UNISA Psychology Course Module 2025-2026
FOR THE COLLEGE OF HUMAN SCIENCES: BA students must choose between first-level modules in Psychology and Industrial and Organisational Psychology.
Students who select Psychology as a major subject are advised to include the first-level module in Anthropology (APY1501) and the module PLS2601 in Philosophy (Critical Reasoning) in their curriculum.
FOR THE COLLEGE OF SCIENCE, ENGINEERING AND TECHNOLOGY: Students who select Psychology as a major subject are advised to take first level modules in Statistics (or Mathematics) and/or Philosophy before or together with third-level modules.
Major combinations:
NQF Level: 5: PYC1501, PYC1502
NQF Level: 6: PYC2601, PYC2602 or PYC2603, and RSC2601
NQF Level: 7: PYC3701, PYC3702, PYC3703, PYC3704, and PYC3705
| Social Psychology – PYC3701 |
| Under Graduate Degree |
Semester module |
NQF level: 7 |
Credits: 12 |
| Module presented in English |
|
| Purpose: To gain insight into the theoretical aspects of social perception and cognition, attitudes, identity, and prejudice, pro- and antisocial behaviour and group behaviour, in order to facilitate the application of social psychology in areas such as clinical psychology, health, organisations, and society in general. |
| Psychology of Work – PYC4810 |
| Honours |
Year module |
NQF level: 8 |
Credits: 12 |
| Module presented in English |
Module presented online |
|
Co-requisite: HMPYC80 |
| Purpose: The Psychology of Work paper comprises the application of psychological theory, principles and research to issues that are important to workers and management in organisations. The implicit point of departure is that the psychology of work is, in a sense, applied social psychology. In the practical component of the course a student must describe aspects of their work situation. Important issues given attention to are amongst others organisational behaviour; basic human processes; individuals in organisations; group processes; influencing others; organisational processes such as the work environment, organisational structure and design, and organisational change and development. |
| Abnormal Behaviour and Mental Health – PYC3702 |
| Under Graduate Degree |
Semester module |
NQF level: 7 |
Credits: 12 |
| Module presented in English |
|
| Purpose: To identify abnormal behaviour (e.g. mood disorders, anxiety disorders, schizophrenia, and attention deficit/hyperactivity disorders), to understand abnormal behaviour according to various theoretical models, and to promote mental health. |
| Community and Health Psychology – PYC4811 |
| Honours |
Year module |
NQF level: 8 |
Credits: 12 |
| Module presented in English |
Module presented online |
|
Co-requisite: HMPYC80 |
| Purpose: This course deals with ways in which psychologists can intervene at the level of the community as a whole rather than at the level of the individual or the family. The course combines a critical theoretical introduction to key concepts such as participation and powerment with a strong emphasis on the acquisition of analytic skills. Drawing on the expertise of academics and community workers from the Psychology Departments community projects, the course covers both traditional community psychology strategies and techniques (such as needs assessment and action research) and newer techniques (such as risk factor identification) drawn from the public health domain. Thus students who have successfully completed the course will be equipped to provide skilled professional input to organisations dealing with community issues in, amongst others, education, health and public safety. |
| Cognition: Thinking, Memory and Problem Solving – PYC3703 |
| Under Graduate Degree |
Semester module |
NQF level: 7 |
Credits: 12 |
| Module presented in English |
|
| Purpose: To introduce students to cognitive psychology as a field involving the scientific study of mental processes such as perception, memory, reasoning, problem solving, and intelligence. The module provides an overview of cognitive psychology and tries to help students to develop the ability to (a) interpret, and critically evaluate research and theories about human cognition, and (b) practice and improve their own critical thinking, problemsolving and memory skills. The following topics are covered in the module: a brief history of cognitive psychology, cognitive neuroscience, perception, memory, knowledge representation, problem solving, decision making and reasoning, and human and artificial intelligence. |
| Sport Psychology – PYC4812 |
| Honours |
Year module |
NQF level: 8 |
Credits: 12 |
| Module presented in English |
Module presented online |
|
Co-requisite: HMPYC80 |
| Purpose: Sport psychology is an interdisciplinary field, involving both sport scientists and psychologists, which is not only aimed at helping sport participants to achieve maximal performance, but also to enhance the quality of their involvement in sport. |
| Psychological Research – PYC3704 |
| Under Graduate Degree |
Semester module |
NQF level: 7 |
Credits: 12 |
| Module presented in English |
|
| Pre-requisite: RSC2601 or RSC201H (not applicable to 98053 – PPG and 98053 – XPG) |
|
| Purpose: To enable students to describe the research process, critically evaluate different types of published psychological research, and to execute basic procedures required for data analysis. |
| Cognitive Neuroscience – PYC4813 |
| Honours |
Year module |
NQF level: 8 |
Credits: 12 |
| Module presented in English |
Module presented online |
|
Co-requisite: HMPYC80 |
