Bachelor of Arts in Psychology
Just look at our track record! A BA in Psychology at HCHE is a highly sought-after degree which can lead you into a prestigious career as a professional psychologist. Our graduates have a competitive advantage when studying further. They testify to the fact that when they go on to do an Honours degree, they are streets ahead of their peers with their superior research skills and rigorous academic preparation. You will need to work hard, but the end result will be sweet!
Programme Purpose
- To help you understand how and why humans think and behave as they do, within a Christian values framework
- To grant you the knowledge and skills needed to do professional counselling, therapy, work in mental health care and in related fields such as industrial psychology, or to study further in psychology
- To give you an in-depth knowledge and understanding of the core subfields of psychology: health and stress; positive psychology; human development; social psychology; personology; counselling skills and therapy; community psychology; abnormal psychology; psychometric theory and testing, and the history of philosophy and psychology, including the major schools and paradigms
- To encourage you to think critically
- To empower you with research and analytical skills
- To give you opportunities to develop a passion for service and the knowledge and skills to ensure you will be prepared to really help people in the community
Qualification Outcomes
When you have graduated, you will have gained the following knowledge and abilities:
Industrial Psychology Stream Students
A deep knowledge of behaviour at work, including:
- Job analysis
- Employee selection, training and motivation
- Performance appraisal
- The principles of management and human resources management
- Industrial relations
- Performance and diversity management
- Group dynamics
Counselling Psychology Stream Students
- Knowledge of substance abuse, addictions and treatment
- Cognitive and neurological processes, structures, and functions
- Human sexuality
- Family and marriage therapeutic interventions
- Exceptionality, special education and related services
- The skill of working on your own as well as in a group
- The ability to read academic books, journals and online material in a critical way, and to carry out your own research
Degree Details
3 YEARS NQF Level 7
SAQA Qualification ID Number: 58334
Career opportunities
Once you hold a BA in Psychology, these are some of the jobs you could do after post-graduate study:
- Counselling Psychologist
- Industrial Psychologist
- Lecturer / School Teacher
- Field Researcher
- Human Resources Manager
- Employment in areas related to psychology such as:
- social services
- health work
- community work
- public relations
- sales or market research
- ergonomics
- advertising
FURTHER STUDIES
Once you have completed an Honours degree, you can apply for an internship Master’s degree in Psychology or do a BPsych equivalence programme and internship. Thereafter, you will write the National Board examination. Once you pass this exam, you may register with the Health Professions Council of South Africa (HPCSA) to become a professional psychologist. Otherwise, after you have completed your Honours degree, you may apply for a research Master’s degree, so that you can become a lecturer or a field researcher.
Alumni
We think you will like to hear that our Psychology graduates do particularly well in their post-graduate studies and some have advanced to Master’s or Doctoral degrees. In a very competitive space, you will have an edge on the competition if you hold a BA Psychology degree from Helderberg College of Higher Education.
DEGREE CURRICULUM
CONCENTRATION: COUNSELLING
YEAR 1 | SEMESTER 1
YEAR 2 | SEMESTER 1
YEAR 3 | SEMESTER 1
CONCENTRATION: INDUSTRIAL PSYCHOLOGY
YEAR 1 | SEMESTER 1
YEAR 2 | SEMESTER 1
YEAR 3 | SEMESTER 1
FOUNDATION – YEAR
SEMESTER 1
Faculty of Social Sciences & Education
Linda Griff-Griffiths
Lecturer
Celeste Prinsloo
Junior Lecturer
Contract Lecturers
Jilian Appollis
Contract Lecturer
Kimberly Hendricks
Contract Lecturer
Amy Sickle
Contract Lecturer
Colin Lawrence
Junior Lecturer
Chrisna Richard
Contract Lecturer
Philasande Mrwebo
Contract Lecturer
Rina Sharp
Contract Lecturer
Tomaso Fiscaletti
Contract Lecturer
Dr. Frans Everson
Contract Lecturer
Heather Combrinck
Contract Lecturer
Melissa Fowler
Contract Lecturer
Conrad Zygmont
Professor
Rozario Oliver
Contract Lecturer
Bachelor of Arts (Psychology)
Counselling
Bachelor of Arts (Psychology)
Industrial Psychology
BHS 151 Philosophy of Education & Service (8 Credits) NQF 5
This module explores the definition, nature and foundations of True Education and reflects upon issues that have deep significance for our lives as human beings. Traditional, modern and postmodern philosophies of education are examined and its influence and contribution to education at present are considered. The making of a world view is explored with regards to a Christian approach to philosophy and education. Included in this module is the rationale for community engagement, laying the foundation for students to actively participate in a service learning project in their local communities.
