STUDYING PSYCHOLOGY
HIGH SCHOOL
INFORMATION FOR ANY HIGH SCHOOL STUDENTS WANTING TO STUDY PSYCHOLOGY AT UNIVERSITY
The South African schooling system does little to introduce students to the concept of psychology or its potential career paths. While Life Orientation is intended to address this, its effectiveness has been widely debated. Some universities even exclude Life Orientation when calculating admission scores.
If you are currently in high school and considering a career in psychology, there are important details about the field and the pathway to becoming a psychologist that you should be aware of.
What is Psychology?
Psychology is the scientific study of the mind, its processes, and how it influences human behavior. It explores areas such as learning, cognition, emotion, motivation, and reasoning, while also examining the interplay between these processes and human interactions. In simpler terms, psychology is about understanding how people think, feel, and behave—and the ways in which they interact with themselves, others, and their environment. These processes are complex and interconnected, constantly influencing one another.
What’s the Difference Between a Psychologist and a Psychiatrist?
Although psychologists and psychiatrists both work in mental health, their training and scopes of practice differ:
- Psychologist: Focuses on treating mental health issues through psychotherapy (talk therapy) to address emotional or psychological challenges.
- Psychiatrist: A qualified medical doctor specializing in psychiatry, capable of diagnosing mental health disorders and prescribing medication as part of treatment.
What Do I Study to Become a Psychologist?
The journey to becoming a psychologist starts with earning an undergraduate degree in psychology, such as a BA in Psychology, BSocSci in Psychology, or BSc in Psychology. Although the names may vary, these degrees share a core focus on psychological study.
However, completing an undergraduate degree alone will not qualify you as a psychologist. To register and practice as a psychologist in South Africa, you need:
- A three-year undergraduate degree.
- An Honours degree in psychology.
- A Master’s degree in psychology accredited by the Health Professions Council of South Africa (HPCSA).
For students seeking earlier professional registration, a BPsych degree offers an alternative. This four-year qualification includes a practical training component, allowing graduates to register with the HPCSA as Registered Counsellors.
Admission Requirements: What Subjects Do You Need?
If you are planning to study psychology at university, there are general admission requirements to consider. While exact criteria vary by institution, a National Senior Certificate (Bachelor’s Pass) with a minimum of 45% in English is a common standard. Other acceptable qualifications include:
- A Senior Certificate with Endorsement and at least a Standard Grade pass in English.
- An NQF Level 5 Certificate or equivalent qualification.
- Mature students (aged 23 or older) may qualify through Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL) if they present evidence equivalent to NQF Level 5 training in a relevant field.
It is important to note that these are general guidelines, and specific requirements may differ between universities. Potential students are encouraged to contact their chosen institutions directly for accurate information.
What is the HPCSA?
The Health Professions Council of South Africa (HPCSA) regulates health professionals, including psychologists, in South Africa. This council ensures professional standards in areas such as training, ethical conduct, and continuing professional development.
To practice as a psychologist, you must complete the following:
- An HPCSA-accredited Master’s degree in one of the recognized categories (Clinical, Counselling, Educational, Industrial, Neuro, or Research Psychology).
- An internship at an HPCSA-accredited institution.
- A Psychology Board Examination.
- Community service (for certain categories).
Practicing without HPCSA registration is considered a criminal offense under the Health Professions Act No. 56 of 1974.
For more information about the HPCSA, visit their official website.