| Purpose: The module introduces students to current research and theory in cognitive neuroscience. It presents an overview of neural structures and functions, describes the key imaging and electrophysiological methods used in cognitive neuroscience research, and acquaints students with core domains in this area such as attention, vision, memory, language, lesion studies, executive functions of the brain, and the social and emotional brain. The module will be useful to psychology students who are interested in the connection between cognition and neuroscience, and who want to acquire some knowledge of theoretical issues, concepts, and research techniques in this interdisciplinary area. Qualifying students are able to consider the theories and research regarding normal functioning of the human brain as well as the concomitants in behaviour and adaptive functioning after brain injury. |
| Transformative Counselling Encounters – PYC3705 |
| Under Graduate Degree |
Semester module |
NQF level: 7 |
Credits: 12 |
| Module presented in English |
|
| Purpose: To orientate students towards purposeful encounters between people through meaningful engagement in a counselling framework; sensitising them with regards to the ethos of context appropriate counselling; and broadening their understanding of its potential to enhance humanness and well-being in society. |
| Community Psychology: Intervention Strategies – PYC3706 |
| Under Graduate Degree |
Semester module |
NQF level: 7 |
Credits: 12 |
| Module presented in English |
|
| Pre-requisite: PYC2604 or PYC205A |
|
| Purpose: To gain practical know-how and theoretical understanding of how individuals function in community organisations, and how such organisations function in communities. |
| Research Methodology – HMPYC80 |
| Honours |
Year module |
NQF level: 8 |
Credits: 12 |
| Module presented in English |
Module presented online |
| Purpose: Students who complete the module can demonstrate knowledge about the design, conduct and ethics of a small research study, and objectively assess the application of various qualitative and quantitative designs and methodologies in terms of fitness for purpose and context. The knowledge, skills and values required for successful completion of the module are fundamental to studying literature and delivering research outputs in social science. |
| Research Report – HRPYC81 |
| Honours |
|
NQF level: 8 |
Credits: 36 |
| Module presented in English |
Module presented online |
|
Co-requisite: HMPYC80 |
| Purpose: This module is one of the papers offered in the honours programme in Psychology, for the Honours BA, Honours BA (BSW) and Honours BSc qualifications. Students who complete the module can design and conduct a basic research study and report the findings in the form of a written document. The knowledge, skills and values required for successful completion of the module are fundamental to studying literature and delivering research outputs in social science. |
| Basic Psychology – PYC1501 |
| Under Graduate Degree |
Semester module |
NQF level: 5 |
Credits: 12 |
| Module presented in English |
|
| Purpose: To gain insight into basic terms, concepts and fields of study in psychology, through studying topics such as the Western and non-Western roots of psychology, contextualisation of knowledge, biological basis of behaviour, perception, thinking, problem solving, intelligence, and creativity. |
| Psychopathology – PYC4802 |
| Honours |
Year module |
NQF level: 8 |
Credits: 12 |
| Module presented in English |
Module presented online |
|
Co-requisite: HMPYC80 |
| Purpose: Psychopathology embraces the description, study and interpretation of abnormal behaviour according to various theoretical approaches such as the medical model, the psychodynamic model, the learning theories, the humanistic existential perspective, the family systems and ecosystemic approaches. Selected themes in child and adult psychopathology with emphasis on various contexts and South African society are studied. |
| Psychology in Society – PYC1502 |
| Under Graduate Degree |
Semester module |
NQF level: 5 |
Credits: 12 |
| Module presented in English |
|
| Purpose: To gain insight into the way in which human behaviour and experience are shaped in societal and environmental contexts, stress processes, motivation in the context of sociopolitical dynamics of society, interpersonal relationships, group functioning, the social nature of work and various social issues (violence, poverty, racism, multiculturalism, gender bias, community development, and the ecological crisis). |
| Social Psychology – PYC4803 |
| Honours |
Year module |
NQF level: 8 |
Credits: 12 |
| Module presented in English |
Module presented online |
|
Co-requisite: HMPYC80 |
| Purpose: Social psychology is the scientific study of the nature and causes of behaviour in social contexts or situations. In our course we examine the fundamental connection between individuals and situations. Social psychological concepts such as identity, social cognition, attribution, attitudes, group processes, prejudice, aggression, pro-social behaviour, social influence and interpersonal relationships are addressed. In an applied section, students complete a research project on a topic of their choice under the guidance of a lecturer. |
| Personality Theories – PYC2601 |
| Under Graduate Degree |
Semester module |
NQF level: 6 |
Credits: 12 |
| Module presented in English |
|
| Purpose: To gain insight into the most important personality theories explaining human functioning and behaviour, and to apply these theories (e.g. of Freud, Jung, Rogers, Allport, Maslow, Frankl, the social cognitive learning approach, and the African perspective) in real-life situations. |
| Personology – PYC4804 |
| Honours |
Year module |
NQF level: 8 |
Credits: 12 |
| Module presented in English |
Module presented online |
|
Co-requisite: HMPYC80 |
