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SOUTH AFRICAN QUALIFICATIONS AUTHORITY 
REGISTERED QUALIFICATION: 

Bachelor of Psychology 
SAQA QUAL ID QUALIFICATION TITLE
84166  Bachelor of Psychology 
ORIGINATOR
The South African College of Applied Psychology - Pretoria 
PRIMARY OR DELEGATED QUALITY ASSURANCE FUNCTIONARY NQF SUB-FRAMEWORK
CHE - Council on Higher Education  HEQSF - Higher Education Qualifications Sub-framework 
QUALIFICATION TYPE FIELD SUBFIELD
National First Degree(Min 480)  Field 07 - Human and Social Studies  General Social Science 
ABET BAND MINIMUM CREDITS PRE-2009 NQF LEVEL NQF LEVEL QUAL CLASS
Undefined  480  Not Applicable  NQF Level 08  Regular-Provider-ELOAC 
REGISTRATION STATUS SAQA DECISION NUMBER REGISTRATION START DATE REGISTRATION END DATE
Registered-data under construction  EXCO 0324/24  2024-07-01  2027-06-30 
LAST DATE FOR ENROLMENT LAST DATE FOR ACHIEVEMENT
2028-06-30   2034-06-30  

Registered-data under construction

The qualification content is currently being updated for the qualifications with the status “Registered-data under construction” or showing “DETAILS UNDER CONSTRUCTION” to ensure compliance with SAQA’S Policy and Criteria for the registration of qualifications and part-qualifications on the National Qualifications Framework (NQF) (As amended, 2022). These qualifications are re-registered until 30 June 2027 and can legitimately be offered by the institutions to which they are registered.

 

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.  

PURPOSE AND RATIONALE OF THE QUALIFICATION 
Purpose:

The Bachelor of Psychology (B Psych) is a four-year undergraduate degree in the discipline of Psychology. The programme aligns with the characteristics of learning outcomes at the Bachelor level as specified in the Higher Education Qualifications Framework (HEQF) descriptors and with the graduate outcome requirements and sequence for a four year professional degree in psychology as specified by the Health Professions Council of South Africa (HPCSA) Board for Psychology.

The purpose of the Bachelor of Psychology Degree is to equip learners with knowledge, skills, and attitudes (ethics) related to assessing, understanding, explaining and developing human behaviour in a multi-cultural context such as that in South Africa, ultimately with the intention of placing working professionals in community mental health areas of care in South Africa.

The Bachelor of Psychology programme will provide learners with a solid foundation in, but not limited to, the following set of attributes:
  • The acquisition of a systematic and coherent body of knowledge, the underlying principles and concepts and the associated communication and problem solving skills.
  • The development of the academic skills and attributes necessary to undertake research, comprehend and evaluate new information, concepts and evidence from a range of sources.
  • The development of the ability to review, consolidate, extend and apply the knowledge and techniques learnt, including in a professional context.
  • A foundation for self-directed and lifelong learning.
  • Interpersonal and teamwork skills appropriate to employment and/or further study.

    The following attributes form the basis of intended outcomes and cover:
  • Core knowledge and understanding.
  • Research methods in psychology.
  • Critical thinking skills.
  • Values, research and professional ethics.
  • Communication Skills.
  • Learning and the application of psychology.

    Rationale:

    A study carried out in 2004 found that the range and depth of community mental health needs has overwhelmed the present capacity of psychological services in South Africa. It was found that the limited number of psychologists presently practicing in South Africa (4 per 100,000 population as against better resourced countries such as the United States of America, which has a ratio of 26.4 per 100,000 population) requires the accelerated training of primary level psychological counsellors to assist in addressing such common community problems as mental retardation, scholastic problems, physical/sexual abuse, depression/anxiety and somatic complaints, amongst others.

    This Bachelor of Psychology programme addresses the growing and acknowledged need for the training and equipping of psychology students at a Postgraduate level. The potential benefits to offering a Bachelor of Psychology Degree at South African College of Applied Psychology (SACAP) are to:
  • Provide applied training for suitably qualified students wishing to enter the field of Psychology as professional practitioners.
  • Enhance the potential for co-operation with other departments of Psychology in the public and private sectors, both regionally and nationally.
  • Offer applied training without threat to the present enrolment potential of public institutions offering the same programme, given that the number of public and private institutions presently offering the Bachelor of Psychology Degree remains relatively small.
  • Enhance access for suitable students presently enrolled in other non-degree programmes, but who wish to engage in further studies towards a professional qualification.
  • Provide well-trained and (ultimately) registered practitioners for essential mental health services in South Africa. 
    		•

    LEARNING ASSUMED TO BE IN PLACE AND RECOGNITION OF PRIOR LEARNING 
    Students are required to have a Grade 12 qualification (Matriculation with Endorsement). Students who register for entry into this qualification at NQF Level 5 should:
  • Have the information-gathering, analysis and presentation skills required at Level 4 on the NQF.
  • Be able to comprehend what they have learned and to communicate it reliably, accurately, and comprehensively in the required medium of instruction.
  • Be able to take responsibility for their own learning and its progress within a well-structured and managed learning environment.
  • Be able to evaluate own performance.

