MA Clinical Psychology – 2025 for 2026

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The Department of Psychology offers the MA Clinical Psychology programme, which leads to registration as a Clinical Psychologist with the Health Professions Council of South Africa (HPCSA). This full-time, two-year programme encompasses the broad spectrum of Clinical Psychology curriculum. The first year is a structured taught component, presented on the Kingsway Campus in Auckland Park, while the second year comprises an internship at an accredited clinical mental healthcare facility in South Africa. Due to the demands of this programme you will not be able to hold any other full time or part time employment.

The programme runs over two years, and is made up of three components, namely a) structured teaching component (also known as M1), b) a research project component (submitted in the form of a minor dissertation), and c) an accredited internship (also referred to as M2). During M1, you will be expected to attend class in the form of workshops, contact sessions, blended learning and participate in practical work. After completing M1, you must complete an internship at an accredited clinical site. This internship (M2) is part of the degree.

One year of Community Service, which is outside of the two years of the MA Clinical Psychology programme is a prerequisite of the South African Department of Health (DOH) for ultimate registration as an Independent Practitioner with the HPCSA and is undertaken after completing all the components of the degree and passing the HPCSA Board Exam for Clinical Psychologists.

To gain entrance to the MA (Clinical Psychology) programme, you must apply online to the University of Johannesburg (UJ) AND with the UJ Department of Psychology. This means there are two processes in the application, and it is crucial that you complete both. Your application will not be processed without the two processes complete.

Your application will undergo a two-step process of evaluation. The first step entails a review of your application documents for eligibility to be invited to participate in step 2. The second step entails our interaction with you during the selection week, whereby suitability and potential for preparation, in context and comparison (thus, competitive), will be determined.

Please note you can only apply for either CLINICAL or COUNSELLING – NOT BOTH.

2025 MA Applications

IMPORTANT DATES:
APPLICATIONS OPEN:1 April 2025
CLOSING DATE:  13 June 2025 @ 12:00pm (midday) – strictly
SELECTION WEEK:11 – 15 August 2025

APPLICATION PROCEDURE
  1. Complete the online UJ application.
    New to UJ applicant - https://www.uj.ac.za/admission-aid/postgraduate/
    Applicants with a valid UJ student number - https://registration.uj.ac.za/pls/prodi41/w99pkg.mi_login
    2.  
  2. Download the Application Guide, Application Form and the Referee Report (links below).
    3.  
  3. Please note you can only apply for either Clinical or Counselling – NOT BOTH.
    Please do not make your 1st choice Clinical and 2nd choice Counselling or vice versa.
    4.  
  4. The closing date is 13 June 2025 at 12:00 (midday).
    5.  
  5. The following documents must be included with the Departmental application:
    1. Completed and signed Departmental Application;

    2. Please attach the following documents to your Departmental Application:
      i. A Certified copy of your academic record and/or current University progress report indicating your marks to date;
      ii. Proof of payment.

    3. Please do not password-protect any documents.

    4. Applications to be done in a “.Word” format only. No PDFs.
    5. As we receive hundreds of applications, for ease of reference, please label every document you sent to the Department as follows:
      UJ Student number, surname, initials & document name
      e.g. 2024111111 Surname Initials – Academic record
      2024111111 Surname Initials – Proof of payment

    6.  
  6. Applicants who are still enrolled in an Honours course must provide their provisional results for the first semester for the current year (compulsory), obtained and stamped as an original by the Psychology Department of your university as well as Proof of current Hons Registration.
    7.  
  7. TWO referee reports from individuals (who are not your immediate relatives nor friends) are able to professionally comment on your academic and/or professional performance.

    Please note: Reports from the referees should reach the Department of Psychology before 12:00pm (midday) on 13 June 2025. These should be sent by the referees themselves and not the applicant to the address on the referee form. Failing to do this will disqualify your referee report. No late forms will be accepted.
    8.  
  8. Compulsory administration fee of R300 (EFT or Direct Bank Deposits only) – non-refundable. This applies to all 2024 applicants.   NB - Please do not use ANY other or older banking details.

    Using incorrect bank account and/or REFERENCE could result in your application not being processed.

    Bank: First National Bank (FNB)
    Name of Beneficiary: UJ Psychology
    Account Number: 626 158 73149
    Type of Account: Cheque Account
    Branch: Main Street
    Branch Code: 250655
    REFERENCE: 005160.Clin

    ONLY this reference will be permitted, failing to do this will disqualify your application.

Documents to download:

*PLEASE ENSURE THAT YOU HAVE COMPLETED ALL STEPS

Further enquiries:

  1. For the online UJ application process, please contact the Student Enrollment Centre on 011-559-4555;
  2. Student Enrollment Centre Online Chat: https://www.uj.ac.za/admissions-aid/campus-life/chat/
  3. For departmental application queries (only), please contact clinicalpsych@uj.ac.za
  4. Referee reports must be emailed directly by the Referee to clinicalpsych@uj.ac.za
  5. 5. Student Finance Department: https://www.uj.ac.za/admission-aid/student-finance/

 

South African Qualifications Authority (SAQA)

All international students need to have their qualifications evaluated by SAQA, before applying to the University of Johannesburg for any of the programs on postgraduate level. Please go to www.saqa.org.za  for more information.

Note: Admission into the MA (Counselling Psychology) programme is subject to a selection process. See Application Guide for selection process and selection criteria.

We receive an overwhelming number of applications each year. As such, some applicants that meet the minimum entry requirements will be declined due to the competitiveness of the course. We also have a limited number of seats to offer in the program. No individual feedback will be given to unsuccessful applicants.

Disclaimer: Should you not follow the UJ application process correctly, UJ will not be held responsible for incomplete or unprocessed applications.