Bachelor of Social Science Honours (Psychology) Degree

 SACAP’s Bachelor of Social Science Honours (Psychology) Degree is a dynamic programme that offers advanced levels of academic challenge and builds intellectual independence and research capacity in the principles and methodologies of psychology at a postgraduate level of study. This BSocSciHons (Psychology) degree has been specifically designed with SACAP’s unique emphasis on deepening knowledge, critical and analytical insight and practical competencies in psychology and the social sciences.

Is this course for me?

This degree is aimed at candidates who have completed a three-year undergraduate degree with psychology as a major. If you say yes to any of the following points, then the BSocSci Hons (Psychology) could be just the perfect fit for you.

Do you want a qualification that?

• Is delivered within a supportive, student-centred and community-orientated learning environment that intentionally promotes intrapersonal and interpersonal growth and development.
• Takes your undergraduate qualification to the next level.
• Adequately prepares you for a Master’s degree level of study in psychology.
• Comprehensively addresses psychology and the social sciences as well as relevant psychology theories, modalities and applications at an Honours level.
• Will give you both comprehensive theoretical and methodological understandings plus integrated counselling and interpersonal communication skills that you can use when working with individuals, groups and communities.
• Meaningfully engages South African realities with relevant psychological theories, methods and applications.

What will I learn?

Building on knowledge, skills, understanding and insights previously acquired in a cognate undergraduate programme, the purpose of the BSocSciHons (Psychology) is to provide focused teaching and learning with a view to:

• Enhancing high levels of theoretical engagement and intellectual autonomy that includes independent self-managed learning, conducting and reporting research under supervision.
• Providing in-depth exposure to psychotherapeutic intervention strategies.

• Examining and understanding abnormal patterns of behaviour.
• Improving an understanding of the social world in interpreting and analysing relevant psychological research data.

You will also develop knowledge, skill and insight into:

• Psychopathology and use of the DSM-V classification system.
• The application of psychotherapeutic models of intervention through exploration of different psychotherapeutic approaches and the use of psychotherapy.
• Psychological assessment, diagnosis, interpretation and intervention.
• Evaluating and applying best fit research design, methodology and analysis.
• Diversity, acceptance and inclusion as central tenets in psychology.
• Ethics along with a deep and critical understanding of the values that govern psychology.

What can I do with this qualification?

The BSocSciHons (Psychology) degree opens up avenues of employment in an extensive range of public and private sector enterprises including but not limited to community mental health, applied psychology, human resources, organizational development, industrial relations, education, research, and social development. Within these spheres you will be well equipped to:

• Work critically, analytically, ethically and systematically with a firm grasp of complex intrapersonal, interpersonal, socio-cultural, economic and political dynamics.
• Practically apply a range of psychological principles and theories to community mental health and other related contexts.
• Practice effective interpersonal counselling and communication skills in a range of environments with diverse individuals and groups for the purpose of empowerment and promotion of mental health.
• Participate in research design, analysis, implementation, monitoring and evaluation of programmes with a focus on empowerment in community contexts.

What further study pathways are open to me?

SACAP’s BSocSciHons (Psychology) provides an articulation pathway into a Master’s degree in psychology or a cognate field both locally and internationally, possibly with a view to a professional career as a Psychologist.