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SOUTH AFRICAN QUALIFICATIONS AUTHORITY 
REGISTERED QUALIFICATION: 

Master of Arts in Research Psychology 
SAQA QUAL ID QUALIFICATION TITLE
125422  Master of Arts in Research Psychology 
ORIGINATOR
University of South Africa 
PRIMARY OR DELEGATED QUALITY ASSURANCE FUNCTIONARY NQF SUB-FRAMEWORK
CHE - Council on Higher Education  HEQSF - Higher Education Qualifications Sub-framework 
QUALIFICATION TYPE FIELD SUBFIELD
Master's Degree  Field 07 - Human and Social Studies  General Social Science 
ABET BAND MINIMUM CREDITS PRE-2009 NQF LEVEL NQF LEVEL QUAL CLASS
Undefined  180  Not Applicable  NQF Level 09  Regular-Provider-ELOAC 
REGISTRATION STATUS SAQA DECISION NUMBER REGISTRATION START DATE REGISTRATION END DATE
Registered  EXCO 0638/26  2026-03-10  2029-03-10 
LAST DATE FOR ENROLMENT LAST DATE FOR ACHIEVEMENT
2030-03-10   2033-03-10  

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.  

This qualification does not replace any other qualification and is not replaced by any other qualification. 

PURPOSE AND RATIONALE OF THE QUALIFICATION 
The purpose of the Master of Arts in Research Psychology is to train learners to become specialist research psychology practitioners. This qualification will be offered to learners who have completed an Honours degree or a postgraduate qualification in Psychology. Furthermore, learners will be taught to be accountable by engaging them with the necessary knowledge, skills, and attitudes to conduct ethical, valid, reliable, and trustworthy research and contribute towards the National Development Plan of South Africa (NDP) through the provision of sustainable recommendations that speak to relevant elements within the NDP.

Relevant elements include but are not limited to poverty, inequality, racism, sexism, and qualification development, monitoring, and evaluation. Qualifying learners will be able to consult as independent psychosocial researchers, be equipped with the skills and knowledge required to launch their own research consultancy firms and become self-employed or be employable in non-governmental organisations, as well as government and corporate companies, to fulfil research functions within diverse industries.

The qualification will benefit learners by equipping them with knowledge, skills, and attitudinal behaviour that will render them employable over a diverse range of industries. The qualification will benefit society by producing learners who are sensitive to society's needs and equipped to investigate and address the needs responsibly.

The qualification will also cater to international learners who may contribute skills and knowledge to the local workforce upon completing their qualifications. This could also help address skills shortages, enhance the country's human capital, and enhance economic competitiveness. International learners may also provide networking opportunities from their respective countries, transfer skills through multilateral and diplomatic collaborations, and partnerships. The learners, therefore, will contribute to the economic development goals as envisaged in Africa's Agenda 2063 and the United Nations' Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).

Upon completion of the qualification, qualifying learners will be able to:
  • Demonstrate the ability to understand, evaluate, apply, and critique psychological theories in various contexts.
  • Demonstrate the ability to conduct independent research.
  • Plan, design, and conduct research using appropriate qualitative and quantitative research methods.
  • Design psychological assessment instruments for psychological research purposes.
  • Conduct literature reviews and compile scientifically structured research reports.
  • Evaluate research reports to make appropriate conclusions and sound judgments.

    Rationale:
    The Professional Board for Psychology indicated the need for Research Psychology professionals who will address the mental health needs of South Africa by conducting a broad range of research on topics and issues of relevance to the country, as well as the impact of technological advances in the development and use of psychological assessment measures in various contexts. Research psychology is the most under-represented registration category of psychologists with the Health Professions Council of South Africa (HPCSA).

    Research in Psychology is sidelined and underrated in South Africa. Research psychologists play a major role in the development of the discipline, the contextualisation of psychology as a science, and the informed development of psychological assessments and interventions. Therefore, the qualification will address needs within psychology by training learners to effectively implement traditional research methods, develop and implement innovative approaches to data collection and management, and accumulate skills to manage, monitor, and evaluate solutions based on psychosocial theories, psychosocial research, and contextualised knowledge.

    The qualification is aligned with the National Framework for Human Resources for Health in South Africa and the psychosocial needs of the South African population in diverse contexts. The qualification will further advance the NDP goals and SDGs by producing learners who are employable and skilled in conducting research and managing research-related projects. Learners will be equipped with the skill sets relevant to multi-sectoral industries and transdisciplinary research, and important for addressing diverse socio-economic issues. Additionally, the skills learnt from the qualification will aid in responding to the needs of different stakeholders such as individuals, communities, non-profit organisations, and government entities. Qualifying learners will operate in health, education, security, transport, commerce, financial services, market research, and related sectors to conduct psychological research and assessments.