COM 102 Communication Theory (8 Credits) NQF 6
This module will study the human communication process, particularly as far as interpersonal, intercultural, group and mass communication is concerned. An understanding of a variety of key concepts will be developed and students will acquire practical knowledge to apply these principles to everyday interactions. It will also help students build communication skills, with particular emphasis on crossing cultural barriers.
CPT 118 End User Computing I (8 Credits) NQF 5
This module develops mastery of both the alphabetic and numeric keyboarding on the computer by touch. Basic micro-computer skills will be presented. The emphasis is on accuracy and a minimum speed of 20 words a minute. Computerized diagnostic tests identify individual weaknesses and levels of proficiency. The module will introduce the basic functions of MS Word in typing simple documents.
REB 317 Values, Character, & Personal Enrichment III (8 Credits) NQF 5
This module concerns itself with the values, character development and personal enrichment acquired from studying the life of Jesus as revealed in the Gospels. It begins with a brief geographical and historical overview of the holy land. The module then focuses on the values, character development and personal enrichment enshrined in the life and teachings of Jesus Christ. These include the concepts of forgiveness, work ethic and honesty, caring for others, stewardship – caring for the environment, how to deal with stress and discouragement, and servant leadership. Students will also learn from the ultimate sacrifice which Jesus made.
Prerequisite: REB 217 Values, Character, & Personal Enrichment II
ENG 142 Academic Writing (16 Credits) NQF 6
The module introduces the student to a broad spectrum of aspects in English study. It aims to develop and provide the student with practice in various writing skills thereby enabling the student to write effectively in various academic disciplines. It promotes the use of critical thinking and serves to develop the skills of analysing, synthesizing, summarizing, using grammar correctly, and reading from a critical perspective.
Prerequisite: Passing grade in National Benchmark Test (NBT)
PSY 105 Principles of Psychology (16 Credits) NQF 6
This module provides the student with an overview of the major fields within psychology, while emphasizing the development of an understanding of the discipline as the scientific study of human behaviour. It is designed to lay a foundation of the structure and basic scope of psychology, helping the student to develop an understanding of psychological processes and how the study of psychology can be applied in the various fields of non-majors. Various topics, including the brain and behaviour, human development, learning, personality and psychological disorders, will be covered, with a focus on refining critical thinking skills.
REB 117 Values, Character, & Personal Enrichment I (8 Credits) NQF 5
This module focuses on the importance of values and character as essential ingredients of successful career and personal enrichment. In line with the mission of the institution to provide values-based education this module covers the values necessary in citizenship, workplace and in personal life. It also covers the values as outlined in the United Nations Charter, and the Christian worldview. The module further explores inward disciplines such as prayer and personal devotions; outward disciplines such as community engagement; and corporate disciplines such as stewardship of environment and abilities, and moral philosophy.
ENG 111 Principles of English I (16 Credits) NQF 5
English 111 is designed to prepare you for the writing that you will do in other College modules. The module focuses on, amongst others, vocabulary, grammar which involves understanding the communication function of sentences, understanding relations between parts of texts, metaphorical expressions and other important grammatical concepts. It aims to equip you with knowledge, experience and skills necessary for the rigour of formal College writing. Therefore, the module includes exercises on structure and mechanics and instructions in the principles of composition.
