Credit Hours - 3

Students will be required to present the final draft of their thesis covering the key areas such as conceptual and theoretical framework, data collection, data analytic techniques/strategies and main findings/results to faculty members for feedback and corrections.

Credit Hours - 3

Students will be required to present updates on their research, specifically including the conceptual and theoretical framework, data collection and data analytic techniques, and preliminary findings/results to faculty members for feedback and corrections.

Credit Hours - 3

The student will engage in applying practical applications of psychological theories, but with an objective and realistic understanding of an African society, such as Ghana. The primary goal of the seminar is to demonstrate depth of engagement in independent research and a knowledge of the psychological variables that influence development. It is expected that the student will develop advanced psychological concepts through this experiential learning. By the end of Year 2, the student should demonstrate a depth of understanding of theoretical and practical concepts that can enhance their ability to conduct independent research work. The student will be expected to present this experiential learning for credit.

Credit Hours - 3

In the early part of year 2, the PhD students will be expected to present their proposals. This is to ensure that they receive comments and suggestions from faculty and peers to polish their proposals up to the required standard.

Credit Hours - 3

This course explores contemporary issues in psychology that spark debate and controversy. The specific objectives are to: discuss contemporary issues in psychology that evoke debate, controversies and challenges; identify, critically analyse and synthesize contemporary/topical issues in psychology that evoke debate, controversies and challenges as located in extant literature; and review research articles and case studies on contemporary issues in psychology that evoke debate, controversies and challenges in students’ area of
specialisation. The content of the course ranges from critical analysis, synthesis, and challenges in social
psychology, developmental psychology, industrial/organisational psychology, clinical/health psychology, counselling and psychotherapy, to other topical issues in psychology. Specific topics include: the psychology of political and religious terrorism, the psychology of organisational politics (politics and politicians at work), the psychology of attitudinal, behavioural, and social change, the psychology and real-world problems, disease burden, prevention, and health promotion, and decolonising psychology.

Credit Hours - 3

This course provides an in-depth understanding of the purposes, meaning and importance of community development and social change. Specific objectives of the course are: acquaint students with prevention and promotion of community mental health through social and community interventions, community consultation and crisis intervention, highlight the approaches and frameworks for community development and social change, equip students with knowledge in effective collaboration with communitiesin order to plan and initiate change and growth, encourage students to design prevention programmes for various social/community problems, equip students with the requisite knowledge to enable themthink and act as advocates and agents of change, foster an attitude for and capacity to think and act in ecological, multicultural, and global ways as far community development and social change processes are concerned.

Credit Hours - 3

This course is about how to: explore and critically assess the theoretical foundations and practice of organisational development (OD); develop an understanding of the social and psychological processes involved in organisational interventions; become knowledgeable in the interventions traditionally used in the field; explore new ideas for interventions; learn about methods for evaluating OD interventions; and learn OD skills. Specific objectives of the course include: to discuss the theoretical foundations and rationale for organisational change and development, discuss organisational development/planned change principles, and the consulting process, and organisational diagnosis, discuss how to design and implement interventions in industrial/organisational settings, discuss how to design and implement interventions in non-industrial settings, such as social, community, health, school and other settings.

Credit Hours - 3

The course will provide students with the principles of assessment. The student will be taught how to administer and understand the interpretation of commonly used tests. An in-depth knowledge of assessment procedures and their application in educational, industrial, social and clinical settings will be demonstrated. In addition, the student learn learn adequate interviewing skills. The course will examine theoretical principles of psychological assessment. Various types of assessment procedures will be covered in class. Students will learn about test construction and participate in administering psychological tests in simulated test conditions. Students will be introduced to assessment tools and techniques applicable to both children and adults. The class will review standardised procedures in Ghana and elsewhere.

Credit Hours - 3

The course examines how an individual's psychological and social development occurs within a cultural context. The course seeks to engage students in understanding and appreciating the impact of culture on society and psychological health. Topics include conceptualising culture, culturally specific behaviours, cross-cultural behaviours, culture and lifespan development, culture and psychosocial issues, and qualitative and quantitative studies of different parts of the lifespan in diverse cultures.

Credit Hours - 3

This course is intended to provide students with the skills of conceptualising and designing qualitative research, analysing data and preparing a draft manuscript for publication. The intent is to employ a pragmatic approach to provide students with the necessary experience for advanced-level qualitative research. The course is designed to provide students with opportunities to: learn about the nature and application of qualitative research in social research, earn qualitative data collection procedures—e.g., observation, interviews, focus group interviews, and collection and use of documents and archival data, develop skills to use qualitative analytic tools to analyse qualitative data, and apply their research design and data collection skills by undertaking a pilot research study that is publishable in a in refereed journal.

Credit Hours - 3

The course will cover specific advanced quantitative analytic techniques and how they are employed to analyse data in psychological research. Specific objectives are: equip students with the knowledge of advanced multivariate statistical methods used in the analysis of research data in the social sciences; enable students to make informed decisions in the use of appropriate statistical techniques in the analysis of their own research data; and help them acquire the knowledge of how to report advanced statistical analytic results/findings in their thesis. This course is designed for students interested in advanced statistical techniques as applied to
contemporary scientific psychology. The emphasis of this course is on both the acquisition of conceptual and practical knowledge that can be demonstrated by selecting, applying, analysing, and interpreting statistical data.

Credit Hours - 3

This course will equip students with the philosophical underpinnings of ethics, as well as standards for research ethics and business ethics at personal, company, and stakeholder levels. It will engage students in ethical issues that are related to psychology research and professional practice. Specific objectives are: provide an overview of the historical contexts and issues that inform the development of current ethical codes and standards for psychological practice; familiarise students with the ethical codes crucial to professional psychology practice across national contexts; expose students to relevant statutes governing psychological practice in Ghana and provide examples of how these standards apply to everyday practice; illustrate how complex ethical dilemmas can emerge for well-meaning professionals under the most ordinary circumstances and how these dilemmas can be resolved; use cases of ethical practice and dilemmas to highlight contextual and cultural issues pertinent to psychological ethics in Ghana; and provide a model for decision-making that will help students make ethical defensible decisions.

