Honours Programme

The BSocSci Honours in Psychology applications for the 2025 selection intake will open on Tuesday, 02 April 2024. Applicants are urged to familiarise themselves with the information and processes below to avoid disqualification/rejection.
 
1. Honours Programme Information
The BSocSci Honours in Psychology degree provides advanced academic and research training focused on developing critical conceptual skills and an in-depth understanding of psychology. The purpose of postgraduate studies in psychology is ultimately not only to gain insight into the fascinating field of human behaviour but also to learn how this knowledge can be applied in different personal and professional contexts while transferring their skills to various work contexts and contributing to society. Please consult the 2024 yearbook for additional information.
 
2. Requirements to Apply
  • A relevant bachelor's degree recognised by the Senate of the University of Pretoria with a minimum of six-semester modules in psychology, of which at least two-semester modules must have been obtained at third-year level, e.g., SLK 310 and 320 or equivalent
  • A weighted average of 70% must be obtained for psychology modules completed during the second and third year of study, respectively
  • Research modules (RES 320 or equivalent) on third-year level should have been included in an undergraduate degree and passed with at least 50% (compulsory)
Please note: 70% average will not guarantee acceptance into the Honours programme as limited spaces are available (e.g., higher marks create better chances for selection)
 
3. Application Information, Compulsory Documents and the Application Process
Both prospective and currently enrolled applicants must complete the two-step application process and upload all the compulsory documents to be considered for selection.
 
3a. Application Information
It is crucial that applicants familiarise themselves with the following information:
  • Applications will open on 01 April 2024
  • Applications will close on 31 August 2024 (international) and on 30 September 2024 (South African) for the 2025 intake
  • It is suggested that should applicants still be busy with third-year studies, to apply instead after the June 2024 examination results become available. Please note this is not a first-come, first-acceptance programme; it is a selection programme based on available marks
  • The committee needs all the second-year and at least the first-semester mark of the third-year psychology modules to conduct the selection in November/December 2024
3b. Compulsory Required Documents
The following compulsory documents must be uploaded as part of the application process. Failure to do so will result in disqualification/rejection:
 
Please note: Preparing all the documentation to be uploaded in PDF format before starting the application process is advisable. No documents will be accepted via email, courier, or in person after the submission of the UP Admission Application Process.
 
All applicants need to submit the following documentation as part of their application for admission towards the selection process:
  • Copy of full ACADEMIC RECORD (from each university where studies were completed, or if not yet completed, e.g., still busy with third-year studies – apply after the June 2024 examinations to reflect the first-semester third-year module mark or marks)
  • Copies of completed DEGREES (if studies are completed)
  • Certified Copy of SAQA Certificate (relevant to foreign qualifications, e.g., completed in USA, Botswana, etc.)
  • Letter from the Disability Unit of the Institution (if applicable, where studies were completed, or if still being completed, e.g., still busy with third-year. Should the applicant have a disability, please mention the specific disability in this official letter)
Failure to upload these documents will result in the application being regarded as incomplete and it will not undergo further processing. The required documentation will only be accepted via the UP Online Application for Admission Process. Documents will not be accepted via email, courier or in person.
 
Inability to comply with or adhere to the instructions specified on this webpage and the UP Online Application for Admission Process will result in the application being disqualified and rejected as unsuccessful.
 
3c. Application Process
Applicants are required to complete a two (2) step process to apply for the honours programme:
 
Step 1: Checking Minimum Requirements
  • Applicants must ensure they meet the minimum academic requirements to apply for the programme
  • The minimum criteria are listed above in point 2 on this webpage
  • Applications will not be processed if the applicant does not comply with the minimum requirements, resulting in automatic rejection
Step 2: UP Online Application Process:
  • All prospective students are to complete the compulsory UP Online Application Process  for consideration and possible selection into the honours programme
  • All currently enrolled students at UP need to complete the compulsory Internal Application Process through the Student Portal (Student Portal >> Student Centre >> Internal Application)
​4. Selection Process
  • A limited number of students are selected/admitted
  • Selection is based on the allocation of a weight of 40% to second-year psychology marks and a weight of 60% to third-year psychology marks
  • Final selection is based on available third-year marks at the time of the selection process
  • Once the admission requirements are fulfilled, transformation, gender and disability are taken into consideration
  • Final selection will be completed in November/December 2024
  • Conditionally accepted applicants who do not meet the minimum admission requirements after submission of final academic records will forfeit their place in the programme
5. Duration of Study
  • The programme is presented full-time (one year)
  • Classes will only be presented during day-time and class attendance is compulsory
  • The medium of instruction is English
  • Practical training is offered as part of certain modules
  • Lectures are only offered on campus (in person), and distance learning is not possible
6. International Students
International applicants are welcome and encouraged to apply to the Department of Psychology. However, all international applicants must have their foreign qualifications evaluated by the South African Qualifications Authority (SAQA) before applying to the University of Pretoria for possible acceptance into the programme. A foreign qualification can be defined as a degree completed outside of South Africa, in another country such as Botswana, UK, USA or other. Please visit the Evaluation of Foreign Qualifications (SAQA) webpage for more information. The SAQA certificate indicates qualification equivalence and should be submitted as part of the application process.
 
Please visit the 2024 Info Guide and more specifically point 5. International Students section (page 17 & 18) for more information, or alternatively contact the international office directly at [email protected] for assistance.
 
International applicants should familiarise themselves with the International Students webpage for immigration requirements, special orientation programme, general rules and regulations, yearbooks, payment information, online registration, the info guide, student cards and accommodation.
 
7. Programme Content
This general honours programme in psychology requires a total of seven (7) modules to pass the degree, with three core (C) and any four electives (E). The availability of elective modules is subject to departmental resources, and not all modules are presented each year. The modules and descriptions currently available (2024) are listed in the infographic.
 
7a. Core Modules 
The following core modules are compulsory:
  • SLK 751: Theories and Paradigms
  • SLK 761: Research Report
  • SLK 764: Research Methodology
7b. Elective Modules 
The following elective modules are currently (2024) available, but could change for 2025::
  • SLK 753: Community Psychology
  • SLK 755: Psychological Assessment
  • SLK 756: Psychopathology
  • SLK 760: Neuropsychology
  • SLK 766: Therapeutic Psychology
  • SLK 768: Capita Selecta (currently presented as Health Psychology)
8. What Career Opportunities Exist after Completing the Honours Programme
Various options to explore in terms of further studies or possible career opportunities after completing the honours programme in psychology exist:
 
Become a Psychometrist:
  • Search for a Higher Education Institution (HEI) that offers a programme of equivalence in psychometry to become a Psychometrist
  • However, consult the Health Professions Council of South Africa (HPCSA) regarding additional modules or training that may be needed to meet the requirements for this chosen area of training
Apply for Selection and Admission into Professional Master's (MA) or Academic Master's (MA) Programmes
  • Students may apply for selection and admission into the structured (professional) MA in Clinical, Counselling or Research Psychology or
  • Possible admission into the research only Academic MA in Psychology
Other Career Opportunities
Students can make use of their knowledge of psychology and research to follow careers in areas such as:
  • Community and Social Development
  • Health and Welfare assistance
  • Education (e.g., teaching)
  • Social Research (e.g., marketing research, monitoring, and evaluation)
  • Human Resources and Employee Wellness
  • Services for people with disabilities and the ageing
  • Government, Non-Governmental and Non-Profit Organisations

~Information Revised on 20 March 2024~

- Author Juanita Haug, Operational Coordinator, Department of Psychology

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