Honours in Psychology

Applications Open on 01 July 2024 and Close on 30 September 2024

The Honours in Psychology degree is an academically-based programme aimed at providing students with a range of knowledge and skills within the field of research, as well as specialist areas of interest. In itself, the degree is highly marketable, as there is increasing demand for students with strong research knowledge and competencies within organisations. However, it also offers a potential alternative route towards both professional training and other careers in applied psychology. It does not offer registration as a psychometrist or registered counsellor. Click Hereto Download the 2025 Honours Application Guidelines.

The programme runs for one year on a full-time basis only; it must be emphasized that full-time implies your full availability for the entire year. You will not be able to hold down a job (except for weekend work) as well as take part in the programme. Concurrent study in another programme is also not advisable/permissible.

A part-time option is available through Witsplus and students wishing to apply to study part-time will be required to apply through Wits Plus and to indicate this on the departmental application forms.

Students are expected to complete five (5) modules successfully in order to obtain the degree. This includes one (1) compulsory module (Research Methods in Psychology); a compulsory Research Essay on an approved topic; and three (3) elective modules, chosen from the clusters of optional modules on offer. It must be noted that in any given academic year only certain modules and/or combinations of these modules may be available. The part-time Wits Plus Honours in Psychology will follow a set curriculum.

RESEARCH ESSAY (COMPULSORY) (PSYC4044A)

Students are required to complete a Research Essay on an approved topic, which is supervised by staff members in the department. The execution of the Research Essay follows a structured, goal-setting approach. As such, regular research seminars are held in order to monitor progress. 

RESEARCH METHODS IN PSYCHOLOGY (COMPULSORY) (PSYC4045A)

This compulsory module focuses on the theory and practical use of research methods and analytic techniques in Psychology. The module integrates qualitative and quantitative research designs as a means to focus on the interpretation and critical analysis of a range of paradigms, methodologies, and practices in psychological research. Special emphasis is given to criteria of evaluation of research. Practical experience in computer-based analysis is gained in software for statistics and for qualitative analyses.

Students must complete three (3) of the following elective modules: 

PERSONALITY AND PSYCHOPATHOLOGY (PSYC4029A)

The module takes a critical focus, examining description, classification, etiological theories and intervention strategies for a range of psychological problems. The module will examine definitions of pathology and abnormality, specifically in relation to theories of normal and abnormal personality development, and critically explore dominant taxonomies of mental and psychiatric illnesses - most notably the DSM system of classification. The knowledge acquired in this field is used by clinical practitioners to understand and treat abnormal patterns of functioning.

QUALITATIVE RESEARCH METHODS (PSYC4098A)

The module introduces students to the central paradigms in qualitative and programme evaluation research.  Basic and advanced principles of qualitative and multi-method design and data collection and explored, exposing students to techniques that derive from ethnographic, participatory action research, empowerment-bases and social construction approached.  The module is strongly skills based, emphasizing practical aspects of data collection and analysis, yet equally concerned with theoretical underpinnings of techniques and criteria of rigour for research.

COMMUNITY PSYCHOLOGY (PSYC4009A)

The community psychology module explores an approach to psychology that attempts to locate the individual within a community or social context. As such, it emphasises the interaction between the individual and his or her context as the origin of individual adjustment difficulties and psychological problems. The community psychology module is also concerned with an examination of the applied preventative interventions that are most successful with larger groups or populations. Not only is this applied focus directed towards knowledge and skills acquisition pertaining to methods and approaches to intervening, but the module also rigorously explores the community-individual nexus through an examination of a range of theoretical models emerging from community psychology as a sub-discipline.

HEALTH PSYCHOLOGY (PSYC4057A)

This course is designed to introduce post graduate students to the contribution of the specialized field of health psychology in health management.  The course aims to introduce the student to health psychology and health research as well as cover a variety of topics including: health-seeking behavior, adherence to medical advice, stress, chronic illness (i.e. cardiovascular disease and HIV and AIDS), gender-based violence, substance abuse, pain management and the role of exercise etc.