MTH 052 Foundation Mathematics I (12 credits) NQF 5
This module provides a comprehensive study of basic mathematical skills and will provide a strong mathematical foundation in the application of mathematical concepts, in addition to serving as a basis for further studies in mathematics. Areas of focus include basic arithmetic (e.g. fractions, ratios, discounts, exponents); fundamental algebra (e.g. expressions, algebraic equations, inequalities, graphs); basic statistics (e.g. measures of central tendency, standard deviation, probability, data summary); and basic finance (simple & compound growth, foreign exchange rates). The module therefore focuses on a basic understanding of mathematics concepts.
MTH 049 Basic Mathematics I (16 credits) NQF 5
(Do this if matric maths below 50%)
This module provides a comprehensive study of basic mathematical skills, and will provide a strong mathematical foundation in the application of mathematical concepts and serve as a basis for further studies in mathematics. Topics include: fractions; ratio proportion; solving equations and inequalities; operations of polynomials; factorization; percentages; measurements and basic geometry; and creating and interpreting graphs. The module therefore focuses on a basic understanding of mathematics concepts.
HLD 126 Principles of Health (8 Credits) NQF 5
This module introduces health principles within the framework of the Scriptures, the Advent Health message and current medical practice. Principles of health will be examined in light of current health problems such as cardiovascular diseases, cancer, tuberculosis, diabetes, as well as Covid-19. One of the very relevant social issues, HIV/AIDS, will be discussed from a Christian viewpoint. The module will show how healthy practices may be integrated into individual lifestyles and applied within the greater environmental and social contexts.
PSY 108 Health Psychology (12 Credits) NQF 6
This module will include the study of causes for the rise of health psychology; interrelationships between psychology and health related disciplines; models of disease and health care; interrelationships between stressful life events, social support, and wellness; illness behaviour; psychology of addictive behaviour; behavioural health problems, and doing authentic academic tasks.
Prerequisite: PSY 105 Principles of Psychology, HLD 126 Principles of Health
PSY 140 Faith & Psychology (8 Credits) NQF 6
How are Christians supposed to understand, appreciate, and tackle the issues raised within the discipline of Psychology? As one studies deeper into this field, one realizes that sometimes Psychology can seem disconnected and even antithetical to Christian perspectives on life. This module will attempt to broaden the student’s understanding on the relationship between Christian beliefs about individuals and secular psychological beliefs.
Prerequisite: PSY 105 Principles of Psychology
PSY 170 Stress Management (12 Credits) NQF 6
Stress and coping play a significant role in an individual’s functioning and well-being in any context. Students’ academic and future professional lives are likely to be heavily influenced by the efficiency with which they are able to employ positive coping techniques. This module sets out to provide students with a basic understanding of the theory and practice of stress management, including an overview of the signs and symptoms of stress, identification of stressors in a person’s life, increasing stress tolerance, and implementing change. This module is geared to provide students with the practical tools to be able to manage their stress; the ability to use them effectively will hopefully be instilled as they are practised.
Prerequisite: PSY 105 Principles of Psychology
PSY 180 Positive Psychology (12 Credits) NQF 6
Positive Psychology is a developing mosaic of research and theory from different areas of psychology, tied together by a common focus on positive aspects of human behaviour. The module introduces one of the most recent fields in psychology, and represents a paradigm-shift from pathology to strength-based psychology. It is a response to the traditional, clinical focus of psychology that has dominated the last halfcentury. Various themes focus on the empirical study of the resilience, virtues, and psychological well-being of human behaviour.
Prerequisite: PSY 105 Principles of Psychology
SOC 101 Principles of Sociology (12 Credits) NQF 6
A study of the development of sociology as a social science focusing on: sociological theories, how social life is organized, social inequality, social institutions of human societies and change as a characteristic aspect of human societies.
ENG 112 Principles of English II (16 credits) NQF 6
The module introduces the student to a broad spectrum of aspects in English study. It aims to develop and provide the student with practice in various writing skills thereby enabling the student to write effectively in various academic disciplines. It promotes the use of critical thinking and serves to develop the skills of analysing, synthesizing, summarizing and reading from a critical perspective.
