FACULTY OF THE HUMANITIES
Department of Psychology
GUIDE FOR
PSYCHOLOGY STUDENTS
2012
WELCOME
The Department of Psychology is one of the largest departments at the University of the Free State
(UFS) with students from the Faculties of the Humanities, Economic and Management Sciences,
Health Sciences, Natural Sciences, Law, and Theology.
The Department aims at enhancing Psychology as an academic discipline and profession. The
Department offers high-quality teaching that prepares students for the demands of the South African
society. Furthermore, the Department does relevant research that contributes to enhancing
Psychology as science. Lastly, the Department is involved in various community initiatives in the
form of service and learning in and with the community.
ADMISSION REQUIREMENTS
Students who comply with the general admission requirements of the UFS can enrol for
undergraduate modules in Psychology. No particular Grade 12-subjects are required for studying
Psychology.
Students who are interested in furthering their studies in Psychology can enrol for any undergraduate
programme (e.g. BSocSc, BSc, BA), with Psychology as major. Students majoring in Psychology are
advised to compile their learning programme in such a way (with additional majors and electives)
that they can gain entry into other professions and opportunities such as Occupational Psychology,
Communication Science, Education, and Biological Sciences.
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UNDERGRADUATE MODULES 2012
On the successful completion of this programme, students should be able to:
•
communicate effectively by applying the theoretical discourse of psychology as science;
•
contribute to the full personal development and psychological wellbeing of others by applying
the theoretical foundation of positive psychology and understandings of human resilience.
•
explain the nature and basic functioning of various physiological systems of the human body
and describe the influence of these systems on human behaviour;
•
identify and analyse the nature, description, and classification of psychopathology as field of
study;
•
distinguish between the different paradigms and theories on personality development and
behaviour that have contributed to existing Western as well as African and Eastern corpora of
knowledge on psychology;
•
discuss the study of normal human development from conception to adolescence with specific
reference to physical, cognitive, personality, and social development;
•
describe the principles underlying psychological counselling and utilize critical and creative
thought in applying a therapeutical model and therapeutic techniques to a particular therapeutic
scenario;
•
demonstrate an understanding of the world as a series of related systems by applying basic
socio-psychological notions on interpersonal interactions and relationships within the SouthAfrican context and by discussing how certain psychosocial characteristics play a role in the
development and maintenance of healthy personal relationships; and
•
gather, analyse, organise, and critically evaluate information by using the basic concepts of
research methodology as applied to social and behavioural sciences.
All of the abovementioned outcomes have been established in professional ethics (as approved by
psychologists all over the world) and contextualised for a multicultural South-African context.
Various modules are presented on undergraduate level. Students taking Psychology as major have to
take all modules.
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FIRST YEAR
CODE
PSY112
PSY152
PSY124
NAME OF MODULE
Introduction to Psychology: This module aims at exposing students to a
basic introduction to psychology as science.
Positive Psychology: This module aims at assisting students to understand
human resilience in the midst of adversary and to be able to contribute to
enhancing the psychological wellbeing of people with whom they are
interacting. The further aim is to provide students with a firm theoretical
grounding in positive psychology.
The physiological basis of behaviour: The aim of this module is to provide
students with a basic introduction to the physiological psychology and to
introduce them to it.
CREDITS
8
8
16
SECOND YEAR
CODE
PSY212
PSY232
PSY224
NAME OF MODULE
Psychopathology: The aim of this module is to introduce students to the
basic theoretical knowledge of the nature, description, and classification of
conditions within the study of abnormal psychology.
Personality Psychology: The aim of the module is to introduce students to
the different paradigms and theories concerning personality development and
behaviour that have contributed to the existing Western as well as African and
Eastern corpus of knowledge on psychology.
Development Psychology: The aim of this module is to introduce students to
the study of normal human development, from conception to adolescence.
The various domains of development (physical, cognitive, personality, and
social) are covered, as well as important theories and controversies related to
it. The module is concluded with a study on the factors concerning risk and
resilience in children. Students will be required to apply their knowledge to
case studies.
