Programme Information

Master of Arts in Clinical Psychology
Code: 18414-875
Course Coordinator: Professor Elmien Lesch
Selection Coordinator: Ms Megan Snow – mclinical@sun.ac.za; 021 808 3461/ 021 808 2696
Postgraduate Administrative Officer: Ms. Gaynohl Andrews – andrews@sun.ac.za; 021 808 34641

Application Process and Admissions

Admission Criteria

Prospective students have to meet the following criteria in order to apply for the Masters programme in Clinical Psychology:

  • An Honours degree in Psychology or an equivalent that Senate has approved for admission to the programme with a minimum average of 65%
  • Proficiency in at least two official languages

Application Process

Specific application processes and closing dates are to be updated on the website closer to the time. However, applications generally include the following:

  • Online application form (please read through the application instructions below, the link is available in the document)
  • Two independent referee reports
  • Certified academic records
  • Black and white photograph of yourself

Application Process and Admissions for 2024

Online Applications for the MA (Masters in Clinical Psychology) open on 1 May 2024. Read the following documents carefully before proceeding with your application.

The closing date for applications is Thursday 30 May 2024.

No late or incomplete applications will be considered.

The selection week will take place from 29-31 July 2024.

Specific Admission Requirements

An Honours degree in Psychology or an equivalent qualification that Senate has approved for admission to the programme, or a Master’s degree in Psychology, completed with a minimum final mark of 65% (current Honours students may also apply on condition that they successfully complete the degree at the end of 2024)
​Proficiency in at least two official languages.

NOTICE

Please note that we are unable to answer any telephonic queries at this point. Please forward any queries to our email (mclinical@sun.ac.za) and we will respond within 2-3 working days.

Feedback on pre-selection will be communicated via email. The date of this feedback will be communicated on our website.

Further Reading

If you consider to sign up for this programme please download and read the following document with further information:

MA Clinical Psychology – Suggestions to prospective applicants (pdf | 67 Kb)

Programme Content

The programme focuses on the identification and treatment of psychopathology in children and adults, as well as on the development, implementation and assessment of preventative and remedial programmes. The theoretical component is presented in English and consists of different modules which cover the broad terrain of Clinical Psychology. The practical component of the programme requires you to be involved in the diagnostic assessment and psychotherapeutic treatment of adults, children and families, and to undertake individual community projects. You must be involved continuously throughout the year (approximately 15 to 20 hours per week) with the Welgevallen Community Psychological Clinic and within departmental community projects. A research assignment, based on independent research under supervision, must also be completed.

This programme satisfies the conditions and requirements of the Professional Board for Psychology for the professional training of clinical psychologists and is accredited as such with the Professional Board. In order to register as a clinical or psychologist the Professional Board for Psychology requires:

  • The successful completion of examinations and practical work;
  • A full-time internship of 12 months accredited by the Professional Board;
  • 12 months of community service; and
  • The successful completion of the Professional Board’s examinations for psychologists.

Registration with the Board as a clinical psychologist is determined by whether an accredited clinical internship has been completed. Details about internships and community service is available on the Health Professions Council of South Africa (HPCSA): Professional Board for Psychology website:
https://www.hpcsa.co.za/?contentId=0&menuSubId=52&actionName=Professional%20Boards

Programme Duration

The programme is presented full-time for the duration of one academic year.

Compulsory Modules and Credits

  • Research Assignment (60 credits)
  • Professional Development (30 credits)
  • Psychological Assessment (50 credits)
  • Psychological Interventions (40 credits)

Assessment and Examination

A minimum final mark of 50% is required to pass each module and the final oral examination. The final mark for the programme is based on the relative weights of the different modules as indicated by their respective credit values. In addition, the Professional Board for Psychology requires that, upon completion of the programme, your knowledge and skills be externally assessed and marks be moderated. Practical work is assessed continuously, and all practical work must be successfully completed as a prerequisite for obtaining the degree.