DEPARTMENT OF PSYCHOLOGY M. PSYCH PROGRAMME

Transcription

1 1 DEPARTMENT OF PSYCHOLOGY M. PSYCH PROGRAMME INFORMATION BOOKLET ( )

2 2 MISSION STATEMENT Our department explicitly adheres to the belief that, as a social science and applied discipline, psychology should endeavour to optimise human development and serve humanity. The central role that psychology has played in institutionalising repression, oppression and social control at various levels of society, is challenged through our resolve to re-orientate and develop our discipline to address the interests of all people, and more particularly, the interests of marginalised and oppressed groups in our society. We see the advancement of such an academic/practitioner model as being embodied in the following broad aims: i. In pursuit of the creation of the conditions essential for optimal human development, we commit ourselves to the democratic reconstruction of society. ii. iii. iv. Through our research and other academic activities, we seek to contribute to the development of a more humane psychology, aimed essentially at improving the quality of human development. We endeavour to strive towards excellence in pursuit of our academic objectives, but never sacrificing the altruistic goals which should guide our discipline. We undertake to make the skills and knowledge associated with our discipline more accessible to the broader community in which our university is located. v. We aim to produce graduates who can respect and advance the goals outlined above. vi. We undertake to support and help build those organisations whose objectives correspond to the goals outlined above.

3 3 C O N T E N T S 1. INTRODUCTION 2. PROGRAMME ADMISSION CRITERIA 3. NATURE OF THE PROGRAMME 4. EDUCATIONAL OUTCOMES OF THE PROGRAMME 5. PROGRAMME DEVELOPMENT/ DESIGN 6. TYPES OF LEARNING ACTIVITIES IN THE PROGRAMME 7. CULTURAL DIVERSITY IN THE TRAINING OF STUDENTS 8. ASSESSMENT 9. MINI-THESIS 10. RULES FOR THE MASTER S DEGREE 11. APPLICATION 12. SELECTION 13. REGISTRATION PROCEDURES 14. COMMENCEMENT 15. BURSARIES 16. GENERAL

4 4 1. INTRODUCTION The M.Psych programme at UWC has been offered since It arose out of the Psychology Department's desire to provide students an opportunity to train as psychologists. While some of the candidates for the programme are likely to have completed their earlier studies at this institution, we value the presence and contribution of students from elsewhere. The programme is designed to train its graduates to meet the needs of a society in transformation. As needs change, the programme is also adapted, but bearing in mind the requirements of the Professional Board for Psychology of the Health Professions Council of South Africa (HPCSA). The Professional Board also inspects the programme as well as the institutions providing internships from time to time to ensure that training of a high standard is provided. 2. PROGRAMME ADMISSION CRITERIA 2.1. Admission criteria to this programme and prior learning. The minimum academic qualification required for admission into the programme is an Honours or equivalent 4-year degree with Psychology as a major from an accredited tertiary institution. A minimum academic pass mark of no less than 65% is required. Furthermore, due to the importance of a contextualised approach to the provision of health care in the South African situation, successful candidates need to demonstrate a competence in English and at least 1 other South African language, a commitment to the advancement of the disadvantaged, additional expertise and training and some degree of prior community service. Prior service delivery and a community and public health care orientation is an advantage. 3. NATURE OF THE PROGRAMME The M.Psych programme has been accredited by the Professional Board for Psychology for the training of clinical psychologists. During the first year of the programme (M1) students complete course work, practica and mini-thesis requirements. The second year consists of a 12-month full-time internship at an accredited institution. Students have access to internships across South Africa and other partner institutions. Internships may include a placement within a community organisation.

5 5 Only full-time students can be accepted into the M.Psych programme, and because of the intensive supervision given and the limited numbers of internship placements, only a limited number of students are selected each year Total credit value of programme: NQF level of programme: level Minimum and maximum duration of programme. Minimum Maximum Full-time 1 year 3 years Part-time N/A N/A 3.4. The number of hours of lecture per week: Term 1: Term 2-4: Practical work: 30 hours 22hours 10 hours 4. EDUCATIONAL OUTCOMES OF THE PROGRAMME 4.1. Outcomes competencies required by candidates demonstrated overall and in each section: Students need to demonstrate competence in psycho-diagnostics as well as advanced knowledge of child and adult psychopathology. Competence in psychological assessment and the use of psychometric instruments is required. Competence in psychological interventions based on thorough theoretical knowledge and the tailoring of interventions to child, adolescent and adult populations. Students also need to show competence in conducting research and delivering a research report. Psycho-diagnostics: Adequately taking a comprehensive history, diagnosing using the DSM 4- TR. Ability to formulate case material into a logical coherent psychological whole, case management. Knowledge of child and adult pathology, as well as a depth knowledge of psychodynamic, object relations therapy, cognitive behavioural and systems theory. Psychological Assessment: being able to administer, score and interpret a variety of psychological tests; and to write a comprehensive psychological report on the findings. Interventions: Competence in child therapy, cognitive behaviour therapy, family therapy, group therapy, crisis intervention, career counselling, contextual psychology, community psychology, health psychology and trauma counselling,

