Course Details
next intake
Term 2
Applications Open
21 July 2026Applications Close
30 November 2026
duration
1 year, full time (Campus) | 18 months, part-time (Online)
accreditation
SAQA ID 96448, NQF 8, CHE Accredited
Campus
Why take this course
This dynamic programme deepens the student’s subject knowledge of psychology and fosters intellectual independence and research capacity in the principles and methodologies of psychology at a postgraduate level of study.
The one-year qualification has been specifically designed with an emphasis on deepening knowledge, critical thinking skills and analytical insights in psychology and the social sciences.
Our honours programme provides an articulation pathway into either a professional or non-professional master’s degree in a cognate field both locally and internationally.
What you can expect
You’ll get an introductory understanding of:
- Building on knowledge, skills, understanding and insights previously acquired in a cognate undergraduate programme.
- Enhancing high levels of theoretical engagement and intellectual autonomy that includes independent self-managed learning, as well as conducting and reporting on research under supervision.
- Examining and understanding abnormal patterns of behaviour.
- Providing in-depth learning to psychotherapeutic intervention strategies.
Throughout the programme, you’ll develop knowledge and insight into:
- Psychopathology and use of the DSM-5–TR classification system.
- The application of psychotherapeutic models of intervention through the exploration of different psychotherapeutic approaches and the use of psychotherapy.
- Psychological assessment, diagnosis, interpretation and intervention.
- Evaluating and applying best-fit research design, methodology and analysis.
- A critical understanding of how to approach diversity in a multifaceted country such as South Africa.
- The application of ethics in the broad field of psychology, along with a deep and critical understanding of the values that govern psychology.
Course highlights
Takes your undergraduate qualification to the next level.
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Engages South African realities with relevant psychological theories, methods and applications.
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Conceptualise and conduct ethically and methodologically sound research.
Who is this course for?
Do you:
- Want to further your studies and deepen your understanding within the field of psychology.
- Want to enter a master’s degree with a relevant, grounded and well-rounded honours degree.
- Want to study a qualification that comprehensively addresses psychology and the social sciences, as well as relevant psychology theories and modalities at an honours level.
- Want to engage in South African realities meaningfully with relevant psychological theories and methods.
- Participate in a supportive, student-centred and community-oriented learning environment that intentionally promotes interpersonal and intrapersonal growth and development.
Career Opportunities
The BSocSciHons (Psychology) degree opens up avenues of employment in an extensive range of public and private sector enterprises, including – but not limited to – community mental health organisations, Applied Psychology, human resources, organisational development, industrial relations, education, research, and social development. Within these spheres you will be well equipped to:
- Work critically, analytically, ethically and systematically with a firm grasp of complex intrapersonal, interpersonal and sociocultural dynamics.
- Practically apply a range of psychological principles and theories in a variety of contexts.
- Practice effective interpersonal counselling and communication skills in a range of environments with diverse individuals and groups.
- Have the ability to locate, organise and evaluate information from multiple sources, as well as innovatively and creatively problem-solve.
- Participate in research design, analysis, implementation, monitoring and evaluation of programmes.
Bachelor of Social Science Honours in Psychology modules
Core modules
- Research Methodology (NQF 8, 20 credits)
- Theory and Practice of Psychopathology (NQF 8, 18 credits)
- Approaches to Diversity in Psychology (NQF 8, 12 credits)
- Ethics in Psychology (NQF 8, 12 credits)
- Research Thesis (NQF 8, 30 credits)
- Psychotherapeutic Models of Intervention (NQF 8, 18 credits)
- Psychological Assessment (NQF 8, 18 credits)
Module Descriptors View
Additional information
British Accreditation Council (BAC)
SACAP is fully accredited by the British Accreditation Council (BAC) as an Independent Higher Education Institution
The BAC accreditation is a globally recognised hallmark of quality assurance, and achieving this accreditation demonstrates that we have met the high standards set by the BAC. This accreditation is validation of our commitment to excellence and our mission to provide our students with a world-class education that prepares them for success in their future careers.
Our students can be assured that their education provider has met a gold standard. To maintain BAC accreditation SACAP needs to continue to meet BAC’s standards. BAC ensure that colleges, universities and training providers provide high quality education and a great learning experience for students.
Admission requirements
Honours in Psychology applications who meet the minimum entrance requirements will be waitlisted until the application deadline has passed. Once this deadline has passed, the relevant departments will review applications and make recommendations on successful candidates. These decisions are based on:
- Reviewing each applicant’s aggregated grade for Psychology (NQF Level 7); and
- Space available in the programme.
For applicants still completing their undergraduate in Psychology qualification, please note that acceptance into the programme is provisional and on the conditions that final academic results meet, at least, the minimum criteria stated above AND that there is space available in the programme. Recommendations on offers can only be made once final academic results for applicants are available. Applicants are responsible for sending their final academic results / transcripts to SACAP’s Admissions Department as soon as they become available.
Minimum Entrance Requirements:
All applicants for this programme are required to undergo a screening and selection process.
- A minimum of an appropriate Bachelor’s Degree (NQF level 7) or appropriate Advanced Diploma with a psychology major, having achieved a grade point average (GPA) of 65% and/or above in all psychology subjects undertaken in the final year (exit level) of study. OR
- Applicants who do not meet the above requirements should provide a portfolio of evidence demonstrating formal, informal, and non-formal knowledge, training, work experience, and/or learning in a cognate field of study equivalent to an NQF level 7 qualification to support admission into the programme on the basis of Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL).
See SACAP’s full Admissions Policy here
How can I apply?
You will need these docs
- Application form
- Certified copy of your ID
- Certified highest qualification
- Proof of application fee of R 300.00
Apply Online HERE
Course details
- Duration: 1 year full-time, 4 academic terms (Online only)
- Modules: 7
- Accreditation: NQF 8, CHE
- SAQA ID 96448
