Course Description

The Masters Preparation Session 2026 introduces a new theme: Paradigm Shift.

This year’s course moves beyond simply preparing application documents and interview responses. Instead, it invites applicants to engage in a deeper reflective process about who they are becoming as future psychologists and how they position themselves within the profession.

The Masters Preparation Session is a reflective and practical course designed to support students preparing for the Masters application, selection, and interview process for professional psychology programmes in South Africa. Through structured guidance, new professional voices, and carefully designed reflective exercises, this course helps applicants explore their personal and professional identity, strengthen the authenticity of their applications, and better understand the expectations of selection panels.

By shifting the focus toward self-awareness, perspective-taking, and meaningful preparation, the course encourages students to approach the selection process not simply as a competition, but as an opportunity for growth, insight, and professional development. Participants will gain practical tools, reflective frameworks, and professional insights that can help them navigate the often challenging and uncertain selection process with greater clarity, resilience, and confidence.

Audience

The Masters Preparation Session is designed for students and graduates applying for professional Master’s programmes in Psychology.

It is most beneficial for Honours psychology students and recent graduates actively preparing for the upcoming application and selection cycle. However, it is also valuable for students who are considering applying in the future and would like early insight into the expectations and realities of the process.

This course is open to any psychology student, graduate, or psychology enthusiast interested in gaining deeper insight into the selection processes behind professional psychology training in South Africa.

CPD Allocation

This course is a preparatory session and does not contribute to professional registration. No CPD points are allocated for this Cognition Academy course. Instead, it serves as a practical and reflective guide, offering structured support to help students navigate the application, selection, and interview process with confidence.