Prerequisite: Principles of English I
PSY 208 Cognitive & Neuropsychology (16 Credits) NQF 7
This module involves the study of how people perceive, process, learn, remember and think about information. This necessitates an understanding of the structure and functioning of the brain; how these influence cognitive processing; as well as the various research methods and techniques cognitive scientists have used in analysing the processes of perception, memory functioning, problem solving, decision making, reasoning, emotion, and even spirituality. We will consider theories that aim to explain the processes involved as well as disorders that arise as a result of damage to specific brain areas.
Prerequisites: PSY 105 Principles of Psychology, PSY 170 Stress Management
PSY 209 Human Sexuality (12 Credits) NQF 7
This module seeks to understand the physiological, psychological, and social aspects of sexual development throughout the life span, so as to achieve healthy sexual adjustment.
Prerequisites: PSY 105 Principles of Psychology, HLD 126 Principles of Health
PSY 211 Developmental Psychology I (12 Credits) NQF 7
This module provides an intensive study of current psychological theories relating to environmental and other influences during the prenatal, infant, and childhood years.
Prerequisite: PSY 105 Principles of Psychology, BHS 151 Philosophy of Service and Education, HLD 126 Principles of Health
PSY 212 Developmental Psychology II (12 Credits) NQF 7
A study of current psychological theories relating to psychological development, maturity, and decline as evidenced during the adolescent, youth, middle age and retirement years.
Prerequisites: PSY 105 Principles of Psychology; PSY 211 Developmental Psychology I
PSY 215 Applied Statistics (16 Credits) NQF 7
Statistical methods form an integral part of the quantitative tools used in research. A basic understanding of statistical terminology is also required to understand and make sense of academic literature within the social sciences. This module aims to provide students with a basic understanding of the theory behind some of the most common statistical procedures needed to complete a successful research project within the quantitative paradigm, and to understand academic literature that makes use of statistical concepts. Students are taught to apply these techniques using various packages available in R, an open source language and environment for data manipulation, statistical computing and graphics.
Prerequisite: PSY 105 Principles of Psychology
PSY 221 Treatment of Substance Abuse (12 Credits) NQF 7
This module is designed to help the student expand and integrate knowledge of alcoholism and chemical dependency by addressing relevant contemporary issues and treatment modalities which are in the main stream of the field. In addition, students will learn about empirically validated prevention programmes, substance abuse assessment information, counselling techniques, referral information, as well as relapse prevention and aftercare strategies.
Prerequisite: PSY 105 Principles of Psychology, HLD 126 Principles of Health
PSY 229 Social Psychology (12 Credits) NQF 7
Social psychology is defined as the scientific study that seeks to understand the nature and causes of individual behaviour and thought in social situations. This module will deal with the theory, research, and methodology of social psychology, including both classic and contemporary methods.
Prerequisites: PSY 105 Principles of Psychology, PSY 180 Positive Psychology, SOC 101 Sociology
PSY 231 Research Methods I (12 Credits) NQF 7
This module provides an overview of the theory and application of the principles of social science research. It acquaints students with the theory of science, examines epistemological claims of various approaches to knowing, and provides students with a rationale for the importance of social science research methods in communication, theology, business and psychology. The module addresses philosophical frameworks, methodologies, strategic planning, and ethical considerations involved in both basic and applied research. Upon successful completion of the module, students should be able to identify topics for inquiry, select the appropriate methods and designs for answering a chosen research question, and formulate a structured plan of research.
Prerequisite: PSY 105 Principles of Psychology, CPT 118 End User Computing I, ENG 142 Academic Writing, ENG 111 and 112 Principles of English I and II
PSY 232 Research Methods II (12 Credits) NQF 7
This module will provide student with the tools and skills needed in order to become an innovative researcher. A complete research project will be undertaken and completed through the duration of the semester, consisting of the following: the formation of a research problem and objectives, writing up a literature review, the operationalization and development of a research design, data collection and analysis, and presentation of findings to both staff and students in the form of an open forum.