6 6 Research: The development of a research proposal, conducting of research, data collection and writing up a competent mini-thesis The teaching and learning strategies that have been adopted in respect of each section to ensure that students achieve the specified outcomes. Teaching and learning strategies include lecturing, case presentations, seminars, small group discussions and the supervision of case material. Students are assessed by means of audiovisual material and exposure to child, adolescent and adult clients in a clinical and counselling setting Student Assessments: Students are assessed in the following manner: 1. Psycho-diagnostics: Assessment comprises continuous evaluation in the form of seminars, presentations and a written test. Final evaluation in the form of a written examination focussing specifically on psycho-diagnostics. 2. Psychological Assessment: Assessment comprises the administration, scoring and interpretation of psychological tests; detailed assessment reports with feedback to families and referring agents. These include intellectual, scholastic and neuropsychological tests. 3. Interventions: Students are assessed by way of case presentations and audiovisual presentation of case material. Written tests and assignments include child and adolescent therapy, cognitive behaviour therapy, professional ethics, object relations therapy, contextual and community psychology interventions and crisis intervention. A 3 hour written examination is included in the final assessment. 4. Research: A research proposal passed by the University Higher Degrees Committee with competent Ethical clearance and an externally examined mini-thesis is used to assess this component of the degree. 5. Skills Training and Professional Competence: This is assessed ongoingly by way of case presentations in case conferences, clinical supervision, and by an externally moderated Oral examination by a panel of qualified clinical and counselling psychologists. Furthermore an assessment of practical work is also undertaken to determine that ethical practice and professional competence of students.

7 7 5 PROGRAMME DEVELOPMENT/ DESIGN 5.1. Contextual awareness and relevancy of content to South African conditions: Recent relevant research and inter-departmental collaboration ensure that the curriculum is up to date. Quality assurance and relevance of training is ensured by the appointment of external examining psychologists from other institutions annually reviewing the standard of training and academic input in the programme. Further courses designed specifically to ensure relevance to the South African, African and low-income contexts include a semester course on Contextual Psychology, Community Psychology, Trauma Counselling, Health Psychology, and Ethics and Human rights. Issues of diversity are addressed in all courses, and the relevance of culturally appropriate tools in assessment and diagnosis is emphasised. Input on the use of evidence based approaches ensures best practice across training peers, both nationally and internationally Practical Training and its assessment: The practical training in the programme is both community based and clinic driven. Students are trained in psychological assessment and offer service at a local school, where learners referred by the school psychologist are given a comprehensive battery of tests and comprehensive reports written. Assessment procedures have been noted above in 4.3. Further practical training is offered at the institutions and community based clinics, day hospitals and counselling centres noted below. Assessment is done by the training team in consultation with other health professionals and supervisors after a careful examination of written reports, audio-visual material and clinical case transcripts. This forms the basis of the assessment of Professional Competence. Practical training (external to the Department) is provided at: The Clothing Workers Industrial Council Health Centres in Delft, Mitchells Plain, Grassy Park, Elsies River, Athlone and Salt River Tygerbear Jelly Beans Athlone School for the Blind Lentegeur Psychiatric Hospital Lamberts Bay Community Counselling Centre Delft Day Hospital

8 8 6. TYPES OF LEARNING ACTIVITIES IN THE PROGRAMME The types of learning activities involved in the programme and the number of hours that the average student is expected to spend on each of the activities. Type of learning activity Number of hours % of learning time 1 Lectures (face-to-face contact, limited interaction or technologically mediated) 16 36% 2 Tutorials: 2 4% (i). Individual or small groups of 30 or less (ii). Groups of more than 30 Nil _ 3 Practical academic sessions (e.g. psychopathology, psychological assessment, interventions, etc.) 4 Practical workplace experience (e.g. experiential learning and work-place based projects) 8 17% 10 22% 5 Supervision of students practical work 2.5 5% 6 Independent self-study of standard texts and references (e.g. study guides, books, journal articles, etc.) 7 Independent self-study of specially prepared materials (e.g. print-outs, multi-media, etc.) 2 4% 0.5 1% 8 Peer interaction 1 2% 9 Research/Other 2 4% Total 45 Note: Hours are per week in a 36 week academic year.

