Program Overview

Master of Arts in Clinical Psychology

The Master of Arts in Clinical Psychology programme comprises three main elements: a year of theoretical coursework and applied training offered full-time at the university; the completion of a clinically orientated research study and report; and a full-time internship of 12 months at sites in the region.

Overview

The theoretical orientation of the Wits Clinical Masters programme is largely Psychodynamic, however, much of the intervention is offered from an integrated perspective drawing upon a range of psychotherapeutic models and modes of intervention. Close supervision of applied work is a particular strength of the programme. Close attention is paid to clinical ethics and multicultural sensitivity throughout the teaching and applied aspects of the programme. The programme offers good community-based clinical experience in the first year. Some components of the course are offered as part of an integrated programme, Seminars in Professional Psychology (SPP), allowing for contact with Counselling and Educational Psychology trainees and multiple expert inputs.

Upon completion of all the academic and internship requirements, the Professional Board of Psychology (under the auspices of the Health Professions Council of South Africa) requires that Clinical Psychologists complete a year of paid community service in order to register as independent practitioners. Upon completion of the internship, prospective psychologists also have to complete the Board Exam of the Professional Board of Psychology before they can complete their registration.

Applicants for the programme are selected by a Selection Panel, consisting of staff from both the Department of Psychology and the Intern Training Centres. Acceptance is provisional upon several criteria, including acceptable academic performance in an Honours degree and during the first few months of the programme.

Curriculum

FIRST YEAR: COURSEWORK MODULES

The following modules are offered in the program:

• Psychotherapy: Students receive training in the skills necessary for practice as a psychotherapist, in a range of psychotherapeutic methods and focus areas, including group and family therapy, play therapy and intensive input on psychodynamic psychotherapy.
• Psychological Assessment: The course covers a range of aspects pertaining to psychological assessment including clinical observation, history taking, specialized interviewing, intellectual, personality, neuropsychological, and pathology testing, report writing, and making professional recommendations.
• Research: Students receive intensive input on how to conceptualize a research study and how to prepare and write up a research proposal. Research ethics and academic writing skills are also covered. This course is then supplemented by ongoing individual/group supervision with a research supervisor on an identified project written up in the form of a final research report. This research report is due towards the end of the first year of the degree.
• Psychopathology and Psychiatry: Students are exposed to a broad range of disorders, examining symptoms, classification, differential diagnosis, and treatment. Lectures are complemented by case conferences and ward rounds. Understandings of psychopathology are also incorporated into the supervision of cases.
• Community Clinical Practice: Students work at the Emthonjeni Clinic (based at the University) as Trainee Psychologists, seeing clients with a range of community mental health problems. Initial training is given in conceptual models of assessment and treatment in contexts in which intervention is of necessity flexible and short-term in orientation. Close attention is paid to multicultural dynamics and also to working with other complementary networks and social services.
• Theory in Practice and Context: This course covers a range of perspectives on the early development of psychological health and difficulties. Although the essence of core theories is covered in general, the primary focus is on how developmental understandings can contribute to an enriched understanding of psychopathology and interpersonal dynamics, as well as the application of psychoanalysis to social and contextual issues.

SECOND YEAR: CLINICAL INTERNSHIP

During the second year of the course, students are required to work at one of the intern placement centres. Internship placements are an integral part of the Wits training programme and successful completion of a Discipline-approved internship is necessary for the award of the degree. Placement is at the discretion of the internship team based on student preference lists. The Discipline will endeavour to help students obtain appropriate internships wherever possible.

Students must be in possession of a driver's licence if possible and be prepared to travel to clinics.

THE RESEARCH REPORT

A central requirement for the degree is a research report which presents research in an area related to clinical psychology. Students will be invited to a summer school later in the year where they will start to prepare for their research. Each student will be assigned a supervisor, who will help the student to prepare a research proposal for approval by the Discipline and by the Faculty of Humanities. The student will then conduct the research. The research is expected to be completed by the end of the first year of study.

Entry Requirements

• Psychology major in undergraduate degree
• Honours in psychology with a minimum of 65% average

University Application Process

Applications are handled centrally by the Student Enrolment Centre. Once the application is complete in terms of requested documentation, the application will be referred to the relevant School for assessment.

• Applications are assessed based on academic performance and other entry requirements.
• Selections for programmes that have a limited intake but attract a large number of applications may only finalise the application at the end of the application cycle.

University Fees and Funding

The current average tuition fees are available upon request. The Fees site also provides information about the payment of fees and closing dates for fees payments.

• Postgraduate funding opportunities, including the postgraduate merit award, are available.
• The University's Postgraduate Funding portal is a database of scholarships, bursaries, and other funding opportunities available to Wits postgraduate students.

Programme Details

• Programme Code: ACA02
• Faculty: Humanities
• School: Human and Community Development
• Qualification: MA
• Duration: 2 years
• Study Mode: Full-time