Top Frequently Asked Questions regarding BEdHons Psychological Counselling & Psychometrics

1.      What subjects do I need?

• Psychology 3
• Education 3

(Please consult the year book of the Faculty for formal requirements).

 2.      What can I do if I do not have Psychology 3?

• Study part-time through a relevant university.
• Some students do study at UP (part of the full-time programme), but the classes are during working hours.

 3.      What can I do if I do not have Education 3?
You can still apply, but try and gain some experience with regards to the school / education system.

4.      What will happen if I get selected and do not have Education 3?
We will admit you to the program with the requirement to pass an oral examination and to conduct observation in schools.

5.      A rough estimate of the cost?
Please enquire at Student Administration.

6.      Are bursaries available?
Please enquire at Student Administration.

7.      Can I work and study?

• Please be advised that this is not a distance education programme, but a full time study programme.
• Most students choose to attend the Friday lectures (15:00-19:30/ 20:00) in Year 1 – this is mainly theoretical content with class tests and more or less one assignment (individual or group) per module.
• The second year then entails attending Tuesday and some Thursday classes (14:30-19:00).
• The subjects in Year 2 entail practical work which is conducted in school and community settings. This will require you to take leave if you are working, so you need to negotiate and contract that with your employer.
• We assume that furthering your studies is a priority for you, and since this is a professional degree which enables you to work with people’s lives, we trust that you will prioritise your training.

 8.      Do I need previous experience?
This is always beneficial, although not a requirement, but supports life wisdom.

 9.      Selection?

• We do attract a lot of applications and only select a small number of students (more or less 20 per year).
• Best advice: try and achieve the best mark possible according to your potential, gain some experience working in schools or volunteering in communities, come well rested and full of passion and energy during the days of selection.
• Be yourself.

 10.    What is the difference between Psychological counselling and Psychometrics

• Kindly refer to the scope of practice on website www.psyssa.com
• Psychometry = testing and DEVELOPMENT of tests, not allowed to do intervention/ support
• Counselling = ALSO testing/ assessment with formal psychometric media AS WELL AS preventative work and intervention.