Credit Hours - 3

The course will examine psychological research and theories about the study of diverse groups. The social and clinical implications of these studies will be reviewed. It aims to help students gain a deeper understanding of the relationships between psychological theories and the psychological well-being of diverse groups. The topics for this course will include prejudice and stereotypes, gender stereotypes/sexism, race and history of psychology, intelligence and ethnic diversity, ethnic/cultural identity, homosexuality, disability, cultural considerations and mental disorders, health and ethnicity (Aids, Cancer, Vascular disorders), ageism, intercultural relations, ntelligence and ethnic diversity and other contemporary issues on diversity.

Credit Hours - 3

This course aims to expose and deepen doctoral students’ understanding of the epistemological underpinnings of the social sciences. Specific objectives of the course are to elucidate the nature of scientific inquiry and evaluate the grounds of their validity, expose students to social science explanatory frameworks such as the humanistic approach, realism, post-modernism and post-structuralism and enable students to identify, analyse and take a stand on the theoretical and methodological issues informing their research work.

Credit Hours - 45

A thesis on a research topic to be approved by the Department of Psychology, the School of the Social Sciences Management Committee and the School of Graduate Studies. Students are required to deliver a formal presentation of their proposal to their supervisory committee and department members. This presentation should typically occur by the end of the second year. Data collection is expected to commence by the beginning of the third year. The thesis write-up should be in the fourth year. Students should be able to complete and submit their final thesis at the end of the fourth year for examination and evaluation. A thesis could be a synthesised publication of works or a monograph, ranging from 40,000 to 60,000 words.

Credit Hours - 3

The course addresses both the social psychology of organisations and social psychological processes within organisations. The course provides a multidisciplinary coverage of the organisational contexts
in which social psychologists may work, in a variety of professional domains. A basic familiarity with social psychological methods is assumed, but their application within organisational processes and contexts will be examined in detail within the course. Issues and techniques in organisational analysis, discourse, decision-making, and change management are covered, with an emphasis on their social psychological aspects.

Credit Hours - 3

This course provides an understanding of psychology as used and practised by indigenous populations and how it influences our understanding of social interactions and self-perceptions. This course examines the relationship between culture and individual behaviour, utilising social psychological models for review. The course is intended to provide an in-depth examination of theory and research on intrapersonal,
interpersonal and group behaviour and dynamics from a cultural perspective. Students will review cultural processes that may directly or indirectly shape social phenomena. The course will also focus on specific topics in social psychology, including social cognition, identity, stereotype, prejudice and discrimination, and
interpersonal attraction across different cultures.

Credit Hours - 3

This course provides a graduate-level introduction to the field of social psychology, with an emphasis on its theoretical foundations. This course offers a comprehensive coverage of theory and research relevant to how humans think about, influence, and are influenced by others. This will be accomplished by engaging students in critical reading and discussion of a selection of both “classic” and recent theories and research across core areas/controversies within the field. Topics to be covered include the history of social psychology, the social self and emotions, social cognition, social representations, attitudes, social influence, group behaviour, stereotyping, prejudice and discrimination, persuasion, and interpersonal attraction.

Credit Hours - 3

This course is designed to equip students with the knowledge and skills to design and evaluate intervention programs that will bring about change in communities. This course examines the types of human service organisations within communities and explores the different kinds of community change and intervention methods. Additionally, the various models of community intervention and the levels of analysis for community and social problems will be explored. This course also introduces students to the multiple forms of evaluation of social and community programmes, including needs assessment, process evaluation, outcome evaluation and impact evaluation of programmes.

Credit Hours - 3

This course focuses on the conceptualisation of media in terms of a system in context, including communication, interpretation of content, and effects. The course will highlight the evolution of the media landscape and its impact on social discourse. The power and social context of the media, as well as various forms of propaganda disseminated through it (e.g., war, election campaigns), will also be discussed. Specific media theories, such as the uses and gratification theory, the media dependency hypothesis, the cultivation theory, and the active audience theory, will be highlighted.

Credit Hours - 3

This course is designed to help students become familiar with the major theories, methods and central debates concerning the social and psychological dimensions of gender. This course will focus on issues concerning sex/gender, sex roles, sex role stereotypes and differences and similarities between males and females in various domains. Gender identity, androgyny, socialisation and sex differences in behaviour will also be discussed. Other relevant issues in the psychology of gender, such as how individuals become gendered, gender and work, gender and health, gender and power relations, and many others, will be explored.

Credit Hours - 3

This course will focus on the intersection of social psychology and politics. The course is designed to expose students to the appreciation of the dynamics of political behaviour from a social psychological perspective. Topics to be addressed include political attitudes and values, voting behaviour, grassroots participation, social movements, gender and politics, political communication, social cognition and demographics, and the politics of identity and intergroup relations.

Credit Hours - 3

The purpose of the course is to expose students to the psychology of religion. This course focuses on the application of psychological principles, theories, and research methods in studying religious behaviour, religious cognition, religious motivation, and the role of religion in human life. The course highlights the role of religion in various critical social issues, including social change, coping, forgiveness, human rights, women's rights, prejudice versus tolerance, and pluralism, as well as conflicts and their resolutions. It draws on the contributions of other fields of psychology and focuses on the attitudes, values and experiences of people
and their relationship with the supernatural.

Credit Hours - 3

This course presents a social psychological approach different and complementary to the rational choice models by emphasizing the role of the social context in understanding individuals’ economic actions. This course focuses on how social psychology can be applied to understanding real-world economic life by taking into account cognitive, affective and social processes, and also to contributing to better solutions to societal problems. The course pays particular attention to the social environments that enable and support positive behaviour change in settings characterized by cultural diversity, a need for sustainability and alternative models to growth.

Credit Hours - 3

This course will explore the application of social psychological theories and principles in the legal system. The course focuses on the impact of people’s perceptions, misperceptions, and cognitive biases on criminal investigations and courtroom outcomes. Other areas to be considered include accuracy and persuasiveness of eyewitness testimony, criminal investigations and interview techniques, factors affecting police identification parades, jury dynamics, and defendant characteristics.