9 9 7. CULTURAL DIVERSITY IN THE TRAINING OF STUDENTS Of particular importance within the programme is the Contextual Psychology course. This ensures exposure both theoretically and practically to issues of race, class and gender, with a particular emphasis of cultural nuance, sensitivity and congruence. Seminars on the provision of psychological services in situations of Genocide and Extreme Traumatisation also highlight the importance of cultural sensitivity. Input on Indigenous Healing and Alternate Health practices also contribute to an exposure and appreciation of cultural diversity. Practical work in community clinics, and the provision of therapy to clients from low-income contexts assists in the sensitisation, and consciousness raising of students to the challenges facing South African practitioners of psychology. Practical placement in the Day Hospital at Delft, and the Clothing Industry Health Clinics in Grassy Park, Elsies River, Athlone, Mitchells Plain, Salt River and Delft further enhance the goals of this section. In addition, community outreach in the under-resourced communities of Bredasdorp, Genadendal, Ceres, and Lamberts Bay ensures the provision of a free psychological service to the rural areas. 8. ASSESSMENT 8.1. Programme assessment. During the year a system of continuous evaluation (CE) is employed. The CE mark consists of marks for written assignments, tests, oral examinations, case presentations and practical work. At the end of the year students sit for written examinations and are also examined orally by a panel of examiners. Finally, internal and external examiners examine the mini thesis. The weighting of the various components are: M1 continuous evaluation (CE) 25% M1 examinations 25% Mini-thesis 50% Total course 100% Given the fact that the thesis proposal is evaluated as part of Continuous Evaluation, the mini-thesis as a whole comprises 50% of the course. This enables students to apply for bursaries stipulating this weighting as a requirement.

10 10 The institution, at which the internship is served, has to evaluate the intern regularly and make final recommendation to the Professional Board. This is in addition to the academic requirements Required qualifications of Assessors (supervisors) Supervisors require a Master s degree in Psychology or psychiatry from an institution recognised by the Council for Higher Education and a minimum of 3 experience in Clinical or Counselling Psychology post qualification. Registration with a recognised Licensing authority like the BPS, HPCSA or APA is essential External examiners and moderators are used validate our students assessments. 9. MINI-THESIS A thesis is required as a component of the M.Psych degree. Students are urged to complete this as soon as possible, and at least keep to the programme as set out below. 9.1 Guidelines and procedures for the research component of the M.Psych degree A research component, in the form of a mini-thesis forms an integral part of the M.Psych programme at UWC. Hence, it should not be viewed as an adjunct following completion of training but as integral to the learning process during the M1 year. The mini-thesis itself contributes 50% to the total mark for the programme and should therefore be attributed a corresponding weight. Despite its importance in the overall programme rating, it is a mini-thesis forming part of a coursework Masters degree. It should be a concise piece of research demonstrating competence in the research process. Given practical constraints students often face during their training, it is advisable that a topic is chosen that can be managed without excessive practical difficulty. The research seminars will facilitate mini-thesis completion. The following procedures and proposed deadlines are designed to expedite completion of the mini-thesis:

11 11 Procedures and proposed deadlines: Deadline Find tentative topic and supervisor 1 st January and verify at staff/student meeting Reading and preparation time End January Submission of mini-thesis proposal to End March Supervisor for final clearance Formal presentation of proposals End of April Draft submission of literature review End May Draft submission of fieldwork report to Supervisor 1 st July Draft submission of entire mini-thesis 1 st Aug Formal submission for examination End Aug The Department would like to see students keeping to these deadlines, though written application for extension can be made in exceptional cases to the M.Psych Committee via the M.Psych coordinator. The mini-thesis proposal and its presentation to a panel contribute towards the Continuous Evaluation (CE) mark. 10. RULES FOR THE MASTER S DEGREE The following rules apply. Rules A to A.6.2 are found in the General Statutes (Part I) of the University, while J.94 to J.98.1, and are extracted from Part VIII: Faculty of Community and Health Sciences. Admission A To be admitted to study for a Master s degree a student must, subject to any special provisions in the faculty rules and with due regard to rule A which makes provision for the recognition of prior learning, have (a) obtained an appropriate postgraduate diploma, the Honours Bachelor s degree or an equivalent qualification in the subject area he/she wishes to study and submit proof thereof, and (b) satisfied Senate as to his/her proficiency in the subject area.