CREDITS
8
8
16
3
THIRD YEAR
CODE
PSY312
PSY332
PSY324
NAME OF MODULE
Social Psychology: The aim of the module is to help students understand the
importance of personal relationships for overall functioning and wellbeing
and the role played by particular psychosocial characteristics in the
development and maintenance of healthy personal relationships. In particular,
the module attends to the application of basic concepts in sociopsychology in
interpersonal interactions and relationships within the South-African context.
Therapeutic Intervention: The aim of this module is to equip students with
the skill for effectively helping clients by
•
clarifying the key issues requiring change,
•
determining their needs and desires,
•
help them discover how to realise their needs and desires; and
•
help them to make all of this happen.
Research Methodology: The aim of this module is to provide a general
introduction to research methodology in social and behavioural sciences. One
can identify three main components in the execution of any research project
in these sciences, i.e.
• planning or designing a project where information is gathered for
investigating particular research problems,
• gathering this information according to the design; and
• analysing the information that was gathered.
CREDITS
8
8
16
The module deals with basic descriptive statistics and graphs for facilitating
the analysis and summary of data.
A study of inferential statistical methods is done to analyse the data that have
been gathered according to the research design and that include a singleindependent variable. The statistical principles underlying these methods are
explained so that students can select the relevant method and correctly
interpret the results that have been obtained.
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HONOURS PROGRAMME
The honours programme of the Department of Psychology offers students the opportunity to deepen
their theoretical insight into Psychology as discipline, to execute a research project, as well as to be
exposed in practice to activities in community involvement and service learning.
The honours programme has been approved by the Professional Board for Psychology, which means
that students are offered the opportunity (on completion of the SIL600 internship) of articulating to a
BPsig and (on successful completion of the National Board Examination) to register as
counsellors/psychometrists. The honours programme offers entry into further postgraduate training in
professional psychology (Magister in Applied Psychology) and academic psychology (Magister in
Research)
The programme extends over one year for full-time students and two years for part-time students. If
they choose, students may use more than two years for completing their studies.
Some modules are offered during the day and some in the evening. Day and evening modules rotate
annually. Full-time students are expected to attend both day and evening classes. Part-time students
are accommodated in the evenings.
Most modules entail one two-hour contact session per week. For some modules, practical
opportunities and service-learning activities are scheduled. The relevant lecturer will provide
guidelines for or an exposition of the module at the start of each module.
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Selection Criteria
A degree with Psychology as major is a prerequisite for admission to the honours programme.
Academic performance in the undergraduate psychology modules will be the main selection criterion.
Seeing that a limited number of students can be accommodated annually (approximately 40 students),
only the best candidates will be selected.
Selection Process
Prospective students have to complete an application form. The closing date for application is the end
of September. Written confirmation of the result will be provided to prospective students by the end
of October, subject to the final marks of applicants’ November exam complying with the selection
requirements.
Send the completed application to: Dr L. Naudé, Department of Psychology, University of the
Free State, PO Box 229, Bloemfontein, 9300.
Students from other universities are welcome to apply for the honours programme in Psychology at
the UFS. However, it is the responsibility of each student to familiarise her/himself with the
knowledge in the undergraduate modules at the UFS. During the honours programme in Psychology,
the knowledge acquired in the undergraduate modules will serve as point of departure.
Note: All intakes of new students occur at the beginning of the academic year. There is no
intake in the second semester.
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On completion of this qualification (and the subsequent internship), students will be able to register
as psychometrists/counsellors with the Professional Board for Psychology. If students comply with
the regulations of the Professional Board for Psychology, they will be qualified to perform
formalised, structured, and short-term interventions on primary therapeutic and preventative levels in
all fields of psychology.
This entails:
• the management of sub-elements of intervention programmes over a wide spectrum of human
challenges;
• the design of sub-elements of intervention programmes and processes;
• the execution of less intensive, more formalised, and routinised interventions;
• functioning in practice within the guidelines of individual statutory control;
• self-employment as registered psychometrist/counsellor; and
• rendering counselling services to employees in organisations such as government departments.
