Start with a Bachelor of Applied Social Science Degree

Some people are born knowing exactly what they want to do. For others, it begins as a gentle whisper. Whether you know you want to work with people or are simply curious about where that instinct could take you, SACAP is here to help give your goals a voice.

For 30 years, we have been providing private higher education in Applied Psychology and today, we are specialists in the field. Our Bachelor of Applied Social Science degree with a Psychology major, offers students the option to choose a second major in either Counselling, Business Management, Human Resource Management or Criminology. Whichever combination they pick, the qualification is fully accredited and registered.

We also know that the best learning happens in small classes, taught by subject experts. And we weave practical experience throughout our qualifications so that you graduate with real-world experience, valuable industry connections and the confidence to step into your future with purpose.

 

What you can study

Bachelor of Applied Social Science (Majoring in Psychology and Counselling)

Course Details

  • Study options: On campus (Cape Town, Johannesburg, Pretoria, Durban), or Online
  • Duration: 3 years full-time, 5 years part-time
  • SAQA Registration: SAQA ID 90844, NQF 7
  • Work Integrated Learning: 200 hours, including mentoring

 

A good fit for you if you:

  • Have an interest in psychology, mental health and understanding human behaviour.
  • Want to develop support skills you can use when working with individuals, groups and communities.
  • Want an excellent foundation that allows you to articulate into many different qualifications or career pathways.
  • Want to take the first step in a long-term journey to becoming a Registered Psychologist.

 

What this path gives you:

  • Strong academic grounding in psychology and counselling.
  • Insight into individual and group behaviour.
  • Insight into diversity and cross-cultural dynamics in the South African context.
  • Practical experience to build real-world counselling and communication skills.

 

Next steps:

Continue your studies by progressing into either:

  • SACAP’s Bachelor of Social Science Honours in Psychology or Bachelor of Social Science Honours in Psychology [BPsych Equivalent Programme]

OR

  • Pursue related postgraduate studies in psychology, the social sciences or related fields – both nationally and internationally.
    • Option to register with ASCHP as a Wellness Counsellor

 

Bachelor of Applied Social Science (Majoring in Psychology and Human Resource Management)

Course Details

  • Study options: On campus (Cape Town, Johannesburg, Pretoria), or Online
  • Duration: 3 years full-time, 5 years part-time Online
  • SAQA Registration: SAQA ID 90844, NQF 7
  • Work Integrated Learning: 3 months full-time, including mentoring

 

A good fit for you if you:

  • Want to specialise in human resource management.
  • Want to gain practical experience to boost your expertise and confidence in HRM.
  • Want a qualification endorsed by the SABPP.

 

What this path gives you:

  • Essential practical HRM skills, including strategies, policies and procedures.
  • An understanding of psychology and individual and group behaviour.
  • Insight into macro and micro business environments, business ethics and processes.
  • Interpersonal and group communication skills.
  • Basic financial literacy and accounting principles in an HRM context.

 

Next steps:

Continue your studies by progressing into either:

  • SACAP’s Bachelor of Social Science Honours in Psychology or Bachelor of Social Science Honours in Psychology [BPsych Equivalent Programme]
  • SACAP’s Bachelor of Social Science Honours in Human Resource Management

OR

  • Apply to a cognate Bachelor’s Honours degree or other  postgraduate studies in psychology, the social sciences or related fields – both nationally and internationally.
  • Apply for entry-level positions in human resources within an organisation.

 

Bachelor of Applied Social Science (Majoring in Psychology and Business Management)

Course Details

  • Study options: On campus (Cape Town, Johannesburg, Pretoria), or Online
  • Duration: 3 years full-time, 5 years part-time Online
  • SAQA Registration: SAQA ID 90844, NQF 7
  • Work Integrated Learning: 200 hours, including mentoring

 

A good fit for you if you:

  • Want to learn about business management.
  • Aim to move into a managerial role in the future
  • Want to formalise your existing knowledge.
  • Launch your entrepreneurial enterprise to market.

 

What this path gives you:

  • Foundational knowledge of management functions.
  • The ability to conduct various business functions in the workplace.
  • Insights into diversity and effective communication in a dynamic, multicultural South African context.

 

Next steps:

Continue your studies by progressing into either:

  • SACAP’s Bachelor of Social Science Honours in Psychology or Bachelor of Social Science Honours in Psychology [BPsych Equivalent Programme]
  • SACAP’s Bachelor of Social Science Honours in Business Management

OR

  • Pursue related postgraduate studies in psychology, the social sciences or related fields – both nationally and internationally.

 

Bachelor of Applied Social Science (Majoring in Psychology and Criminology)

Course Details

  • Study Options:On campus (Cape Town, Johannesburg, Pretoria, Durban), or Online
  • Duration:  3 years full-time (Campus), or 5 years part-time (Online)
  • SAQA Registration: SAQA ID 90844, NQF 7

 

Best for you if:
  • You want to understand human behaviour and why people commit crime.
  • You’re curious about psychology, criminology, and social justice.
  • You feel motivated to support victims, advocate for communities, or work towards safer societies.
  • You’re interested in restorative justice, trauma-informed care, or offender rehabilitation.
  • You enjoy research, evidence-based practice, and critical thinking.
  • You’re already working in social development, criminal justice, or mental health and want to deepen or formalise your skills.

 

What this path gives you:
  • A strong foundation in both psychology and criminology.
  • The ability to analyse crime, victimisation, and justice from individual and systemic perspectives.
  • Practical skills through Work Integrated Learning placements.
  • Competence in applying theories of crime and behaviour to real-world contexts.
  • Critical skills to evaluate justice systems and recommend improvements.
  • Communication and collaboration skills for working in diverse, multidisciplinary teams.
  • A pathway to further study in psychology, criminology, or related fields, and eligibility for entry-level roles in community, justice, research, and private sectors.

 

Why SACAP?

  • Founded in 1997 we have a proven track record of equipping responsive and innovative thinkers.
  • SACAP is registered as a Private Higher Education Institution (PHEI) with the Department of Higher Education and Training (DHET). We are also accredited by the Council of Higher Education (CHE) and our qualifications are registered on the National Qualifications Framework by the South African Qualifications Authority (SAQA).
  • SACAP is also 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 is a 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 curricula are designed in response to industry needs so you get up-to-date knowledge and vocational skills to hit the job market running. Or, you can choose to articulate your learning journey into multiple academic pathways.

 

Let’s talk more

Fill in your details and a friendly SACAP team member will contact you to talk more about which qualification is best for you.