PSYCHOLOGICAL INTERVENTIONS (PSYC4035A)

This module will provide students with a historical and contemporary view of several leading contemporary psychotherapeutic modalities. The course will include the major schools of psychotherapy for example: Psychoanalytic, Person Centred, Jungian, Feminist, Systemic, Cognitive-Behavioural and Narrative psychotherapy, as well as a consideration of African indigenous healing modalities. Theories of psychotherapeutic cure and the evidence for them will be explored and evaluated, as well critiques of psychotherapy.  Students will gain theoretical knowledge about principles and techniques of psychotherapy/counselling practice. The aim of this module is to extend and deepen your understanding of psychotherapy and to become familiar with contemporary debates and issues in the broad field of psychotherapy, including a critical consideration of the relevance of western psychotherapeutic modalities for the South African context. The primary aim is not to learn how to perform psychotherapy but how to think about psychotherapy in a more informed and critical manner.

COGNITIVE NEUROSCIENCE (PSYC4007A)

Cognitive Neuroscience has its roots in many different disciplines that study various aspects of the structure and functioning of the brain and the nervous system. Disciplines such as neurology, neuropsychology and neurophysiology focus on the anatomy of brain structures and their influence on behaviour, whereas disciplines such as cognitive psychology, cognitive neuropsychology and cognitive science focus on the functions of the brain and the mind. Recent advances in brain imaging techniques have prompted much research into the structures and functions of the brain and their effects on behaviour so that these are now being studied in a more integrated manner under the discipline of “Cognitive Neuroscience”. In this module, selected areas of human behaviour (such as memory, social and emotional functioning and executive functioning) will be studied from an integrated perspective that unites neuropsychology and cognitive psychology.

Course structure: This takes the form of weekly seminars, with the first four presented by the lecturer or a guest lecturer. The remainder of the seminars is structured as group class presentations on selected topics. There are also several “class outings”, e.g. to observe a human brain dissection and to visit a neuroimaging center.

Course assessments: There are two coursework assessments, i.e. a group seminar presentation, and an individual written paper. In addition, there are two examinations for this module – one which focuses on neuroanatomy and research methods in cognitive neuroscience, and the other which focuses on theoretical issues in the field. There is a prescribed textbook, and students are expected to read 1-2 chapters a week related to the forthcoming seminar. It is a demanding, but very interesting course.

SOCIAL PSYCHOLOGY: INTERGROUP RELATIONS (PSYC4046A)

This module introduces students to intergroup relations, the part of social psychology that focuses on processes particular to social groups and their interactions with each other.  Specifically, the course will consider such issues as (a) ways of understanding prejudice, asymmetries between social groups, and intergroup conflict; (b) the consequences and manifestations of prejudice; and (c) ways of reducing conflict and prejudice.  Classical and contemporary theories of intergroup relations, and the research underpinning these will be explored.

PSYCHOLOGICAL ASSESSMENT (PSYC4034A)

This module will focus on the core theoretical issues of psychological assessment particularly in the South African Context. This will include issues of the nature and use of psychological assessments, measurement integrity issues (e.g. different forms of assessment reliability, content validity, construct validity, criterion validity, predictive validity, and item analysis), types of assessments and their relationship to psychological theory (e.g. Assessing intelligence, assessing personality, computerised assessment, dynamic assessments), assessment practices (e.g. applicable norm groups, cross-cultural issues, appropriateness of assessments, etc.), ethics in assessment, and the development of questionnaires and scales.

DEVELOPMENTAL PSYCHOLOGY (PSYC4058A)

This course aims to critically examine theory as it applies to the developmental context of contemporary society, by focusing on constructionist and socio-cultural theorists such as Vygotsky, Piaget and Bronfenbrenner, as well as psychodynamic theorists including Freud, Klein, Winnicott.  In exploring the contextual nature of psychological development, the course attempts to enhance an understanding of theory as it applies to various contexts and issues of human existence.  Developmental contexts and issues are explored under a range of themes such as orphans & vulnerable children (OVC), the legacy of apartheid, parenting, Socio-economic status, violence and trauma, child abuse & neglect etc. The course focuses on developmental theory in application to the South African context and across borders.  The focus of this course is the childhood years of development, though not exclusively, as the lifespan approach is appreciated.

NARRATIVES OF YOUTH AND IDENTITY (PSYC4073A)

This module explores narrative approaches to understanding personhood, particularly focusing on the construction of youth identities or subjectivities. This framework is considered particularly useful in a dynamic context like contemporary South Africa where future possibilities are not readily entailed in the past and conventional taxonomic or stage theories have little explanatory power. The course will raise questions about the ways in which the stories (or texts) that we tell about our lives and those of others may work to construct particular histories and future possibilities. Contemporary critiques of these approaches will also be addressed, asserting the importance of material conditions, practice and embodiment in the making of subjectivity.