    Recognition of Prior Learning:

    Students presently enrolled with the Diploma: Counselling and Communication and the Graduate Diploma: Counselling may receive Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL) for certain modules common to both the Diploma programmes and the Degree programme. Learners may provide evidence of prior learning for which they may receive credit towards the qualification by means of portfolios or other forms of appropriate evidence, which may include verified accounts of previous relevant work done and performance records and which evidence is in accordance with the requirements of the relevant Quality Council.

    Mature students wishing to enrol into the Bachelor of Psychology Degree programme are required to attend a personal interview at SACAP, as well as provide a Curriculum Vitae (CV) and Motivation letter.

    Access to the Qualification:

    Open to learners in possession of a National Senior Certificate or equivalent, granting access to Bachelor Degree study. 
    		•

    RECOGNISE PREVIOUS LEARNING? 
    Y 

    QUALIFICATION RULES 
    Total Credits for the qualification: 480 Credits.

    The qualification comprises 22 compulsory modules which total 400 Credits.
    In addition, the student must select four specialisation areas and complete the modules thereof to a total of 80 Credits.

    Modules at NQF Level 5:
  • Introduction to Psychology A, 10 Credits.
  • Interpersonal Communication, 20 Credits.
  • Introduction to Psychology B, 10 Credits.
  • Practical Counselling Skills 1, 20 Credits.
  • Practical Counselling Skills 2, 20 Credits.

    Total Credits at NQF Level 5: 80 Credits.

    Modules at NQF Level 6:
  • Counselling Methods 1, 20 Credits.
  • Counselling Methods 2, 20 Credits.
  • Perception and Cognition, 10 Credits.
  • Learning and Memory, 10 Credits.
  • Personality and Individual Differences, 10 Credits.
  • Psychodynamic Psychotherapy, 10 Credits.
  • Development through the Lifespan, 20 Credits.
  • Social Psychology, 20 Credits.
  • Social Analysis, 20 Credits.

    Total Credits at NQF Level 6: 140 Credits.

    Compulsory Modules at NQF Level 7:
  • Psychopathology, 20 Credits.
  • Psychological Measurement and Assessment, 20 Credits.
  • Supervision and Professional Ethics, 20 Credits.

    Total Credits at NQF Level 7 (Compulsory Modules): 60 Credits.

    Modules at NQF Level 8:
  • Fieldwork Internship Part 1, 30 Credits.
  • Applied Social Research, 20 Credits.
  • Fieldwork Internship Part 2, 30 Credits.
  • Major Project Paper, 10 Credits.
  • Fieldwork Internship Part 3, 30 Credits.

    Total Credits at NQF Level 8: 120 Credits.

    Specialisation areas and their Modules: all at NQF Level 7 and all 20 Credits each:
  • Addiction:
    > Addiction 1.
    > Addiction 2.
    > Self-Esteem and Motivation.
    > Crisis and Trauma Counselling or Counselling in Loss.
  • Children and Youth:
    > Working with Children.
    > Working with Adolescents.
    > Self-Esteem and Motivation.
    > Family and Relationship Counselling.
  • Coaching:
    > Coaching Skills 1.
    > Coaching Skills 2.
    > Coaching Skills 3.
    > Conflict Management.
  • Community Mental Health:
    > Self-Esteem and Motivation.
    > Human Sexuality and HIV Counselling or Family and Relationship Counselling.
    > Somatic Counselling Skills.
    > Stress and Anxiety Management.
  • Conflict Resolution:
    > Conflict Management.
    > Crisis and Trauma Counselling.
    > Facilitation Skills 1.
    > Stress and Anxiety Management.
  • Family Counselling:
    > Family and Relationship Counselling.
    > Working with Children.
    > Working with Adolescents.
    > Self-Esteem and Motivation OR Human Sexuality and HIV Counselling.
  • HIV Counselling:
    > Human Sexuality and HIV Counselling.
    > Counselling in Loss OR Crisis and Trauma Counselling.
    > Family and Relationship Counselling.
    > Self-Esteem and Motivation.
  • School Counselling:
    > Counselling in Education.
    > Career Counselling and Assessment.
    > Working with Children OR Working with Adolescents.
    > Self-Esteem and Motivation.
  • Trauma Counselling:
    > Crisis and Trauma Counselling.
    > Counselling in Loss.
    > Family and Relationship Counselling.
    OR.
    > Self-Esteem and Motivation.
    > Stress and Anxiety Management.

    Total Credits for Specialisation Modules at NQF Level 7: 80 Credits. 
    		•

    EXIT LEVEL OUTCOMES 
    1. Acquire a systematic and coherent body of knowledge, the underlying principles and concepts and associated communication and problem solving skills.