Prerequisites: PSY 105 Principles of Psychology; PSY 215 Applied Statistics; PSY 231 Research Methods I
PSY 249 Work Integrated Learning (12 Credits) NQF 6
Supervised field placement in a human service setting. A total of 120 hours of volunteer experience is required to gain 12 credits. These hours may be split up among more than one setting if the student so wishes.
Prerequisite: Consent of the module Supervisor and the placement setting management
REB 217 Values, Character, & Personal Enrichment II (8 Credits) NQF 5
This module outlines the importance of values and how they are related to character and personal enrichment. These ideas are firstly examined as general concepts and secondly in relation to particular belief systems, specifically in the context of the Seventh-day Adventist Church. The module therefore also highlights the distinctive beliefs of Seventh-day Adventism and their practical worth for character development and personal enrichment in both private and public life.
Prerequisite: REB 117 Values, Character, & Personal Enrichment I
REB 317 Values, Character, & Personal Enrichment III (8 Credits) NQF 5
This module concerns itself with the values, character development and personal enrichment acquired from studying the life of Jesus as revealed in the Gospels. It begins with a brief geographical and historical overview of the holy land. The module then focuses on the values, character development and personal enrichment enshrined in the life and teachings of Jesus Christ. These include the concepts of forgiveness, work ethic and honesty, caring for others, stewardship – caring for the environment, how to deal with stress and discouragement, and servant leadership. Students will also learn from the ultimate sacrifice which Jesus made.
Prerequisite: REB 217 Values, Character, & Personal Enrichment II
PSY 307 Marriage & Family (12 Credits) NQF 7
This module is designed to examine the fundamental concepts of marriage and family, identifying characteristics of healthy and dysfunctional families along with cultural and other considerations impacting families in today’s dynamic global environment. Family dynamics and interpersonal relationships across the lifespan are examined from family systems, sociological, and ecological perspectives. Major theoretical and therapeutic models assumed by contemporary practitioners of marriage and family counselling are introduced in a brief overview, enabling students to develop an appreciation for the different means of assisting marriages and families in distress. Videos, lectures, and discussions will all be utilized to cover the course materials.
Prerequisite: PSY 105 Principles of Psychology
PSY 311 Theories of Personality (16 Credits) NQF 7
This module provides students with an overview of the historically important theories, as well as new models of personality. Each theory will be discussed in terms of its unique development, definitions, concepts, and methods of assessment and empirical research. Theories will be critically evaluated concerning their particular stance on the basic questions of human nature.
Prerequisite: PSY 105 Principles of Psychology
PSY 312 Psychopathology (16 Credits) NQF 7
This module provides an overview of the study of abnormal psychology. The concept of abnormality will be examined from both historical and current perspectives, and issues related to the classification of psychological disorders will be explored. The descriptive taxonomy of the DSM-V will be introduced, and the aetiology, diagnosis, and treatment of selected child, adolescent and adult disorders will be examined. Emphasis will be placed on both awareness and the impact society has on mental illness.
Prerequisites: PSY 105 Principles of Psychology; PSY 311 Theories of Personality
PSY 315 Counselling Skills (16 Credits) NQF 7
This module addresses the basic skills, processes, strategies and concepts of counselling. It provides a concrete sense of what the practice of professional counselling entails and examines the skills, processes and strategies that form the bedrock of counselling in action. Concepts that are covered in the module include the role of the counsellor, the therapeutic relationship, therapeutic communication, the micro-processes involved in counselling, goal setting and the ethical challenges of counselling. The module also incorporates a practical component, giving students the opportunity to gain experience in applying the counselling skills they have learnt whilst, at the same time, contributing counselling service to the community.
Prerequisite: PSY 105 Principles of Psychology
PSY 316 Psychotherapy (16 Credits) NQF 7
This module surveys the major concepts and practices of 12 major contemporary therapeutic models. In so doing, it provides a framework within students can apply their existing skills and knowledge about counselling. Apart from providing a theoretical overview of a range of divergent psychotherapeutic approaches to counselling and psychotherapy, the module emphasizes the practical application of the concepts covered. It also encourages students to engage in critical appraisal of the various approaches as part of the process of developing their own personal style of counselling.
