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SOUTH AFRICAN QUALIFICATIONS AUTHORITY 
REGISTERED QUALIFICATION: 

Master of Health Sciences in Psychology 
SAQA QUAL ID QUALIFICATION TITLE
100867  Master of Health Sciences in Psychology 
ORIGINATOR
North West University 
PRIMARY OR DELEGATED QUALITY ASSURANCE FUNCTIONARY NQF SUB-FRAMEWORK
CHE - Council on Higher Education  HEQSF - Higher Education Qualifications Sub-framework 
QUALIFICATION TYPE FIELD SUBFIELD
Master's Degree  Field 07 - Human and Social Studies  General Social Science 
ABET BAND MINIMUM CREDITS PRE-2009 NQF LEVEL NQF LEVEL QUAL CLASS
Undefined  180  Not Applicable  NQF Level 09  Regular-Provider-ELOAC 
REGISTRATION STATUS SAQA DECISION NUMBER REGISTRATION START DATE REGISTRATION END DATE
Reregistered  EXCO 0821/24  2021-07-01  2027-06-30 
LAST DATE FOR ENROLMENT LAST DATE FOR ACHIEVEMENT
2028-06-30   2031-06-30  

In all of the tables in this document, both the pre-2009 NQF Level and the NQF Level is shown. In the text (purpose statements, qualification rules, etc), any references to NQF Levels are to the pre-2009 levels unless specifically stated otherwise.  

This qualification does not replace any other qualification and is not replaced by any other qualification. 

PURPOSE AND RATIONALE OF THE QUALIFICATION 
Purpose:
The main purpose of this qualification is to educate and train researchers in the field of Psychology who can actively and appropriately, at a very advanced level, contribute to the development of new knowledge in this field.

Rationale:
In developing this qualification national and regional needs in the Psychology profession were taken into consideration. Completion of this research-based qualification opens up certain career possibilities in the profession and prepares the student for further postgraduate studies in the field of Psychology. 

LEARNING ASSUMED TO BE IN PLACE AND RECOGNITION OF PRIOR LEARNING 
Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL):
In recognising previous learning, it deals with provable knowledge and learning that the applicant obtained by following formal teaching programmes or by experience. At all times the question will be what level of competence was reached, judged in the context of the exit level skills required for the contemplated teaching-learning programmes (or modules therein) or status for which the applicant is applying and not merely about the experience the applicant can prove. Recognition of previous learning takes place in terms of the relevant skills that the applicant demonstrated in the application with reference to the exit outcomes that should be reached in the chosen programme. 

RECOGNISE PREVIOUS LEARNING? 
Y 

QUALIFICATION RULES 
The admission requirements to this qualification are as follows:
  • Honours Bachelor of Arts, Level 8.
  • Honours Bachelor of Science, Level 8. 
    		•

    EXIT LEVEL OUTCOMES 
  • Demonstrate specialist knowledge of the field of Psychology and engage with and critique current research or practices in this field.
  • Analyse, evaluate and then choose appropriate enquiry methods and processes for the study of relevant materials related to the field of Psychology.
  • Demonstrate critical knowledge and understanding of the ethical and legal considerations applicable to research and the consequences of interventions on individual, group and organisational level.
  • Design, plan, conduct and evaluate, by means of appropriate and creative qualitative and quantitative research methods, appropriate intervention strategies to address relevant needs and problems within the field of Clinical Psychology.
  • Interpret psychological dynamics and pathology required for specialised screening of individuals, groups and organisations.
  • Demonstrate critical knowledge and true understanding of hierarchical relations and networks (equivalent professional peers within the primary health care system) within the relevant system and be able to use these to the advantage of individuals, groups and organisations.
  • Supervised research and write a dissertation in the field of study and develop and sustain independent learning, academic and professional development.
  • Demonstrate in practice of acceptable social sensitivity in their relationship with others and work effectively in a team by implementing the relevant theory and reflect on the implementation thereof.
  • Utilise appropriate technology (computer, e-mail, fax, psychometric tests) effectively.
  • In the academic environment (technological and environmental literacy).
  • Explore different effective learning strategies to acquire the different capabilities of a practitioner in the field of Psychology.
  • Promote responsible citizenship through their approach towards the holistic application of Psychology related skills, assessing and diagnosing different needs and problems at the individual, group and community levels.
  • Consult individuals, groups and organisations to facilitate growth and development in the quest for the actualisation of human potential. 
    		•

    ASSOCIATED ASSESSMENT CRITERIA 
    Integrated Assessment:
    For the qualification by dissertation assessment is done by means of a single advanced research project, culminating in the production and acceptance of a dissertation. 

    INTERNATIONAL COMPARABILITY 
    The South African Qualifications Authority Level Descriptors for Higher Education Qualifications Framework Level 9 were used to design the qualification standard. These Level Descriptors are internationally benchmarked criteria based upon published work of the National Quality Assurance bodies in Australia as this is the only international country presenting similar training. 

    ARTICULATION OPTIONS 
    This qualification allows for vertical and horizontal articulation.

    Vertical Articulation:
  • Doctor of Philosophy in Psychology, Level 10. 
    		•

    MODERATION OPTIONS 
    N/A 

    CRITERIA FOR THE REGISTRATION OF ASSESSORS 
    N/A 

    NOTES 
    N/A 

    LEARNING PROGRAMMES RECORDED AGAINST THIS QUALIFICATION: 
     
    NONE 


    PROVIDERS CURRENTLY ACCREDITED TO OFFER THIS QUALIFICATION: 
    This information shows the current accreditations (i.e. those not past their accreditation end dates), and is the most complete record available to SAQA as of today. Some Primary or Delegated Quality Assurance Functionaries have a lag in their recording systems for provider accreditation, in turn leading to a lag in notifying SAQA of all the providers that they have accredited to offer qualifications and unit standards, as well as any extensions to accreditation end dates. The relevant Primary or Delegated Quality Assurance Functionary should be notified if a record appears to be missing from here.
     
    1. North West University 


    All qualifications and part qualifications registered on the National Qualifications Framework are public property. Thus the only payment that can be made for them is for service and reproduction. It is illegal to sell this material for profit. If the material is reproduced or quoted, the South African Qualifications Authority (SAQA) should be acknowledged as the source.