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SOUTH AFRICAN QUALIFICATIONS AUTHORITY 
REGISTERED QUALIFICATION: 

Bachelor of Arts Honours in Psychology 
SAQA QUAL ID QUALIFICATION TITLE
118272  Bachelor of Arts Honours in Psychology 
ORIGINATOR
University of Mpumalanga 
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  2021-06-22  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 Bachelor of Arts Honours in Psychology is to provide learners with appropriate skills, knowledge and attitude to contribute to the field of Psychology. Learners will be able to apply psychological theories and methodologies and contribute to the current debates in psychology in the South Africa context and internationally. Learners will be able to plan, design and execute research using the relevant methodology, report on the findings and contribute to the generation of new knowledge that may be used to address pertinent health issues affecting South Africa and globally.

A qualified learner will be able to:
  • Demonstrate an advanced understanding of the general principles, theories and methodological approaches underpinning the scientific study of psychology, within a multicultural context.
  • Distinguish between normal and abnormal behavioural characteristics while recognising the difficulties associated when making such a distinction.
  • Administer, score and provisionally interpret psychological assessment measures that they have been trained to use ethically and professionally and prepare a written report on the results.
  • Demonstrate appropriate listening, clarifying, probing and reflection skills within a group and an individual intervention context.
  • Demonstrate the systematic application of behavioural research methods as well as data collection and analysis methods to generate answers to human behaviour questions in a scientific way.
  • Demonstrate a commitment to assisting in the optimal development and functioning of all South Africans and respect for the basic human rights of others.
  • Exhibit the skills of interrogating multiple sources of knowledge in psychology, and evaluating both this knowledge and the process of psychological knowledge production to analyse and address complex and abstract psychological problems.
  • Apply their knowledge and understanding, and problem-solving abilities in new or relatively unfamiliar environments within broader or multidisciplinary contexts and can handle complexity, integrate different knowledge perspectives and interests and accommodate multiple views to reality.
  • Communicate and share their conclusions and views, and the knowledge and rationale underpinning these, to specialist and non-specialist audiences clearly and unambiguously using appropriate discourse, suitable audio visual tools and technology, as well as appropriate referencing conventions.
  • Manage their own learning and demonstrate the attributes of learning-driven and self-directed learners.
  • Work in a group as a member or leader and take full responsibility for own work, and, where appropriate, that of fellow students, as well as accountability for her/his own actions and where necessary, those of fellow students.

    Rationale:
    The Bachelor of Arts Honours in Psychology prepares learners for advanced study in Psychology, and to obtain employment in a range of psychology-related vocational pursuits. The qualification is designed to consolidate and deepen the learners' expertise in the disciplines of five core and aligned fields within Psychology, namely Psychopathology, Community-based Counselling, Cognitive Psychology, Therapeutic interventions, Psychological assessment, Developmental Psychology, Neuropsychology and Social Psychology.

    Learners will work in a diverse range of fields including National and Provincial Governments and the Private sector. Learners will also work as consultants.

    The qualification was developed in response to the high demand for Clinical Psychologists, Social Work and Counselling Professionals. This was evident in the DHET National List of Occupations in High Demand (South Africa, 2018:16) and the Labour Market Intelligence Partnership report and a Technical report (2018).

    The Honours Degree is the bridge to further postgraduate research-based studies and it is expected that many Honours learners will progress to Master's and Doctoral studies and contribute to research-based solutions to challenges and issues. 
    		•

    LEARNING ASSUMED TO BE IN PLACE AND RECOGNITION OF PRIOR LEARNING 
    Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL):

    RPL is the process through which informal learning is measured, evaluated and translated into perceived formal equivalents for recognition across different contexts. The goal of RPL is the facilitation of alternative access and admission to higher education or progression within a qualification.

    RPL is undertaken in line with the institution's policies on the Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL) and Credit Accumulation and Transfer (CAT). The institution will use RPL and CAT as important tools to widen access with success, to achieve inclusion and to overcome barriers to access in higher education. RPL and CAT policies play important roles in promoting lifelong learning and in redressing inequities by providing alternative routes into higher education.

    Recognition of Prior Learning may be used for:
  • Granting access to the qualification.
  • Gaining credits towards a qualification.
  • Obtaining this qualification in part.

    Entry Requirements:
    The minimum entry requirement for this qualification is:
  • A Bachelor of Arts in Psychology, NQF Level 7.
    Or
  • Bachelor of Psychology, NQF Level 7.
    Or
  • A comparable Bachelor's Degree with Psychology, NQF Level 7. 
    		•

    RECOGNISE PREVIOUS LEARNING? 
    Y 

    QUALIFICATION RULES 
    This qualification consists of the following compulsory and/or elective modules at National Qualifications Framework Level 8 totalling 120 Credits.

    Compulsory Modules, Level 8,105 Credits:
  • Psychopathology, 15 Credits.
  • Research Methodology, 30 Credits.
  • Research Report, 15 Credits.
  • Community-Based Counselling Psychology, 15 Credits.
  • Cognitive Psychology, 15 Credits.
  • Psychological Assessment, 15 Credits.

