HONOURS IN PSYCHOLOGY,
2014
CONTENTS
1.
HONOURS IN PSYCHOLOGY
1.1
Introduction ................................................................................................... 1
1.2
Selection of Candidates ............................................................................... 1
1.3
Application Procedure ................................................................................... 2
1.4
Syllabus…………………………………………… ........ ………………………… 3
2.
GENERAL INFORMATION FOR POST-GRADUATE STUDIES
2.1
Timetable ...................................................................................................... 6
2.2
Course Alterations......................................................................................... 6
2.3
Accommodation ............................................................................................ 7
2.4
Bursaries and Loans ..................................................................................... 7
Enquiries may be directed to
Ms Rosalind Adams (021 650 3417) (Rosalind.Adams@uct.ac.za)
1
HONOURS IN PSYCHOLOGY
1.1
Introduction
The Honours programme in psychology offers students a chance to study
aspects of the discipline in more detail through intensive learning in small
classes. Like most Psychology Honours programmes around the country,
UCT retains its long-standing concern to produce students capable of
understanding and doing good research in the discipline. This is now
recognised as a fundamental requirement for all aspects of psychological
work. The course however also offers students the opportunity to explore
other exciting areas including clinical, neurological, social and developmental
psychology.
At the University of Cape Town the Honours degree in Psychology runs as a
one-year, full-time course only.
Psychology Honours as a bridge to further post-graduate study
Although useful in itself, the Psychology degree also provides an essential
bridge between the under-graduate programme and several specialised
Master’s programmes in the field of psychology.
Students who wish to pursue a career in counselling or clinical psychology
need an Honours degree in psychology in order to be eligible for further
professional training. This training happens at Master's level. At UCT we
offer an MA (Clinical Psychology). Degree students who complete the UCT
Psychology Honours course will be well qualified to apply for any professional
training either at UCT or anywhere in the country.
Students who wish to may apply to complete a psychology Master’s degree
by
dissertation
only
which,
at
UCT
is
called
an
M Soc Sc. or a Research Masters with Coursework, MA (Psychological
Research).
Further details on the MA in Psychological Research and details of other
courses are available from Ros Adams
1.2
Selection of candidates
Selection for postgraduate training in Psychology at the University of Cape
Town is highly competitive. The Department receives many more applications
than the limited number of places we can offer in terms of staff, facilities and
the high standards demanded by academic and professional requirements.
Rejection of candidates in a particular year need not necessarily imply that
the selection committee is of the opinion that the candidates are unworthy of
a place in the course, but rather that the available places have been filled by
candidates who receive priority by virtue of their qualification.
2
The decision of the selection committee is final and no discussion or
correspondence will be entered into after selection has taken place. The
process is generally completed by mid-December.
The course commences on 03 February 2014
Selection Criteria for Honours students
Academic performance: A bachelor's degree with a major in Psychology
(or equivalent number of modules in Psychology). The minimum
requirement is a 70% average in third year Psychology courses. In
addition, the general level of the entire academic transcript is
considered, in particular, consistency in academic performance across
three years of study in Psychology.
Equity: In line with the UCT mission of equity and excellence, the
selection committee will deliberately seek to ensure that the class will
reflect the diversity of talent available in the country.
1.3
Application procedure
It is essential that all applicants for Honours in Psychology complete:
The Departmental Application Form, available in the centre of
this booklet, as well as a brief cv, to be sent to the department.
 The University Application Form, obtainable from the Admissions
Secretary, Central Admissions Office, University of Cape Town,
Private Bag, Rondebosch, 7701. The University Application must
be returned to Central Admissions Office or online
http://applyonline.uct.ac.za

Referees Reports: Reports from two referees are required in the
case of applicants from universities other than UCT, or from
UCT graduates who have been absent from the University for
some years.
Applications will not be considered unless both forms have been received.
The closing date for applications is the end of the October of the year
preceding study. If examination results are not yet available, these will be
secured by the University. Applicants from universities other than University
of Cape Town should provide their student numbers on the application
form and send through their final results as soon as they become
available.
The Honours candidates will be advised of the outcome of their applications
during December. Successful Honours candidates are required to confirm
their acceptance in writing within one week.
3
1.4
Syllabus
Students are required to take six semester courses made up from the
following list (This list may alter slightly from one year to another
depending on staff availability). Courses may be added to, or
subtracted from this list depending on availability of staff. In addition a
research project must be completed.
Group A -
Compulsory semester courses:



Philosophical & Theoretical Issues in Psychology
Research Methods in Psychology
Statistics for Psychological Research
Group B -
Electives: three of the following semester courses











Psychology and Law
Counselling and Communication Skills
Clinical Assessment
Community Psychology
Social Psychology
Neuropsychology
Developmental Psychology
Health Psychology
The Psychology of Gender
Affective Neuroscience
Post-Colonial Psychology
Content and structure of each course will be outlined and discussed during
the first week of seminars. Students will be given the opportunity to attend
one seminar of all modules from Group B before making final module
choices.
Research Project The research project is a practical requirement for which the student selects
an area for systematic empirical study, using quantitative and/or qualitative
research methods. The study will be conducted under the supervision of a
member of staff in the Department. Students should have selected their
research area and have designed their study before the July vacation.
Finally, the research is presented to staff and students at the research
colloquium at the end of October or early November of that year.
4
2. GENERAL INFORMATION FOR POSTGRADUATE STUDIES
2.1
Timetable
This is a full-time programme, and classes may run from Monday to Friday
08h30 to 17h00.
2.2
Course alterations
All courses are subject to alteration without notice.
2.2.1 Attendance at classes
It is compulsory that students attend classes for which they have enrolled.
Apologies must be tendered in writing to the lecturer concerned when a
student is unable to attend.
2.2.2. Deadlines
Each course will set its own deadlines, and these have to be adhered to.
2.3
Accommodation
Students wishing to apply for accommodation should contact The Residences
Office, University of Cape Town, Private Bag, Rondebosch, 7701.
Telephone: (021/ 650 5309).
Please state on your application for
accommodation that you are a postgraduate student.
2.4
Bursaries and loans
Bursaries and loans are awarded annually on need or a combination of need
and academic merit by the University and a number of outside organisations.
A complete list of the available bursaries and loans is obtainable from the
Postgraduate Scholarships Office, University of Cape Town, Otto Beit
Building, Rondebosch, 7701. Telephone 021/ 650 2206.
Applications for most bursaries and loans should be lodged with the
Postgraduate Scholarships Office.
Please check the deadlines for
submission of application forms. They are often earlier than might be
expected. You can submit your application before you have been accepted
for any course.