Credit Hours - 9

The purpose is to enable students to have opportunities to apply theoretical knowledge to real-life situations and gain practical experience of working within social and community settings.

Credit Hours - 3

The course focuses on various challenges that can be addressed using social psychology theory and research. The course aims to explore how social psychological theories, principles, and research can be applied to enhance the quality of life for individuals and society as a whole. Specifically, the course will explore, from a social psychological lens, topics such as health and illness, contemporary sexual issues in Ghana, gender issues in work and organisations, suicidal behaviour, environmental problems, labour market issues, and vigilante behaviour.

Credit Hours - 3

This course is designed to introduce students to research designs and approaches in Psychology. It aims to build upon students’ knowledge of research methods from the undergraduate level, thereby providing them with advanced knowledge in psychological research techniques.

Credit Hours - 3

In this course, we will examine more advanced statistical methods and data analytic strategies using relevant software packages. The emphasis of this course is on both the acquisition of conceptual and practical
knowledge that can be demonstrated by selecting, applying, analysing, and interpreting statistical data. The course is designed primarily to teach skills related to using the statistical techniques necessary to conduct behavioural and social science research and thus involves a “hands-on” learning approach. The statistical
methods will include analysis of variance, regression, factor analysis, loglinear analysis, moderation and mediation analysis, and structural equation modelling.

Credit Hours - 3

This course focuses on the theory of measurement in psychological testing. The course will
examine topics relevant to understanding issues in psychological testing. Topics to be covered include theories of psychological testing, the reliability and validity of tests, test development, item analysis, norms, and the interpretation of test scores, as well as measurement devices. Others include individual and group intelligence tests, aptitude tests, personality assessments, interest measurements, educational evaluations, occupational assessments, and clinical evaluations.

Credit Hours - 3

A thesis on a research topic approved by the Department of Psychology will be submitted by the student at the end of the second year to the department. Students will be assigned supervisors to oversee their research and thesis writing. Students will be expected to meet their supervisors at least twice a month for approximately two hours per meeting. The thesis length for the MPhil will be about 20,000 words (excluding references, figures, tables and appendices) and will accrue 30 credits.

Credit Hours - 3

In year two, each student will present the progress of their thesis and is expected to defend it for submission. 

Credit Hours - 3

In Year 1, each student in the programme is expected to attend all seminars specified by the Department and deliver a departmental presentation on their research proposal in the second semester. Students are required to attend at least 60% of seminars and present their proposal to merit a passing grade. This
The presentation will be assessed for three (3) credits.

Credit Hours - 9

The aim of this practicum component of the Industrial and Organisational Psychology programme is to provide experiential training for students by giving them a practical hands-on training in the real world of work to complement their classroom training.

Credit Hours - 3

This course is designed to guide students through critical discussions and reflections on the contributions of counselling to organisational life and the personal development of employees. The course will emphasise the development of basic counselling skills in students to enable them to handle cases that require counselling at the basic level within organisations. Discussion and activities in this course will encompass personal, interpersonal, administrative, and organisational facets of counselling as well as trends towards personal development in modern organisations. Other topics will include the counselling domain in organisational settings, therapeutic and theoretical orientations to counselling, assumptions of workplace counselling, problem-oriented approaches to counselling, redundancy counselling, pre-retirement counselling, organisational change counselling, the personal development model and career development interventions.

Credit Hours - 3

This course aims to engage students in discussions regarding how to improve human relations at the workplace. That is, how individuals, groups and management can communicate and work together effectively to achieve organisational goals. To achieve the course aim, discussions will cover areas such as management and the work environment, the individual and the organisation, working together—the leader and the group, and sources of power and organisational politics. Further discussion will cover issues such as conflict and conflict management, communication in organisations, organisational justice perceptions and practices, motivation and increasing performance effectiveness, and unions and human relations.

Credit Hours - 3

This course aims to engage students in discussions that highlight the importance of protecting the safety, health, and welfare of people at work. The idea is to get students to appreciate the value and benefit of effective strategies aimed at safeguarding the organisation’s workforce. This is a cross–disciplinary area concerned with protecting the safety, health and welfare of people engaged in work or employment. The course covers topics such as the concept of accidents, causes of accidents (including job-related factors and human errors), accident prevention, risk assessment and communication, managing hazardous substances, and stress and fatigue management. Furthermore, the areas of involuntary and voluntary rest pauses, economic costs of accidents, and complementary safety theories will be discussed. Local and international occupational health and safety regulations, such as those established by the International Labour Organisation (ILO) and the World Health Organisation (WHO), as well as the Occupational Safety and Health at Work Regulations in Ghana, will also be discussed.

Credit Hours - 3

This course aims to train students to understand and apply psychological principles relevant to promoting market products in a way that effectively responds to consumer needs and aspirations, benefiting the organisation. In this course, discussions will centre on the key roles that psychology plays in various aspects of marketing and buyer behaviour, enabling organisations to design innovative products and create effective communication messages. Key topics will include: Contemporary Applications in Consumer Psychology, Social Psychology of Consumer Behaviour, Cognitive Psychology issues such as thought processes and choice-making, managing customer experiences, Global Marketing Management, Customer Relations, and Digital Marketing.

Credit Hours - 3

This course aims to provide students with in-depth insight into the processes through which organisations change/evolve and grow/develop. It also aims to equip students with the skills necessary for initiating, monitoring, guiding, and evaluating effective change and development for organisational benefit, as well as how psychological principles can be applied in dealing with the psychological and other behavioural change consequences that are often comorbid with organisational change and development.

Credit Hours - 3

This course aims to engage students in discussions about current issues that evoke debate and controversy, as well as occupy the centre stage in industrial, managerial/organisational, work, business, and occupational psychology. The intention is to raise awareness of these issues in them and explore with them appropriate strategies for handling them.

