Program Overview

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Programme Overview

The MA in Research Psychology degree programme provides integrated professional and academic training, equipping candidates to function as specialist researchers in psychology. This two-year full-time programme consists of an academic (50%) and a research (50%) component.

Programme Structure

• The programme is divided into two years of study.
• Students need to pass both the academic and research components, as well as complete their internship to be awarded the MA in Research Psychology degree.

Admission Requirements

General Admission Regulations

• All applications must be accompanied by certified full academic transcripts, a certified copy of ID or passport, and a research concept note.
• International qualifications must be evaluated by SAQA, and applicants may need to submit TOEFL, IELTS, or Pearson Test of English results.
• Admissions are subject to departmental processes, academic merit, and supervisory capacity.

Minimum Admissions Requirements

• A Bachelor of Social Sciences Honours in Psychology (NQF level 8) or a relevant honours degree (NQF level 8) with a weighted average of at least 70%.

Examinations and Pass Requirements

Assessments

• A mark of 50% is required for each sub-module, and a final mark of at least 50% must be obtained to pass the overall module.
• Progress is assessed through continuous evaluation, and final results are published after confirmation by the examination commission.

Promotion to Next Study Year

Requirements for Progress to Year 2

• All requirements for year 1 must be met before proceeding to year 2.
• Should all requirements not be met, year 1 may not be repeated, and the student will have to leave the programme.

Pass with Distinction

• A student will pass the degree with distinction if a combined final mark of at least 75% is achieved for the coursework and dissertation, and the programme is completed in minimum time.

Core Modules

Year 1

• PSY 801: Research Methodology
• PSY 802: Project Management
• PSY 803: Psychological Theory
• PSY 804: Psychometrics

Year 2

• PSY 805: Internship
• PSY 895: Mini-dissertation: Research Psychology

Module Descriptions

PSY 801: Research Methodology

Exposes students to research methodology, including quantitative and qualitative methods, and mixed methods. Students receive training in software for data analysis.

PSY 802: Project Management

Equips students with practical research skills, including community research theory, programme monitoring and evaluation, and policy development.

PSY 803: Psychological Theory

Introduces students to theories relevant to research in psychology, including positive psychology, cognitive and behavioural neuroscience, and environmental psychology.

PSY 804: Psychometrics

Demonstrates the process of test development, including measurement theory, true score theory, reliability, validity, and item selection.

PSY 805: Internship

A minimum period of one year following a structured programme that includes practical competence-based activities in a specific registration category of psychology.

PSY 895: Mini-dissertation: Research Psychology

A research project under the guidance of a study leader, focusing on a topic with a psychological perspective.

General Information

Professional Misconduct

Enquiries regarding possible professional misconduct within the programme are addressed by the executive management committee of the Department of Psychology and the Deanery of the Faculty of Humanities.

Discontinuation from Participation in the Programme

The Dean may conduct an enquiry into alleged conduct and/or fitness of the student to practice, potentially leading to discontinuation from the programme.