University Of The Witwatersrand Psychology, The Discipline of Psychology is comprised of a diverse complement of approximately forty skilled staff with expertise in a broad array of fields, ranging from brain functioning to psychotherapy, and from child development to organisational change. We offer both academic and professional-training oriented courses, and provide students with a good research base, critical knowledge application and flexible skills development. Our undergraduate courses provide an excellent grounding in Psychology, and some degree of specialisation is catered for at the 3rd year level and above. Our professional training programmes are nationally competitive, and of international standard. Our programmes are geared towards developing reflective theorists and practitioners, who are sensitive to South African needs, and we strive to make our teaching both personally relevant and socially responsive.
A student intending to pursue a career as a psychologist would have to study psychology for three years as an undergraduate, take a one-year full-time honours degree, and enrol for a specialised Masters degree (clinical, community-counselling, industrial/organisational, research, educational). Thus, the full period of study is a minimum of six years at present and allows for registration with the Health Professions Council of South Africa (HPCSA) as a psychologist. In the professional training programmes, the sixth year usually involves a full year internship and in some specializations the HPCSA requires completion of a year of paid community service prior to registration as an independent practitioner.
The profession of Psychology in South Africa is currently undergoing substantial change which means that requirements for registration as a psychologist may change. As an institution accredited to train counsellors and psychologists, the University of the Witwatersrand will adapt its programmes to any future changes if this becomes necessary.
 

Psychology

Psychology at Wits is a popular major subject. It is the study of human experience and behaviour and the ways in which individuals relate to each other and their environment. Psychology offers a rich and diverse knowledge base concerning human functioning in all its facets.

Programme overview

Psychology is relevant to almost every aspect of people’s lives. As society has become more complex, Psychology has come to play an increasingly important role in understanding human behaviour and in shaping interventions to ensure optimal functioning of individuals, group and communities.

The study of Psychology can complement a range of other courses in both the humanities and social sciences, shape contributions in the world of work and can lead to a professional career in one of the psychology specialisations.

Topics studied may include:

• Abnormal Psychology
• Child and Adolescent Psychology
• Cognitive Neuropsychology
• Community Psychology
• Critical Social Psychology
• Employment Relations
• Employee wellbeing
• Health Psychology
• Organisational Behaviour
• Organisational Effectiveness
• Therapeutic Interventions
• Cognitive Studies

Within the field of psychology there are a number of different career options including: working in industry and organisations, working with adults and children who are experiencing psychological problems, working to change destructive patterns in communities, and working as a researcher to understand social and health issues, among many others. Please note that, to become a psychologist, additional study and professional training is required.
The major in Psychology can also be studied part-time at Wits Plus, the Centre for Part-time Studies.
 

Career Opportunities

Additional study and professional training required:

• Career Counsellor
• Clinical Psychologist
• Counselling Psychologist
• Child Care Worker
• Rehabilitation Specialist
• Psychiatric Technician

Entry Requirements

Application Process

Your application

• You may apply for three programmes (degrees).
• Applications to Wits must enclose a non-refundable application fee of R100 (for international applicants, R700).

Documentation / Checklist

• Submit your Grade 11 report which must be signed and stamped by your school principal.
• If you have already matriculated, attach a copy of your matric certificate.

Submit your application, required documentation and application fee before the closing date.
 

Course Costs

The average course costs for local students range from R34 000 to R62 000, depending on the course and the number of years of study.
Tuition fees are payable for each course for which a student is registered.

• Fees and funding