Students will be able to:
• perform psychological assessments of individuals, groups or communities, which include the
following
o the general screening of psychological functions such as scholastic ability, aptitude, interest,
personality profile, group functioning, organisational functioning, and community
functioning; and
o the identification of symptoms for referral to other professionals in the aid professions;
• perform psychological interventions regarding the human life span, as well as crises, in
communities and organisations, including the following:
o basic short-term and supportive counselling,
o basic psycho-education and training; and
o enhancing primary psychosocial wellbeing;
• utilise professional networks for referrals to other professionals in health care professions, e.g.
general practitioners and social workers;
• doing research of a limited scope and implementing findings;
• consult with clients on an ethically acceptable way and within the boundaries determined by the
Professional Council for Psychology in relevant policy and standards;
• identify psychological needs and implement and manage relevant projects in the health
environment; and
• manage a private practice for psychology counselling as far as its financial, administrative,
ethical, and service-delivery functions are concerned.
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YEAR MODULES
CODE
SIL604
SIL608
NAME OF MODULE
Community Psychology: The aim of this module is equipping students
with the theoretical support and analytic skills for community
psychology so that they can plan, execute, and evaluate a psychosocial
intervention for specific contemporary psychosocial issues.
Research Report: The aim of this module is providing students with
knowledge for understanding the underlying principles of research.
Students will further be equipped with practical skill and methodological
resources effectively to plan, execute, and report on the research process.
CREDITS
16
32
FIRST-SEMESTER MODULES
CODE
SIL614
SIL654
NAME OF MODULE
Development Psychology: The aim of this module is to equip students
with a thorough understanding of normal human development throughout
the life span. This includes: knowledge of development issues and
theories, a thorough knowledge of the different areas in development,
studying the different life phases from birth to death, skills to integrate
the above and to apply it to case studies.
Therapeutic Intervention and Ethics: The aim of this module is to
introduce students to Egan’s therapeutic model, as well as training them
theoretically in the acquisition of the necessary basic and advanced skill
to apply this model.
Furthermore, students will be introduced to and sensitised concerning the
ethical aspects of professional psychological practice by exposure to the
legal, ethical, and practical knowledge on professional conduct within a
multidisciplinary context.
CREDITS
16
16
8
SIL674
Clinical Health Psychology: The aim of this module is introducing to
and theoretically training students in a biopsychosocial understanding of
and basic clinical approach to health and disease. This understanding is
rooted in the basic theoretical principles of physiological and biological
psychology and is conceptualised against the background of a more
holistic psychosocial dimension of human functioning. The aims is thus
to sensitise and train students theoretically as well as on an applied level
on the biological, psychological, and social mechanisms and interactions
involved in human health and disease. In particular, the aim is the
establishment and development of students’ ability to demonstrate a
sound theoretical understanding of the following: the role of psychology
in medical health, especially physical health and disease; complementary
and alternative medicine; the meaning, impact, and sources of stress; the
psychosocial determiners of stress; the influence of stress on health;
psychophysical disorders; stress and cardiovascular diseases; handling
and reducing stress; eating patterns and weight; the nature and symptoms
of pain, and the management and control of physical pain.
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SECOND-SEMESTER MODULES
CODE
SIL644
SIL664
NAME OF MODULE
Psychological Assessment: The aim of this module is to equip the
student with advance knowledge of and skill in the ethical and
professional conducting, value allocation, and limited interpretation of
selected psychological measuring instruments. The following assessment
domains are covered: visual motor integration, intelligence, interest,
aptitude, and personality.
Psychopathology: The aim of this module is to introduce students to
psychopathology. It also offers students theoretical skill for an
integrating understanding of and theoretical approach to
psychopathology. The aim is thus to sensitise and train students on both
theoretical and applied level concerning the biological, psychological,
and social mechanisms and interactions involved in the development,
clinical description, cause, and treatment of various psychological
disorders during childhood (including adolescence) and adulthood.
Special attention is given to the following dimensions related to
psychological/psychiatric diseases: assessment and clinical diagnosis,
clinical descriptions (markers and features of the terrain), subtypes and
diagnostic criteria according to DSM, prevalence and statistics of these
conditions (epidemiology), theories and causes (aetiology), treatment,
and applied or clinical cases studies as illustrative examples.
