Professional Master's in Psychology Programme Information & Application Process

The Professional Master's in Clinical, Counselling & Research (Psychology) applications for the 2026 take will open on 01 April 2025.
Applicants are urged to familiarise themselves with the information and processes below to avoid disqualification/rejection. DO NOT make use of outdated documentation. Please wait until 01 April 2025 for the new documentation before you submit anything.
 
This webpage will be UPDATED with new documentation by 01 Apr 2025
Click HERE for the 2025/2026 Departmental Research Themes & Focus Areas
 
On this page:
 
The Department offers three master's coursework programmes, namely Clinical, Counselling, and Research Psychology.
  • Clinical Psychologists assess, diagnose, and treat moderate to severe and complex forms of psychological distress and mental illness
  • Counselling Psychologists promote personal, social, and educational functioning, career functioning and well-being of individuals, couples, families, groups, organisations and communities
  • Research Psychologists are concerned with the use, development, and application of research methodologies, and the advancement of psychological knowledge in understanding human behaviour
The links below contain information regarding the programme content, duration, modules, etc., for each programme:
The yearbook links below contain programme information and requirements for the respective programmes:
Admittance to any one of these programmes depends on a selection process. Further information about the application process can be obtained below.
 
Applicants are invited to apply for any of its Professional Master's Programmes in Psychology, namely; MA Clinical, Counselling or Research Psychology by following the compulsory processes below.
 
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 either the UP Admission Application or the Departmental Application Process.
 
Step 1: Application for Admission to UP
  • Prospective students need to first complete the "Online Application for Admission" to the University of Pretoria on www.up.ac.za/online-application; and
  • Current UP (enrolled) students need to complete the "Internal Application" via Student Portal >> Student Centre >> Internal Application
Step 2: Online Departmental Application Process
  • It is essential to read the Instruction Letter for your chosen programme carefully to avoid disqualification
  • The Instruction Letters for each programme contain specific Google Form links. It is essential that you apply, making use of the relevant Online Departmental Application Form for the chosen programme
  • Only submit the supporting documentation via supplied links in the Google Forms stipulated in the Online Departmental Application (links in the instruction letter) and the Online Departmental Referee Form (links in the instruction letter)
  • Do not submit any support documents to the Department directly via email, courier or facsimile - it will not be accepted
Please note that the Departmental Referee Form will be a specific Google Form (link in the instruction letter for each programme). This link must be emailed to your two chosen referees to complete and submit. It is the applicant's responsibility to ensure the chosen referees complete and submit the Referee Form via the Google Form link (supplied in the instruction letter) before the closing date of 31 May 2025 at 23h55.
 
The application process will be posted via the relevant instruction letter (link below via the blue block). Click on the appropriate link (relevant blue block) below for your chosen Professional Master's Programme Instruction Letter containing crucial information. 
 
4a. MA Clinical Psychology Application
  • Applications will open on 01 April 2025
  • The link to the Instruction Letter will open in a new tab (webpage)
  • Click on the image (blue block) below to download and read the Compulsory Instruction Letter 
  • Applications WILL close on 31 May 2025 - NO late applications/documentation will be accepted
 
 
 
 
 
4b. MA Counselling Psychology Application
  • Applications will open on 01 April 2025
  • The link to the Instruction Letter will open in a new tab (webpage)
  • Click on the image (blue block) below to download and read the Compulsory Instruction Letter 
  • Applications WILL close on 31 May 2025 - NO late applications/documentation will be accepted
 
 
 
 
 
4c. MA Research Psychology Application
  • Applications will open on 01 April 2025
  • The link to the Instruction Letter will open in a new tab (webpage)
  • Click on the image (blue block) below to download and read the Compulsory Instruction Letter 
  • Applications WILL close on 31 May 2025 - NO late applications/documentation will be accepted
 
 
 
 
 
5. Important Deadlines
  • Applications, including uploading of all supporting documents for the MA Clinical, Counselling and Research Psychology programmes, close on 31 May 2025 at 23h55
  • The closing dates are relevant to both the UP Admission and Online Departmental Application Process. No late applications will be considered, nor will it be accepted via email, courier or facsimile
  • All South African applicants who completed a foreign qualification must have the qualification evaluated by the South African Qualifications Authority (SAQA) before applying to the University of Pretoria for possible selection.
  • 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
Invited applicants need to avail themselves during the respective interview dates listed below:
 
6a. MA Clinical Psychology:
  • Dates TBC: Selection Week at the University of Pretoria (for shortlisted applicants only)
  • Additional information will be released to shortlisted applicants
6b. MA Counselling Psychology:
  • Dates TBCVirtual Interviews (shortlisted applicants only)
  • Dates TBCPreparation and Submission of Written Tasks (shortlisted applicants only)
  • Dates TBCContact Based Group, Role Play Sessions and Panel Interviews (shortlisted applicants only)
6c. MA Research Psychology:
  • Dates TBCVirtual Interviews (shortlisted applicants only)
  • Dates TBCOnline Literacy Test (shortlisted applicants only)
  • Dates TBCIn-person Assessment, Group Assessment, and Individual Presentation (selected shortlisted applicants only)
Contact the Professional Master's Programme Administrative Coordinator for assistance or information via [email protected]
 
Click here to access the 2025 UP InfoGuide, containing important information for new students.
- Author Juanita Haug

Copyright © University of Pretoria 2025. All rights reserved.

FAQ's Email Us Virtual Campus Share Cookie Preferences