MSocSci Counselling Psychology at University of the Free State

Programme overview

The MSocSci in Counselling Psychology is a professional applied master's (240 credits, NQF level 9) designed to lead to registration as a counselling psychologist with the HPCSA. The language of instruction is English.

Faculty: Faculty of the Humanities | Department: Department of Psychology | Duration: 2 years: full-time on-campus first year plus a 12-month accredited internship, with a mini-dissertation | Intake: 2027 intake; departmental applications close 31 May 2026 | Study mode: full-time | Location: Bloemfontein, Free State, South Africa

What you will study

The first year is full-time on-campus study with integrated theoretical training across core applied psychology topics, covering psychological assessment, case formulation, a range of psychological interventions, professional ethics and research, plus supervised practical service to the public and community intervention programmes. The second year is an accredited internship, and a mini-dissertation is submitted.

Career pathways

Registration as a counselling psychologist requires the degree, a 12-month accredited internship, the mini-dissertation and the HPCSA Board Examination.

Official programme page

Application information

Entry requirements

An exit-level 8 qualification in Psychology (honours or BPsych equivalent), or in process of obtaining it, with a pass mark of at least 65% in the honours qualification (candidates in their fourth year are selected conditionally). Fluency in English is required; fluency in another official South African language is preferred. Selection is competitive in phases (sifting, shortlisting, in-person selection) based on academic potential, psychological knowledge and insight, interpersonal skills, maturity and research skills; work experience and HPCSA registration as psychometrist or registered counsellor are also considered. Applicants may apply for only one registration category. Non-South African applicants are selected provisionally pending the documentation needed for HPCSA registration and internship employment.

Tuition is charged per module, so the total depends on the modules you register for each year. Current fees are listed in the official fee schedule.

Master's applications in Economic and Management Sciences open on 1 April; local applicants close 30 September and international applicants close 31 August.

Apply through the official page: https://www.ufs.ac.za/prospective/study-at-ufs/apply

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