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SOUTH AFRICAN QUALIFICATIONS AUTHORITY 
REGISTERED QUALIFICATION: 

Master of Psychology in Research Psychology 
SAQA QUAL ID QUALIFICATION TITLE
123484  Master of Psychology in Research Psychology 
ORIGINATOR
University of the Free State 
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
Registered  EXCO 0729/25  2025-02-04  2028-02-04 
LAST DATE FOR ENROLMENT LAST DATE FOR ACHIEVEMENT
2029-02-04   2032-02-04  

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 purpose of the Master of Psychology in Research Psychology is to provide individuals with access to critical thinking skills, appreciation of literature, understanding of cultures, the uses of power, the mysteries of the mind, the organisation of societies, the complexities of leadership, the art of communication, and the challenge of change. The qualification is aimed at promoting excellence and research skills. It will be done by tuition to learners regarding advanced, discipline-specific modules in the Research Psychology field, as well as by completion of a mini-dissertation, in which the research skills learnt must be applied practically, and an accredited internship. In the presentation of the course contents, the focus will also be on the application of rigorous research methodology to render community service of the highest possible standards.

High standards will be pursued to expose learners to the systematic processes of research methodology and allow them to execute the processes practically in conducting their research projects. This qualification will support and assist in realising the vision of the institution regarding recruiting the best and most diverse learners. The qualification is research-led, learner-centred, and will contribute to development and social justice through the production of globally competitive graduates and knowledge The qualification will enhance excellence in research, tuition and community engagement. contributing to local, regional, and global knowledge.

Furthermore, the research activities in the Department of Psychology are informed by the Research Strategy built upon the following four aims:
  • Implement a differentiated research approach.
  • Develop excellent researchers and scholars, providing sustainability and continuity.
  • Increase the visibility, impact and uptake of the research.
  • Provide a sustainable and supportive research environment with appropriate management and physical and financial resources.

    In line with the vision of the institution, the purpose of the Faculty of the Humanities is to be an excellent and creative faculty focusing on the needs of the community in terms of tuition and research. The faculty strives to generate, introduce/develop and disseminate knowledge, stimulate critical intellectual investigation and inspire innovation in learners and staff by teaching, basic and applied research, and service delivery aimed at enriching and uplifting the community, the region, the country and the continent. In the pursuit of knowledge, the faculty places a high premium on intellectual freedom, integrity, responsibility, and equity. The qualification will equip learners with critical thinking skills, an appreciation of literature, an understanding of cultures, the uses of power, the mysteries of the mind, the organisation of societies, the complexities of leadership, the art of communication, and the challenge of change.

    The qualification will thus produce new knowledge to provide insight into the complexities of societies, power and change, as well as graduates with the critical thinking skills, psychosocial competence, and ethical appreciation to contribute to society. This alludes to the importance of striving towards both local contextualisation and global competitiveness, in positioning the Department of Psychology to provide not only a South African but an African-informed perspective on the discipline. The utilisation of qualitative and quantitative approaches in pure and applied research enables learners to explore, describe, explain, and predict human phenomena; thus, gaining insight into individuals and shaping society.

    The research niche areas in the Department can be summarised into seven broad areas that align with important fields in the discipline of psychology:
  • Test development.
  • Psychobiography.
  • Identity and human development.
  • Psychological wellbeing of specific population groups (learners; criminal offenders, etc.).
  • Cultural and cross-cultural studies of wellbeing in Africa.
  • Training practices in the Psychology Profession.
  • Mental health literacy and indigenous meaning-making of mental illness.

    The qualification will promote excellence and research skills in the field of Research Psychology, as well as by the completion of a mini-dissertation, in which the research skills learnt must be applied practically, and an accredited internship. In the presentation of the contents, the focus will also be on the application of rigorous research methodology to render community service of the highest possible standards. High standards will be pursued to expose learners to the systematic processes of research methodology and allow them to execute the processes practically in conducting their research projects. This qualification will support and assist in realising the vision of recruiting the best and most diverse learners.

    The qualification was developed in consultation with the institution's Academic Committee of Senate (AC) and the Health Professions Council of South Africa (HPCSA). The strategic function of this committee is to ensure the alignment between institutional vision and strategy and the academic offerings of the university, to undertake and ensure an effective alignment between enrolment planning, academic planning and physical planning in the context of available and potential resources and ensure the most effective and efficient use of staff resources, physical facilities and operational funding.

