics PSY Personality Development PSY Social Psychology PSY Community Psychology PSY Psychological Assessment PSY Degree requirements 8.1 To fulfil the requirements of the BA Honours Psychology degree students are required to complete 6 modules (130 credits) in total, of which 5 are compulsory and 1 elective. The elective modules are: Social Psychology PSY Community Psychology PSY Personality Development PSY You are required to choose ONLY ONE elective of the above three modules. The number of places in a class is limited to 20. Therefore, the Department cannot guarantee an applicant a place in the elective module of his or her choice. However, every effort will be made to fairly match available resources to the applications accepted Please note that PSY701 runs over two semesters. 9. ACADEMIC COURSE CONTENT 9.1. Goal and purpose of the course Besides the development of a broad understanding of the discipline, the course aims to: 6

7 enhance student s capacity to think critically about mental health issues and to promote mental health at all developmental stages in deprived and disadvantaged communities develop the capacity to apply knowledge in the form of social and psychological theories and interventions, and bridge undergraduate (general, fact based, academic and theoretical) knowledge and professional post-graduate knowledge and skills training. 9.2 Evaluations Continuous Evaluation Each module will have specific assessment measures to generate a continuous assessment (CA) mark. Module lecturers can and do allocate a specified portion of the CA-mark for class participation Examinations Examinations are usually written during the end of semester period. A 3- hour examination paper per module is written, except in the case of PSY701. Note that except where Senate, on recommendation of the Senate Assessment Committee, determines otherwise, a student shall not be allowed to undertake the examinations in a module unless (s) he has obtained a continuous assessment (CA) mark of at least 50% for that module. (Rule A (b), page 92) Pass requirements (Rule A (b), page 93) The final mark for a specific module is based on a Final Assessment (FA) / i.e. a written examination paper, and Continuous Assessment (CA) of student s work. In order to pass, a student must obtain a final mark of not less than 50% in the final assessment task. Awarding of honours degree cum laude (Rule A.5.3.9, page 93) To be awarded the Honours Psychology degree cum laude, a student shall complete the course in the minimum applicable time, and shall have obtained an average final mark of not less than 75% for all modules. Other examination rules 1. No supplementary examination/second chance assessment shall be granted for the degree. However, a special examination may be granted for valid reasons. 2. Original supporting documentation must be provided at the CHS Faculty in this regard. 7

8 10. Course Outlines A brief introduction to the different modules offered now follows. This includes information on objectives of the modules and proposed course content. Questions regarding these modules can be raised with the course coordinator ADVANCED RESEARCH PROJECT (PSY701) This module is meant to provide students with the opportunity to engage in research in a practical way. Requirements Students have to select a research topic in consultation with the lecturer and relevant supervisor (s). As mutually arranged, the following should be adhered to: Planning and submission of a research proposal. Submission of the final research report. ABNORMAL PSYCHOLOGY (PSY702) provide an overview of current theory and practice of psychopathology undertake a more detailed study of the major groupings of mental illnesses with regard to their key features, aetiology and treatment, as well as the practical application of such knowledge Critically focus on issues of class, race, gender and culture in relation to mental health in the South African context Explore alternative/contextual approaches to mental health. PSYCHOLOGICAL INTERVENTIONS (PSY703) The main objective of the course is to introduce students to the relevance of the interface between theory and practice. ]It traces the development of Psychological theory and related Intervention strategies from Psychoanalysis, through to Psychodynamic theories, the Humanistic school including Person-Centered Theory to Cognitive Behavioural Approaches as well as interventions such as Trauma, HIV/Aids and Substance Abuse. Moreover, the course aims to generate an appreciation not only of different styles of counselling, but also of different client needs. 8

9 RESEARCH PROCEDURES & STATISTICS (PSY704) This module is designed to introduce students to research procedures and designs for quantitative and qualitative research. The methodological issues selected for discussion and the nature of illustrations are primarily intended for students of psychology. The course is intended to: stimulate and promote an appreciation of different methodologies and debates in researching psychological and social reality and engage students at a reflective level in respect of their own knowledge. Objective To help students gain an understanding of quantitative research methods and integrate research methods with psychology. Theoretical Aim To assist students to develop a basic understanding of the philosophies and creation of knowledge through qualitative and other discursive research methods and techniques. PERSONALITY DEVELOPMENT (PSY705) Provide a detailed overview of the mainstream and alternative theories of personality development Examine the impact of personal and socio-historical influences on the development of these theories Develop the skills required to evaluate theories of personality development Examine the inter-relatedness of theory and research. SOCIAL PSYCHOLOGY (PSY707) This course will consider the factors that are formative in shaping individuals thoughts, feelings and behaviour in South Africa. In addition, the role of social psychology in South Africa will be closely examined. An in-depth focus will be on the manifold aetiology, manifestation and denouncement of violence, which is perhaps the most urgent questions confronting social scientists today. If by the end of the course, the roles of the self, family, organisation, and other group formation in social interaction have been critically understood, the objectives of the course would have been achieved. 9

10 COMMUNITY PSYCHOLOGY (PSY708) Gain a clear understanding of what Community Psychology is Explore the historical developments of Community Psychology Assess the pertinent debates in the field of Community Psychology Explore and critique the different theories of Community Psychology Explore the different models of intervention (and intervention strategies) Gain practical training and experience in intervention strategies Develop intervention programmes PSYCHOLOGICAL ASSESSMENT (PSY709) Psychological assessments are procedures psychologically trained persons use to answer a variety of questions pertaining to assessing psychological health, providing diagnostic information and creating road maps for treatment. The procedures include clinical interviews, checklists, formal testing and interpretation. This module is aimed at covering the principles and application of the above procedures. It is hoped that students enrolled in this module will find this important area of professional practice stimulating and interesting. Understand theoretical and historical bases for assessment techniques. Gain a good understanding of measurements concepts such as reliability, validity, standard error. Evaluate psychometric properties of tests. Understand ethical issues in assessment. Critically apply the knowledge gained in this module to the South African context. Explore a variety of assessment strategies including, interviewing, cognitive tests, personality tests, aptitude tests, interests questionnaires. The above objectives will be realized through prescribed reading, practicals, report writing, seminars, class discussions and lectures. It is thus imperative for students to attend all classes and complete their assigned tasks timeously. 10