Page "Psychologist" Paragraph 18

In South Africa, psychologists are qualified in one of Clinical -, Counselling -, Educational -, Organisational-or Research Psychology.

To attain the qualification, one must complete a recognised Masters degree in Psychology and an appropriate practicum at a recognised training institution, and also sit an examination set by the Professional Board for Psychology.

Registration with the Health Professions Council of South Africa ( HPCSA ) is required, and includes a Continuing Professional Development component.

The practicum usually involves a full year internship, and in some specializations the HPCSA requires completion of an additional year of community service.

The Master's comprises seminar-and coursework-based theoretical and practical training, and a dissertation of limited scope, and is ( in most cases ) two years in duration.

Prior to enrolling for the Master ’ s, the student will have studied psychology for three years as an undergraduate ( B. A., B. Sc., and, for Organisational Psychology, also B. Comm.

), followed by an additional postgraduate honours degree in psychology ; see List of universities in South Africa.

Qualification thus requires at least five years of study, and at least one of internship.

There are plans to change the requirements at a future date, which will probably include the requirement that a candidate achieve a doctoral degree.