    Rationale:
    Psychology is not an absolute science and is referred to as a 'Social Science' or a 'Soft Science.' It deals with human thoughts, feelings, and behaviour, and humans are not always predictable and reliable. Instead, humans interact with the environment in ways that alter the way they behave, think, and feel. Change one thing and the domino effect can change everything else. Nevertheless, research plays an extremely important role in psychology. Research helps people understand what makes people think, feel, and act in certain ways; allows people to categorize psychological disorders to understand the symptoms and impact on the individual and society; helps people to understand how intimate relationships, development, schools, family, peers, and religion affect people as individuals and as a society; and helps people to develop effective treatments and intervention programmes to improve the quality of life of individuals and groups.

    Psychological research is typically used for the following:
  • Study development and external factors and the role they play in individuals' mental health.
  • Study people with specific psychological disorders, symptoms, or characteristics.
  • Develop tests to measure specific psychological phenomena.
  • Develop treatment approaches to improve individuals' mental health.

    Research psychologists are involved in the planning, developing and application of psychological research methods. They are often involved in the development of psychological measures. Monitoring and evaluation of psychological interventions usually fall within their scope of practice. Most research psychologists work for universities, government offices and private corporations.

    Many pleas have been made for the psychology profession to become more relevant to the South African context. There is a move away from the prominent focus on one-on-one counselling, towards more curative, preventative and developmental interventions. Research psychologists have a major role to play in the development of the discipline, the contextualisation of psychology as a science, and the informed development of psychological assessments and interventions.

    Research psychology is the most under-represented of the various registration categories as a psychologist with the Health Professions Council of South Africa (HPCSA). Research psychology as a field is side-lined and underrated in South Africa,

    The qualification is driven by the need to provide more Research Psychologists. According to the 2017 National Research Report Survey, only 3.1% of all registered psychologists in South Africa are Research Psychologists, which means that of the 8 030 registered psychologists only 248 were registered as research psychologists. Many of these psychologists up to 12% are also registered in other categories, which has an influence on the real number of practising research psychologists. Institutions of Higher Education are also experiencing a scarcity of registered research psychologists. Research is one of the important components of academic tuition; therefore, more well-qualified research psychologists in Psychology are essential. Research Psychology is recognised by the Department of Health as one of nine scopes of practice within the profession of Psychology. Research is one of the pillars of the institution; therefore, more qualified Research Psychologists are essential in the field of Psychology. Developing researchers in Psychology who, with research knowledge, can contribute inter alia towards research methods, the development of research measures, and advice on policy development that will enhance the general health of individuals and society.

    Great challenges exist in South African society, amongst others, to develop programmes that can be used preventively to address and prevent mental disorders and dysfunctions in particular contexts. To this aim, distinguished research based on scientific principles is of great importance. The employment trends in research psychology in South Africa reported an increase in the demand for research skills, with a specific focus on a background in community psychology and development contexts. Former research psychology master's learners pursue a variety of different career paths, including working in academia, health/social research, marketing and corporate research, monitoring and evaluation, and psychometrics. 
    		•

    LEARNING ASSUMED TO BE IN PLACE AND RECOGNITION OF PRIOR LEARNING 
    Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL):
    RPL will be applied according to the Recognition of Prior Learning, Credit Accumulation and Transfer, And Assessment (CHE, 2016) and the institution's RPL policy. The process will be managed by the central RPL Office in collaboration with the Faculty of the Humanities, Department of Psychology.

    Through its RPL policy, the institution will ensure that quality assurance processes addressing the specificities of the RPL process (including applications, assessment, and reporting and management systems) are implemented; and administrative and support systems, both prior to and after RPL assessment, are in place.
    Applicants will be assessed with reference to NQF Level 8 competencies.

    RPL for access:
  • Where applicants do not meet the set minimum admission requirements, RPL may be used to grant access to the qualification.
  • To be considered for admission in the qualification based on RPL, applicants should provide evidence in the form of a portfolio that demonstrates that they have acquired the relevant knowledge, skills, and competencies through formal, non-formal and/or informal learning to cope with the qualification expectations.
  • No more than 10% of a cohort of learners will be admitted through an RPL process.

    RPL for exemption of modules:
  • Learners may apply for RPL to be exempted from modules that form part of the qualification.
  • For a learner to be exempted from a module, the learner needs to provide sufficient evidence in the form of a portfolio that demonstrates that competency was achieved for the learning outcomes that are equivalent to the learning outcomes of the module.