Credit Hours - 3

This course is designed to provide students with in-depth knowledge and understanding of how organisations develop and their fundamental nature. It also examines how the organisation interacts with its environment and the complex processes through which the attitudes and behaviours of organisational members develop, grow, and influence organisational processes and outcomes.

Credit Hours - 3

This course is designed to equip students with in-depth understanding of psychological theories and principles underlying learning and skill acquisition at the workplace to improve employee performance. In this course, students will be engaged in activities that will help them develop practical competences in planning, conducting and evaluating training and development programmes for organizations. The programme covers training needs analysis, training design, various training and development methods and how to utilize training information for post-training decision making.

Credit Hours - 3

This course provides students with advanced-level knowledge and understanding of theory and practice in two main areas in I/O Psychology: Personnel Selection and Assessment, and performance appraisal and career development. The course covers skills development in job analysis, criterion development and the design, application, and evaluation of techniques for personnel selection and appraisal. Discussions will cover the administration and interpretation of selection tests, systems for appraising employee performance, common errors in performance appraisal, post-appraisal interviews and processes, performance management, and the utilisation of appraisal information. Furthermore, we will explore cultural issues related to the assessment and evaluation of employees in diverse work environments.

Credit Hours - 3

This course is aimed at introducing students to the ethical standards of psychological practice and research in psychology. The course will examine ethical standards and legal regulations that serve as the foundation for the actions and perspectives in professional clinical practices. It will also introduce students to the moral standards and guidelines of the American Psychological Association and common ethical issues faced by clinical psychologists. It will also provide students with the competence and strategies for approaching ethical dilemmas and increase students’ self-awareness of values, beliefs, biases and reactions that may affect their responses to ethically challenging situations.

Credit Hours - 3

This course is designed to introduce students to research designs and approaches in Psychology. It is aimed at building upon students’ knowledge in research methods from the undergraduate level and thus providing them with advanced knowledge in psychological research techniques. The course will take a critical look at current qualitative and quantitative research methodologies within the field of psychology and discuss innovative ways to advance psychological research.

Credit Hours - 3

In this course, we will examine more advanced statistical methods and data analytic strategies using relevant software packages. The emphasis of this course is on both the acquisition of conceptual and practical knowledge that can be demonstrated by selecting, applying, analysing, and interpreting statistical data. The course is designed primarily to teach skills related to using the statistical techniques necessary to conduct behavioural and social science research and thus involves a “hands-on” learning approach. The statistical
Techniques will include analysis of variance, regression, factor analysis, log-linear analysis, moderation and mediation analysis, and structural equation modelling.

Credit Hours - 3

This course focuses on the theory of measurement in psychological testing. The course will examine topics relevant to understanding issues in psychological testing. Topics to be covered include theories of psychological testing, the reliability and validity of tests, test development, item analysis, norms, and the interpretation of test scores, as well as measurement devices. Others include individual and group intelligence tests, aptitude tests, personality assessments, interest measurements, educational evaluations, occupational assessments, and clinical evaluations.

Credit Hours - 30

A thesis on a research topic approved by the department of psychology will be submitted by the student at the end of the second year to the department. Students will be assigned supervisors to oversee their research and thesis writing. Students will be expected to meet their supervisors at least twice a month for about two hours per meeting. The thesis length for the MPhil will be about 20,000 words (excluding references, figures, tables and appendices).

Credit Hours - 3

This course aims to provide students with the opportunity to apply the knowledge gained in the course to real-life situations. It also seeks to enhance students’ learning and help them acquire practical skills in researching psychological issues from a developmental perspective. It will provide opportunities for students to apply their knowledge in identifying key problems psychological in organisations (e.g., hospitals, schools, orphanages, correction centres, shelters for children and adult victims, and foundations for the aged), and utilise developmental research and intervention techniques to address them. The field experience will help them plan, implement and manage complex developmental issues using rigorous methodology in the field. Students will have the opportunity to develop their interest and competence in specialised areas, such as working with children, adolescents, or adults, and build their skills in evidence-based interventions and advocacy.

Credit Hours - 3

At the end of the second semester in Year 2, each student will present their written thesis before submission. 

Credit Hours - 3

In Year 1, each student in the programme is expected to attend all seminars specified by the Department and deliver a departmental presentation on their research proposal in the second semester. Students are required to attend at least 60% of workshops and present their proposal to merit a passing grade. 

Credit Hours - 3

This course is designed to deepen students' understanding of the contemporary issues surrounding the development of human morality across the lifespan. Students will be equipped with modern models and perspectives on moral development and the implications of applying these models to understanding behaviour. The course will also facilitate understanding and appreciation of the factors that shape and regulate moral development, particularly the critical issue of the role of culture and socialisation processes. The course will explore how moral boundaries are determined and the psychological processes underlying moral rule-breaking.

Credit Hours - 3

Cognition plays a vital role in human functioning, helping to understand the processes involved in human executive functions. This course is designed to help you broaden and deepen your understanding of cognitive development and its workings. The course will critically examine existing theories on cognitive development and reflect on theoretical and empirical advances in the field. Special attention will be given to methodological and ethical issues in researching cognitive development among infants, children and adolescents. The role of the environment in shaping cognitive development processes will be examined. The course will identify and evaluate cognitive developmental processes in typical and atypical developmental pathways, as well as the effectiveness of intervention techniques in improving mental functioning among infants, children, and adolescents.

Credit Hours - 3

This course aims to equip students with knowledge of what makes exceptional children ‘special’ and skills for developing interventions to manage their needs, thereby enhancing their functioning in school, home, and community. Provide students with knowledge of the characteristics and types of exceptional children, equip them with evidence-based practices that work for extraordinary children, and teach them skills for assessing and developing interventions to improve functioning at home, school, and in the community. At the end of this course, students will be able to demonstrate knowledge of the types of exceptional children, understand the psychological and educational needs of exceptional children, apply knowledge of approaches that work for extraordinary children, and demonstrate skills in designing interventions to enhance the functioning and well-being of exceptional children.