    Elective Modules, Level 8,15 Credits (Select one module):
  • Developmental Psychology
  • Neuropsychology
  • Social psychology
  • Therapeutic Interventions 
    		•

    EXIT LEVEL OUTCOMES 
    1. Apply and evaluate general principles, theories and methodological approaches underpinning the scientific study of psychology and intervention within a multicultural context.
    2. Distinguish between normal and abnormal behavioural characteristics while recognising the difficulties associated when making such a distinction.
    3. Analyse general theoretical underpinnings of psychological measurement and assessment within a multi-cultural context.
    4. Administer, score, provisionally interpret and report on psychological assessment measures that they have been trained to use ethically and professionally.
    5. Demonstrate appropriate listening, clarifying, probing and reflection skills within a group and an individual intervention context.
    6. Identify and analyse behavioural research methods, data collection and analysis methods to generate answers to human behaviour questions in a scientific way.
    7. Identify and apply professional ethics and rules in psychology and conduct in practice within a South African context.
    8. Critically reflect on the development and functioning of all South Africans and respect for basic human rights.
    9. Analyse and evaluate multiple sources of knowledge in psychology and the process of psychological knowledge production to address complex and abstract psychological problems.
    10. Apply problem-solving skills in new or relatively unfamiliar environments within broader or multidisciplinary contexts and handle complexity, integrate different knowledge perspectives and interests and accommodate multiple views to reality.
    11. Communicate and share their conclusions and views, and the knowledge and rationale underpinning these, to specialist and non-specialist audiences clearly and unambiguously using appropriate discourse, suitable audio visual tools and technology, as well as appropriate referencing conventions.
    12. Manage their own learning and demonstrate the attributes of learning-driven and self-directed learners.
    13. Work in a group as a member or leader, and take full responsibility for own work and, where applicable, that of fellow students, as well as accountability for her/his own actions and where necessary, those of fellow students. 

    ASSOCIATED ASSESSMENT CRITERIA 
    Associated Assessment Criteria are applied in an integrated manner to the Exit level Outcomes:
  • Evaluate theories, principles, procedures and practices, research methodologies, methods and techniques in psychology.
  • Critically analyse theories and principles that underpin psychological interventions within a multi-cultural context.
  • Compare and contrast between normal and abnormal behaviours.
  • Critically assess theoretical underpinnings of psychological measurement and intervention within a multi-cultural context.
  • Administer, score, interpret psychological assessment measures and ensure the written reports adhere to standard conventions.
  • The ability to listen, ask clarity seeking questions and probing questions is demonstrated in individual and group sessions.
  • Undertake independent research in psychology which will demonstrate the following outcomes:
    > Conceptualisation - where the project question and scope are decided.
    > Preparation of a literature review in support of the project.
    > Preparation of a project plan including timeframes and budget, goals, targets and indicators.
    > Identification of appropriate methods, including statistical methods, where a range of methods are considered and the appropriate ones are chosen.
    > Identification of ethical issues, where all ethical issues are considered and approval sought if necessary.
    > Collection, collation and analysis of data.
    > Interpretation and discussion of data in the context of the available information gathered in the literature review.
    > Formulation of recommendations.
  • Preparation of a research report in a format that is appropriate for the discipline.
  • Identify ethical issues in psychology and how best to address them.
  • Critically evaluate a range of different sources used to address complex and abstract psychological problems.
  • Apply familiar and unfamiliar contexts, when making psychological assessments, advanced knowledge and skills are correctly applied.
  • Communicate the results of the research project to both professional and lay or community audiences using appropriate language and technology.
  • Use appropriate language in the research report uses appropriate language and present the report in the approved style and adheres to norms for scientific writing in economics. 
    		•

    INTERNATIONAL COMPARABILITY 
    The proposed qualification is compatible and comparable with best practices or standards locally and internationally for similar qualifications. This approach of paralleling our degree programmes regionally and internationally through the use of common reference points seeks to promote articulation possibilities, recognition of our programmes and creation of career opportunities for our graduates.

    The qualification has been compared to four international institutions. The focus of the comparison was mostly on the degree of similarity in the duration, credits and qualification structure.

    Country: Australia
    Institution: University of Queensland
    Qualification Title: Bachelor of Arts Honours in Psychology
    Qualification Duration: One year full-time

    The structure and modules are similar to those in the proposed Honours.

    Country: New Zealand
    Institution: University of Auckland
    Qualification Title: Bachelor of Arts Honours in Psychology
    Duration: One-year full time

    The structure and modules are similar to those in the proposed Honours degree.

    Country: United States of America
    Institution: University of Chicago
    Qualification Title: Bachelor of Arts Honours in Psychology
    Duration:

    It is not a stand-alone degree although it shares some core modules in common with the proposed Honours degree.

    Country: Canada
    Institution: University of Manitoba
    Qualification Title: Bachelor of Arts Honours in Psychology
    Qualification structure:

    The University of Manitoba qualification shares a similar structure and curriculum with the proposed Honours degree.

    Conclusion
    The level of similarity between general Honours Degrees in Psychology is not surprising since they each have to cover the major fields of study in Psychology. 

    ARTICULATION OPTIONS 
    This qualification allows possibilities for both vertical and horizontal articulation.
    Horizontal Articulation:
  • Bachelor of Arts Honours in Educational Psychology, NQF Level 8.
  • Postgraduate Diploma in Educational Psychology, NQF Level 8.

    Vertical Articulation:
  • Master of Arts in Psychology, NQF Level 9.
  • Master of Arts in Educational Psychology, NQF 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.