CREDITS
16
16
9
Students who are interested in registering as psychometrists/counsellors with the Health Professions
Council of South Africa (HPCSA) can apply for BPsig equivalence on completion of the UFS’s
honours programme in Psychology. Selected students will be allowed to complete SIL600, an
internship. This module entails approved practical work under the supervision of a registered
psychologist with relevant training and experience in the particular field of practice.
The aim of the module is to prepare students for professional practice as a registered
psychometrist/counsellor and to provide students with the required practical training (six months full
time/720 hours part time) and skill in the relevant field of practice in order to be able to register with
the HPCSA as psychometrist/counsellor.
On successful completion of the module, students will be able to demonstrate:
instrumental knowledge and skill relevant to the field of registration in which they will practice (as
specified by HPCSA);
communication and interpersonal skill relevant to the field of registration in which they will
practice (as specified by HPCSA);
skill in managing contingencies relevant to the field of registration in which they will practice (as
specified by HPCSA); and en
skill in ethics, practice management, and referral relevant to the field of registration in which they
will practice (as specified by HPCSA).
On successful completion of the module, students will be allowed to apply for the National Board
Examination of the Professional Board for Psychology.
Seeing that a limited number of students can be accommodated every year, only top candidates will
be selected. Prospective students should consult with the module coordinator (051-4012187) before
they make any arrangements concerning the practical hours. Students who are interested in BPsig
(Industrial Psychology) should make an appointment with the Department of Industrial Psychology.
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APPLIED MAGISTER PROGRAMME
!
This programme entails a professional qualification leading to registration as a psychologist (clinical,
counselling, and educational) with the Professional Board for Psychology (Health Professions
Council of South Africa).
The degree requires two years of full-time study, entailing professional training as well as the
submission of a mini-dissertation. During the first year of study, students are attached to the
Department of Psychology at the UFS full time. The training in the three categories for which one
can register is fully integrated. The only difference is the accreditation of the registration category of
the particular internship organisation at which students do the second year of study. The theoretical
training in the first year of study entails a wide spectrum of therapeutic, assessment, diagnostic, and
community-intervention strategies and knowledge. Students offer therapeutic services to the public in
three practices specialising in the assessment, intervention, and development of children, adolescents,
and adults respectively. The second year entails and internship with placement, amongst others, at the
Psychiatric Complex of the Free State (clinical), Student Counselling Services at the UFS
(counselling and educational), as well as the Unit for Professional Training and Service in the
Behavioural Sciences (counselling). The internship training during the second year entails
psychometric assessment, therapeutic intervention, as well as professional and ethical conduct.
Selection process for the applied magister in Psychology
Because of the limited number of internships available, prospective students are subjected to a
selection process.
Contact person: Ms. Sandri Burger, Department of Psychology, UFS, PO Box 339, Bloemfontein,
9300.
"
On successful completion of this programme, students should be able to
• demonstrate skill in interview assessment and psychometric assessment by completing diagnostic
interviews and assessment batteries accurately;
• use efficient individual, group, and community interventions based on empirical principles, as
well as to demonstrate the ability to document the run of their interventions in clear process notes;
• implement referrals and interventions for a wide range of patient populations under the
supervision of a senior psychologist in a competent and independent manner;
• submit six written examples of assignments (portfolios) in which the formulation of a treatment
case and a treatment plan is proposed, indicating an empirically based and interdisciplinary,
culturally competent approach to treatment;
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•
•
•
demonstrate skill in an empirical approach to clinical practice as represented in the presentation
of cases; this will entail the demonstration of knowledge concerning the pertinent research
literature, the assessment of critical ideographic and cultural data, and the integration of data in a
workable treatment plan;
demonstrate awareness of the ethical issues and relevant ethical behaviour in their clinical
activities; and
complete one research study consisting of a written product (mini-dissertation or article in an
accredited journal) in which the supervisor is a co-author.