    Entry Requirements:
    The minimum entry requirement for this qualification is:
  • Bachelor of Arts Honours in Psychology, NQF Level 8.
    Or
  • Bachelor of Psychology, NQF Level 8.
    Or
  • Bachelor of Psychology Honours, NQF Level 8.
    Or
  • Bachelor of Social Science Honours in Psychology, NQF Level 8.
    Or
  • Postgraduate Diploma in Advanced Social Research, NQF Level 8.
    Or
  • Postgraduate Diploma in Research Management and Administration, NQF Level 8. 
    		•

    RECOGNISE PREVIOUS LEARNING? 
    Y 

    QUALIFICATION RULES 
    This qualification consists of the following compulsory and elective modules at National Qualifications Framework Level 9 totalling 240 credits.

    Compulsory Modules, Level 9, 128 Credits:
  • Research Psychology Leadership and Project Management, 32 Credits.
  • Advanced Psychosocial Research Methodology, 32 Credits.
  • Psychosocial Research in Context, 32 Credits.
  • Psychometrics, 32 Credits.

    Elective Modules Level 9, 112 Credits (Select one module):
  • Mini-dissertation, 112 Credits.
    Or
  • One publishable article, 112 Credits. 
    		•

    ASSOCIATED ASSESSMENT CRITERIA 
    Exit Level Outcomes
    1. Demonstrate the ability to design innovative research methods for psychological research in the South African context.
    2. Demonstrate the ability to design, manage and conduct research that contributes to psychological theory and practice, report on such research, and implement the findings of such research policy and practice.
    3. Demonstrate the ability to identify psychosocial issues requiring research in South Africa.
    4. Demonstrate the ability to conduct various aspects of psychological practice and research in a manner which is cognizant of and sensitive to socio-economic status, culture, race, gender, disability, sexual orientation, religion, and other forms of diversity.
    5. Demonstrate specialist knowledge of relevant legislation aspects related to ethical psychological practice and research in contexts such as those related to criminal, civil and family matters.
    6. Demonstrate the ability to competently deal with the management of information and records, financial and human resource management and entrepreneurship.
    7. Demonstrate the ability to establish protocols and contracts with clients (individuals, groups, organizations, etc.).
    8. Demonstrate the ability to advise on the development of policy applicable to a variety of sectors and issues, based on various aspects of psychological theory and research.
    9. Demonstrate the ability to complete a mini-dissertation.
    10. Demonstrate the ability to complete a 12-month internship.

    Associated Assessment Criteria
    Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 1:
  • Appropriately formulate a research problem, aim and questions/hypotheses.
  • Select appropriate research designs and methods of sampling and data collection to investigate the research questions innovatively and effectively.
  • Fully evaluate the feasibility and ethical considerations of the proposed methods.

    Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 2:
  • Satisfactorily interrogate the nature of scientific and social research and critically evaluate previous research to make informed choices about research proceedings.
  • Deliberate on how various research paradigms inform research and effectively articulate personal, paradigmatic positions (ontology, epistemology, and axiology) in conducting research.
  • Properly apply knowledge of quantitative, qualitative and mixed methods of sampling, data collection, and data analysis to effectively answer specific research questions.
  • Appropriately analyse and report data, and critically interpret, integrate, discuss, and evaluate research findings and results to reach effective scientific conclusions.

    Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 3:
  • Design, implement, manage, and evaluate a range of psychologically based programmes in diverse settings and organisations (such as health, education and labour), which includes conducting needs analyses and asset-based inquiries.
  • Design, execute and produce a written report on a small community research project.
    > Identify a relevant psychosocial issue within the diverse and local South African contexts (such as those related to criminal, civil and family matters) requiring research.
    > Investigate the psychosocial issue considering the socio-economic status, culture, race, gender, disability, sexual orientation, and other forms of diversity.
    > Establish an appropriate research question or hypothesis in addressing a specific psychosocial issue.
    > Effectively integrate literature review and use an innovative research method.

    Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 4:
  • Develop strategies to address diversity in the research process.
  • Discuss and integrate cultural considerations in the interpretation of research findings.
  • Evaluate the contextual and cultural use of psychometric instruments for the advancement of Psychology in an Indigenous African context (including concepts of bias, fairness, and adverse impact, as well as ethics and social considerations).

    Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 5:
  • Apply appropriate ethical principles to hypothetical scenarios related to criminal, civil, and family matters.
  • Properly explain your own role as a research psychologist and adherence to the scope of practice according to the Health Professions Act no 56 of 1974 and subsequent amendments.
  • Satisfactorily apply the code of professional ethics of the HPCSA/ Professional Board for Psychology, as well as guidelines for ethical research practice expressed in relevant national and international legislative frameworks (including institutional ethical clearance procedures and supportive documentation such as informed consent forms).
  • Correctly apply the theories, principles, and policies of research ethics in a research study, and acquire ethical clearance and gatekeeper authorisation for the research study from all stakeholders (Research Ethics Committees and Gatekeeper Organisations).

    Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 6:
  • Comprehensively discuss the roles and responsibilities of the research project manager/entrepreneur and the dynamics of the research team.
  • Present research findings accurately and appropriately by means of different presentation skills (including oral and visual presentation, round table discussion, and written report).
  • Properly compile a grant application for funding of a research project (including simulated), clearly stating the project protocol, human resource, time, risk, and financial management plan.
  • Develop and present an effective plan for managing information and records in a research project context.
  • Identify entrepreneurial opportunities related to psychological research.

    Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 7:
  • Draft and present clear protocols and contracts for engaging different types of clients (individuals, groups, organisations, government departments) in a research setting.
  • Using effective communication and negotiation skills in establishing agreements with clients.

    Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 8:
  • Effectively evaluate the potential impact of research findings on policy and practice.
  • Develop and present appropriate recommendations for policy changes based on a critical evaluation of existing literature and research findings.

    Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 9:
  • Produce, under supervision, a research-based assignment (mini-dissertation or article format), grounded in literature and sound methodology, which involves:
  • Select a viable research topic/theme.
  • Perform and write an effective literature review.
  • Formulate appropriate research aims and questions.
  • Implement relevant research designs and methods, including sampling procedures, data collection and analyses.
  • Observe ethical sensitivity and awareness in all aspects of the research process.
  • Make sound judgments using data at their disposal to present, discuss, and interpret findings in relation to other previously published research.
  • Use appropriate language, and analytical, technical, and styling skills, which include logical arguments and APA style editing, to write a scientific report.
  • Disseminate research findings in an effective and scientifically accountable manner to intended audiences.

    Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 10:
  • Present a reflective portfolio demonstrating the integrated practical application of psychological knowledge, competencies and skills to real-world settings, which includes:
    continuous self-assessment and learning experiences, challenges faced, and contributions made during the internship.
  • Plan, develop and apply psychological research and relevant ethical considerations to appropriately address a wide range of psychosocial issues.
  • Perform a variety of relevant roles to enhance the quality of psychological services in a variety of settings.
  • Appropriately collect, analyse, organise and critically evaluate information to successfully conduct psychological research.
  • Work with and communicate effectively, both verbally and in writing, demonstrating cultural and aesthetic sensitivity, in engagement with diverse populations, including, clients, other psychologists, other professionals, the broader public and other relevant stakeholders in all spheres of psychological research. 
    		•

    INTERNATIONAL COMPARABILITY 
    Country: Scottland
    Qualification Title: Master of Science Psychological Research
    Institution: University of Edinburgh
    Credits: 120 credits
    Duration: One year full-time

    The qualification is structured according to taught core and optional courses (modules) followed by a dissertation.

    Entry Requirements:
  • Honours degree
    Or
  • International equivalent in psychology or a related discipline.

    Purpose:
    This qualification provides an opportunity for intensive advanced training in psychological research while giving flexibility to select courses in the areas of psychology and cognitive neuroscience of most interest. This qualification teaches core research methods and specialist techniques and can flexibly choose optional courses to customise your learning in areas you are most passionate about.

    The qualification provides excellent preparation for further psychological research, whether learners choose to pursue this in a professional setting or as part of a PhD programme. This qualification provides learners with a range of knowledge and skills to prepare learners for a variety of career paths.

    On successful completion of this qualification, learners will have gained:
  • An understanding of advanced topics, methodologies and issues in the areas of psychological science.
  • An understanding of the basic and advanced principles of research design and application.
  • Competency in applying a range of methods and research tools, including statistical models and programming
  • Skills in research management, including managing data and conducting and disseminating research in ways consistent with both professional practice and the normal principles of research ethics
  • Transferable skills in written and verbal communication, group and teamwork, computing, programming and numeracy, time and project management
  • The ability to work as an independent researcher and as part of a team

    Compulsory Modules:
  • Psychological Research Skills - General advanced research methodology
  • Univariate Statistics and Methodology using R
  • Multivariate Statistics and Methodology using R
  • Qualitative Methodologies in Psychological Research Methods
  • Dissertation in Psychology comparable to Mini-dissertation

