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SOUTH AFRICAN QUALIFICATIONS AUTHORITY 
REGISTERED QUALIFICATION: 

Master of Health Sciences in Research Psychology 
SAQA QUAL ID QUALIFICATION TITLE
112898  Master of Health Sciences in Research Psychology 
ORIGINATOR
North West University 
PRIMARY OR DELEGATED QUALITY ASSURANCE FUNCTIONARY NQF SUB-FRAMEWORK
-   HEQSF - Higher Education Qualifications Sub-framework 
QUALIFICATION TYPE FIELD SUBFIELD
Master's Degree  Field 09 - Health Sciences and Social Services  Promotive Health and Developmental Services 
ABET BAND MINIMUM CREDITS PRE-2009 NQF LEVEL NQF LEVEL QUAL CLASS
Undefined  200  Not Applicable  NQF Level 09  Regular-Provider-ELOAC 
REGISTRATION STATUS SAQA DECISION NUMBER REGISTRATION START DATE REGISTRATION END DATE
Registered-data under construction  EXCO 0324/24  2024-07-01  2027-06-30 
LAST DATE FOR ENROLMENT LAST DATE FOR ACHIEVEMENT
2028-06-30   2031-06-30  

Registered-data under construction

The qualification content is currently being updated for the qualifications with the status “Registered-data under construction” or showing “DETAILS UNDER CONSTRUCTION” to ensure compliance with SAQA’S Policy and Criteria for the registration of qualifications and part-qualifications on the National Qualifications Framework (NQF) (As amended, 2022). These qualifications are re-registered until 30 June 2027 and can legitimately be offered by the institutions to which they are registered.

 

In all of the tables in this document, both the pre-2009 NQF Level and the NQF Level is shown. In the text (purpose statements, qualification rules, etc), any references to NQF Levels are to the pre-2009 levels unless specifically stated otherwise.  

PURPOSE AND RATIONALE OF THE QUALIFICATION 
Purpose:
The primary purpose of the qualification is to educate and train researchers who contribute to the development of knowledge in the field of research psychology at an advanced level. The qualification trains learners critically to reflect on the praxis of research psychology. They learn to systematically and creatively deal with, design and critically appraise research. Learners also make sound judgement using data and information at their disposal and communicate their conclusions clearly to specialist and non-specialist audiences. Through this qualification learners become independent researchers conducting specialised and advanced research in the field of Psychology. The qualification is a prerequisite for registration as Research Psychologist at the Health Professions Council of South Africa (HPCSA). Furthermore, the qualification equips learners to apply educational knowledge, skills, principles and methods in evaluating the soundness of documented research independently and perform meaningful research in the field of Psychology. Completion of the qualification provides opportunities for employment at research organisations, universities, or as independent research consultants.

Rationale:
This is first, a professional qualification, a prerequisite for registration as an intern and eventually as a Research Psychologist at the Health Professions Council of South Africa (HPCSA). It is, therefore, necessary to develop this qualification to provide opportunities for honours learners in related qualifications to gain the necessary skills to register at the HPCSA and practice as Research Psychologists. Furthermore, there is a wide skills gap and workforce need in South Africa in the field of research psychology. This shortage creates several career possibilities in the field of research psychology in research organisations and universities. The curriculum of this qualification takes the skills gap in South Africa into cognisance. In the field of Psychology, it is of great importance that continuing action research and the results of such studies inform practice. Completion of this qualification empowers learners with the necessary methodological knowledge, research skills and applied competence in the field of study. These provide opportunities for continued personal growth, academic progress towards the completion of a PhD, gainful economic activity and rewarding contributions to society. This curriculum prepares the learner for further post-graduate studies in Psychology. 

LEARNING ASSUMED TO BE IN PLACE AND RECOGNITION OF PRIOR LEARNING 
Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL):
Where applicants do not meet the minimum admission requirements, RPL may be used to grant access to the qualification. The application of RPL is according to the Recognition of prior learning, credit accumulation and transfer, and assessment (CHE 2016) and the institution's RPL policy.
  • The Faculty of Health Sciences ensures the implementation of quality assurance processes in the RPL process (including applications, assessment, and reporting and management systems). It also ensures that administrative and support systems, both before and after RPL assessment, are in place.
  • Learner s' assessment is against NQF Level 8 competencies.

    Entry Requirements:
    The minimum entry requirement for this qualification is:
  • Bachelor of Science Honours in Psychology, NQF Level 8. 
    		•

    RECOGNISE PREVIOUS LEARNING? 
    Y 

    QUALIFICATION RULES 
    This qualification consists of the following compulsory modules at NQF Level 9 totalling 200 Credits:
    Compulsory Modules, 120 Credits:
  • Mini-dissertation: Research Psychology, 100 Credits.
  • Critical Research Skills, 16 Credits.
  • Quantitative Research Methods, 16 Credits.
  • Qualitative Research Methods, 16 Credits.
  • Project Management, 16 Credits.
  • Psychometrics and Applied Psychological Assessment, 16 Credits.
  • Community Psychology, 10 Credits.
  • Cognitive Psychology, 10 Credits. 
    		•

