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SOUTH AFRICAN QUALIFICATIONS AUTHORITY 
REGISTERED QUALIFICATION: 

Master of Arts in Clinical Psychology 
SAQA QUAL ID QUALIFICATION TITLE
9177  Master of Arts in Clinical Psychology 
ORIGINATOR
University of Witwatersrand 
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  Level 8 and above  NQF Level 09  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   2031-06-30  

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 
The purpose of the qualification is to produce a qualified learners who is equipped with the knowledge, skills and values necessary to register and practise as an autonomous and socially responsible clinical psychologist, following the regulations and standards as set down by the Professional Board of Psychology (Health Professions Council of South Africa). Further, the qualified learners is equipped with advanced research and academic knowledge and skills with applicability in the field of mental health.

The purpose of the qualification is also to enhance the career of the post qualified learners by qualifying him/her as a clinical psychologist.

Further, the purpose of the qualification is to produce post qualified learners who can contribute to the economy and social well-being of South Africa by providing expert services in clinical psychology contexts. 

LEARNING ASSUMED TO BE IN PLACE AND RECOGNITION OF PRIOR LEARNING 
Learners who fall outside of the regular admissions process who can demonstrate to the satisfaction of the institution that they have a qualification or experiential- or work work-based learning which has taken the learner to an equivalent level of a qualification specified above (under Formally Accredited Learning), may be considered for admission and/or for the recognition of prior accredited and/or prior experiential learning. Learners who, after such assessment, are deemed to have sufficient potential but are in need ofneed further academic development, may be required to broaden their curriculum to include preliminary qualifications prior to admission or parallel qualifications after admission.

Entry Requirements:
The minimum entry requirement for this qualification is:
  • Bachelor of Arts Honours in Industrial and Organisational Psychology, NQF Level 8.
    Or
  • Bachelor of Arts Honours in Psychology, NQF Level 8.
    Or
  • Bachelor of Arts Honours in Industrial Psychology, NQF Level 8. 
    		•

    RECOGNISE PREVIOUS LEARNING? 
    Y 

    EXIT LEVEL OUTCOMES 
    EXIT LEVEL OUTCOMES

    1. The qualifying learner is able to access and process information using a range of technologies.
    1.1 possess a range of terminology and key concepts in clinical psychology, in the South African and the International literature.
    1.2 apply knowledge to specialist primary and secondary clinical and research resources and methodologies.
    1.3 possess extensive, in-depth meta-cognitive understanding of own position in relation to debates within clinical psychology and cognate disciplines.
    1.4 show a sophisticated understanding of the role of self and supervision in clinical practice.

    2. The qualifying learner is able to communicate and produce information using a range of technologies.
    2.1 possess sophisticated understanding of academic and professional conventions in clinical psychology.
    2.2 understand current debates and research findings in relation to clinical intervention and presentation of clinical information.

    3. The qualifying learner demonstrates critical analytic competence and problem solving.
    3.1 apply knowledge of critical and analytic approaches in relation to the subject matter, tools and techniques of clinical psychology.
    3.2 critically consider plausible diagnoses and possible interventions in the field of clinical psychology.

    4. The qualifying learner demonstrates research competence.
    4.1 possess advanced knowledge of research methods and their application.
    4.2 possess in-depth knowledge of relevant literature.
    4.3 contribute to the advancement of knowledge.

    5. The qualifying learner shows competence to manage her/himself.
    5.1 apply knowledge of the importance of individual responsibility in relation to clinical practice, continuing professional development, and research.
    5.2 possess advanced knowledge needed for self-directed, learning and practice.
    5.3 apply knowledge of what characterises a sophisticated self-reflective clinical therapist and practitioner.

    6. The qualifying learner demonstrates social competence.
    6.1 understand group dynamics, processes and roles, and when to use them for desired outcomes.
    6.2 understand the range of diversity in own and other contexts.
    6.3 understand social skills and apply them appropriately within the professional context.

    7. The qualifying learner shows ecosystemic competence.
    7.1 understand the position of clinical psychology in relation to cognate disciplines.
    7.2 understand the interrelated nature of multi-disciplinary and collegial working relations.
    7.3 be aware of the complex interface between clinical practice and political, social and economic forces.

    8. The qualifying learner shows disciplinary and/or professional competence (can substitute field of enquiry for discipline).
    8.1 possess knowledge of the concepts, skills, tools, theories and analytic practices which are accepted and/ or contested within the discipline.
    8.2 be familiar with related fields of enquiry as linked with developments in the discipline.

    CRITICAL CROSS-FIELD OUTCOMES
    a) "identifying and solving problems in which responses display that responsible decisions using critical and creative thinking have been made." See exit level outcomes 3 and 4.
    b) "working with others as a member of a team, group, organisation, community." See exit level outcomes 6.
    c) "organising and managing oneself and one's activities responsibly and effectively." See exit level outcomes 5.
    d) "collecting, analysing, organising and critically evaluating information." See exit level outcomes 1.
    e) "communicating effectively using visual, or language skills in the modes of oral and/or written persuasion." See exit level outcomes 2 and 4.
    f) "using science and technology effectively and critically, showing responsibility towards the environment and health of others." See exit level outcomes 1, 2, 4 and 7.
    g) "demonstrating and understanding of the world as a set of related systems by recognising that problem-solving contexts do not exist in isolation." See exit level outcomes 7.
    h) "contributing to the full personal development of each learner and the social and economic development of society at large, by making it the underlying intention of any programme of learning to make an individual aware of the importance of:
    i. "reflecting on and exploring a variety of strategies to learn more effectively;" see exit level outcomes 5.
    ii. "participating as responsible citizens in the life of local, national and global communities;" see exit level outcomes 7; note also that learners act in accordance with the code of conduct of the University and, where relevant, that of the professional discipline being studied.
    iii. "being culturally and aesthetically sensitive across a range of social contexts;" see exit level outcomes 6.
    iv. "exploring education and career opportunities." See exit level outcome 5.
    v. Developing entrepreneurial opportunities." See exit level outcomes 7 and 8. 

