UNIVERSITY OF JOHANNESBURG · SOUTH AFRICA
MA Counselling Psychology – 2026 for 2027
Master's · Taught in en
At a glance
24 mo
Duration
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IELTS
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Tuition / yr
en
Language
Master's
Level
- Leads to registration as a counselling psychologist with the HPCSAProfessional Registration
- Full-time, contact-tuition programProgram Format
- Practical placements and community projectsPractical Experience
- Minor research dissertation componentResearch Component
- Focus on ethical practice and critical thinkingCore Skills
The Master of Arts in Counselling Psychology is a two-year, full-time program designed to train students to become registered counselling psychologists. This program aims to develop scientist-practitioners who are ethically aware, critical thinkers, and possess multidisciplinary awareness. The curriculum emphasizes an intersectional approach, integrating theoretical knowledge with practical application and community values. The first year focuses on coursework, developing a research proposal, and gaining practical experience through placements. The second year requires students to complete an accredited internship and submit a minor research dissertation. Students are responsible for securing their own internship positions.
Curriculum
The program consists of coursework, practical placements, and a research dissertation. The first year includes coursework and proposal development, while the second year is dedicated to an internship and dissertation completion.
- Year 1
- Therapeutic Psychology: Individual Approaches
- Therapeutic Psychology: Group Approaches
- Child and Adolescent Psychopathology and Psychotherapy
- Psychopathology, Psychodiagnostics and Psychological Assessment
- Integrated Professional Development
- Year 2
- Minor Research Dissertation
- Internship at an HPCSA-accredited programme or institution
Careers
Upon successful completion of the MA Counselling Psychology program, graduates are eligible for registration as counselling psychologists with the Health Professions Council of South Africa (HPCSA).
- Counselling Psychologist
Frequently asked questions
- What are the entry requirements for the MA Counselling Psychology program?
- You need a relevant Bachelor's degree and an Honours degree (or equivalent). Admission is highly competitive and subject to a rigorous selection process. International students must have their qualifications evaluated by SAQA before applying.
- How do I apply for the MA Counselling Psychology program?
- You must complete two applications: an online application to the University of Johannesburg and a departmental application directly to the Department of Psychology. Ensure you download the application guide and form, and submit all required documents by the closing date.
- What is the duration and format of the MA Counselling Psychology program?
- This is a two-year, full-time, contact-tuition program. The first year focuses on coursework and proposal development, while the second year involves an internship and a minor research dissertation.
- What are the tuition fees for international students?
- Tuition fees are not specified. However, a non-refundable administration fee of R300 is applicable for the departmental application.
- What career opportunities are available after completing this program?
- Upon successful completion, graduates are eligible for registration as counselling psychologists with the Health Professions Council of South Africa (HPCSA).
- When is the application deadline for the MA Counselling Psychology program?
- Applications for the 2026/2027 intake open on April 1, 2026, and close on June 14, 2026, at 12:00 PM.
Entry requirements
Relevant Bachelor's degree and Honours degreeA relevant Bachelor's degree and Honours degree (or equivalent) is required. Specific academic criteria will be evaluated during the selection process. Meeting minimum requirements does not guarantee admission due to program competitiveness.
International students must have their qualifications evaluated by the South African Qualifications Authority (SAQA) before applying to UJ. Admission is highly competitive and subject to a rigorous selection process, including paper screening and selection week. Applicants can only apply for either Counselling Psychology OR Clinical Psychology, not both.
Fees
Tuition (international)Not specified. An administration fee of R300 (non-refundable) is applicable for the departmental application.
Tuition (home)Not specified. An administration fee of R300 (non-refundable) is applicable for the departmental application.
LivingNot specified.
The provided 'Fees Schedule 2024/2025' is for municipal planning by-laws and is not relevant to university tuition or living costs.
How to apply
1. Complete UJ Online ApplicationSubmit an online application through the UJ admissions portal. Use the provided links for new or returning students.
2. Download Application DocumentsDownload the MA Counselling Psychology Application Guide and the Application Form for the 2026/2027 intake.
3. Complete Departmental ApplicationFill out the downloaded Application Form completely and sign it. This application is for the MA Counselling Psychology program only; do not apply for Clinical Psychology simultaneously.
4. Submit Supporting DocumentsAttach the following to your departmental application: a certified copy of your academic record (or progress report if still enrolled in Honours), and proof of payment for the administration fee. If currently enrolled in an Honours program, provide provisional results for the first semester and proof of registration.
5. Pay Administration FeePay the non-refundable administration fee of R300 via EFT or direct bank deposit to the specified UJ Psychology bank account. Ensure the correct reference code ('005020.Couns') is used.
6. Submit ApplicationSubmit the completed departmental application form and all required documents by the closing date. Label all documents clearly with your UJ student number, surname, initials, and document name.
Accreditation
The program leads to registration as a counselling psychologist with the Professional Board of Psychology (PBP) of the Health Professions Council of South Africa (HPCSA).
Frequently asked questions
What are the entry requirements for the MA Counselling Psychology program?
+
You need a relevant Bachelor's degree and an Honours degree (or equivalent). Admission is highly competitive and subject to a rigorous selection process. International students must have their qualifications evaluated by SAQA before applying.
How do I apply for the MA Counselling Psychology program?
+
You must complete two applications: an online application to the University of Johannesburg and a departmental application directly to the Department of Psychology. Ensure you download the application guide and form, and submit all required documents by the closing date.
What is the duration and format of the MA Counselling Psychology program?
+
This is a two-year, full-time, contact-tuition program. The first year focuses on coursework and proposal development, while the second year involves an internship and a minor research dissertation.
What are the tuition fees for international students?
+
Tuition fees are not specified. However, a non-refundable administration fee of R300 is applicable for the departmental application.
What career opportunities are available after completing this program?
+
Upon successful completion, graduates are eligible for registration as counselling psychologists with the Health Professions Council of South Africa (HPCSA).
When is the application deadline for the MA Counselling Psychology program?
+
Applications for the 2026/2027 intake open on April 1, 2026, and close on June 14, 2026, at 12:00 PM.