The UCT MA (Clinical Psychology) Programme Course Structure and Placement
The MA degree in Clinical Psychology at the University of Cape Town is awarded through the Department of Psychology in the Faculty of Humanities. It is a professional qualification which, with the stipulated internship and community service, leads to registration as a Clinical Psychologist with the Professional Board for Psychology (Health Professions Council of South Africa). At the beginning of each year of training, students are required to register with the Professional Board for Psychology as student clinical psychologists (M1), and intern clinical psychologists (M2)
The requirements for the degree involves two years of full-time study and professional training as well as submission of a minor dissertation. In the first year (Year 1) the student is required to do a minor dissertation on a clinically related topic, attend case conferences at the University of Cape Town Child Guidance Clinic, and participate in various community projects run under the auspices of the Psychology Department. The second year is based at the Child Guidance Clinic, and involves intensive clinical training. The 2nd first year course covers a broad spectrum of courses on clinical assessment and intervention, although the emphasis is primarily on problems of childhood and adolescence, family problems and group work. Workshops and training for groups such as parents, teachers, lay counsellors and community workers are also involved. Once the requirements for both years are completed satisfactorily, students may apply for an internship at hospitals registered with the Professional Board (HPCSA) as internship sites. Please note that students can only begin their internship once they have completed all academic requirements. In other words, they must successfully complete the clinical training and the dissertation and these must have been passed. In accordance with government regulations, Valkenberg can no longer guarantee UCT trainees an internship position and students will a have to apply to various hospitals, internship sites. This is the student's responsibility and the CGC offers no guarantee of internships.
After satisfactory completion of your internship, students are required to do a year of community service and pass the Professional board exam to be a registered clinical psychologist.
The training programme is intended to provide the trainee with the knowledge and skills necessary for basic competence in the field of clinical psychology. The trainee is expected to develop a higher degree of professional competence after qualification. It is considered essential that graduates undertake continuing education in some
field(s) of clinical specialisation, after registration, and seek out supervision for their work after completing this basic training.Downloadable application form and Referee Report: