Entry Requirements For Unisa Psychology Courses If you want to study Psychology Course at UNISA University in south Africa Read full Point you required to have for Qualifications This page contain Qualifications and Entry Requirements.
Different Fields In Psychology
The study of Psychology is quite broad, as there are multiple fields to venture into and specialise in. These fields include (but aren’t limited to):
- Clinical Psychology
- Climate and Environmental Psychology
- Neuropsychology
- Counselling Psychology
- Experimental Psychology
- Developmental Psychology
- Forensic and Public Service Psychology
- Health Psychology
- Human Factors and Engineering Psychology
- Evolutionary Psychology
- Occupational Psychology
- Social Psychology
Psychology Courses Offered By Unisa
The University of South Africa’s (Unisa’s) Department of Psychology offers programmes for both undergraduate and postgraduate qualifications.
At the undergraduate level, UNISA offers a Bachelor of Arts in Psychology, which covers topics such as developmental psychology, abnormal psychology, social psychology and research methods. Additionally, UNISA offers a Bachelor of Social Work and a Bachelor of Criminology and Criminal Justice, both of which include courses in psychology.
At the postgraduate level, UNISA offers a range of programmes in psychology, including a Postgraduate Certificate in Education in Senior Phase and Further Education and Training Teaching with a specialisation in Psychology, a Postgraduate Diploma in Psychology, a Master of Social Work with a specialisation in Psychology and a Master of Arts in Clinical Psychology.
To pursue a qualification in Psychology at Unisa, you first need to gain acceptance to the institution.
Requirements for a Psychology Qualification:
- Applicants (new applicants & Unisa students who applied for admission to a new qualification) may only register if they have received an offer of placement from Unisa and have accepted the offer online. Unisa reserves the right to not process and / or to cancel your registration if it is found that you were incorrectly admitted to a qualification.
- Re-registering students must register for the academic year during the relevant registration period.
- The university provides all registered students with a free myLife e-mail address. It is your responsibility to activate your myLife e-mail account as soon as your registration has been finalised. Your myLife e-mail account will be the only e-mail account recognised by Unisa for official correspondence to and from the university, and will remain the official primary e-mail address on record at Unisa.
How many years does it take to study Psychology at Unisa?
The University of South Africa (UNISA) offers a comprehensive undergraduate programme for students interested in studying Psychology and earning a Bachelor of Arts degree. Usually, the Bachelor of Arts in Psychology is 4 years.
However, if you are looking to pursue other fields at UNISA, you may need additional years.
Studying psychology at UNISa can take you a period of 3 to 7 years, depending on the level you want to reach and the path you may take.
How much does it cost to study psychology at UniSA?
Considering the course types and modules, the cost of studying psychology can vary at UNISA. On average, a module for psychology could cost between R3000 to R 6000. If you are doing 4 or 6 modules, you already know how much it will cost you.
By and large, the cost of studying psychology is determined by the period you stay in school, the course and the modules. It is important to plan ahead and estimate an amount over R 200,000.
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What APS score is needed to study psychology at UniSA?
If you are interested in pursuing psychology at UNISA, you must meet a specific requirement. You must have a minimum of 20 APS (Admission Point Score) from your high school education.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
What are the minimum entry requirements for psychology at UNISA?
You need a National Senior Certificate (Matric) with degree endorsement and an APS score that meets UNISA’s Bachelor of Arts requirements.
Does UNISA require Mathematics for psychology?
Not always. Mathematical Literacy is accepted in some cases, but Mathematics is an advantage.
Can I study psychology without science subjects?
Yes, Life Sciences is helpful but not compulsory for all psychology pathways.
What APS score is needed for psychology at UNISA?
Usually between 21 and 30+, depending on the specific programme.
Does UNISA offer clinical psychology?
Yes, but only at postgraduate level (Master’s degree and above).
Can I become a psychologist with a UNISA degree?
Yes, but you must complete Honours and Master’s degrees plus professional registration.
How long does it take to study psychology at UNISA?
Typically 3 years for BA, 1 year for Honours, and 2–3 years for Master’s.
Is psychology at UNISA competitive?
Yes, especially at Honours and Master’s levels due to limited spaces.
Can I study psychology part-time at UNISA?
Yes, UNISA is a distance learning university designed for part-time study.
What subjects should I take in high school for psychology?
English, Mathematics or Mathematical Literacy, and Life Sciences are recommended.
Does UNISA offer counseling psychology?
Yes, but mainly through postgraduate specialization routes.
What is the difference between BA Psychology and Industrial Psychology?
BA Psychology focuses on human behavior broadly, while Industrial Psychology focuses on workplace behavior.
Can I apply with an older matric certificate?
Yes, as long as it meets the current admission requirements.
Do I need work experience to study psychology at UNISA?
No, work experience is not required for undergraduate studies.
Is English important for psychology studies?
Yes, strong English skills are essential for reading, writing, and research.
Can I switch from another degree to psychology?
Yes, through credit transfer if your previous modules match.
Does UNISA accept international students for psychology?
Yes, international qualifications are accepted if equivalent to South African standards.
What is the cost of studying psychology at UNISA?
Fees vary depending on modules and level of study each year.
When should I apply for UNISA psychology courses?
Applications usually open mid-year and close around October–November.
Can I study psychology without passing matric science?
Yes, science is not mandatory for all psychology pathways.
What careers can I get after BA Psychology at UNISA?
You can work in HR, social services, research, or continue to postgraduate studies.
Is UNISA psychology recognized internationally?
Yes, UNISA qualifications are internationally recognized depending on country requirements.
What is the next step after BA Psychology?
You can proceed to Honours in Psychology and then Master’s studies for professional registration.
