What are Academic Undergraduate Qualifications?

Academic undergraduate qualifications in Psychology are foundational university degrees designed to introduce students to the theoretical, methodological, and practical underpinnings of psychology. These programmes prepare students for further academic pursuits, including honours and master’s degrees, and provide a stepping stone for careers in people-oriented fields such as education, marketing, human resources, and community development.

What is the Purpose of an Academic Undergrad Degree?

While an undergraduate degree in psychology does not qualify graduates for professional registration or allow them to practice as Psychologists, Registered Counsellors, or Psychometrists, it lays the groundwork for further study toward professional qualifications. These qualifications also develop transferable skills in communication, critical thinking, and understanding human behavior, which are valuable in diverse professional settings.

What are the Entry Requirements?

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.

How are They Structured?

Undergraduate Psychology qualifications typically span three years of full-time study, during which students earn 360 credits to meet South African Qualifications Authority (SAQA) standards at NQF Level 7. The structure progresses from introductory topics in the first year to more advanced modules in subsequent years. In addition to core psychology modules, students select electives from complementary fields such as sociology, anthropology, criminology, or education.

What Do They Typically Cover?

Psychology modules vary by institution, but common topics include:

• Basic Psychology: Introduction to foundational psychological theories and principles.
• Personality Psychology: Exploration of human personality development and traits.
• Developmental Psychology: Study of psychological growth across the lifespan.
• Social Psychology: Examination of interpersonal relationships and group dynamics.
• Abnormal Psychology: Introduction to mental health disorders and their theoretical frameworks.
• Neuropsychology: Study of the relationship between brain function and behavior.
• Community Psychology: Focus on societal issues and interventions to promote well-being.
• Organisational Psychology: Insight into workplace behavior and human resource practices.
• Research Methodology: Training in designing, conducting, and analyzing psychological research.

Elective Modules

Electives allow students to explore related fields, broadening their understanding of human behavior and its contexts. For example:

• Criminology electives may spark an interest in forensic psychology.
• Education electives can align with aspirations in educational psychology.
• Anthropology and Sociology electives may assist students in community psychology.
• English or Language electives may be beneficial in later stages of research development.

Choosing electives thoughtfully can deepen insights into specific areas and open pathways for interdisciplinary learning. In particular, students wishing to complete a PGCE at a later stage in their learning must consider education electives, as well as school-level teaching subjects (Life Orientation, Life Sciences, English First Language, etc.)

A Generalist Scope

At an undergraduate level, fields such as Educational and Clinical Psychology do not have specialist undergraduate degrees. Instead, undergraduate psychology qualifications maintain a generalist focus, equipping students with a broad understanding of psychology and related disciplines. This is not the case for Industrial Psychology, which may have specifically designated degrees – BA or BCom in Industrial Psychology.

Examples of Undergraduate Psychology Programmes

1. Bachelor of Arts (BA) in Psychology 
2. Bachelor of Science (BSc) in Psychology
3. Bachelor of Social Sciences (BSocSci) in Psychology

Different Names, Similar Content

Undergraduate psychology qualifications may have different titles, such as BA, BSc, or BSocSci, but the content, focus, and learning outcomes of these programmes are very similar across universities. The difference in naming is primarily due to faculty naming conventions:

• BA (Bachelor of Arts) programmes are typically offered by Humanities faculties.
• BSc (Bachelor of Science) programmes are generally housed within Science faculties.
• BSocSci (Bachelor of Social Sciences) programmes are common in universities where Social Sciences are a distinct faculty.

In cases where a university does not have a Humanities department, the psychology programme might be offered under a Science or Social Sciences faculty instead. Regardless of these naming differences, the core modules, curriculum structure, and overall focus remain consistent. Students can expect to gain the same foundational knowledge and skills, regardless of whether their degree is labeled a BA, BSc, or BSocSci in Psychology.

Important Note

A psychology undergraduate degree does not qualify graduates for professional registration with the HPCSA or allow them to provide psychological services. Professional practice in South Africa requires further study at honours and master’s levels, as well as registration with the Health Professions Council of South Africa (HPCSA).