Programme Information

Master of Arts in Psychology (Thesis)
Code: 18414 – 879
Course Coordinator: Dr. Chrisma Pretorius
Postgraduate Administrative Officer: Ms. Gaynöhl Andrews – andrews@sun.ac.za; 021 808 3461

Application Process and Admissions

Admission Criteria:

Prospective students out to meet the following criteria in order to apply for the Masters programme in psychology (thesis):

  • An Honours degree in Psychology (with an average of 65%) or an equivalent qualification acceptable to Senate for admission to the programme

Application Process:

To apply for the programme, prospective students will need to:

  • Complete Microsoft Word application form attached: 2023 MA Departmental FORM (.docx | 50.6 Kb)
  • Complete the online application form: student.sun.ac.za/signup/
  • Applications must be accompanied by a brief, preliminary research topic of the prospective study with clear objectives and a research question (not more than 250 words)
  • Applicants are required to secure a supervisor for their research, by making contact with staff members in the department, based on their research interest. A letter of commitment from the supervisor is to accompany the above application form

Please take note of the following closing dates for applications:

  • South African students: 31 October of the preceding year
  • International (Non-South African) students must apply through the University of Stellenbosch International Office, accessed at http://www0.sun.ac.za/international by 31 August of the preceding year

Programme Content

This programme, which requires a minimum of one year of study, focuses on the acquisition and broadening of knowledge in a specific area of psychology. It also aims at the development of research skills, particularly with respect to the planning and execution of research and the reporting of research results.

It entails the completion of a thesis (180 credits), the topic of which is determined in consultation with a supervisor. It is preferable that the study forms part of an existing departmental research project and, where possible, focuses on a psychosocial problem within the South African context. The thesis may be written in Afrikaans or English.