    EXIT LEVEL OUTCOMES 
    1. Engage with and critique current research or practice in the field of Psychology.
    2. Analyse, evaluate and then choose appropriate enquiry methods for researching Psychology.
    3. Demonstrate critical knowledge and understanding of the ethical and legal considerations applicable to research and the consequences of interventions on an individual, group and organisational level.
    4. Demonstrate advanced, systematic and specialist knowledge to research individual, community and interdisciplinary level by applying appropriate quantitative and qualitative research methods and techniques to identify, analyse, formulate and solve complex research problem(s) in the domain of psychology.
    5. Apply advanced strategies to obtain, analyse and evaluate applicable information for its relevance and validity.
    6. Undertake scientific interpretation of research results and integration of and critical reflection on, findings.
    7. Utilise appropriate technology (computer, e-mail, fax, psychometric tests) effectively in the Research Psychology environment (technological and environmental literacy).
    8. Explore different effective learning strategies to acquire the different capabilities of a practitioner in the field of Research Psychology.
    9. Promote responsible citizenship through their approach towards the holistic application of research skills in the field of Psychology. 

    ASSOCIATED ASSESSMENT CRITERIA 
    Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome:
    The following associated assessment criteria apply across all Exit Level Outcomes:
  • Plan and undertake ethical research in the field of psychology.
  • Distinguish different qualitative and quantitative approaches which are appropriate for answering specific research questions.
  • Apply different research designs associated with qualitative research.
  • Apply quantitative research processes such as sampling, validity and reliability, questionnaire design, experimental designs, data analysis techniques and packages to research in the field of psychology.
  • Plan and research limited scope by using appropriate research methods aligned with the ontological and epistemological assumptions applicable to psychological research phenomenon.
  • Write a logically and integrated scientific report in which applicable psychological explanations that integrate with research findings.
  • Conduct independent inquiry in a specialised field of psychology, training or development and report their findings in academically appropriate ways.

    Integrated Assessment:
    Formative assessment includes projects, assignments, case studies and tests during the year in the modules. In some modules, formative assessment covers portfolios, practical evaluations and a research proposal.

    Learners write a summative and integrated exam (written and practical) and submit a mini-dissertation on discrete research. The research is conducted under supervision at the end of the year for summative assessment. 
    		•

    INTERNATIONAL COMPARABILITY 
    1.
  • Country: Australia.
  • Institution: University of Southern Queensland.
  • Qualification Title: Master of Science (Psychology Research).

    This qualification is comparable to the Master of Science (Psychology Research) offered by the above country in terms of the following:
  • Both qualifications share similar aims with particular focus on providing learners with the opportunity to undertake enhanced and intensive research training and professional practices within the psychology research field. Both qualifications share a strong emphasis on professional training flexibility matched with research training. The curriculum of both qualifications has a mix of coursework and a strong research component. While the Master of Science (Research) is not accredited by the Australian Psychological Society, this qualification is a prerequisite for registration as Research Psychologist at the Health Professions Council of South Africa (HPCSA). Both qualifications allow progress in the psychology research career as graduates can go on to further their studies in their respective psychology research area at the doctoral level.
  • Both qualifications compare favourably despite the difference in the accreditation status by professional bodies. However, this qualification is unique by its status as a prerequisite for registration as Research Psychologist at HPCSA and by its special focus on contextually relevant research.

    2.
  • Country: England.
  • Institution: University of Oxford.
  • Qualification Title: Master of Science in Psychological Research.

    This qualification is similar to the qualification offered by the above country in terms of the following:
  • They are both taught master's qualifications. That is, they both have coursework and a strong research component. However, the MSc in Psychological Research offered by the University of Oxford is a one-year full-time course while this Master of Health Sciences in Research Psychology is a two-year full-time degree. Both qualifications articulate to doctoral studies in related fields. Both qualifications require a Bachelor Honours Degree in Psychology or related discipline for admissions into the qualification. However, what is unique in the Master of Health Sciences in Research Psychology is its strong focus on the South African context. 
    		•

    ARTICULATION OPTIONS 
    This qualification allows possibilities for both vertical and horizontal articulation.

    Horizontal Articulation:
  • Master of Science in Counselling Psychology, NQF Level 9.
  • Master of Social Science in Research Psychology, NQF Level 9.

    Vertical Articulation:
  • Doctor of Philosophy in Health Sciences, NQF Level 10.
  • Doctor of Philosophy in Psychology, NQF Level 10. 
    		•

    MODERATION OPTIONS 
    N/A 

    CRITERIA FOR THE REGISTRATION OF ASSESSORS 
    N/A 

    NOTES 
    N/A 

    LEARNING PROGRAMMES RECORDED AGAINST THIS QUALIFICATION: 
     
    NONE 


    PROVIDERS CURRENTLY ACCREDITED TO OFFER THIS QUALIFICATION: 
    This information shows the current accreditations (i.e. those not past their accreditation end dates), and is the most complete record available to SAQA as of today. Some Primary or Delegated Quality Assurance Functionaries have a lag in their recording systems for provider accreditation, in turn leading to a lag in notifying SAQA of all the providers that they have accredited to offer qualifications and unit standards, as well as any extensions to accreditation end dates. The relevant Primary or Delegated Quality Assurance Functionary should be notified if a record appears to be missing from here.
     
    NONE 


    All qualifications and part qualifications registered on the National Qualifications Framework are public property. Thus the only payment that can be made for them is for service and reproduction. It is illegal to sell this material for profit. If the material is reproduced or quoted, the South African Qualifications Authority (SAQA) should be acknowledged as the source.