A teaching department
The psychology department is the biggest department in the Faculty of Arts and Social Sciences in terms of student numbers. We currently have 1200 first year students, 800 2nd-years students, 600 third year students, 37 honours students (that is obviously when selection starts), 8 clinical masters students, 40 research masters students and 40 doctoral students.
A research department
Our growth as a research department has been substantial and we have become a world-renowned and internationally acclaimed research department. Many staff members are part of local, national and global research networks. The Department participates in research with a number of partners in both the global north and in the global south, as well as with international agencies such as the World Health Organization.
A community service department
Applied psychology has been a focus of the Psychology Department since the establishment of the Masters degrees in Clinical Psychology and Counselling Psychology in 1973. These prorammes were merged into one Masters programme in 2005. In the Masters Programme in Clinical Psychology between eight and ten students are annually trained as clinical psychologists and are able to register with the HPCSA as clinical psychologists in training.
“Our focus on research excellence and social impact not only enriches our academic environment but also equips students with the skills and insights they need to make a meaningful impact in the field of psychology”
Our Programmes
Undergraduate programme
The University of Stellenbosch (SU) does not offer an undergraduate degree specifically in psychology. To study psychology at the University, prospective students ought to enrol in one of the following programmes that offer psychology as a subject and/or major:
Master of Arts in Psychology (Thesis)
The Master of Arts in Psychology (Thesis) is a one-year programme that allows you to deepen your knowledge in a specific area of psychology. It requires the completion of a thesis.
Postgraduate Diploma in Public Mental Health
The PGDip in Public Mental Health is an Africa-centred coursework-based diploma that aims to guide students in developing a good understanding of the discipline of public mental health, as well as the skills required to: (i) undertake research, (ii) participate in improving services and access to mental health interventions, and (iii) advocate for increased attention for public mental health in Africa.
PhD in Psychology
This programme, which requires a minimum of two years of study, focuses on the acquisition and broadening of knowledge in a specific area of psychology at an advanced level. It entails the completion of a dissertation (360 credits), the topic of which is determined in consultation with a supervisor. It is preferable that the study forms part of an existing departmental research project context.
Honours in Psychology
The Honours in Psychology is a one-year full-time programme designed for students wishing to pursue further postgraduate studies in Psychology. The programme focuses on providing an advanced academic foundation in Psychology with a theoretical approach that prepares you for both South African and international research opportunities.
Master of Arts in Clinical Psychology
This two-year programme prepares you for a career in clinical psychology. It focuses on diagnosing and treating mental health conditions in children and adults. The theoretical components are presented in English and cover a broad spectrum of clinical psychology.
Master of Philosophy in Public Mental Health
The MPhil in Public Mental Health is a part-time research degree designed to equip you with advanced research skills to undertake projects evaluating mental health services, policies and interventions. Students also learn to interpret research findings to inform mental health policy and practice.
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