Programme Information

Bachelor of Arts (Honours) in Psychology
Code: 18414-778
Course Coordinator: Dr. Anthea Lesch
Postgraduate Administrative Officer: Ms. Gaynöhl Andrews – andrews@sun.ac.za; 021 808 3461

Application Process and Admissions

Admission Criteria:

Prospective students ought to meet the following criteria in order to apply for an Honours degree in Psychology at the University of Stellenbosch:

  • A Bachelor’s degree with a major in psychology
  • An average mark of at least 65% for all third-year psychology subjects
  • An average mark of at least 65% for all psychology modules taken throughout undergraduate years

Please note that:

  • A higher performance cut-off may be set in a given year, depending on the number and achievement level of applicants
  • Applicants who completed undergraduate psychology and have obtained a postgraduate qualification in another discipline, with an average of 65%, will also be considered for admission to the programme

Application Process

SU students may apply via the MySun postgraduate application portal:
https://web-apps.sun.ac.za/HuidigAansNg/Apply.jsp?pLang=english

Students currently enrolled at other Universities/ not currently enrolled at SU may apply using the following link:
http://www0.sun.ac.za/pgstudies/how-to-apply.html

Please note that applications close on 31 August of the preceding year for South African students, and on 31 July of the preceding year for international students.

Information for prospective students may be found at the following link: http://www.sun.ac.za/english/students/Pages/default.aspx

Programme Content

The Honours programme in Psychology is a one-year full-time programme and is presented in English. It is a full-time academic programme which may lead to further postgraduate studies in Psychology, both in South Africa and internationally.

The programme cannot be completed on a part-time basis and does not lead to registration as a Counsellor or Psychometrist with the Health Professions Council of South Africa. The Honours programme does, however, provide a sound theoretical foundation for subsequent training as a Psychologist and can lead to admission to professional Masters degree training programmes in Counselling Psychology, Clinical Psychology and Research Psychology.

The Honours programme is theoretical in its orientation and aims to provide students with a solid and advanced foundation in Psychology as an academic discipline. Students have the opportunity to study a number of sub-disciplines in Psychology. The programme places a strong emphasis on the development of theoretical and research knowledge and skills. Our programme offers students the opportunity to engage critically with contemporary psychosocial issues and to reflect on the relevance of Psychology in the South African context.

Modules may be offered in a year-long, semester or term format. Students will complete two compulsory modules: Research Methodology, and the Research Assignment; and may choose from a list of elective modules each year. The modules offered in a given year may differ from modules offered during previous years. In order to obtain the degree, a student must obtain a minimum of 120 credits.

The exit qualification of the Honours programme in Psychology is a BA (Hons) in Psychology.

The programme focuses on the understanding of human behaviour: intra-psychic and interpersonal processes, normal as well as abnormal behaviour, individual, group, community and societal contexts, with particular emphasis on the psychosocial issues impact the health and well-being of the South African population.

Compulsory Modules:

  • Research Methodology (25 credits)
  • Research Assignment (30 credits)

Elective Modules:

Students may choose to enrol in a minimum of five of of the modules offered below.

  • Brain and Behaviour (13 credits)
  • Career Psychology (13 credits)
  • Child Psychology (13 credits)
  • Community Psychology (13 credits)
  • Applied Community Psychology ( 13 credits)
  • Psychotherapy (13 credits)
  • Psychopathology (13 credits)
  • Psychometry (13 credits)
  • Social Psychology (13 credits)