SACAP : Bachelor of Applied Social Science

SACAP : Bachelor of Applied Social Science

SACAP’s BAppSocSci degree is a comprehensive, 3-year, undergraduate qualification that develops a robust theoretical and methodological understanding of the discipline of psychology embedded within the social sciences.

It has been specifically designed to build critical thinking and a depth of understanding of the individual within a social context and positions you well for admission into an Honours degree or postgraduate studies in psychology, the social sciences or related fields. What’s more, the BAppSocSci incorporates essential “work-ready” counselling and communication skills.

At a Glance

Is this course for me?

If you say yes to any of the following points, then the BAppSocSci could just be the perfect fit for you.
Do you?

• Want an NQF accredited qualification that is nationally benchmarked and internationally comparable.
• Have an interest in psychology, mental health and people in a social context.
• Want a comprehensive undergraduate degree qualification in psychology that’s embedded in the social sciences.
• Want a qualification that will give you both comprehensive theoretical and methodological understandings plus integrated counselling and interpersonal communication skills that you can use when working with individuals, groups and communities.
• Want to gain practical fieldwork experience, as part of your studies, to boost your expertise and confidence.
• Want a qualification that will provide multiple academic pathways for an Honours degree or postgraduate studies in psychology, the social sciences or related fields.

What will I learn?

Throughout the BAppSocSci degree you’ll develop critical thinking skills and gain a depth of understanding into:

• Psychology, mental health and people in a social context, including personality and developmental paradigms for understanding individual and group behaviour.
• Psychological challenges and models for understanding behaviour and intervention.
• Diversity and cross-cultural dynamics in the South African context.
• Ethics in psychology.

You will also develop:

• Counselling and interpersonal communication skills, including referral and management strategies.
• Skills to design, implement, monitor and evaluate psycho-educational programmes with a focus on training individuals, families and communities to develop strong, collaborative and supportive partnerships within community context
• Practical fieldwork experience.
• Skills to conduct research according to ethical guidelines, writing reports and managing records.

What can I do with this qualification?

You will be able to work as a SACAP Counsellor. This means that, working together with interdisciplinary support teams, you can:

• Provide short term counselling support and guidance (excluding psychotherapy), in the key areas of crisis and trauma, conflict management and family work and relationships with the aim of promoting mental health and wellness.
• Identify (but not diagnose and treat) possible mental health problems and refer clients to the appropriate professionals.
• Apply competency-based counselling approaches – finding strengths and resilience to facilitate mental health and wellness.
• Practice effective interpersonal communication skills in a range of environments with diverse individuals and groups for the purpose of empowerment and promotion of mental health.
• Participate in the design, implementation, monitoring and evaluation of programmes with a focus on empowerment in community contexts.

What further study pathways are open to me?

Once you have successfully finished the BAppSocSci, you’ll be eligible for admission into an Honours degree or postgraduate studies in psychology, the social sciences or related fields both locally and internationally.

Admission requirements

• A National Senior Certificate (Bachelors Pass) with a minimum of 45% in English, or equivalent qualification, OR
• A Senior Certificate (with Endorsement) with a minimum of a Standard Grade pass in English, or equivalent qualification, OR
• An NQF Level 5 Certificate, or equivalent qualification, OR
• Mature students 23 years of age and older who do not meet the above requirements should provide a portfolio of evidence equivalent to NQF Level 5 training in an appropriate field of study to support admission on the basis of SACAP’s Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL) policy.