Credit Hours - 3

The overall goal of this course is to equip students with the requisite knowledge of the psychological dimensions of adulthood and the ageing process. This course will expose students to the ageing process and the psychological changes that occur over time (e.g., sensory and perceptual abilities, cognitive functioning, mental and physical health, social relations, and personality). It will examine how these domains interact to shape the ageing experience. Students will be exposed to some contemporary issues in adulthood and ageing, such as midlife crisis, ageism, ableism, discrimination and elder abuse, and how they can be adequately understood and prevented. The course also seeks to stimulate students’ interest in neurocognitive disorders and mental health in adulthood and ageing (dementia, Parkinson’s, Alzheimer’s diseases, suicidal behaviour). The course will interrogate cultural myths about ageing, and their negative consequences will be explored. Students will also examine end-of-life matters: Death, dying, bereavement, and grief, and how gender, culture, class, religion, and sexuality intersect to shape adulthood and the ageing process.

Credit Hours - 3

This course aims to equip students with the knowledge and skills necessary for assessing and managing behavioural problems across the lifespan. It will equip students with skills for managing broad behavioural problems and those associated with specific developmental disorders, as well as skills for developing and implementing individualised management programs in different contexts. Additionally, it will provide students with skills for working with families and consulting with schools. At the end of the course, students should be able to assess, diagnose, and develop individualised programs for managing behavioural problems, as well as offer consultation to schools and families with individuals who display behavioural problems.

Credit Hours - 3

This course aims to equip students with knowledge of language development and skills for identifying and assessing speech disorders in children. This course will also equip students with a theoretical understanding of language development and the identification of relevant contextual factors/issues that facilitate or impede speech development. Specific Objectives will include guiding students to an understanding and demonstration of knowledge of the basic components of language (form, content, and use) and the interactions among them, and equip students with the knowledge of the biological, neurological, cognitive, social, and cultural variations that influence the development of form, content, and use of language.

Credit Hours - 3

To provide knowledge about how individuals’ personalities develop and factors that may influence personality development. Understand the importance of studying personality development in developmental psychology, examine the factors that can affect personality development, describe the different perspectives on personality development and how they differ, explain gender differences in personality development, and compare knowledge in personality development with practical applications to understand human development best. At the end of the course, students should demonstrate knowledge in the importance of the study of personality development in developmental psychology, evaluate the factors that can affect personality development, describe the different perspectives of personality development and how they differ, explain gender differences in personality development and be able to link academic knowledge in personality development with practice, to understand human development best.

Credit Hours - 3

This course offers a comprehensive insight into the processes of growth, development, and adaptation that occur at various stages of life. The course will introduce students to theories related to human development (i.e., normative physical, intellectual, cognitive, emotional, and social development of personality) and the role of culture in shaping these theoretical perspectives. Students will be guided to develop an understanding of self and the world by examining the dynamic interaction of individuals, groups, and societies as they shape and are shaped by history, culture, institutions, and ideas. Furthermore, the course will equip students with intellectual tools for evaluating how history and culture inform and guide individual developmental paths, and how culture shapes similarities and differences among and between individuals, cultures, or societies across space and time. The concept of culture will be examined from a developmental perspective.

Credit Hours - 3

This course aims to provide a critical understanding of the changes that occur between childhood and adolescence. The course will focus on addressing significant changes that occur in the physical, cognitive and psychosocial/socioemotional domains and their implications for the well-being of children, parents, educators, and professionals in the Ghanaian context. In addition, selected areas of contemporary developmental issues in the Ghanaian context, such as bullying victimisation, physical and sexual abuse of children and adolescents, and adolescent suicide, will be discussed. At the end of this course, students should be able to: critically evaluate and distinguish between the three domains of development: physical, cognitive and psychosocial, critically examine theories relevant to the developmental stages from infancy to adolescence in relation to mental, physical and social-emotional domains of development and evaluate the implications of the significant changes that occur in the three domains of human development from infancy to adolescence.

Credit Hours - 3

This course is aimed at introducing students to ethical standard of psychological practice and
research in psychology. Provide students with knowledge on ethical standards and legal
regulations that govern the practices of professional psychologists, introduce students to basic
moral principles that serve as the foundation for ethics code and the processes of ethical decision
making and introduce students to common ethical dilemmas facing psychologists. At the end of
the course should be able identify basic moral principles that serve as the foundation for ethics
code, understand ethical standards for clinical practice and research and know the processes of
ethical decision making as well as clinical supervision models, practices and processes.

Credit Hours - 3

This course is designed to teach students the science and practice of psychological assessment in clinical psychology. The course will focus on: acquisition of testing skills (interviewing, observation, test administration and ethics), teaching students about the theories of testing/assessment, teaching about specific tests – both standardised and non-standardised and learn to write reports. At the end of the course, students should be able to demonstrate skills in interviewing, observation, test administration, and ethics; demonstrate knowledge about theories of testing/assessment; demonstrate knowledge about standardised and non-standardised instruments and their use within the Ghanaian context; and demonstrate knowledge about report writing.
writing.

Credit Hours - 3

This course will teach students the epidemiology, classification, and aetiology of the primary forms of psychopathology. The course objectives are to teach students about different forms of psychopathologies in both children and adults, to introduce the framework for diagnosis, assessment, and treatment of these psychopathologies —case formulations —using the DSM-5 and ICD-11, and to educate students about the context and psychopathologies, including specific culture-bound psychopathologies. At the end of the course, students should be able to: Demonstrate knowledge about different types of psychopathology and manifestation both locally and globally, demonstrate knowledge about risk, protective factors, and developmental trajectories of psychopathology within and globally, and be able to provide case formulations (or provisional diagnosis) based on presenting symptoms and characteristics guided by DSM or ICD.