 EVERYDAY LIFE AND SOCIAL INTERACTION (PSYC4072A)

This module will introduce students to a theoretical framework and analytic approach for studying everyday life and social interactions. The module is based primarily on materials (both classical and contemporary) from the phenomenological, ethnomethodological, conversation analytic, and discursive psychological traditions. It includes examination of a number of fundamental social scientific issues that underpin everyday life and interactions, including: 1) everyday (and scientific) “practical reasoning”, 2) the nature of intersubjectivity, 3) theories of social action, 4) the social constitution of knowledge, and 5) structures of social interaction. These materials will be examined for their significance for an interdisciplinary social science of everyday life, with special reference to their implications for understandings of psychology.

GENDER IN PSYCHOLOGY (PSYC4074A)

The focus of this module is on the construction of gender from various theoretical positions. The course aims to introduce students to a solid theoretical awareness of the nature of gender identity, sexuality and various forms of gender difference. Given the wide scholarly literature in the field, the focus will be on theoretical models; their points of contestation and convergence; areas of exclusion and admittance; as well as the consequences of these for a fuller understanding of knowledge production in gender studies. The course will focus on how gender is present in multiple aspects of human functioning and society, with particular focus on the role of gender within sociohistorical contexts such as health, violence, family, education, crime and mass media. Students will be encouraged to challenge and critically reflect on their own, others, as well as psychological constructions of gender so to adopt a specific position/s about gender.

PSYCHOANALYTIC THEORY (PSYC4032A)

This course introduces students to psychoanalytic thinking and spans classical psychoanalysis, through object relations theory to intersubjective/relational psychoanalysis. The aim is to provide students with a thorough grounding in the psychoanalytic theory of normal and abnormal psychological functioning.  The course reading is based on primary and secondary texts with the aims of reaching a theoretical understanding of the application of theory to practice (with particular reference to clinical and group/social settings).  The course aims to contextualize psychoanalytic theory and research within the South African context and in relation to key social issues. The course aims to extend the application of psychoanalytic theory to practice by looking critically at both international and local psychoanalytic research studies.

EDUCATIONAL PSYCHOLOGY IN THE SOUTH AFRICAN CONTEXT (PSYC4070A)

The aim of this course is not only to introduce students to the South African context and the realities it holds for our children, but also to our education system and the impact thereof on practice. Although there are some educators and practitioners who believe that theory is not important and that one should focus on the practicalities of supporting children, I agree with Gander and Strothman (2005, as cited in Nel, Nel & Hugo, 2012) that the more theoretical knowledge we have, the greater the variety of support strategies we can apply, the more diverse and detailed learner programmes we can develop, and the more equip we will be to face the challenges that haunt the South African education system and our children. Taking all of this into consideration, we will focus on developing a sound theoretical background that will not only assist us in understanding the South African education system and the notion of inclusive education which was adopted by the Department of Education in 2011, but also the more prominent barriers to learning and development faced by South African children today. Furthermore, as we will specifically be focusing on inclusive education within the South African context, it is important to also understand the current legislation and other informative documentation that drive inclusive education within this country. Also, as far as barriers to learning and development is concerned, our focus will not only fall on the South African context and the extrinsic barriers caused by realities such as poverty, but also on intrinsic barriers to learning and development and the reality of being a child with a specific childhood disorder in a South African classroom.

APPLICATION FOR STUDY 

Places on the programme are limited. Thus acceptance into the programme is competitive and is provisional upon the following criteria:

• Completion of an undergraduate degree with Psychology as a major;
• Good marks achieved at third-year Psychology level (please note that while University rules do not allow acceptance of students into the programme whose third-year average falls below 65%, attainment of a 65% average is often insufficient to be offered a place due to a high demand for places in the course);
• The principle of racial equity

There are two steps to the application process.

1. First, all applicants will be required to make an on-line application through the Wits central applications site (Student Enrolment Centre: SENC) by following links from the following site: http://www.wits.ac.za/postgraduate/applications/. Those wishing to study part-time should select the part-time option. This application requires that you upload an official copy of your academic transcript.
2. Second, after the closing date, you will then be emailed a link to the Psychology Departmental application form (hosted on the RedCap platform).

You will need to click on this link and complete the form after the closing date – 30 September 2024. If you are unable to complete the application in one sitting, please save your application and return to it later. If you experience a loss of Internet connection, the link in the email can be used to navigate back to your application – responses on the most recent page reached may need to be recaptured. Please retain the email invitation until your application has been submitted. The link will no longer work once you have submitted the application (by clicking ‘Done’ on the last page), and/or after the closing date.