    Elective Modules:
  • Clinical Neuropsychology
  • Brain Imaging in Cognitive Neuroscience
  • Applied Psychometrics
  • Neuroscience of Language

    Similarities:
  • The University of Edinburgh (UE) and the South African (SA) qualifications are offered over one year of full-time study.
  • Both qualifications accept applicants who completed the Honour's degree in Psychology or equivalent qualification.
  • The SA qualification is approved by the HPCSA similar to the British Psychological Society in the UE qualification for purposes of employability of graduates.
  • Both qualifications are intended for learners who want to continue in academic research or move into professional training in psychology.
  • The UE and SA qualifications share a similar purpose and learning outcomes.

    Differences:
  • The UE qualification has 120 credits whereas the SA has 240 credits.
  • The SA qualification includes an internship while the UE qualification does not.
  • The UE qualification offers optional courses in related areas such as Linguistics, Informatics, Cognitive Neuroscience, and Applied Psychometrics whereas the SA qualification offers psychometrics and research psychology leadership and project management as compulsory core modules.

    Country: United States of America
    Institution: Seattle Pacific University (SPU)
    Qualification Title: Master of Science - Research Psychology
    Credits: 33 credits
    Duration: One year full-time

    Purpose/Rationale:
    The Bureau of Labor Statistics data shows that the employment rate between 2014 and 2024 for psychology professionals is projected to grow by 12% for survey researchers and by 19% for market research analysts.

    The qualification consists of core/compulsory courses and electives designed for learners to develop advanced research, statistics, and grant-writing knowledge and skills applicable to a variety of contexts related to psychology. The qualification culminates in the Capstone Project, which can take the form of a research proposal covering comprehensive knowledge of relevant psychological literature, research and statistical design; a traditional research thesis with all its components, and an option to present the findings in a synthesized APA-style manuscript; or an applied Capstone, which can be a programme evaluation or grant application. The qualification is delivered in an accelerated format with a focus on gaining the practical, marketable skills needed for a research career or entering a PhD programme.

    Compulsory Modules
  • Research Methods and Statistics 1
  • Grant Writing
  • Research and Thesis comparable to Mini-dissertation
  • Capstone proposal
  • Capstone exhibition
    Elective

    Similarities:
  • The Seattle Pacific University (SPU) and the South African (SA) qualifications are offered over one year of full-time study.
  • Both qualifications are designed to equip learners with the knowledge and skills necessary for jobs or further graduate education in psychology or psychology-related fields
  • The SPU and SA qualifications consist of compulsory and elective modules.
  • Both qualifications articulate into the Doctoral Degree in Psychology and related fields.

    Differences:
  • The SPU qualification has 33 credit hours whereas the SA qualification has 240 credits.
  • The SPU qualification focuses on quantitative methods, analysis and related software, while the SA qualification strives for a balance between quantitative and qualitative research approaches as equally important.
  • The SPU qualification offers electives and includes specific references to Christianity and scientific worldviews for contextual relevance, while the SA qualification has a much stronger focus on community and diversity issues.

    Conclusion:
    In summary, the SA qualification will combine the elements of the designs of the above international qualifications to provide future graduates with the research competence to compete in international fields to function as specialist researchers in psychology. The qualification will allow graduates to apply for various international career opportunities in research psychology that require a master's or doctorate degree to work at higher education in psychology departments, medical and business schools; in various government, non-profit, and private-sector positions, or as in consulting services, editorial positions, and authoring books. The qualification offers the additional value of registration as a research psychologist at the Health Professions Council of South Africa. 
    		•

    ARTICULATION OPTIONS 
    This qualification allows possibilities for both vertical and horizontal articulation.

    Horizontal Articulation:
  • Master of Arts in Clinical Psychology, NQF Level 9.
  • Master of Arts in Counselling Psychology, NQF Level 9.
  • Master of Arts in Psychology, NQF Level 9.
  • Master of Science in Educational Psychology, NQF Level 9.
  • Master of Science in Counselling Psychology, NQF Level 9.
  • Master of Philosophy in Clinical Research Administration, NQF Level 9.
  • Master of Social Science in Clinical Psychology, NQF Level 9.
  • Master of Social Science in Counselling Psychology, NQF Level 9.
  • Master of Social Science in Educational Psychology, NQF Level 9.

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

    Diagonal Articulation
    There is no diagonal articulation for this qualification. 
    		•

    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. University of the Free State 


    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.