Prerequisites: PSY 105 Principles of Psychology; PSY 315 Counselling Skills
PSY 320 Psychological Assessment (12 Credits) NQF 7
A survey of the theory and practice in individual and group testing in the following areas: the assessment of young children, physically disabled individuals, the mentally challenged, individuals with chronic conditions; cognitive functioning, i.e. intelligence and aptitude; affective behaviour, adjustment and well-being; personality; career counselling; and computer-based assessment. The evaluation of tests and other instruments for measurement, together with their worth and limitations, are emphasized.
Prerequisites: PSY 105 Principles of Psychology; PSY 215 Applied Statistics
PSY 323 Community Psychology (12 Credits) NQF 7
Community psychology is concerned with emancipating psychology from an individualist, curative, positivist framework of theory and praxis in order to address communities’ needs, concerns, well-being and empowerment. It is concerned with the application of psychological theory and methods in order to understand and address social issues that affect communities. In keeping with the philosophy, ideological assumptions, and approach of community psychology a significant component of the module involves student first-hand involvement with development and implementation of community-based interventions and research in the Helderberg basin. Students are also challenged to discover the principles of agape and community revealed in the Scriptures.
Prerequisite: PSY 105 Principles of Psychology
PSY 341 History & Systems of Psychology (16 Credits) NQF 7
A study of the significant schools, individuals and theories in the field of psychology, together with their contributions to present knowledge of behaviour. Limited to seniors and graduates only, or permission of the lecturer.
Prerequisite: PSY 105 Principles of Psychology
PSY 371 Psychology of the Exceptional Child (12 Credits) NQF 7
A comprehensive survey of the psychological and education problems faced by exceptional children in the home, school and wider community settings. Procedures for incorporating the exceptional child into the regular classroom are emphasized.
Prerequisites: PSY 105 Principles of Psychology; PSY 211 Developmental Psychology I
MGT 141 Principles of Management (12 Credits) NQF 6
This module is a study of principles of business management including an analysis of business policies viewed from the standpoint of management process and current issues in management. Topics covered include: the evolution of management thought, business environment, management functions, organization design, strategic planning, managing change, team building and managing business functions: production, marketing, finance, human resources and information management.
CPT 125 End User Computing II (12 credits) NQF 5
This module covers MS Word, Excel, PowerPoint, and Access. It consists of useful exercises that can be applied in the office. Students are required to create, edit, and format of wide variety of documents, spreadsheets, presentations, and databases that can range from being uncomplicated to thought-provoking in complexity. Content is presented in a practical way, and all assessments are practical. In MS Word, multi-page research papers, reports, tables, flyers and bulletins are some of the documents which will be created. Much emphasis will be placed on inserting and editing citations and their sources, footnotes, endnotes and bibliographical lists of sources. In MS Excel, numeric data will be entered edited and formatted. A wide range of formulas will be used to make simple to complex calculations. The appearance of the data will also be enhanced with the use of charts and tables. In MS PowerPoint, slide show presentations will be created and edited with the use of images, video clips and sound effects. A huge variety of objects, animations, and transitions will also be used to improve the delivery of presentations. In MS Access, databases will be created and edited, either from importing data from other sources, or from scratch. Records will be added to tables, where they will be queried, sorted and filtered. Reports and forms will be generated from data in the tables.
Prerequisite: CPT 134/CPT 118 End User Computing I
CPT 125 End User Computing II (12 credits) NQF 5
This module covers MS Word, Excel, PowerPoint, and Access. It consists of useful exercises that can be applied in the office. Students are required to create, edit, and format of wide variety of documents, spreadsheets, presentations, and databases that can range from being uncomplicated to thought-provoking in complexity. Content is presented in a practical way, and all assessments are practical. In MS Word, multi-page research papers, reports, tables, flyers and bulletins are some of the documents which will be created. Much emphasis will be placed on inserting and editing citations and their sources, footnotes, endnotes and bibliographical lists of sources. In MS Excel, numeric data will be entered edited and formatted. A wide range of formulas will be used to make simple to complex calculations. The appearance of the data will also be enhanced with the use of charts and tables. In MS PowerPoint, slide show presentations will be created and edited with the use of images, video clips and sound effects. A huge variety of objects, animations, and transitions will also be used to improve the delivery of presentations. In MS Access, databases will be created and edited, either from importing data from other sources, or from scratch. Records will be added to tables, where they will be queried, sorted and filtered. Reports and forms will be generated from data in the tables.