12 12 Duration of course A A A A Unless otherwise stated in the faculty rules the degree may be conferred on a candidate who had been registered at this University for at least one academic year for the degree concerned. The maximum period of study is three years. Senate may, however, grant extension only in exceptional cases on submission of an application by the student and a recommendation of the Supervisor and the Departmental chairperson concerned. Subject to the provisions of A the title of a mini-thesis or research project is approved for a period of three years. When extension is granted the student is liable to pay the prescribed fees as determined by the Council. Course Assessment A A Supervision Candidates shall conduct their study for a thesis, mini-thesis or research project under the guidance of a supervisor. Senate appoints a subject specialist from the staff of the University as supervisor. In special circumstances, Senate may appoint a subject specialist who is not attached to the University, as supervisor. In the latter case Senate shall appoint a co-supervisor who is on the staff of the University. Coursework Master s degree Coursework papers/modules (a) Assessment is conducted under the provisions of the following rules for undergraduate programmes: A.5.2.1, A.5.2.7, A (a) and (c) to A , A to A and rule A for honours degrees. (b) (c) (d) In order to pass a module a student must obtain a sub-minimum of 50% in the final assessment and a final mark of at least 50% composed as prescribed in the faculty rules. The weight assigned to a research report or mini-thesis shall be as stipulated in the faculty rules. No person may take the assessment for a module more than once without the special permission of Senate.

13 13 A Submission of Thesis, Mini-thesis or Research report (a) A candidate who aims to graduate in a particular series of graduation ceremonies must notify his/her supervisor in writing that he/she intends to submit his/her thesis for assessment. The dates when notification should be given are stipulated in the University Calendar. (b) Except with the special permission of Senate, no thesis or research report may be submitted unless it is accompanied by a written declaration from the supervisor in which permission is granted for the assessment of the thesis or research report. Such declaration, however, does not necessarily imply that the thesis or research report is considered acceptable. A Assessment of thesis, mini-thesis or research report (a) Unless otherwise determined by Senate, the following persons constitute as the assessment panel (i) two or more subject specialists who have not been involved in the thesis supervision process and of whom at least one must be a person not attached to the University. (See Rule A (d) on the appointment of external examiners). (ii) An additional external examiner must be appointed if the candidate is a staff member. (b) (c) (d) (e) The assessment panel may, if necessary, agree to call the candidate in for further assessment on aspects of his/her topic before recommending a result. No thesis, mini-thesis or research report that has previously been submitted for a degree at another university shall be accepted, but material taken by the candidate from his/her existing publications may be incorporated in the thesis, mini-thesis or research project and must be clearly indicated as such. If called upon, the candidate must submit together with his/her thesis, mini-thesis or research project, a copy of all such work previously submitted by him/her for another degree, whether it was accepted or not. For assessment purposes a candidate must submit one bound copy of the thesis, mini-thesis or research report for each appointed examiner. These copies may be bound in soft covers with a ringed spine. The following statement signed by the candidate should be inserted: I declare that (title of thesis) is my own work, that it has not been submitted before for any degree or assessment in any other university, and that all the sources I have used or quoted have been indicated and acknowledged by means of complete

14 14 references. The thesis shall not be examined unless this statement is submitted. (f) (g) In order to pass, a candidate must obtain a mark of at least 50% for the thesis, mini-thesis or research report. Unless otherwise decided by Senate, to obtain the Master s degree cum laude a candidate must obtain a final mark of at least 75%. A Re-submission of thesis, mini-thesis or research report (a) In the event of a thesis, mini-thesis or research report being rejected, Senate may, on the recommendation of the examiners, permit the candidate to re-submit it for assessment in a revised or extended format. (b) Unless Senate decides otherwise, a candidate may re-submit the thesis, mini-thesis or research report for assessment once only. A Submission of final copies thesis, mini-thesis or research report After approval of the thesis, mini-thesis, or research report and before the awarding of the degree, the candidate must submit a further two copies properly bound, duly amended if so instructed by the assessment panel, and verified by the supervisor, and one CD of the thesis. The degree will not be awarded unless the candidate has fulfilled all the requirements, including the submission of the prescribed final copies. For the layout of the final thesis, mini-thesis, or research project please refer to Guidelines for Master s and Doctoral Studies, available from the Division for Postgraduate Studies. Publications of theses and copyright A.6.1 Copyright A No person will be admitted to study for a Master s or Doctoral degree in the University unless he/she has ceded his/her future copyright in any research report or thesis submitted by him/her for the purposes of said degree. Such cession shall be in the form set out below and shall be signed by the candidate. I hereby cede to the University of the Western Cape the entire copyright that may in future subsist in any research report or thesis submitted by me to the University in partial fulfilment of the requirement for the degree of in the department of.