    Learners who obtain this qualification will be able to articulate vertically to doctoral studies in Psychology. Additionally, learners will also be able to articulate horizontally and enrol for other psychology qualification specialisations at NQF level 9. 
    		•

    LEARNING ASSUMED TO BE IN PLACE AND RECOGNITION OF PRIOR LEARNING 
    Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL):
    The implementation of RPL is aligned with the institution's RPL policy, national higher education legislative and policy initiatives, viz., the National Coordination RPL Policy of the Department of Higher Education and Training and the National Policy and Criteria for the Implementation of Recognition of Prior Learning (Amended in March 2019). This will also be consulted in tandem with the institution's Tuition Policy, Assessment Policy, Admission Policy, Experiential Learning Policy, Open Distance Learning Policy, and the institution's Strategic Plan, 2016 -2030.

    RPL is intended to achieve lifelong learning by recognising informal, non-formal, and formal learning. The RPL in this qualification recognises prior learning and allocates credits to it.

    RPL for access:
  • RPL will be used to assist learners to gain access to the qualification in cases where learners do not meet the minimum 60% overall honours degree mark that is required to gain admission into the qualification. learners should have at least five years' relevant working experience in the study field they are applying for admission to a qualification.
  • To be considered for admission in the qualification based on RPL, applicants should provide evidence in the form of a portfolio that demonstrates that they have acquired the relevant knowledge, skills, and competencies through formal, non-formal, and/or informal learning to cope with the qualification expectations.
  • For the Master of Arts in Research Psychology qualification, in line with the institution's RPL Policy, only 10% of a cohort of learners may be allowed per year through an RPL for access process. This means that no more than 10% of the annual intake can enrol for RPL.

    RPL for credits:
  • Candidates who acquired previous learning will be credited and required to apply for RPL and/or transfer of credits.
  • Applications will be considered according to the institution's RPL policy. RPL will be assessed by the completion of portfolios of evidence to prove prior learning. Where deemed necessary, learners may also be required to produce a research publication as proof of previous learning.
  • The maximum number of credits that can be transferred or exempted is 50% of the credits of the qualification.
  • The research publication should be published in a DHET-accredited journal. Learners may also be required to complete a combination of formative and summative assessments.

    RPL for exemption of modules:
  • Learners may apply for RPL to be exempted from modules that form part of the qualification.
  • For a learner to be exempted from a module, the learner needs to provide sufficient evidence in the form of a portfolio that demonstrates that competency was achieved for the learning outcomes that are equivalent to the learning outcomes of the module.

    Entry Requirements:
  • Bachelor of Psychology Honours, NQF Level 8.
    Or
  • Bachelor of Arts Honours in Psychology, NQF Level 8.
    Or
  • Bachelor of Social Science Honours in Psychology, NQF Level 8.
    Or
  • Postgraduate Diploma in Psychology of Education, NQF Level 8. 
    		•

    RECOGNISE PREVIOUS LEARNING? 
    Y 

    QUALIFICATION RULES 
    This qualification consists of the following compulsory modules at the National Qualifications Framework Level 9, totalling 180 credits.

    Compulsory Modules, NQF Level 9, 180 Credits:
  • Research methods and designs for psychosocial research, 12 Credits.
  • Psychometric Practice and Design, 12 Credits.
  • Psychological Research Consultation in Practice, 12 Credits.
  • Ethics in Research and Practice, 12 Credits.
  • Research Skills Development, 12 Credits.
  • Work-integrated Learning, 60 Credits.
  • Mini-Dissertation Research Psychology, 60 Credits. 
    		•

    EXIT LEVEL OUTCOMES 
    1. Demonstrate the ability to understand, evaluate, apply, and critique psychological theories in various contexts.
    2. Demonstrate the ability to conduct independent research.
    3. Plan, design, and conduct research using appropriate qualitative and quantitative research methods.
    4. Design psychological assessment instruments for psychological research purposes.
    5. Conduct literature reviews and compile scientifically structured research reports.
    6. Evaluate research reports to make appropriate conclusions and sound judgments.
    7. Solve problems and generate solutions using evidence-based psychological research interventions.
    8. Appreciate the ethical issues associated with research and knowledge production in the discipline. 

    ASSOCIATED ASSESSMENT CRITERIA 
    Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 1:
  • Apply psychological theories within various contexts.
  • Describe complex psychological phenomena to show an in-depth and advanced understanding of psychological theory.
  • Use theories in different psychological scenarios and problems.

    Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 2:
  • Propose a research study using appropriate and coherent methodologies.
  • Design research and demonstrate originality in investigating identified issues.
  • Plan feasible and well-articulated research.
  • Propose research that demonstrates critical thinking and critical appraisal of the research conducted.

    Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 3:
  • Provide a clear rationale for the use of qualitative and quantitative research methods.
  • Incorporate a research design that demonstrates innovation and shows the potential to make a unique contribution to the subject matter.
  • Incorporate data collection designs that reflect authentic and innovative approaches to data collection, sensitive to the population's diverse needs.

    Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 4:
  • Discuss in-depth theoretical understanding of psychological assessment practices in psychology.
  • Design assessment instruments using psychometric theory and principles applicable to the intended context.
  • Administer, score, and interpret psychological assessments in various contexts.

    Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 5:
  • Use various databases to search for credible literature sources.
  • Provide a detailed rationale and motivation for the choice of literature cited for the proposed research.
  • Compile a research report that conforms to the scientific rigor and disciplinary standards.

    Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 6:
  • Choose and justify a suitable research design to address the research questions.
  • Apply critical thinking to assess logic and synergy between the research questions, objectives, methodology, theory, findings, and conclusions.
  • Develop a comprehensive checklist to evaluate a research report.

    Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 7:
  • Develop a problem-focused research design and systematically find a solution to an existing problem.
  • Design appropriate evidence-based and research intervention strategies to solve an existing problem.

    Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 8:
  • Critically appraise issues related to the validity, reliability, and trustworthiness of research designs.
  • Critically appraise ethical and legal issues in research to formulate arguments and reasoning.
  • Apply a research design that is ethically sound, sensitive to the context, and that does not infringe on the rights of the research participants.

    INTEGRATED ASSESSMENT:
    Assessment in this qualification, both formative and summative, will be conducted according to assessment and related Policies:
  • Formative and summative assessment:
    Assessment will be conducted by means of activities such as investigations, evaluative tasks, problem-solving activities, reflection journal entries, and self-evaluation. Competencies to be assessed include knowledge, comprehension, analysis, synthesis, evaluation, and application of guiding principles.

    Formative assessment:
  • Formative assessment is a process used by lecturers and learners during instruction that provides explicit feedback to adjust ongoing teaching and learning to improve learners' achievement of stated learning outcomes and goals. formative assessments will entail class tests, assignments, oral presentations, software applications, learning portfolios, peer evaluations, and group activities. Feedback will be provided in the form of tutorial letters. In addition, learners will be provided with access to electronic tutors/teaching staff who provide feedback and reflection opportunities within discussion forums. Formative assessments will contribute a minimum of 40% towards the final mark.

    Summative assessment:
  • Summative assessment refers to the final assessment of the learning, and the result summarises the performance of learners after a period of teaching. Summative assessments will take place in the form of a final module/subject examination or submission of a Portfolio of Evidence (PoE). The module/subject examination is a type of examination that involves assessing learners on all the learning that they have been exposed to throughout the semester or year in that module. Additionally, a PoE should provide a comprehensive and well-organised summary of all the activities and assessments (if applicable) that the learner has been exposed to throughout the semester or year. Summative assessments will contribute 60% toward the final mark achieved. 
    		•

    INTERNATIONAL COMPARABILITY 
    The South African (SA) qualification is comparable to similar international qualifications in terms of the curriculum structure, module offering, and career flexibility post-training. Similar to international qualifications, the SA qualification exposes learners to learning advanced research skills to make them employable in competitive work fields and venture into different career paths or industries. The qualification is comparable with similar qualifications offered by the following countries in terms of admission requirements, module offering/composition, credits and exit-level outcomes.

    Country: United Kingdom.
    Institution: Swansea University.
    Qualification Title: Master of Science (MSc) Research Methods in Psychology.
    NQF Level: Level 7.
    Credits: 180.
    Duration: 1 Year Full Time.
    Entry Requirements:
  • A minimum of a UK 2.2 (Lower Second-Class Honours degree) in Psychology, or a related discipline.
    Or
  • Evidence of substantial research activity in the current role can be sufficient.

    Purpose:
    The purpose of the qualification is to provide learners with expert training in advanced psychology research methods, enabling them to conduct both basic and applied research projects in a wide range of areas. Learners will be taught to use a range of research tools, including databases, statistical software, and computer programmes, and develop extensive practical research skills to apply in any context where human behaviour is important. They will also develop a keen understanding of the nature and limitations of the scientific method and the main alternatives alongside knowledge of the historical, theoretical, and philosophical issues underlying psychological and behavioural science. A master's degree in research Methods in Psychology opens career opportunities in research in various fields, not only in psychology but also in a range of social and health sciences.

    Qualification structure:
    The qualification consists of compulsory and elective modules.