Credit Hours - 3

This course aims to examine the Behavioural Medicine Model in relation to interactions among biological, psychological, social, and spiritual factors in health and illness. It is designed to help students recognise that many of the most pressing modern health problems are primarily behavioural in nature, arising from genetic and lifestyle origins rather than pathogens that invade the human body. Several families and couples are exposed to extraordinary and unanticipated stressors, which can disrupt family life and potentially harm individuals and their relationships. Consequently, emphasis will be placed on specific stressors that affect couples/families, and on how to provide practical help. The objectives of this course are for students to understand the psychological disorders associated with stress, learn behavioural medicine, methods of assessment and formulation, and learn treatment and intervention for stress-related conditions and those that affect families/couples. Upon completion of this course, students will be able to: explain the mind-body interactions in the biopsychosocial model of health and illness, describe the unique factors which affect families/couples, describe psychosocial factors associated with physical conditions, explain the body’s reaction to stress and assess and design interventions for stress-related health conditions for individuals, couples and families.

Credit Hours - 3

This course is designed to introduce students to research designs and approaches in Psychology. It aims to build upon students’ knowledge of research methods from the undergraduate level, thereby providing them with advanced knowledge in psychological research techniques. Teach students the two basic methods in research in psychology: qualitative and quantitative approaches. Students should learn about quantitative research designs and develop the skills to create questionnaires and question guides. At the end of the course, students should be able to design quantitative research (including experiments and surveys), qualitative research, and acquire skills to analyse qualitative data.

Credit Hours - 3

In this course, we will examine more advanced statistical methods and data analytic strategies using relevant software packages. To teach students the application of advanced statistical methods in analysing data, to teach students the use of statistical software and to teach basic data management/handling techniques. At the end of this course, students should be able to: analyse data using advanced statistical methods, be conversant with relevant statistical software packages and understand basic data management techniques.

Credit Hours - 3

This course focuses on the theory of measurement in psychological testing. The course will examine topics relevant to understanding issues in psychological testing. The specific objectives are: to teach students the theories of psychometrics in psychology, to introduce students to the basics of psychometrics, to provide students with opportunities to construct a psychological instrument, and to teach students how to validate a psychological instrument. At the end of the course, students should be able to discuss the theoretical basis of testing and measurement, develop a measurement instrument for a specific construct, and validate the new instrument.

Credit Hours - 30

A thesis on a research topic approved by the Department of Psychology will be submitted by the student at the end of the second year to the department. Students will be assigned supervisors to oversee their research and thesis writing. Students will be expected to meet their supervisors at least twice a month for about two hours per meeting. The thesis length for the MPhil will be about 20,000 words (excluding references, figures, tables and appendices).

Credit Hours - 3

This course aims to teach students the importance of psychology in addressing chronic health conditions and delivering effective treatment. Students will learn about the aetiology and types of chronic illnesses in Ghana, different perspectives on chronic illnesses, doctor-patient relationships and interactions, healthcare service utilisation, adherence to treatment regimens, and the stress and burden of chronic illness in Ghana. At the end of the course, students should demonstrate knowledge about the psychological implications of chronic diseases, the aetiology and types of chronic illnesses in Ghana, and patient behaviours, as well as how these inform their decisions on appropriate psychological interventions.

Credit Hours - 9

The course will provide supervised opportunities for students to work with individuals, groups (including couples and families), communities, hospitals, organisations, and correctional centres. It will also provide opportunities for students to plan, implement, manage, and evaluate counselling outreach and interventions across diverse settings. Further, the course would provide opportunities for students to develop advocacy skills
needed to promote counselling and mental health across diverse settings, develop collaborative skills required in working with community agencies in counselling outreach, and develop mental health programmes aimed at addressing institutional and systemic barriers and challenges that impede access, equity, and success of counselling in Ghana.

Credit Hours - 3

At the end of the second semester in Year 2, each student will present their written thesis before submission. 

Credit Hours - 3

In Year 1, each student in the programme is expected to attend all seminars specified by the Department and deliver a departmental presentation on their research proposal in the second semester. Students are required to attend at least 60% of workshops and present their proposal to merit a passing grade. 

Credit Hours - 3

The primary goal of this course is to educate students on the civil and criminal aspects of mental health. They will also learn the applications of the law to mental health issues, the civil and criminal procedures in relation to mental disorders and the fundamental rights and legal protections for people with mental disorders. At the end of the course, students should demonstrate knowledge of mental health law and its application to mental disorders, as well as an understanding of civil and criminal procedures associated with mental disorders, and familiarity with fundamental rights and legal protections for individuals with mental disorders.

Credit Hours - 3

The course aims to help students acquire knowledge and skills in contemporary psychotherapy theories that are relevant to their clinical work. Teach students about the various psychotherapies, equip them with the skills of selected psychotherapies, and instruct them on contextualising the practice of psychotherapies. At the end of the course, students should demonstrate knowledge of various psychotherapies, skills in practising selected psychotherapies, and the ability to contextualise the practice of psychotherapies.

Credit Hours - 3

 This course is designed to prepare students for practice as career counsellors. It will provide an in-depth examination of major career development theories (e.g., Super’s theory of career development; Gottfredson’s theory of career development). The course will also examine standard testing and assessment instruments used in career counselling (e.g. personality and interest inventories) and provide practice opportunities.

Credit Hours - 3

This course aims to provide students with knowledge of ethical standards and legal regulations that govern the practices of professional psychologists. It introduces students to fundamental moral principles that serve as the foundation for the ethics code and the processes of ethical decision-making, while also exposing them to common ethical dilemmas faced by psychologists. At the end of the course, students should be able to identify basic moral principles that serve as the foundation for the ethics code, understand ethical standards for clinical practice and research, and know the processes of ethical decision-making as well as clinical supervision models, practices, and processes.

Credit Hours - 3

This course provides an overview of psychopharmacological medications, including their basic classification, indications, contraindications, and side effects. Provide an overview of psychopharmacological medications, teach students about classifications of psychopharmacological medications and teach students about indications, contraindications, and side effects of psychopharmacological medications. At the end of the course, students should be able to demonstrate knowledge about psychopharmacological medications, classify psychopharmacological drugs, and, for specific disorders, identify indications, contraindications, and side effects of psychopharmacological medications.