YEAR MODULES
CODE
SKL/SLV/PSE701
Paper 1
SKL/SLV/PSE701
Paper 2
SKL/SLV/PSE701
Paper 3
SKL/SLV/PSE701
Paper 4
SKL/SLV/PSE701
Paper 5
SKL/SLV/PSE791
NAME OF MODULE
Psychodiagnostics: The aim of this module is to equip students
with theoretical and practical skill in child, adolescent, and adult
pathology. The module focuses on biological, psychological,
and social mechanisms and interactions involved in the
development, causes, and clinical description of psychological
disorders.
Conducting a Practice: The aim of this module is
• to equip students to function independently as professional
psychologists in contexts differing from private practices to
positions in the private and public sectors; and
• to equip students to comply with the professional guidelines
stipulated for professional practice by the Professional
Board for Psychology.
Child Assessment and Intervention: The aim of this module is
the acquisition of thorough theoretical knowledge as well as
practical skill concerning interventions for children.
Adolescence Assessment and Intervention: The aim of this
module is to equip students with the necessary skill to manage
adolescence practice successfully. During the module, topics
such as conceptualising a client, the therapeutic process,
different therapeutic frameworks and techniques, assessment,
ethics, and themes that usually appear during adolescence will
be discussed in depth.
Adult Assessment and Intervention: The aim of this module is
to provide the student with a thorough theoretical base for adult
human functioning regarding the processes and principles of
development, psychopathology, assessment, and psychotherapy.
Extended mini-dissertation/Publishable Article: The aim of
this module is to equip postgraduate students with applied
research skill.
CREDITS
24
24
24
24
24
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POSTGRADUATE RESEARCH
Students interested in furthering their studies in research can complete a magister dissertation or a
doctoral thesis in Psychology. The admission requirements for these two qualifications are set out in
full in the Guide for Postgraduate Students on the department’s web page (www.ufs.ac.za/psy). The
Department may also set additional admission requirements for students who have interrupted their
studies for longer than four years. These additional admission requirements may include, amongst
others, an admission exam on a prescribed reading list.
YEAR MODULES
CODE
SIL700 / 705
SIL900 / 905
NAME OF MODULE
Magister Dissertation/Two Publishable Articles: The aim of
this module (SIL700 & 705) is to offer students on magister
level the opportunity to further their studies in research-based
psychology with the specific aim of compiling, developing, and
reporting in a field of expertise in psychology by means of
either a dissertation (SIL700) or at least two related publishable
articles (SIL705/712). The module equips magister students
with expert research knowledge and applied research skill to
involve them in research practice and to enable them to critique
it.
Doctoral Dissertation/Five Publishable Articles The aim of
this module (SIL900 & 905) is to offer postgraduate students at
doctoral level the opportunity to further their studies in researchbased psychology with the specific aim of compiling,
developing, and reporting in a field of expertise in psychology
by means of either a dissertation (SIL900) or at least two related
publishable articles (SIL905). The module equips magister
students with expert research knowledge and applied research
skill to involve them in research practice and to enable them to
critique it.
CREDITS
180
360
13
PHD IN CHILD PSYCHOLOGY
This three-year qualification offers registered psychologists the opportunity for deepening their
theoretical expertise. The first two years entail three contact sessions of one week each, as well as
assignments and seminars. During the third year of study, students complete a mini-thesis. Only
persons with at least five years of practical experience and a minimum of 65% at magister level will
be considered for selection interviews.
YEAR MODULES
CODE
SIL901/902/903
SIL991/993
NAME OF MODULE
PhD (Child Psychology):
The doctorate in child psychology entails a number of modules
over a period of three years, as well as a thesis or three
publishable articles. The overarching goal is the enhancement of
knowledge and expertise in child psychology as discipline.
The particular goals are:
• to gain advanced scientific and theoretical knowledge in the
various disciplines in child psychology; and
• to make a contribution to the corpus of knowledge in a
particular area of child psychology in the form of a
dissertation or three publishable articles.
Thesis/Three Publishable Articles: The doctorate in child
psychology entails a number of modules over a period of three
years (SIL901, SIL902, and SIL903). A research module has
been incorporated into this course and consists of a dissertation
of limited scope (SIL991) or three publishable articles (SIL993).
The aims of this research module are:
• to gain advanced expert knowledge and applied research
skill; and
• to contribute to the corpus of knowledge in a particular area
of child psychology.