If you do not receive this email invitation after the closing date and you have completed the central Wits application, please send an email to selections.psychologyhonours@wits.ac.za and request the link (It is advisable to check spam/junkmail folders on a regular basis.).

The online application form will ask for information relating to demographics, type of high school attended, previous tuition funding, and marks from previous/current degrees.

NB: The closing date for completing the online departmental application form will be communicated on an e-mail that will be sent after the closing date of the 30 September 2024 for proposed study in 2025.

PLEASE NOTE: Your online application to the University via the Student Enrolment Centre (SENC) is incomplete until you have completed the departmental application form. Both forms are essential.

Application queries can be directed via telephone to Mrs Lauryne Lokothwayo (011 717 4541) or via email selections.psychologyhonours@wits.ac.za 

 PLEASE NOTE: It is unlikely that you will have heard yet whether or not you have been accepted into the Psychology Honours programme before the closing date for applications for financial aid. If you require financial aid, please apply for it in the event that you are accepted into the programme. You must make applications for financial aid separately to the Bursaries and Scholarship Office.  Many students accepted into the Honours in Psychology programme are eligible for the Postgraduate Merit Award and we strongly recommend that any potential applicant apply for at least this award. Other sources of funding are also available – please look for these on the Financial Aid and Scholarships Administration website and apply where relevant.

THE SELECTION PROCESS AND EQUITY CRITERIA

Applicant information is collated and assessed for the selection process. Given the large number of applications into the programme, selections are based purely on scrutiny of the documentation supplied. Potential candidates should also note that because of over-subscription a large number of students who meet the faculty minimum criterion for entry into a masters’ degree (65% average for 300 level psychology courses) may not be offered a place on the programme. The selection of candidates is based on academic performance as well as consideration of equity, diversity and social redress. The weighting of these aspects is to some extent dependent upon the nature of the applicant pool in any given year.  The demographic information requested in the departmental application form is collected in order to serve, in part, as a basis for evaluating applicants’ potential contributions to diversity in the course. This information also assists the selection committee to assess the applicant’s performance relative to levels of (dis)advantage. Note: The information you provide in this application may be independently audited to evaluate its accuracy. Knowingly providing false information will be grounds for permanent exclusion from all postgraduate degrees in Psychology at WITS. Selection is conducted by a small team of Psychology staff who are bound by the graduate selection policy guidelines of the School of Human and Community Development.

Based on the application review process, applicants are ranked according to marks and equity criteria. In the case of the Honours in Psychology course the top 300 applicants are then shortlisted and will receive a letter from the Department of Psychology ideally by the end of November. Applicants who had not yet completed their third year psychology modules at the time of application will be emailed in early December and asked to provide their final year marks. Non-Wits candidates will need to upload final year transcripts to their SENC online applications as soon as possible to ensure entrance into the course.

Final selection will take place in early December. Successful candidates will be sent a letter notifying them of a firm offer of a place in the programme by mid-December. Candidates who are waitlisted for places in the course will also receive a letter notifying them of their place on the waitlist and will see a ‘decision pending’ status on their online applications. Waitlisted candidates may be contacted any time between December and February. Those who have been declined places will see a ‘declined’ status.

Please note that given the large number of applicants the department will not be able to provide individual feed-back to unsuccessful candidates

Students who have been offered a place will be asked to notify the department of their availability to take up the place as soon as possible.

ORIENTATION

Students selected into the Honours in Psychology programme will need to attend an orientation week (usually) in the January of your Honours year (we will notify successful applicants of the date and details). As part of the orientation process you will be informed about the optional modules, after which you will be required to make your modules choices. Final module allocation depends on class numbers and in some instances you may only get your second choice. Modules are clustered so that only one module from each cluster can be selected. Please note that while every effort will be made to accommodate your module choices, the nature of instruction in the Honours in Psychology programme (seminars) and administrative constraints mean that we cannot guarantee that every topic will be available to every student as there is a limit to the size of each class.

CONTACT DETAILS FOR HONOURS IN PSYCHOLOGY

General Honours Queries

Mrs Lauryne Lokothwayo 
011 717 4541   
selections.psychologyhonours@wits.ac.za 

TO APPLY

Download the Honours application guidelines: Click Here

Frequently Asked Questions: Click Here