Prerequisite: CPT 134/CPT 118 End User Computing I
CPT 033 Fundamental Computing I
The module provides students with the mastery of the alpha- numeric keyboard using MS Word, with an emphasis on controlled speed, the correct display of basic documents, and a speed objective of 25-30 words per minute. Computerized diagnostic tests identify individual weaknesses and levels of proficiency.
CPT 034 Fundamental Computing II
The module provides students with keyboarding techniques to master the keyboard by improving their speed and accuracy. The module also includes the use of basic word processing functions in typing paragraphs, memorandums, letters, papers, reports and advertisements.
Prerequisite: CPT 033 Fundamental Computing I
PSY 089 Study Essentials for Psychology (12 credits) NQF 6
This module aims to orient students to the academic study of psychology, the methods used to collect and analyse information in the field, and the writing and study skills necessary to manage tertiary study effectively. Module topics include the ideology of a scientific approach to psychology, the main perspectives prevalent in modern psychology; the sub-fields of psychology currently emphasized in South Africa; career options and preparation for psychology graduates; and academic planning and study strategies. Students will be given opportunities to deepen their knowledge of psychological theory, apply their critical thinking ability, and cultivate their study and academic writing skills in a number of formative assessment tasks undertaken during the semester.
REB 017 Values, Character, & Personal Enrichment (4 Credits) NQF 5
This module is taught as an interdisciplinary module for all foundation-year students at Helderberg College of Higher Education. The module aims to help students to develop a set of values which will assist them to achieve success in a tertiary environment and in their subsequent roles in life. The module will be taught from a faith-based perspective with a focus on the Christian faith.
EDU 070 Study Skills (12 Credits)
This module is designed to improve academic study skills and introduce resources that will engender success in college-level courses. Topics include basic study skills, memory techniques, note-taking strategies, test-taking techniques, personal improvement strategies, goal setting, and learning resources. Students are also encouraged to monitor, regulate, and take responsibility for their own learning. Upon completion, students should be able to apply the techniques learned to improve their performance in academic courses.
ENG 082 Academic Language Skills (20 Credits)
The English Academic Language Skills module is meant to direct students towards effective ways of developing their academic language proficiency. The classes will therefore provide the initial opportunities for developing academic language proficiency, but students need to take ultimate responsibility for further growth. The module follows a problem-centred and task-based approach, which means that students learn by:
- Solving real academic problems, and
- Undertaking authentic academic tasks.
ENG 084 Academic Reading Skills (8 Credits)
Academic Reading Skills is a skills-development module designed to develop active reading comprehension, flexible reading rates, and strategies to meet varied purposes for reading. Since the development of skills only increases through repeated practice and application, students should expect to do about three hours of reading a week. Students are taught how to read better by improving control of language (understanding, identifying, analysing, criticising), speeding up their reading, coping with texts and applying strategies for learning. The skills focus is the development of a variety of strategic academic reading techniques. In this manner, the students develop the ability to, amongst other skills, successfully gather and process information, distinguish between thematically relevant and irrelevant information, derive the meaning of ‘unknown’ words by establishing the context based on clues in the text. Suitable, context-specific strategies and methods will be applied in this module.
ENG 020 Basic English: Language and Vocabulary (20 Credits)
A module to elevate the level of English in general to a point that will enable active participation in, and understanding of college lectures, procedures, and assignments. There will be a focus on so-called academic literacies which will include skills in reading, writing, listening and verbal communication, as well as developing thinking skills. Discussions, research assignments and presentations will aim at the integration of faith as part of the learning experience, by focusing on Bible-based values and SDA beliefs.