15 15 A Any author who wishes to have the ceded copyright restored to him/her, may apply to the University s Registrar in writing, giving full reasons, whereupon the University, on such terms and conditions as it deems fit, may cede such copyright back to the author. A.6.2 Publication A The University may, upon application by the author, grant permission for the whole or part of such work to be published, subject to such conditions as the Senate may set from time to time. These may include the following requirements: (a) (b) (c) Any changes required by the supervisor(s) and examiners must be effected in the script submitted for publication; An acknowledgement that the work was submitted in fulfilment or partial fulfilment of the requirements for the relevant degree in the University of the Western Cape has to be made in the published work; Two copies of the published work must be submitted to the Registrar of the University. Rules for the M.Psych Degree J.94 Admission J.94.1 An honours degree in Psychology, or an accredited equivalent degree approved by the Senate, is a requirement; and, unless the Senate otherwise decides, prospective students must make application for admission to the programme on the prescribed form before a date determined by the Department. Note: If, in the opinion of the Head of the Department, the relevant honours degree is deficient, additional work may be required. J.94.2 Students must register as M.Psych students with the Professional Board for Psychology. J.94.3 To be admitted to the internship, a student must successfully complete the first year of the programme, and must be considered by the examiners as acceptable for further professional training. J.95 Duration and composition of curriculum The degree shall not be conferred on the candidate unless he/she has been registered for the degree at the university for at least one year.

16 16 FIRST YEAR (MI) Theoretical and practical training. SECOND YEAR (MII) Internship A full-time internship of one year must be served at an institution accredited by the Professional Board for Psychology. J.96 Mini-Thesis A mini-thesis of limited scope on an approved subject must be submitted in the 1 st year, in accordance with rule A J.97 Assessment J.97.1 During the M.Psych 1 year students are evaluated on a continuous basis. J.97.2 During the M.Psych 1 year students are examined as follows: - written papers - a practical oral examination J.98 Mini-thesis A sub-minimum of 50% applies to each of the continuous evaluation, the examinations and the mini-thesis. J.98.1 The general rule on re-admission, A4.4.2 shall apply. 11. APPLICATION All prospective students, who are not currently registered at the University, must apply for admission to the University on the prescribed form before the stipulated deadline and pay the prescribed application fee. Prospective students may obtain departmental application forms from: The M.Psych Co-ordinator Department of Psychology University of the Western Cape Private Bag X17 Bellville 7535 Telephone: (021) Applications close toward the end of the first semester of each year. The specific date is given in the application forms.

17 SELECTION After the closing date a paper selection, based on all information available, is conducted. Only certain applicants may then be invited to participate in the final process of selection in the Department, usually in the course of August. This entails a series of interviews, role-play and other standardised selection procedures, which take place over a number of days. Applicants will be fully informed regarding their status and the relevant dates. It is important to note that only candidates whose applications meet all the requirements (e.g. complete academic records, referees' reports) by due date can be considered. 13. REGISTRATION PROCEDURES 13.1 University registration Students (selected for the course) must register as students of the University at the beginning of the academic year Registration with the Professional Board for Psychology of the Health Professions Council of South Africa As M.Psych students receive professional training and do professional work with members of the public, even though supervised, they are required to register with the Professional Board for Psychology as students. They thus fall under the jurisdiction of the ethical standards of the Professional Board. The necessary forms may be obtained from the Professional Board, or from a supply usually held in the department. 14. COMMENCEMENT The M.Psych programme commences at the beginning of the academic year of the University. Students will, however, be required to do advance reading and to undertake preparatory work regarding their theses and other aspects of the course. 15. BURSARIES All enquiries and applications for bursaries should be directed to the University's Bursary Office, as the Department does not deal with bursaries.

18 GENERAL M.Psych students will require for their practical work: - Stop-watch - Tape recorder - Audio and video tape(s) Given the professional nature of the training and the practical work involved, ethical and professional behaviour towards the public and colleagues will be expected of students. We recognise that the M.Psych programme is very demanding, as are similar courses elsewhere. The requirement that students receive psychotherapy stems from this fact. However, we trust that students will also find the course to be very rewarding, as have previous classes. It is likely to be personally enriching and stimulating, and also a preparation for helping others effectively. We will do our best to assist in bringing that about.