Becoming a Psychologist in South Africa: Journey to being qualified

This video is about what you need to know about the journey to becoming a psychologist in South Africa. It includes information regarding high school subjects, undergrad to masters, work experience as well as internship and community service.

[@thandomasiko8977]

I'm so glad I bumped into your channel. You simply answer a lot of my questions about becoming a Psychologist. I'm joining you soon with that title. I love Psychology!!!!

[@sindisiwebeauty4117]

Thanks a lot, you indeed accompanied the fewer knowledge I had regarding clinical psychology. This video gave me clearer clarity.

[@asi7735]

Just realised now that the comments are turned on . Thank you very much sisi❤ this was very informative ❤

[@yowa_chrissy]

This was very useful. Thank you so much ❤️

[@dinisibiya7493]

What an informative video, thank you dear, such a lady

[@thandomasiko8977]

You paint such a clear picture about the career. Your information delivery skills are super!

[@PsychIRL]

Thank you!

[@nonjaabulofaithgasa]

This video was so informative and thanks for including other types of psychology ❤️I'm doing my first year this year and I'm so excited to be part of the people that can actually help with mental health issues and depression so thanks for the video!!! ❤️❤️❤️

[@PsychIRL]

It's a pleasure Faith, I'm glad you found the video as being informative and all the best with your studies.

[@dawncosmic8080]

Are u doing BA?

[@siyamthandadingwayo1113]

I am an aspiring clinical psychologist, I am so glad I bumped into your channel, so informative ❤

[@PsychIRL]

Hi Siyamthanda. Welcome aboard!

[@samkelo8639]

this is so informative. thank you

[@smangalisokuluse3104]

I am doing my final in my degree. I m so glad I bumped into your channel. It is so informative about the field I want to go to.

[@PsychIRL]

I'm so glad! Best of luck with your degree.

[@mafadimakatsosurprise5182]

Thank you so much for this❤

[@lindanyathikazi933]

this channel is so helpful .it really answer lot of questions

[@PsychIRL]

Happy you are finding it helpful Linda

[@billyncube6106]

Thank you for a very informative video.

[@PsychIRL]

Glad it was helpful!

[@userprunus]

Woww thank you ❤

[@ntebalengsefahamela5851]

wow so profound, I want you to be my mentor

[@zp1167]

Im sad I did my BA degree in Psychology and not a normal Bachelor degree... Hopefully it will better my academic standing if I complete my Honors degree.

[@pearl837]

I'm doing my final year in my degree, I can't wait for the next step

[@userprunus]

How the journey been ,which uni are you attending?

[@goitsetladi315]

Thank you

[@LordtheLavaithan.888]

What are the challenges you have faced as a psychology practitioner and some of the challenges you are aware of that other psychologists might have experienced or are currently experiencing?

[@ndumimoeng9822]

Thank you lots very insightful

[@cxddlydreamer7006]

Can't believe no one is saying anything thank u

[@ipfimunzhedzi6767]

Hey I'm glad I got this information 😌 I'm studying bps at the university of venda and I had no idea that u have to go through all these ..thank you very much

[@KaraboDinake]

I love your channel :) Is it possible for one to have undergrad research experience? And is there research publication done in honours or only in Masters and PhD.

[@PsychIRL]

Hi Karabo, thank you for the love. Undergrad research experience is literally your assignments and writing up papers. Those are micro skills you will need. Yes, some people publish their honours research, I didn't because there were 8 of us looking at the same thing and I felt the aim of how they trained us wasn't with publishing in mind.

[@drlatinamuncher]

I'm very uninformed in how to study criminal psychology, although there is a lot of information surrounding forensic psychology it's very vague and difficult to get more information on it. I know there isn't a specific major for forensic and criminal psychology but its high in demand, I know it is possible to be specializing in those fields, I'm trying to figure out how.

[@PsychIRL]

Also love forensics it's actually what I intend to focus on. Currently in SA the only way is to qualify in one of the recognised registrations and just specialise in forensics.

[@mymotivationsihle5234]

so if I may ask can high school students volunteer to help in research labs ?, how many years did it take you to do clinical psychology? and did you do it full time or part time. I'm really interested in clinical psychology and seriously wanna do it I'm passionate about it. And how can i study it at a young age

[@PsychIRL]

Hi Sihle, high school students can do job shadowing. We don't work in labs and if we did I highly doubt they would allow people who aren't at tertiary level. It took me six years in university and two years in internship and community service to qualify. I studied full time.

[@nonhlanhlalamola6963]

Hi, thank you so much for this video it was very helpful 🙂 I just wanted to ask if it is advised to do an undergrad in BA (Psych) or BSocSc (Psych) from universities such as UJ and UFs, and if I will still be able to apply for honors and masters (especially if my overall marks are good)?

[@PsychIRL]

I'm not familiar with their programs but if they are accredited you will be fine. One of my friends studied at UFS and is now in comm serv as a clinical psychologist.