    Compulsory Modules, 160 Credits:
    Research Project, 60 Credits.
    Advanced Research Methods in Psychology, 20 Credits.
    Data Analysis, 20 Credits.
    Quantitative Perspectives on Psychology: From Measurements to Models, 20 Credits.
    Meaning and the Individual, 20 Credits.
    Research Process, 20 Credits.

    Elective Modules, 20 Credits (Choose one module):
  • Addiction, Addictive Behaviours and Eating Disorders, 20 Credits.
  • Psychology of Health and Wellbeing: Theory and Applications, 20 Credits.
  • Clinical aspects of brain and behaviour through the lifespan, 20 Credits.

    Similarities:
  • Swansea University (SU) and the South African (SA) qualifications take one year full-time to complete.
  • The SU and SA qualifications require applicants who have completed an Honours degree in Psychology or a related discipline.
  • Both qualifications have 180 credits.
  • The SU and SA qualifications will enable learners to develop extensive practical research skills to apply in any human behaviour context.
  • Both qualifications provide a solid academic foundation for further study and training in professional and applied areas of psychology.
  • The SU and SA qualifications articulate vertically to a master's degree in psychology and related fields.

    Differences:
  • The SU qualification is registered at UK Level 7, whereas the SA qualification is registered at SA NQF Level 9.
  • The SU qualification consists of compulsory and elective modules, whereas the SA qualification consists of compulsory modules and no electives.
  • The SA qualification includes Work-Integrated Learning (WIL) as a core module, while WIL is not included in the USA qualification.
  • The SA qualification has a mandatory internship module for programme completion, whereas it is optional in the SU qualification.
  • The SA qualification requires registration with the board of psychology, while it is not mandatory for the SU qualification.

    Country: Scotland.
    Institution: University of St Andrews.
    Qualification Title: Research Methods in Psychology (MSc).
    NQF Level: Scottish Credit and Qualifications Framework (SCQF) Level 10.
    Credits: 120.
    Duration: One year full-time.
    Entry Requirements:
  • A 2.1 Honours undergraduate degree in Psychology or a related discipline.

    Purpose:
    The purpose of the qualification is to train learners wishing to pursue a higher research degree in psychology and equip them with the specific skills necessary for a career as a research psychologist. The qualification provides interdisciplinary training in the social sciences and advanced research training in psychology. Many graduates continue their education by enrolling in PhD programs at St Andrews or elsewhere.

    Qualification structure:
    The qualification consists of the following compulsory and elective modules:

    Compulsory Modules:
  • Qualitative methods in social research.
  • Quantitative research in social sciences.
  • Methods and data analysis in psychology.
  • Philosophy and methodology of the social sciences.
  • Generic research and professional skills in psychology and neuroscience.
  • Dissertation.

    Elective Modules (Select two modules):
  • Animal Models in Neuroscience and Psychology.
  • Research Methods in Cognitive Neuroscience.
  • The Narratives that Shape Psychology and Neuroscience.
  • Psychology and Neuroscience Colloquium.

    Similarities:
  • University of St Andrews (USA) and South African (SA) qualifications are offered over one year full-time.
  • The USA and SA qualifications accept applicants who have completed an Honours degree in Psychology and related fields.
  • Both qualifications will equip learners with the skills needed to succeed in undertaking a career as a research psychologist.
  • Learners from both qualifications will complete an independent research project in psychology.
  • Both qualifications progress to the Doctoral Degree in Psychology and related fields.
  • Both qualifications will prepare graduates for positions in government, health care, and management services.

    Differences:
  • The USA has 120 Scottish credits, whereas the SA qualification has 180 credits.
  • The SA qualification is registered at SA NQF Level 9, while the USA qualification is registered at SCQF Level 10.
  • The USA qualification consists of compulsory and elective modules, whereas the SA qualification consists of compulsory modules and no electives.
  • The SA qualification includes Work-Integrated Learning (WIL) as a core module, while WIL is not included in the USA qualification.
  • The SA qualification has a mandatory internship module for programme completion, whereas it is not required for the USA qualification.
  • The SA qualification requires registration with the board of psychology, while it is not mandatory for the USA qualification. 
    		•

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

    Horizontal Articulation:
  • Master of Arts in Psychology, NQF Level 9.
  • Master of Arts in Clinical Psychology, NQF Level 9.

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

    Diagonal Articulation:
    The Master of Arts in Research Psychology is a professional programme regulated by the HPCSA. Articulation between the sub-frameworks is guided by the NQF level requirements and the HPCSA's minimum requirements for professional regulated qualifications. Therefore, the qualification does not articulate with trade-based qualifications in the Occupational Qualifications Sub-Framework. 
    		•

    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.
     
    1. University of South Africa 


    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.