    2. Develop the academic skills and attributes necessary to undertake research, comprehend and evaluate new information, concepts and evidence from a range of sources.

    3. Develop the ability to review, consolidate, extend and apply the knowledge and techniques learnt, including in a professional context.

    4. Develop a high view of ethical standards and treatments in the pursuit of dignity and respect within a professional context.

    5. Understand the importance of good communication in terms of verbal and non-verbal skills.

    6. Develop a good foundation for self-directed and lifelong learning, as well as interpersonal and teamwork skills appropriate to employment and/or further study.

    Critical Cross-Field Outcomes:

    All the Critical Cross-Field Outcomes are addressed in this qualification. 

    ASSOCIATED ASSESSMENT CRITERIA 
    Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 1:

    1.1 Knowledge and understanding of core topics in the discipline are acquired.
  • Range of Core Knowledge includes but is not limited to:
    > Abnormal Psychology.
    > Biological bases of behaviour.
    > Cognition, information, processing and language.
    > Individual differences in capacity and behaviour.
    > Testing assessment and personality.
    > Health psychology.
    > Lifespan development psychology.
    > Motivation and emotion.
    > Perception.
    > Social psychology.
    > History and philosophy of psychology.
    > Cross cultural diversity.

    Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 2:

    2.1 Describe the basic characteristics of the science of psychology.
    2.2 Describe, apply and evaluate the different research methods set by psychologists.
    2.3 Demonstrate practical skills in laboratory -based and other psychological research.
    2.4 Design and conduct basic studies to address psychological questions.
    2.5 Frame research questions, undertake literature searches and critically analyse theoretical and empirical studies.
    2.6 Formulate testable hypotheses, assess variables and choose an appropriate methodology.
    2.7 Make valid and reliable measurements; analyse data, interpret results and write and present research reports.

    Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 3:

    3.1 Apply knowledge of the scientific method in thinking about problems related to behaviour and mental processes.
    3.2 Question claims that arise from myth, stereotype, pseudoscience or untested assumptions.
    3.3 Recognise and defend against the major fallacies of human thinking.

    Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 4:

    4.1 Evaluate behaviour in psychological research and other professional contexts in relation to The Board of Psychology 'Code of Ethics'.
    4.2 Use information in an ethical manner by acknowledging and respecting work and intellectual property rights of others through appropriate citations in oral and written communication.

    Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 5:

    5.1 Write a standard research report using the American Psychological Association (APA) structure and formatting conventions.
    5.2 Demonstrate effective oral communication skills in various formats, such as debate, group discussion, presentation and for various other purposes.

    Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 6:

    6.1 Apply knowledge of legislative frameworks, including privacy and human rights.
    6.2 Apply knowledge of community and carer participation in psychological intervention.
    6.3 Apply knowledge of psychology, society and the workplace/influencing systems.
    6.4 Describe major areas of applied psychology, such as clinical or organisational.
    6.5 Demonstrate a capacity for independent learning to sustain personal and professional development in the changing world of science and the practice of psychology.

    Integrated Assessment:

    Assessment has two principal purposes - a formative purpose and a summative purpose. The assessment tasks within a course may range from primarily formative to secondarily summative (integrative focus) but the overall balance of the assessment tasks must be to facilitate the learning process.

    The formative purpose of assessment is to encourage an in-depth approach to learning through students' own activity and engagement with the subject.

    The summative purpose of assessment is to lead to the certification of achievement or ability of students for external audiences. An important aspect of assessment is that it should develop in students the ability to independently evaluate the quality of their work. 
    		•

    INTERNATIONAL COMPARABILITY 
    Notable examples of the Bachelor of Psychology are offered at the following institutions:
  • University of Hawaii, Honolulu, United States of America.
  • University of Columbia, New York, United States of America.
  • University of Oxford, United Kingdom.
  • University of Cambridge, United Kingdom.

    This qualification compares favourably with the above in terms of the knowledge and research components relating to the clinical skills and attributes required for the practice of psychology in community based settings. 
    		•

    ARTICULATION OPTIONS 
    Horizontal Articulation:

    This Qualification articulates horizontally with any other cognate qualification at NQF Level 8:

    Vertical Articulation:

    The Qualification articulates vertically with a cognate Master's Degree at NQF Level 9. 

    MODERATION OPTIONS 
    College educators participate in a moderation process for the purposes of academic accountability, consistency of assessment feedback and grading and professional development. If moderation of marked assessments is to take place within a particular module during a term of study, the educator will inform the students that moderation is taking place and discuss with students any concerns they may have in regard to confidentiality. Please note that moderation is about the educator's quality of feedback and grading - it is not directly concerned with the content or authorship of the assessment. 

    CRITERIA FOR THE REGISTRATION OF ASSESSORS 
    N/A 

    REREGISTRATION HISTORY 
    As per the SAQA Board decision/s at that time, this qualification was Reregistered in 2012; 2015. 

    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. The South African College of Applied Psychology - Cape Town 
    2. The South African College of Applied Psychology - Johannesburg 


    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.