[@kxmrynphahla]

I aspire to study psychology however I was considering only doing my undergraduate in SA for those 3 years thereafter wanted to move aboard for the next processes due to the different laws. Would you consider this a good idea? And is there anything else you can advise regarding me wanting to go about it this way?

[@PsychIRL]

Hi Kgothatso, well if you want to practice in SA honestly I think it is easier to qualify in SA and then move rather than qualifying somewhere else then move to SA and trying to get certified there. Maybe the experiences of people I know who did that and still can't practice has made me biased but I have found the process to be tedious and at times almost impossible.

[@bbbrianasmith]

During your time at UCT, did you feel like there was a focus, or any emphasis at all, on African-centered psychology?

[@PsychIRL]

Hi Briana, our training emphasised considering the client's context which includes where they come from and their beliefs etc. because that influences their engagement and commitment to the therapy process and helps work with them collaboratively. But in terms of having a course on "African Psychology", no we didn't have that. I hope that answers your questions.

[@pretty4964]

What is Arts in psychology

[@Fighterhunter02]

Such an informative video! I’m currently finishing my masters in research psychology, applying for clinical in the future, Just curious was your community service and internship paid? Also do you mind sharing if the pay was good?

[@PsychIRL]

Yes they were both paid and the pay was in my opinion good.

[@NeuropsychologyInSouthAfrica]

Hi, please share information on being a neuropsychologist.

[@PsychIRL]

Hi Morongoa, what would you like to know about it?

[@ntebalengsefahamela5851]

I am the next clinical psychologist

[@PsychIRL]

I'm here for this!😊

[@sabelomanzi9855]

Hi. I was wondering what tertiary institute did you attend to do clinical phycology.

[@PsychIRL]

I did my undergrad and honours at UKZN and my masters at UCT

[@onepiece_]

Love your videos could I ask do I need to do maths core as I'm in Grade 10 and I'm currently doing maths literacy and I want to be a psychologist and possibly apply to UCT

[@PsychIRL]

Hi there, last I checked you could but you had to get 70+ as your overall final mark or do maths courses to subelement during your undergrad but you'd need to confirm with the University

[@onepiece_]

@@PsychIRL thank you so much and keep up your amazing videos

[@zoe3065]

Im looking to study psychology next year (2023) and just found out about sports psychologist what can you tell me about that field my first choice though is clinical

[@PsychIRL]

It's not a registered field with HPCSA so I don't know how opportunities in that field are but it is a growing field

[@liamviljoen5845]

Were you able to take a BPsych or did you have to take a BA for your undergrad?

[@PsychIRL]

I did bachelor of social sciences and majored in general and industrial psychology

[@bm.m2133]

Hey when they say that they need 70%/65% in order to get into honours, do they mean 70% for all modules including electives or only psychology modules And if i am not part of any psychology organisation on campus , will that disadvantage me when i apply for postgrad?

[@PsychIRL]

Hi there, you need an overall average of 70% when you've combined all your marks from undergrad. It won't disadvantage you as long as you have other psychology related experience. The varsity psych society are generally an easier way to gain that experience.

[@lorenzodebooy5052]

Hi. With regards to Honours and Masters interviews, do universities ask them face to face or is it online. I know you mentioned this, but I just want to make sure, since this video has aged a few years.

[@PsychIRL]

It's in person

[@boitumelozulu8487]

Hi, which institutions did you do your undergrad, honours and masters ?

[@PsychIRL]

UKZN and UCT

[@oohsamsway9011]

Hii which Unversity Did you attend and what were your entry requirement when applying for Matric Your ABS points for admission

[@PsychIRL]

Undergrad and honours: UKZN, Masters: UCT. It's been several years now so you'd need to check their websites for more accurate details on admission requirements.

[@singathazwane8868]

Thanks a lot for enlightening me, i have few questions, i would like to know where did you do your intern and comserv? and do you wear brown uniform when you go to work or you wear your own clothes? i would also like to know why you chose working at correctional services instead of hospitals? i did some research about neuropsychology and i found that that registration is not offered in South Africa, please elaborate on that. AM SORRY TO ASK YOU MANY QUESTIONS😂🙈

[@PsychIRL]

Hi Singatha I did my internship in Cape Town within general and psychiatric hospitals. I chose DCS cause I've always been interested in forensic work and no you don't wear brown uniform as a comm serv you wear your own clothes. Neuropsychology is a new registration in SA so you can now register as a neuropsychologist but UCT is the only university that currently offers a masters in neuropsychology.

[@singathazwane8868]

@@PsychIRL Oh wow thanks a lot sister, between neuropsychology and clinical Psychologist which one is in demand in South Africa?

[@nokubongasinikeziwe2272]

I only discovered your channel now and I want to ask do you know any bursaries we can apply for

[@PsychIRL]

Hi Nokubonga, it depends what level you are at (there are more postgrad bursaries than undergrad) and the university you attend (some bursaries are university specific). I do have a list I compiled a few years ago I'll see how I can share it.

