PSYCHOLOGY at Rhodes University PSYCHOLOGY is the study of human experience and behaviour. It is a social science that offers an analysis of the range of human emotions, abilities and thought processes. It examines people's attitudes and motives, both conscious and unconscious. The subject matter of psychology is people: people from before birth through infancy and childhood, through adolescence and young adulthood, to mature adulthood and old age, and, ultimately, people facing death. Psychology attempts to encompass the full range of human experiences as it is lived in different political, socio-economic and cultural settings. It studies individuals, groups, families and social issues.
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PSYCHOLOGY at Rhodes University
PSYCHOLOGY is the study of human experience and behaviour. It is a social science that offers an analysis of the range of human emotions, abilities and thought processes. It examines people's attitudes and motives, both conscious and unconscious.
The subject matter of psychology is people: people from before birth through infancy and childhood, through adolescence and young adulthood, to mature adulthood and old age, and, ultimately, people facing death. Psychology attempts to encompass the full range of human experiences as it is lived in different political, socio-economic and cultural settings. It studies individuals, groups, families and social issues.
The work of psychologists has many practical applications in schools, hospitals, clinics, counselling centres, non-governmental and governmental organisations. The study of psychology can also be personally enriching, providing insight into your experience of relationships, motivations and goals, and emotional life. It also offers guidelines for more skilful living and successful handling of everyday problems in the family, in relationships and in the work setting.
Psychology teaching is delivered through lectures and tutorials in the first year. The second and third year courses are delivered through lectures together with an 18-week practical programme which provides opportunity for training in research, for practical application of concepts learned in the lectures, and for experiential learning.
HOW IS THE TEACHING DELIVERED?
“Compared to other courses, I enjoyed Psychology I. It was well balanced and I understood myself and my friends better especially when case studies were used.” Psychology I student
WHAT WILL I BE STUDYING?
First Year PsychologyDevelopmental Psychology and LearningSocial PsychologyBiological PsychologyPersonality, Psychopathology and PsychotherapyCognition and Intelligence
Second and Third Year Psychology From second year onwards, students can choose between the Psychology course and the Organisational Psychology course. The Psychology course is recommended for students who intend completing post-graduate training in counselling or clinical psychology. The Organisational Psychology course should prove useful to students who intend pursuing a career in business or industry, particularly those who are interested in organisational development or human resources. Both courses offer valuable opportunities to learn about research.
“Lecturers are very good, understanding, down-to-earth. I enjoyed the courses.” Psychology II student.
Year 2 Psychology Year 2 Organisational PsychologyResearch Design Research DesignGender Psychology Workplace DiversityDevelopmental Psychology Workplace RelationsSocial Psychology Social PsychologyPsychopathology Personnel/HR PsychologyNeurobiological Psychology Consumer Psychology
Year 3 Psychology Year 3 Organisational PsychologyPrinciples of Assessment Principles of AssessmentAssessment in Practice Assessment in PracticePersonality Psychology Organisational TheoryCommunity/Systemic Psychology Community/Systemic PsychologyPsychotherapeutic Interventions Organisational DesignResearch Design Research DesignForensic Psychology Organisational Behaviour
WHAT CAN I GO ON TO DO?
Rhodes offers many postgraduate courses in psychology:Honours in Psychology Honours in Organisational PsychologyMaster’s in Clinical Psychology Master’s in Counselling PsychologyMaster’s by Thesis (Research)
These can lead to careers in…..CLINICAL AND COUNSELLING PSYCHOLOGYClinical and counselling psychologists contribute to the understanding of everyday problems in human living and the development of methods of guiding and assisting people to face such problems. These problems range from difficulties of adjustment to new life situations to anxiety, depression as well as the severe disorders involving psychotic symptoms and disturbances of identity.
“I consider myself privileged that I studied Master’s in Clinical Psychology at Rhodes. Obviously the course was comprehensive and demanding. One needed to study very hard, as there was no compromise for high standards. Supervisors were accommodating, supportive and willing to go the extra mile. Lecturers were able to make Rhodes' high standards accessible to all students, irrespective of their previous educational backgrounds.” Dudu Mashalaba - Principal Clinical Psychologist, Umzimkhulu Psychiatric Hospital.
ORGANISATIONAL PSYCHOLOGYOrganisational psychology is concerned with the application of psychological research and theory to enhance productivity and job satisfaction, and with solving problems related to work and organisations.
“My years at Rhodes, and in the Psychology Department in particular, have provided me with a solid knowledge base and a strong work ethic. I enjoyed Organisational Psychology as I liked the idea of working with people in a business environment, and found the course content interesting and the lecturers approachable and knowledgeable. They taught me specialized knowledge about the workplace and about research, as well as the ability to think for myself and construct logical arguments. The people I met, as well as the knowledge I acquired, have set me up for a good start in my career.” Michelle Wolfaardt, Management Consultant, Accenture.
RESEARCH Conducting research is an integral part of understanding numerous aspects of human functioning which can also be applied to relevant contexts to address individual, social and community concerns and problems. Knowledge of the research process and its dynamic components (such as constructing a research design and choosing relevant research methods of analysis) is important to promote such understanding and application in any area of psychology.
"Studying my Psychology Honours degree at Rhodes provided me with a strong background in progressive research theory, as well as the practical skills I needed to go out into the world of work. I am currently based in Cape Town, working as a junior research consultant at an international firm. We work with government departments, NGOs and the private sector in Africa and overseas doing Monitoring and Evaluation research. I am doing things with my degree that I didn't even know were possible and I use the skills I gained from my post-graduate course every day of my working life." Kate Jackson- Junior Research Consultant, ICF Macro International