Credit Hours - 3

To provide knowledge in group development, the dynamic and interactive processes of group work and the implications of different approaches to conducting groups for diverse populations. Understand the processes of group work, leadership styles and techniques, theoretical approaches to group counselling, examine group process through participation in a group experience, and explore ethical and legal issues in group counselling. At the end of the course, students should be able to develop a critical understanding of the fundamental issues and processes of group work, demonstrate practical skills in group process and explain the ethical and Professional issues in group counselling.

Credit Hours - 3

Course Objectives
This course is designed to teach students the science and practice of psychological assessment in clinical psychology. The course will focus on the acquisition of testing skills (interviewing, observation, test administration and ethics), teaching students about the theories of testing/assessment, teaching about specific tests – both standardised and non-standardised and learn to write reports. At the end of the course, students should be able to demonstrate skills in interviewing, observation, test administration, and ethics; demonstrate knowledge about theories of testing/assessment; demonstrate knowledge about standardised and non-standardised instruments and their use within the Ghanaian context; and demonstrate knowledge about report writing.

Credit Hours - 3

This course will teach students the epidemiology, classification, and aetiology of the primary forms of psychopathology. Students will be taught about: different forms of psychopathologies in both children and adults, the framework for diagnosis, assessment and treatment of these psychopathologies- case formulations- using DSM-5 and ICD-11, context and psychopathologies and address specific culture-bound psychopathologies. At the end of the course, students should be able to demonstrate knowledge about different types of psychopathology and their manifestations, risk and protective factors, and developmental trajectories of psychopathology, and provide case formulations (or provisional diagnoses) guided by the DSM or ICD.

Credit Hours - 3

This course aims to examine the Behavioural Medicine Model in relation to interactions among biological, psychological, social, and spiritual factors in health and illness. It is designed to help students recognise that many of the most pressing modern health problems are primarily behavioural in nature. Several families and couples are exposed to extraordinary stressors, which can disrupt family life and damage relationships. The objectives of this course are for students to understand the psychological disorders associated with stress, learn behavioural medicine, methods of assessment and formulation, and learn treatment and intervention for stress-related conditions.

Credit Hours - 3

This course is designed to provide students with a brief historical overview of the field of counselling psychology and an in-depth knowledge of the diverse perspectives that inform contemporary counselling psychology practice. Students will be exposed to core competencies, standards, and values in counselling psychology, laying the foundation for developing core counselling psychology competencies. Students will be trained in a strength- and prevention-based approach to counselling and challenged to critically review how ecological factors and developments affect individuals, families, groups, and communities and impact well-being. The course will support students to develop self-reflective and advocacy skills for their professional development.
 

Credit Hours - 3

This course is designed to introduce students to research designs and approaches in Psychology. It is aimed at building upon students’ knowledge in research methods from the undergraduate level and thus providing them with advanced knowledge in psychological research techniques. Teach students the two basic methods in research in psychology: qualitative and quantitative approaches. Students should learn about quantitative research designs, and students will learn to develop questionnaires and question guides. At the end of the course, students should be able to design quantitative research (experiments and surveys), design qualitative research and acquire skills to analyse qualitative data.

Credit Hours - 3

In this course, we will examine more advanced statistical methods and data analytic strategies using relevant software packages. To teach students the application of advanced statistical methods in analysing data, to teach students the use of statistical software and to teach basic data management/handling techniques. At the end of this course, students should be able to analyse data using advanced statistical techniques, be conversant with relevant statistical software packages and understand basic data management techniques.

Credit Hours - 3

This course is concerned with the theory of measurement in psychological testing. The course will examine topics relevant to understanding issues of psychological testing. The specific objectives are: to teach students the theories of psychometrics in psychology, to teach students the basics of psychometrics, to give opportunities to students to construct a psychological instrument and to teach students how to validate a psychological instrument. At the end of the course, the students should be able to discuss the theoretical basis of testing and measurement, develop a measurement instrument for a specific construct and validate the new instrument.

Credit Hours - 30

A thesis on a research topic approved by the department of psychology will be submitted by the student at the end of the second year to the department. Students will be assigned supervisors to supervise their research and thesis writing. Students will be expected to meet their supervisors at least twice a month for about two hours per meeting. The thesis length for the MPhil will be about 20,000 words (excluding references, figures, tables and appendices).

Credit Hours - 3

At the end of the second semester in year two, each student will make a presentation
on their written thesis before submission. 

Credit Hours - 3

This course aims to teach students about the importance of psychology in chronic health conditions and treatment delivery. This course focuses on various chronic conditions from the aetiology, prevention, and treatment from a health psychological perspective. It discusses the interplay among psychological, biological, and social/spiritual factors (Biopsychosocial Model) in the understanding of chronic health conditions. The course will cover a variety of chronic conditions (e.g., diabetes, cancer, coronary heart disease and HIV/AIDS, as well as chronic stress, pain and Alzheimer’s disease), patient-physician relations, health care systems and the utilisation of healthcare services.

Credit Hours - 3

In year 1, each student in the programme is expected to attend all seminars specified by the Department and make a departmental presentation on their research proposal in the second semester. Students are required to attend at least 60% of workshops and present their proposal to merit a passing grade. 

Credit Hours - 3

This course will focus on the major theoretical concepts and clinical methods that examine the brain-behaviour relationship. The course will provide an overview of brain functioning with a focus on brain structures and mechanisms of neurotransmission. This specialised field aims to assess and interpret the relationship between nervous system function, cognition, emotion and behaviour; and to apply this knowledge to the design of individualised patient interventions. Students will acquire knowledge through a review of both clinical cases and research outcomes. The students will learn about brain dysfunction and neuropsychological disorders. They will learn clinical applications of some neuropsychological assessment tests in the evaluation of children, adolescents, and adults.

Credit Hours - 3

This course is aimed at providing an overview of psychopharmacological medications, their basic classification, indications, contraindications, and side effects. The course introduces students to some principles of pharmacology and pharmacological agents relevant to the psychotherapist. It is designed to introduce students to the types, dosages and side effects of the common psychotropic medications used in child, adolescent and adult psychopathology. Medications for disorders such as major depressive disorder, bipolar depression, anxiety disorders, psychotic disorders(schizophrenia), and personality disorders will be discussed. The course will also cover issues of therapeutic relationships in healthcare, patient adherence, and pertinent social pharmaceutical concepts.