[@lorraineubisi6981]

Hi do you perhaps know which theory mafikeng prefares

[@PsychIRL]

No idea sorry.

[@lurks6428]

I do pure math,life science,geography, business studies are these good subjects to become a psychologist?

[@PsychIRL]

Life science and maths are the most important so you are good.

[@swervo4415]

Hey. Which undergraduate degree should I pursue in order to become a psychologist? The end goal is to do neuropsychology.

[@PsychIRL]

BA, BSS, Psych or any other degree majoring in psychology.

[@swervo4415]

@@PsychIRL thank you so much!

[@certified_debs]

Hey Please explain what an NBT is, I don't get it...

[@PsychIRL]

National Benchmark Test

[@thobekalondeka1277]

Hello I am battling to decide between Master's coursework and research. Is being accepted (by a university) & registered (by HPCSA) affected by the type of Master's u chose?

[@PsychIRL]

Yes. The masters you do affects the actual work you do at the end. MA Clinical, counselling, educational or neurological (includes coursework, clinical and research work) leads to you practicing and seeing clients based on area of specialization where as MA research is more research and academic work you do after completion

[@thobekalondeka1277]

@@PsychIRL Thank you so much I applied for coursework😊

[@phiwoxulu566]

I understand that the competition is quite tough when it comes to being accepted for honours and masters in psychology. If you don’t get accepted for either of them , is there an alternative route that can be taken to still qualify and practice as a psychologist

[@PsychIRL]

unfortunately not

[@onthatilemantshane2387]

Hey. Hope you're doing well. ❤️ I'm currently doing a degree in Social sciences with Anthropology as a major,at Boston City Campus. I really am into the clinical psychology route. How does one go about reaching that level of doing clinical psychology?

[@PsychIRL]

In SA you'll need to do an honours and masters to qualify

[@andiswajoy2736]

If you have a diploma in psychology which field do you go to when you go to varsity

[@PsychIRL]

There are no psychology registration categories that I am aware of that accept diplomas.

[@akhilaramlal9498]

is it easy to get imployed or find a job as a phycoloigst??

[@PsychIRL]

It wasn't as easy as I thought it would be but I managed to get a few offers before my comm serv. ended. And it also depends where you want to work.

[@lesedimakabe6677]

I am very passionate about psychology, and I really want to study it. But there are people in my life who don't think it's a good idea for me to study psychology because it's going to be a waste of money and it is hard to get qualified and get a job with a psychology degree. My dream is to start a private practice but apparently, nowadays it is impossible to start a private practice because you need to be qualified and it takes a long time to be a qualified psychologist. IS THAT TRUE? I'm in matric this year and I'm starting to get really confused about what to study.

[@PsychIRL]

Hi Lesedi, ye you need masters to be able to start private practice.

[@yandier5020]

Hi you can also do a Bpsych equivalent honours which has practicals and you can also write a board exam and become registered as a counsellor. That way you can have your own practice without doing masters.

[@life-of-pablo-]

do you need to take pure maths in high school?

[@PsychIRL]

Hi there, some university accept maths lit while others would require you to take some maths courses in first year if you took maths lit. Please check the university requirements as they differ.

[@khanyiso7075]

I'm doing BA general and majority in psychology. Is it possible for me to become a clinical psychologist taking this path? And what really happens after post graduation?

[@PsychIRL]

Hi Siphosethu, if you enough modules to have your degree credited for a psych post grad degree then yes. When you get to honours you'd need to do a psych honours (e.g. BA or BSS in Psych) then masters you then apply specifically for clinical psych.

[@mapoudaniels9742]

I’m also doing BA major in psychology,what job can I get with just a BA degree while I obtain my honours part time

[@Sakhatina]

Should i choose social work or psychology

[@PsychIRL]

that's a very personal decision depending of what kind of work you want to do.

[@ethanadriano1165]

Do u know how long it takes to study for a psychiatrist?

[@PsychIRL]

6 years doing MBChB and 4 years as a registrar

[@dawncosmic8080]

Did you do BA with psych major or ?

[@PsychIRL]

BSS with psych major

[@izanas_leftearring5191]

Do you get paid during your 24 months of comserve?

[@PsychIRL]

Yes, we do and comm serv is 12 months

[@philiswamchunu3824]

@@PsychIRL and the internship?

[@dhyrin]

Tokyo revengers

[@bokaosello]

How many years does it take ,to become a psychologist??

[@PsychIRL]

5-6 years of studying +1 year internship and 1 year community

[@bokaosello]

@@PsychIRL thank you,another Q,is it true that psychologists get paid while still in varsity

[@ntokozoking3681]

Wow this was very insightful, is it possible that I can have your IG or email?

[@PsychIRL]

Hi Ntokozo, my insta handle is available on the page banner.

[@ntokozoking3681]

@@PsychIRL Thank you

[@flameboy2651]

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