Program Overview

Introduction to the Academic Master's and Doctoral in Psychology Programme

The Department of Psychology offers two research-based programmes: the Academic Master's (MA Psychology) and the Doctoral (PhD Psychology). Both programmes involve a research project that can be submitted in a traditional format or article format.

Programme Information

Academic Master's in Psychology

The Academic Master's in Psychology requires candidates to demonstrate an ability to plan, manage, execute, and report on an empirical research project. The master's degree is awarded upon successfully completing a full-length dissertation or a comprehensive dissertation by way of an article.

Doctoral in Psychology

For a Doctorate in Psychology, a candidate should contribute substantially to the field of Psychology. The doctoral degree is awarded upon successfully completing a full-length thesis or comprehensive thesis by way of articles and viva-voce (oral) defence of the thesis.

Formal Admission Requirements

• For the MA Psychology, applicants are required to have obtained an honours degree with a minimum average of 70%.
• For the PhD Psychology, applicants are required to have obtained a recognised master's degree in psychology with a minimum mark of 65% for the research component.
• Accepted students are expected to complete the MA programme within two years and the PhD programme within three years.

Compulsory Documentation

All applicants must submit the following compulsory documents:

• Copy of full Academic Record (AR) from each university where previous studies were completed
• Copies of degrees obtained
• Certified copy of SAQA Certificate (for foreign qualifications)
• Official document in support of a disability (if applicable)

Application Process

The application process involves two steps:

1. Checking minimum requirements: Applicants must ensure they meet the minimum academic requirements.
2. UP Online Application for Admission Process: Applicants must complete the compulsory UP Online Application Process and attach the compulsory Academic Record.

Departmental Research Committee Action

The committee will:

1. Review all applications and academic records
2. Contact applicants who comply with the minimum requirements to proceed to the next phase
3. Start the formal review process, with the outcome likely available by mid-November
4. Contact successful applicants with the outcome and instructions for accepting the offer

International Applicants

International applicants are welcome and encouraged to apply. However, they must have their foreign qualifications evaluated by the South African Qualifications Authority (SAQA) before applying. The SAQA certificate indicates qualification equivalence and should be submitted as part of the application process.

Student Support and International Office

Applicants can contact the Student Support Centre for assistance with the UP Online Application Process. International applicants should familiarise themselves with the International Students webpage for immigration requirements, special orientation programmes, and general rules and regulations.

Programme Details

• The MA and PhD Psychology programmes lend themselves to remote/online supervision since they are research-based.
• If accepted, an applicant does not need to apply for a study visa or pay medical aid if the intended supervision is conducted remotely/online from the country of residence.
• A study visa and other requirements will be necessary if the applicant intends to visit the campus in person.