Where Can I Study Psychology In South Africa?

There are many universities where you can study a Degree in Psychology. Some top universities for Psychology Degrees in South Africa are: 

  • University of Cape Town
  • University of Johannesburg
  • University of Pretoria
  • University of Stellenbosch
  • University of Witwatersrand

What Are The Requirements To Study Psychology In South Africa?

There are no specific subject requirements for studying Psychology, only recommended subjects. The main recommended subject is Life Sciences. This is because Psychology focuses on the human brain, nervous system, and behaviour. 

Do I Need Matric To Study Psychology?

This depends on what level you want to study at. All universities require you to have your Matric to be able to apply. You do not need Matric to study a psychology short course. However, studying a short course will not qualify you to become a Psychologist. 

For example, you can study a short course in Child Psychology through distance learning at a reputable distance college, such as: 

As a result of taking these short courses, you will be qualified to work in Child Care, such as in a Daycare. However, to become a Child Psychologist, you would need to have your Matric to study for a Degree in Psychology, and then specialise in Child Psychology.  

How Many Years Does It Take To Study Psychology In South Africa?

This can vary widely, depending on whether you study full-time or part-time, and how long your additional qualifications may take. To become a Psychologist, you must: 

  • Complete a Psychology Degree – a minimum of four years to complete, can take up to six years
  • Complete an Honour’s Degree in Psychology – a minimum of one year to complete, can take up to three years
  • Complete a Master’s Degree in Psychology – takes a minimum of two years, but can take up to eight years to complete
  • Complete one year of community service after completing your Master’s Degree

This means it can take a minimum of eight years to complete, and can take up to 18 years at the longest, before you can begin working as a fully qualified Psychologist. 

Can I Study Psychology Without Maths?

Yes, you can study Psychology without Maths. You may need basic Maths like statistical skills for specific Psychology fields such as Research Psychology or Social Psychology. However, it is not necessary to have Maths, you can study Psychology with Maths Literacy. 

Which Types Of Psychology Are There?

There are many types of psychology, which are generally separated into two categories: 

  1. Pure Psychology 
  2. Applied Psychology

Each has many sub-categories, which are as shown below. 

Pure Psychology

Applied Psychology

General psychology 

Educational psychology

Abnormal psychology

Clinical psychology

Social psychology

Industrial psychology

Experimental psychology

Legal psychology

Physiological psychology

Military psychology

Parapsychology

Political psychology

Geopsychology

Criminal psychology

What Are Subjects In Psychology?

There are many subjects in Psychology, and the subjects you study will depend on your specialisation. However, some subject examples are: 

  • Introduction To Psychology
  • Psychology of Individual Differences
  • Biopsychology
  • Development of Psychological Thoughts 
  • Psychological Research
  • Statistical Methods For Psychological Research 
  • Social Psychology 
  • Developmental Psychology 
  • Psychology of Criminal Behaviour
  • Psychological Disorders and Criminal Behaviour
  • Rehabilitation of Criminals
  • Violent Criminal Behaviour and Drug-Related Crime
  • Police Psychology
  • Role of Psychology in Prevention, Treatment and Assessment 
  • Selection & Training of Law Enforcement Personnel
  • Rehabilitation of Juvenile Delinquents and Victims 
  • Assessment & Evaluation in Forensic Psychology
  • Introduction and Overview of Forensic Psychology
  • Investigative Psychology

How Much Does A Psychologist Make In South Africa?

The pay scale for a Psychologist in South Africa is between R 8 660 – R 166 660 per month. The average salary is currently R 37 700 per month. 

What Have We Learned?

  • There are many institutions where you can study Psychology
  • There are no specific subject requirements to study Psychology
  • You do not need Matric to study Psychology, but you do need Matric to become a Psychologist 
  • It can take from eight to 18 years to study Psychology, depending on many factors
  • You can study Psychology without Maths
  • There are many types of Psychology 
  • There are a wide variety of subjects in Psychology

 

Author: Chloe Bydawell
Editor: Razeen Dollie
Date: July 15, 2022