BA Honours in Psychology (BPsych Equivalent) | Cornerstone Institute - Module Descriptors
Postgraduate Module Descriptors

BA Honours in Psychology (BPsych Equivalent)

NQF Level 8 · 132 Credits · 18 months full-time · HPCSA Registered Counsellor pathway
Important Notice: This comprehensive curriculum spans 18 months of full-time studies, encompassing 132 credits and delivered through on-site interactions. Meeting the specified admission criteria does not guarantee automatic selection, as a limited number of students are accepted annually. The selection process involves a meticulous review by a committee, including the Head of the Psychology Department and three other faculty members.
Note: If you already have an Honours in Psychology, you may apply for CAT (Credit Accumulation and Transfer).
Year 1 of 2
Basic level · NQF Level 8
Semester One
Psychology Research Project A (BPE)15 Credits
This module is designed to facilitate the independent planning, execution and reporting/writing up of a research project in a community setting. A community setting is any placement which addresses the psychosocial issues present within the South African context (i.e., substance abuse, teenage pregnancy, HIV/AIDS and community violence among others). Students will conceptualize the research project as a group although they write on an individual basis. The project is guided by the assigned supervisor. This module comprises (i) the research proposal, (ii) the research report and (iii) a poster and oral presentation.
Research Methods and Statistics (Advanced - BPE)18 Credits
This course is designed to equip students with the skills to plan, execute and critically evaluate research studies. Qualitative and quantitative approaches to data collection and analysis will be explored. Students will be able to select appropriate techniques for various research situations, execute these techniques and interpret the findings contextually within the conventions of the relevant research traditions.
Counselling Theory and Skills (BPE)18 Credits
This module focusses on counselling skills and praxis suitable for counsellors in a variety of settings. In this module the student is introduced to the scope of a registered counsellor, as designed by the HPCSA. Skills, models, techniques and theories are discussed to equip the student in becoming an ethical and well-trained registered counsellor.
Psychological Assessment and Measurement (BPE)10 Credits
This module aims to introduce students to basic concepts of psychological assessment and provide students with a general overview of psychometric assessment. Students will be exposed to the practical components of assessment and gain a clear understanding of scoring and interpreting various assessments. Emphasis will be placed on the assimilation of various assessment methods. The interpretation and integration of psychometric assessments will be presented in a report form. Attention will be given to scope of practice for registered counsellors and to the impact of psychological assessment within a multi-cultural society.
Semester Two
Psychology Research Project B (BPE)15 Credits
This module is designed to facilitate the independent planning, execution and reporting/writing up of a research project in a community setting. A community setting is any placement which addresses the psychosocial issues present within the South African context (i.e., substance abuse, teenage pregnancy, HIV/AIDS and community violence among others). Students will conceptualize the research project as a group although they write on an individual basis. The project is guided by the assigned supervisor. This module comprises (i) the research proposal, (ii) the research report and (iii) a poster and oral presentation.
Psychological and Community Interventions (BPE)18 Credits
This module aims to assist students gain practical community and psycho-educational experience within various community settings. It further exposes students to a range of mental health needs and issues in the community. Students will have an opportunity to integrate theoretical knowledge with practical intervention skills. Subsequently, students will become adept in the referral process and broaden their knowledge of sources of help within communities.
Psychopathology (BPE)18 Credits
This module is designed to prepare students for the recognition and identification of mental disorders. A methodology for organizing information about symptomatology and the diagnostic features are presented. Appropriate treatment options, and contextual factors will be explored and responses to ethical dilemmas in psychopathology addressed. The use of structured and semi-structured interviews will also be addressed.
Personality Theories (BPE)10 Credits
This course is designed to provide the student with an integrated view of key psychological theories that underpin personality formation, motivation for behaviour, optimal development and psychopathology.
Developmental Psychology (BPE)10 Credits
This module provides students with an overview of the major theories of Developmental Psychology. Furthermore, the module aims to address contemporary concerns in lifespan development from conception to late adulthood/death and dying. The course will engage with developmental theories from a range of orientations, including learning/cognitive theories, theories of language development and a socio-cultural perspective.
Year 2 of 2
Intermediate level · NQF Level 8 · Practicum & Clinical Integration
Practicum (Fieldwork)
Psychology Practicum (BPE)Non-credit bearing · 720 hours
This Practicum aims to help the student gain practical fieldwork experience in a community setting. In this module the student will be given opportunities to integrate theoretical counselling modalities, practical counselling skills and community and group interventions. The module exposes the student to a variety of mental health needs and issues in the community. There is an emphasis on the recognition and screening of mental health issues, and management/referral skills within the registered counsellor scope of practice and framework.
Practicum Overview: The Psychology Practicum is completed in Year 2. Students gain supervised clinical experience in community-based settings, integrating counselling modalities, group interventions, and mental health screening within the HPCSA registered counsellor framework.
Selection Process: Compliance with admission criteria does not automatically result in selection. Because only a limited number of students are selected into the BPsych Equivalent programme annually, students are required to complete a rigorous selection process. The initial selection process comprises a review of the BPsych Equivalent Programme Application Form, reference forms and supporting academic transcripts by a Selection Committee (comprising the HOD of Psychology and three other faculty and panel members). Successful candidates will be invited to an interview with the Selection Committee.
Cornerstone Institute — BA Honours in Psychology (BPsych Equivalent) | Full module descriptors based on official curriculum.
Cornerstone Institute
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