CREDITS
180
180
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POSTDOCTORAL STUDIES
If you are interested in postdoctoral studies, please feel free to make an appointment with the Head of
the Department of Psychology, who will look at your proposal with you and provide you with further
guidance in this regard.
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GENERAL POLICY AND PROCEDURES
The General Regulations of the UFS is available at the UFS’s web site at www.ufs.ac.za. Other
important information regarding assessment procedures and general rules concerning study at the
UFS is available at http://studentportal.uovs.ac.za/documents/13/2012/2012_Prospectus_Afr.pdf.
1.
2.
3.
4.
5.
The UFS has NO regulation according to which students need NOT attend classes – therefore,
100% class attendance is expected. Class attendance also applies to other contact sessions
such as tutorials, practicals, academic facilitation sessions, group work, etc.
It is necessary for students to comply with all the requirements for a particular module (as
provided in the study guide). If a student, therefore, misses an assessment opportunity (e.g. a
class test) because he/she has been absent, the lecturer is under no obligation to repeat the
assessment opportunity, and the student will merely forfeit those marks. If a student does not
comply with predicate/module mark requirements, he/she may be refused admission to the
examination.
Practical arrangements, for example adjustments of test dates or assignments, may often be
discussed during lecture times. Students who fail to make sure of information disseminated
during class time risk being unaware of important information. Students will not be excused
from any activities or requirements because of ignorance through not attending classes. No
exceptions will be made for students who do not take responsibility to obtain the correct
information.
Time table clashes will not be accepted as a valid reason for non-attendance. It is the
students’ responsibility to ensure, at registration, that no time table clashes will occur.
Class tests, oral assessments, writing short reports, etc. may take place during class
times without prior notice. Students who are absent from these classes without valid
reasons will forfeit the marks related to those particular assessments.
Tests – undergraduate modules: For each module, three assessment opportunities are scheduled. To
obtain a semester mark, students are required to take part in two of these opportunities. Students are
strongly advised to make use of the first two opportunities. No medical certificates are required.
If a student chooses to complete his/her examination paper/computer sheet in pencil and/or
make use of “tippex”, NO corrections/queries will be accepted after the paper has been given
back to the student.
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Assignments: Assignments have to be submitted on the due date indicated in the module guide.
Marks will be deducted for late submission (5% per day – only up to five days). Assignments
submitted after five days (inclusive of working days and weekends) will not be accepted.
Reassessment of answer sheets: As part of the Department’s quality assurance mechanisms, the
assessment of tests is rigorously controlled. However, students remain responsible for ensuring that
answer sheets have been assessed correctly and that marks have been added correctly. Students can
submit requests for reassessments or corrections within one week of the results being made available.
After this week, no more enquiries concerning the correction of marks will be taken up. Queries with
regards to marks are only to be directed to the module coordinator.
Important general information
• There is no promotion in any of the Psychology modules.
• Thorough preparation for tests is of great importance because the Department allows no
additional tests.
• Students writing tests when they are not feeling well do so at their own risk and may not request
an additional test.
• Other tests scheduled for the same day will not constitute an excuse for a lack of preparation time.
• Students who do not take part in all of the assessment opportunities (tests, assignments, and the
exam) will receive an ‘incomplete’ for the module. This means that the student will have to repeat
the entire module.
• No enquiries concerning results will be handled telephonically. All information will appear on the
notice boards.
The Department of Psychology is proud of the pleasant understanding that has been built between
personnel and students over years. Therefore, we invite all students who experience problems with
any aspect of their learning to discuss the matter with us. If you do experience problems, please
follow the following procedure:
Step 1: Discuss the problem with the lecturer offering the module.
Step 2: Discuss the matter with the coordinator or moderator of the module.
Step 3: The Programme Director will see students who have followed the abovementioned channels
and who have still not reached a satisfactory solution.
Step 4: If the matter has still not been solved in a satisfactory manner, the student is welcome to see
the Head of Department and thereafter the Dean of the Faculty.
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IN CONCLUSION
The personnel of the Department of Psychology cordially welcome you to the Department and wish
you well with your studies.
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