Honours in Psychology,2014

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

Enquiries may be directed to Ms Rosalind Adams (021 650 3417) ([email protected]) 2

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. 3

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. 4

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. 5

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.