Bachelor of Psychology (accredited)

Introduction

The Bachelor of Psychology is a professional degree (SAQA NQF Level 7) that may lead to registration as a registered counsellor upon successful completion. This degree is meant for B-degree graduates who majored in psychology who are interested in furthering their counselling skills, and includes thorough theoretical training in child and adult psychopathology, community psychology, trauma counselling, psychological assessment, pastoral counselling and counselling. It also includes practical training in research skills and counselling techniques. This qualification focuses on general counselling, pastoral counselling, trauma counselling and community psychology.

B Psych selection takes place in September/October each year and registration takes place in January of the study year.   There are a limited number of places available in this programme each year and selected students who do not register, cancel or fail two or more subjects must reapply should they wish to continue in the following study year.

 

Exposition

FIRST SEMESTER

SECOND SEMESTER

 Counselling A

 Counselling B

 Psychopathology A

 Psychopathology B

 Psychological Assessment A

 Psychological Assessment B

Community Psychology A

Community Psychology B

 Research Project A

 Research Project B

 Pastoral Counselling A

  Practice Management B

Trauma Counselling A

 Practicum B


INTERNSHIP (six-months)

 

Method of Tuition

Contact education: Courses are presented by means of contact sessions (eight block contact sessions), study notes and prescribed books.  Contact sessions are compulsory and the primary language of instruction is English.

 

Assessment

  • Assignments: Typed assignments for the different subjects have to be completed and submitted on specified dates. Assignments completed in each semester will constitute the semester mark. To gain admission to the June and October/November exams the student will have to obtain a semester mark of at least 40%.
  • Examinations: An examination for each semester course will be written in June and October/November respectively. Students will write examinations at specified examination venues. To pass an examination the student will have to have acquired at least 50%. The final mark consists of both the semester and the examination mark. Both the examination mark and the final mark have to be 50% or higher to pass a semester course.
  • Practical Work: Research skills will be assessed by means of a research project that must be proposed and implemented. Counselling skills will be assessed through the recording of counselling sessions and feedback given in supervision sessions.  An additional six-month, full-time internship must also be completed at approved institutions and under professional supervision.

 

Duration and Difficulty

The Bachelor of Psychology degree cannot be completed in less than twelve months and must be completed within a maximum of three years.  Prospective students must keep in mind that the qualification is time intensive and requires an estimated minimum of twenty-five study hours per week throughout each semester, as well as many hours of practical work.

Prerequisites for admission

  • BA degree in Psychology (obtained from the ICP) with a minimum average of 60% in the major Psychology (completed no more than 10 years ago) or
  • BA degree in Psychology (from any accredited institution in South Africa, completed no more than 10 years ago) + Postgraduate Bridging Course in Christian Psychology with a minimum average of 60% (from the ICP)

 

Selection process

Applicants will be interviewed face-to-face by a panel of psychologists, after which a group of students will be selected for the course.  Note: there are a limited number of places available in the programme.