| Purpose: the course work is structured around real-world scenarios that require to be understood in terms of persoanlity characteristics and dynamics. Students are required to apply personality theory in the formulation of interview questions and quesstionnaire items. Students complete a series of assignments for which they are required to provide context and questions for psychological interviews and questionnaires based on personality theories. They have to self and peer review interview questions and questinnaire items submitted by themselves and fellow students. In addition to the assignments students have to sit for an examination that is structured in terms of tasks similar to those completed in the assignments. |
| Child and Adolescent Development – PYC2602 |
| Under Graduate Degree |
Semester module |
NQF level: 6 |
Credits: 12 |
| Module presented in English |
|
| Purpose: To demonstrate an understanding of the physical, cognitive, emotional, social, personal and moral development of the child and the adolescent, and to promote the optimal development in the child and the adolescent. |
| Developmental Psychology – PYC4805 |
| Honours |
Year module |
NQF level: 8 |
Credits: 12 |
| Module presented in English |
Module presented online |
|
Co-requisite: HMPYC80 |
| Purpose: Developmental Psychology is the study of human development over the entire life span, from conception to death. Developmental Psychology supplies important background information for students who would like to become clinical or counselling psychologists. Knowledge gained by studying developmental psychology is also most valuable for parents, teachers, social workers as well as people in the health professions and in the business world or industry. |
| Adulthood and Maturity – PYC2603 |
| Under Graduate Degree |
Semester module |
NQF level: 6 |
Credits: 12 |
| Module presented in English |
|
| Purpose: To demonstrate an understanding of the physical, cognitive, emotional, social, personal and moral development of the adult, and to enhance the adults psychological maturity and satisfaction with life. |
| Psycho-Social Wellbeing in the HIV/AIDS Context – PYC4806 |
| Honours |
|
NQF level: 8 |
Credits: 24 |
| Module presented in English |
Module presented online |
| Purpose: To empower students to provide gender and culture sensitive HIV/AIDS education, peer and various professional contexts and to promote the psycho-social wellbeing of the communities in which they work and live. Students will further be able to develop, implement and evaluate HIV/AIDS programmes and policies in the workplace and facilitate behaviour change within the HIV/AIDS context. |
| Community Psychology: Re-Imagining Community – PYC2604 |
| Under Graduate Degree |
Semester module |
NQF level: 6 |
Credits: 12 |
| Module presented in English |
|
| Purpose: To describe key structures and processes in communities, and to explain how the principles of community psychology may be used to effect change in communities. |
| Psychological Assessment – PYC4807 |
| Honours |
Year module |
NQF level: 8 |
Credits: 12 |
| Module presented in English |
Module presented online |
|
Co-requisite: HMPYC80 |
| Purpose: The paper in psychological assessment provides the student with a grounding in psychometric test theory and illustrates the practical application of knowledge of psychological testing in situations such as the classroom, industry and clinical settings. The emphasis is not on how to use particular tests, but on responsible test use and meaningful interpretation of psychological test data. Knowledge of psychological testing and the correct use of test results are a professional responsibility, as well as being of considerable personal interest. This paper is particularly relevant for students interested in professional training but will also be useful to anyone with an interest in the assessment of human functioning. |
| HIV/AIDS Care and Counselling – PYC2605 |
| Under Graduate Degree |
Semester module |
NQF level: 6 |
Credits: 12 |
| Module presented in English |
|
| Purpose: To equip students with the necessary knowledge and skills to deal with HIV/AIDS within health, welfare, counselling and educational contexts. |
| Ecosystemic Psychology – PYC4808 |
| Honours |
Year module |
NQF level: 8 |
Credits: 12 |
| Module presented in English |
Module presented online |
|
Co-requisite: HMPYC80 |
| Purpose: In this paper students are introduced to the cybernetic paradigm and ecological thinking about human behaviour. First and second order approaches to observation, description and research are explored, and the students personal involvement in the observed processes are emphasised. |
| Basic Measurement and Questionnaire Design – PYC2606 |
| Under Graduate Degree |
Semester module |
NQF level: 6 |
Credits: 12 |
| Module presented in English |
|
| Purpose: is for students to demonstrate knowledge about the design and implementation of a basic psychological questionnaire. The knowledge, skills and values required for successful completion of the module are fundamental to measurement in the social sciences. |
| Therapeutic Psychology – PYC4809 |
| Honours |
Year module |
NQF level: 8 |
Credits: 12 |
| Module presented in English |
Module presented online |
|
Co-requisite: HMPYC80 |
| Purpose: This paper introduces students to the study of the following: Existential Therapy Person-centred Therapy; Gestalt Therapy Reality Therapy; The counsellor as person and professional; Behaviour Therapy Cognitive Behaviour Therapy Postmodern Approaches Ethical issues In addition to the introduction to the above approaches, we expect that students should acquire an in-depth knowledge of a specific therapeutic approach of their choice and be willing to disclose how studying this approach affected their self-understanding. |