Credit Hours - 3

This course is aimed at introducing students to the ethical standards of psychological practice and research in psychology. The course will examine ethical standards and legal regulations that serve as the foundation for the actions and perspectives in professional clinical practices. It will also introduce students to ethical standards and guidelines of the American Psychological Association and common ethical issues facing clinical psychologists. It will also provide students with the competence and strategies for approaching ethical dilemmas and increase students’ self-awareness of values, beliefs, biases and reactions that may affect their responses to ethically challenging situations.

Credit Hours - 3

This course is designed to teach students the science and practice of psychological assessment in clinical psychology. Students will learn the basic issues in psychological assessment and the fundamental
concepts and principles in testing and assessment. They will learn to identify the primary constructs assessed by clinical psychologists and learn about professional issues in psychological assessment. The course is organized around six content domains relevant for psychological assessment: (1) reliability, validity,
standardization, and prediction; (2) objective assessment of personality and psychopathology; (3) special topics such as behavioural medicine, forensic assessment, multicultural assessment; (4) diagnostic interviewing; (5) brief coverage of intelligence and neuropsychological assessment, and (6) professional issues.
Emphasis will be placed on contextual factors that affect test performance, such as socioeconomic background and religion.

Credit Hours - 3

The primary goal of this course is to teach students the civil and criminal aspects of mental health and how it relates to the law. In this course, students will be introduced to the application of the law in mental illness and mental disability. The course will focus on civil aspects of mental health law, such as standards and procedures for involuntary commitment, consent for, and informed refusal of treatment and deinstitutionalisation/community-based treatment. Students will learn about cases where people with mental disorders interact with the law, such as in employment issues, human rights cases and criminality.

Credit Hours - 3

The course aims to help students acquire knowledge and skills in contemporary
psychotherapy theories that are relevant to their clinical work. This course covers various psychotherapies: humanistic and existential, behavioural and cognitive, group, interpersonal, marital and family therapies. Factors that are common to all psychotherapies will be highlighted. In addition, students will be
introduced to the eclectic approach, which is a way of incorporating traditional therapies in interventions for use in an African cultural context. Students will also be exposed to African-centred therapies such as Ntu therapy and others that have been proven to have therapeutic value.

Credit Hours - 3

This course will teach students the epidemiology, classification, and aetiology of the
primary forms of psychopathology. It will provide students with skills in making diagnoses and a working knowledge of the diagnostic categories in the DSM-5 and ICD-11. It will also involve an understanding of the varying philosophies relative to the diagnosis of abnormal behaviour. In particular, it will discuss multiple perspectives of manifestation and diagnosis of psychopathology, addressing biological, psychological, and contextual (family, community, cultural) and religious/spiritual factors. In addition, this course
will examine risk and protective factors and developmental trajectories of psychopathology.

Credit Hours - 9

This course aims to prepare students to develop and expand their clinical
competencies and become independent practitioners. Students will undertake a 500-hour clinical practicum at selected health facilities, educational institutions, correctional facilities and within communities. This is
a supervised practicum during which students work with a qualified clinical psychologist as part of the training. The students are required to sit in on sessions with clients, conduct assessments, and provide therapy. Students will be required to participate in case conferences where they share experiences about challenging cases and learn best practices from both colleagues and supervisors. The total credit for the practicum is 9. Students will maintain a practicum log, receive one-on-one supervision, as well as take part in group supervision.

Credit Hours - 3

This is an advanced course in lifespan psychology emphasising physical,
psychological, cognitive, and social development from conception through
adulthood and death. It explores influences on human development, ranging from individual models to
cross-cultural groups, drawing comparisons between local and global contexts.
Emphasis will be placed on the major theories and factors used to describe how
People change throughout their life span.

Credit Hours - 3

This course aims to examine the Behaviour Medicine Model in relation to
interactions among biological, psychological, social and spiritual factors in health
and illness. It is designed to help students recognise that many of the most
pressing modern health problems are primarily behavioural in nature, arising from
genetic and lifestyle origins rather than of pathogens that invade the human body.
Several families and couples are exposed to extraordinary, unanticipated stressors, which can disrupt family life and potentially damage individuals and their
relationships. Consequently, emphasis will be placed on particular stressors that
affect couples/families and how to provide help.

Credit Hours - 3

This course is designed to introduce students to research designs and approaches in
Psychology. It is aimed at building upon students’ knowledge in research methods
from the undergraduate level and thus providing them with advanced knowledge in
psychological research techniques. The course will take a critical look at current qualitative and quantitative research methodologies within the fields of psychology and discuss innovative ways of advancing psychological research.

Credit Hours - 3

In this course, we will examine more advanced statistical methods and data analytic
strategies using relevant software packages. The emphasis of this course is on both the acquisition of conceptual and practical knowledge that can be demonstrated by selecting, applying, analysing, and
interpreting statistical data. The course is designed primarily to teach skills related to
using the statistical techniques necessary to conduct behavioural and social science
research and thus involves a “hands-on” learning approach. The statistical
methods will include analysis of variance, regression, factor analysis, loglinear
analysis, moderation and mediation analysis, and structural equation modelling.

Credit Hours - 3

This course is concerned with the theory of measurement in psychological testing. The
The course will examine topics that are relevant to understanding issues of psychological
testing. Topics to be covered include theories of psychological testing, reliability and validity
of tests, test development, item analysis, norms and the interpretation of test scores,
and measurement devices. Others include individual and group tests of intelligence,
aptitudes, personality tests, measurement of interests, educational testing, occupational testing, and clinical testing.

Credit Hours - 30

A thesis on a research topic approved by the Department of Psychology will be
submitted by the student at the end of the second year to the department. Students
will be assigned supervisors for the supervision of their research and thesis writing.
Students will be expected to meet their supervisors at least twice a month for about
two hours per meeting. The thesis length for the MPhil will be about 20,000 words
(excluding references, figures, tables and appendices) and will accrue 30 credits.