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Master of Philosophy in Psychosomatic Medicine

Master’s degree
ID:
0572_100_G105

In the Master of Philosophy in Psychosomatic Medicine, the teaching and learning strategy in each module is determined by the nature of the subject. Modules are presented within the framework of a student-centred approach with the purpose of stimulating critical thinking. The programme uses didactical methods, interactive learning, group sessions and supervised clinical work. Independent learning is encouraged. The research assignment is completed under the guidance of a supervisor.

Contact information
Dr K Louw
Programme leader
+27 21 938 9765

Programme overview

Duration
Two years
Campus
Tygerberg
Type
Coursework

More information

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When applying

When applying for a postgraduate programme, some may require you to upload additional supporting documents beyond completing the standard application form online. Where such documents are required, more information will appear under the section below titled “Supporting Application Documents.”

Please note that selection for postgraduate programmes is highly competitive. Meeting the minimum admission requirements does not guarantee admission to the programme.

Minimum admission requirements

Specific admission requirements
One of the following qualifications:
• Master of Medicine in Psychiatry;
• a fellowship of the South African College of Psychiatrists; or
• an equivalent qualification approved by Senate for this purpose.
Registration as medical practitioner in the category independent practice/specialist psychiatrist with the Health Professions Council of South Africa.

Supporting application documents

Curriculum vitae (CV)
A document that outlines your educational level, employment history, description of work experience, especially that is relevant to your application to study and contact details of three referees.

Document placeholder name on application portal:
Curriculum vitae (CV)

Referee Report
Download and have your referee complete the following report, and submit it with your application:
https://view.officeapps.live.com/op/view.aspx?src=https%3A%2F%2Ffiles.s…

Document placeholder name on application portal:
Referee report

Proof of professional registration with an entity
A recognised professional body grants professional registration on the grounds of attainment of a recognised standard of competence and education that permits practice of a profession.

Document placeholder name on application portal:
Proof of professional or accredited registration

Programme structure

Programme content
FIRST YEAR
Ethics 871(5)
Research Methodology 871(5)
Neuropsychopharmacology 871(5)
Applied Psychiatry of the Elderly 871(10)
Applied Neurology 871(10)
Applied Neuropsychiatry 871(10)
Applied HIV and Medicine 871(10)

SECOND YEAR
Psychosomatic Medicine 871(55)
Neuropsychological and Specialised Assessments 871(5)
Clinical Imaging 871(5)
Research Assignment 871(60) *
* The research project is completed over the course of the two years.

Assessment and examination
• Flexible assessment is applicable to all modules and you must pass each module with a minimum mark of 50%.
• You will be assessed regularly as part of the flexible assessment strategy and you must keep a logbook as record of your clinical exposure.
• If you fail a module, you may repeat the assessment which has contributed to the final mark for the module. Whether the topic and nature of the assessment remain unchanged or you are required to take an amended assessment, is left to the discretion of the module chair.
• If you fail a module, you may repeat it. If you, however, fail the module for the second time, you may be denied the right to attempt the module again on recommendation of the Faculty Board.
• If you do not show adequate clinical and/or professional progress (as outlined in the module/programme guide), you will be afforded an opportunity to remediate your inadequate clinical and/or professional conduct or performance. If you fail to remediate, you may only repeat the module or continue with the programme on recommendation of the departmental programme committee and the approval of the Faculty Board.
• You must submit a satisfactory research assignment demonstrating your ability to conduct an independent scientific investigation, to interpret the results and to make deductions from the results.
• The assignment is assessed according to the guidelines of Stellenbosch University and you must achieve a mark of at least 50% to pass.
• The final mark is calculated according to the credit weights of the individual modules.
• You must obtain a final mark of at least 50% to pass the programme.

Last updated 01 April 2026
Disclaimer:
The University reserves the right to amend the information on this webpage at any time. While every effort is made to ensure that the information provided is accurate and complete, it may be subject to change or become outdated. It remains the responsibility of prospective students to verify all details against the relevant faculty yearbook or directly with the relevant department.

Application dates

South African students
Applications open:
1-Apr 2026
Applications close:
30-Sep 2026

International students
Applications open:
1-Apr 2026
Applications close:
31-Aug 2026