    ASSOCIATED ASSESSMENT CRITERIA 
    The qualifying learner is able to:
  • Demonstrate a sophisticated selection of search strategies for appropriate databases and information resources.
  • Possess, synthesise, and critically evaluate different kinds of data and texts within the contextual and conceptual framework of clinical psychology.
  • Determine and justify own position within the practice framework of clinical psychology.
  • Make optimal use of self and supervision as sources of information.
  • Use appropriate conventions and representational technologies to sustain cogent arguments.
  • Present clear integrated and insightful clinical case- and assessment reports.
  • Demonstrate competence in the use of specialist communication with both clients and colleagues.
  • Critically examine models, assessment procedures and intervention techniques.
  • Critically valuate the limitations of different theoretical models in relation to practice and contextual realities, and suggest alternatives.
  • Design, execute and write-up a scholarly research report that contributes to the advancement of knowledge.
  • Demonstrate competence as a purposeful and reflective practitioner, scholar and researcher.
  • Demonstrate a capacity to balance and manage a range of commitments.
  • Demonstrate an ability to function effectively within a group-learning and multi-disciplinary context.
  • Work constructively with diversity within a dynamic/changing situation.
  • Demonstrate independence, initiative, creativity, purposefulness and co-operation in professional relations.
  • Demonstrate an advanced ability to plan, execute and evaluate professional practice and research which takes into account notions of inter-relatedness and reciprocity.
  • Demonstrate competence in assessment and intervention methods.
  • Apply knowledge and methods from related fields where appropriate and necessary.

    Integrated Assessment:
    A battery of assessment instruments, including written and oral examinations, selected essays and assignments, the completion of an accredited internship, and a research report within specified parameters which contributes to the advancement of knowledge in the area of critical psychology.

    Associated Values:
    The qualifying learner is aware of the importance of the need to?

    1.1. Demonstrate receptivity to, and evaluate knowledge generated within the field of clinical psychology.

    2.1. Respect and acknowledge ownership of intellectual property.
    2.2. Adhere to ethical standards of the discipline, in relation to communication.

    3.1. Critically examine, recommend and show commitment to responsible decision making.
    3.2. Demonstrate sensitivity to different ways of constructing knowledge and the ethical application of knowledge.
    3.3. Show sensitivity to client and/or context.

    4.1. Show ethical responsibility to clinical and research subjects.
    4.2. Execute socially responsible clinical and research work.

    5.1. Pursue excellence, accountability, and relevance in clinical practice.
    5.2. Manage oneself in accordance with the ethical code binding on the profession of clinical psychology.
    5.3. Show commitment to reflexivity in clinical practice.

    6.1. Show commitment to appropriate collaboration and leadership.
    6.2. Show sensitivity in the context of diversity.

    7.1. Appreciate and deal sensitively with the multiple and changing perspectives of people.
    7.2. Value the ability to adapt and live with change.

    8.1. Be sensitive and adhere to the ethics of the discipline of clinical psychology. 
    		•

    INTERNATIONAL COMPARABILITY 
    This qualification compares with the following international qualifications in terms of the range of competencies in the learning content offered. 

    ARTICULATION OPTIONS 
    This qualification offers both possibilities of horizontal and vertical articulation.

    Horizontal Articulation:
  • Master of Arts in Counselling Psychology, NQF Level 9.
  • Master of Arts in Industrial Psychology, NQF Level 9.
  • Master of Arts in Psychology, NQF Level 9.

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

    MODERATION OPTIONS 
    Internal University requirements govern how and by whom moderation is performed. For example, external examiners are appointed. Such moderation seeks, inter alia, to ensure that, where appropriate, our graduates will be able to comply with professional and statutory requirements. Further, the Professional Board of Psychology (Health Professions Council of South Africa) performs moderating functions and/or) whether an academic entity has a professional orientation or not, its activities are moderated by internal and external review quinquennially. The moderating body for qualifications of the University is the Higher Education Quality Committee (HEQC) of the Council on Higher Education, currently represented by the Interim Higher Education Quality Committee. 

    CRITERIA FOR THE REGISTRATION OF ASSESSORS 
    Internal University quality requirements govern how and by whom assessment may be performed to ensure that assessors have the competence required to assess a qualification of this nature. Once the Higher Education Quality Committee of the Council on Higher Education is constituted and ready to pronounce on issues of quality, the University will respond to the HEQC guidance on the registration of assessors. In the interim, the academic staff of the University of the Witwatersrand, Johannesburg, are regarded as registered assessors since SAQA has registered the institution as a public higher education provider. 

    REREGISTRATION HISTORY 
    As per the SAQA Board decision/s at that time, this qualification was Reregistered in 2006; 2009; 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. University of Witwatersrand 


    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.