Program Overview

Master's & Doctoral Degrees

The University of South Africa (Unisa) offers a range of master's and doctoral degrees across various colleges and departments. These programs are designed to provide students with advanced knowledge and skills in their chosen field, as well as the opportunity to contribute to the development of new knowledge and understanding.

Master of Arts in Clinical Psychology

The Master of Arts in Clinical Psychology is a coursework-based degree that aims to provide students with the knowledge, skills, and competencies necessary to practice as clinical psychologists. The degree consists of 13 coursework modules, a research proposal, a mini-dissertation, and an internship year.

• Qualification code: 90119
• Qualification type: Coursework
• NQF level: 9
• Total credits: 240

Rules and Requirements

To obtain the degree, students must pass the following components:

• 13 coursework modules
• Research proposal
• Mini-dissertation
• Internship year (non-credit bearing module)

Students must also comply with the Health Professions Council of South Africa's (HPCSA) ethical code of conduct and professional standards.

Purpose Statement

The primary purpose of this qualification is to provide students with the knowledge, skills, and competencies necessary to practice as clinical psychologists, and to contribute to the development of the field of clinical psychology in South Africa and other countries.

Registration and Admission

Applicants may only register once they have received confirmation from Unisa that their application for admission has been accepted. Returning students must check their myLife emails for confirmation, while new Unisa students will receive confirmation via the email address they provided at the time of application.

Time Limits for this Degree

The maximum duration for completion of the degree is three years, with an option to apply for one additional year.

Catalytic Niche Areas (CNAs)

Unisa has identified 10 Catalytic Niche Areas (CNAs) that are operationalized within the colleges, including:

• Marine studies
• Aviation and aeronautical studies
• Automotive
• Energy
• Space study and square kilometre array
• Fourth IR and digitalisation
• Natural sciences (biotechnological studies)
• Health studies/medicine
• Feminist, womanist and Bosadi theorisations
• Student support and co-curricular activities

Students who are interested in any of these areas should discuss them with their supervisor to incorporate one or more of the CNAs into their studies.

Curriculum

The curriculum for the Master of Arts in Clinical Psychology includes the following modules:

• DLCPS91 - Mini-Dissertation: Clinical Psychology
• MPCHS91 - Master Proposal - CHS
• PYC5901 - Ethics, Legislation and Professional Psychological Practice
• PYC5902 - Ecosystemic Theories
• PYC5903 - Psychopathology and Psychodiagnostics
• PYC5904 - Psychological Assessment
• PYC5905 - Child and Adult Therapeutic Skills and Strategies
• PYC5906 - Psychological and Psycho-legal Assessment
• PYC5907 - Neuropsychology and Neuropsychological Assessment
• PYC5908 - African Epistemologies
• PYC5909 - Family Therapy: Theory and Practice
• PYC5911 - Community Mental Health Care Practice
• PYC5912 - Psycho-Legal Intervention and Practice
• PYC5913 - Clinical Psychotherapeutic Practice
• PYC5914 - Theory and Practice of Group Psychotherapy
• PYC5915 - Clinical Psychology Internship

Each module has specific pre-requisites, co-requisites, and recommendations, which are outlined in the curriculum.