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SOUTH AFRICAN QUALIFICATIONS AUTHORITY 
REGISTERED QUALIFICATION: 

Bachelor of Science Honours in Psychology 
SAQA QUAL ID QUALIFICATION TITLE
109881  Bachelor of Science Honours in Psychology 
ORIGINATOR
University of Johannesburg 
PRIMARY OR DELEGATED QUALITY ASSURANCE FUNCTIONARY NQF SUB-FRAMEWORK
-   HEQSF - Higher Education Qualifications Sub-framework 
QUALIFICATION TYPE FIELD SUBFIELD
Honours Degree  Field 07 - Human and Social Studies  General Social Science 
ABET BAND MINIMUM CREDITS PRE-2009 NQF LEVEL NQF LEVEL QUAL CLASS
Undefined  120  Not Applicable  NQF Level 08  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 primary purpose of this qualification is to provide qualifying learners with a broad-based foundation of strong and cohesive skills for further studies in advanced Psychology. Learners should also acquire a skills foundation for applied and fundamental research in Psychology at a Master's level. He or she should also obtain analytical, interpretive and integrative skills that have practical value for the society as a whole. Learners should also be able to reflect on advanced Psychology and develop a holistic view of advanced Psychology and its applications in various contexts.

Rationale:
The qualification serves to consolidate and deepen the learner's expertise in Psychology and to develop research capacity in the methodology and techniques of Psychology. This qualification demands a high level of theoretical engagement and intellectual independence, and serves as the initial science postgraduate specialisation qualification providing learners with in-depth scientific knowledge and skills preparing them for research based postgraduate science study. 

LEARNING ASSUMED TO BE IN PLACE AND RECOGNITION OF PRIOR LEARNING 
Recognition of Prior Learning:
Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL) is done in accordance with the institution RPL Policy. In cases of students not complying with the formal entry requirements, RPL will be determined in accordance with the policy and guideline of the University concerning the recognition of other forms of formal, informal and non-formal learning and experience. Recognition takes place only where prior learning corresponds to the required National Qualifications Framework(NQF) level, and in terms of applied competencies relevant to the content and outcomes of the qualification. Through Recognition of Prior Learning, learners may gain access on condition that they continue their studies at the institution.

Entry Requirement:
The minimum entry requirement for this qualification is the:
  • Bachelor of Science in Psychology National Qualifications Framework(NQF) Level 7. 

  • RECOGNISE PREVIOUS LEARNING? 

    QUALIFICATION RULES 
    This qualification consists of compulsory modules at at National Qualifications Framework(NQF) Level 8 totalling 126 Credits:
  • Health Psychology, 12 Credits.
  • Neuropsychology A, 12 Credits.
  • Psychological Assessment Theory, 12 Credits.
  • Research Essay (Psychology), 30 Credits.
  • Therapeutic Psychology, 12 Credits.
  • Personality Psychology A, 12 Credits.
  • Abnormal Behaviour: Critiques B, 12 Credits.
  • Capita Selecta in Psychology A, 12 Credits.
  • Capita Selecta in Psychology B, 12 Credits. 

  • EXIT LEVEL OUTCOMES 
    1. Identify, evaluate and address their own professional and on-going learning needs.
    2. Demonstrate efficient and effective information retrieval and processing skills, using appropriate Information and Communications Technology(ICT).
    3. Demonstrate a comprehensive, systematic and critical knowledge and understanding of the principles, scope, theories and epistemologies of Psychology.
    4. Evaluate their own and others academic work and initiatives against informed criteria.
    5. Present and communicate ideas and texts, offering professional insights, interpretations and solutions to problems and issues appropriate to Psychology.
    6. Use science and technology in complex and challenging contexts and make autonomous ethical decisions on complex professional issues in accordance with recognised professional and/or ethical standards.
    7. Critique current research and advanced scholarship in Psychology and make research methodologies and methods or techniques to research problem/s in Psychology.
    8. Identify, analyse, synthesise and undertake independent evaluation of quantitative and/or qualitative data, and to engage with and evaluate current research and scholarly or professional literature in Psychology. 

    ASSOCIATED ASSESSMENT CRITERIA 
    The following Associated Assessment Criteria will be used in an integrated manner across the Exit Level Outcomes:
  • Demonstrate ability to identify and solve problems correctly in the field of Psychology by applying the relevant theoretical principles and reflect on the application made.
  • Correctly plan and exercise research in the field of Psychology, including the gathering, analysing, synthesising and interpretation of information on Psychology issues correctly by utilising the relevant research principles and reflecting on the research undertaken.
  • Communicate effectively orally and in writing (e.g. report writing) with the different role players in the field of Psychology by applying the theoretical principles of communication and reflect on the application made.
  • Develop an accountable theoretical and practical macro vision of Psychology internationally, nationally, provincially/regionally and locally.
  • Effectively and responsibly organise and co-ordinate resources and opportunities in the field of Psychology by applying the relevant theoretical aspects and reflect on the application made (including entrepreneurship, where relevant), as well as accept responsibility for their own activities in the field of Psychology.
  • Practice acceptable social sensitivity in the relationships with others and work effectively in a team by implementing the relevant theory and reflect on the implementation made.
  • Utilise appropriate technology (e.g. computer, e-mail, fax, psychometric tests) effectively in the Psychology environment.
  • Explore different effective learning strategies to acquire the different capabilities of a practitioner in the field of Research Psychology.
  • Promote responsible citizenship through their approach/attitude towards the holistic application of Research Psychology related skills.
  • Practice social, cultural and aesthetic sensitivity towards the people of different communities and the role players in the field of Research Psychology by applying the theoretical principles and reflect on the application made.
  • Demonstrate acceptable employment seeking skills for entry into different sectors of the field of Research Psychology by applying the theoretical principles of employment seeking skills and reflect on the application.

    Integrated Assessment:
    The qualification is coherently aligned in that all teaching, learning and assessment activities are linked to module and qualification outcomes. Assessment methods are varied and includes summative and formative assessment to enhance applied competence from learners and facilitate authentic assessment and learning. Assessment will not only be used to determine whether outcomes were achieved, but also to generate data for grading and provide feedback in order to improve the curriculum. For all the assessment purposes to be achieved essays, computer-based assessments, theory tests, cases and open problems, practicals and interpretative skills evaluation, reporting on practicals and applications, presentations, analysis and problem solving assessment in the specific field of Psychology as assessment methods. 

  • INTERNATIONAL COMPARABILITY 
    Massey University in New Zealand offers a Bachelor of Science Honours (major in Psychology) which is similar to the qualification offered by the University of Johannesburg in terms of admission requirements and duration of the qualification. The qualification differs in terms of credit weighting and maximum study period.

    The University of Auckland in New Zealand offers a Bachelor of Science Honours (major in Psychology) which is similar to the qualification offered by the University of Johannesburg in terms of the qualification purpose, duration of study, entry requirements and credit weighting. 

    ARTICULATION OPTIONS 
    This qualification allows for both vertical and horizontal articulation options:
    Horizontal Articulation:
  • Bachelor of Science Honours, Level 8.

    Vertical Articulation:
  • Master of Science in Psychology, Level 9.
  • Master of Science in Counselling Psychology, Level 9.
  • Master of Science in Clinical Psychology, Level 9.
  • Master of Science in Community Psychology, Level 9. 

  • 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.
     
    NONE 



    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.