Best online psychology courses in South Africa in 2024: fees, requirements, application

Best online psychology courses in South Africa in 2024: fees, requirements, application

Many people find psychology fascinating because it is the study of the human mind and behaviour. If you are interested in understanding human mental processes, such as thoughts, motives, and feelings, the course is worth pursuing. Several institutions offer online psychology courses in South Africa.

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A woman in a brown shirt and a man in a checkered shirt are studying on desks. Photo: pexels.com, @Mikhail Nilov, @Mart Production (modified by author)
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TABLE OF CONTENTS

The demand for psychologists in South Africa has increased in the last decade. People are more conscious about their mental and emotional health and well-being. Fortunately, there are online psychology courses in South Africa that people who wish to become psychologists can pursue.

Top online psychology courses in South Africa

Psychology is the study of the mind, how it works, and how it affects an individual and society's behaviour. Although there are many branches of psychology, the most popular accredited online psychology courses in South Africa are explored below.

1. Counselling psychology

Counselling psychologists reduce psychological distress to promote the well-being of individuals, groups and families. They aim to help individuals overcome mental health challenges in order to improve the quality of living.

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2. Criminal psychology

Criminal psychology professionals are essential in many crime-detecting fields, from investigation to prosecutions. Criminal psychologists help law enforcement agencies create a psychological profile to help apprehend suspects.

3. Neuropsychology

Neuropsychology is a growing field in South Africa and internationally. Neuropsychologists research and treat nervous system disorders, Alzheimer's disease, and traumatic brain injuries.

4. Forensic psychology

A bachelor's degree in forensic psychology program takes two to four years. After this, you can work as a crime analyst, victim advocate, jury consultant, or police officer. The distinctiveness of forensic psychology is its advanced knowledge and skills reflecting the intersection of legal theory, procedures, and law with clinical issues, practice, and ethics.

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A group of people sitting on chairs in a circle inside a room. Photo: pexels.com, @Tima Miroshnichenko
Source: UGC

5. Sports psychology

Sports psychology is an interesting and ever-evolving area. Sports psychologists do not treat psychological disorders but help sportspeople improve their performance by helping them overcome mental obstacles.

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6. Military psychology

Military psychologists are also called clinical military psychologists. They provide counselling services and mental health treatment to active and retired armed forces and their families. You must have a bachelor's and doctoral degree in psychology and a state license to become a military psychologist.

7. Social psychology

Social psychologists research social interactions and the factors influencing them, such as group attitudes and behaviour, leadership, and public perceptions. Social psychologists seek to understand the complex interplay between social factors and human behaviour, including group dynamics and attitudes and implicit bias and prejudice.

8. Developmental psychology

Developmental psychology studies people across the lifespan. Developmental psychologists focus on human growth and changes across the lifespan. They cover physical, cognitive, social, intellectual, perceptual, emotional, and personality growth.

Online psychology degrees in South Africa

Now that you know the areas of specialisation in demand in SA, here is a look at various bachelor's and postgraduate degree programmes you can pursue.

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The South African College of Applied Psychology (SACP)

SACAP is fully accredited by the British Accreditation Council (BAC) as an Independent Higher Education Institution. It offers the courses listed below.

  • Bachelor of Applied Social Science (Majoring in Psychology and Counselling)
  • Bachelor of Applied Social Science (Majoring in Psychology and Human Resource Management)
  • Bachelor of Applied Social Science (Majoring in Psychology and Business Management)
  • Bachelor of Psychology
  • Bachelor of Social Science Honours in Psychology

NB: If you are searching for distance learning options for psychology in South Africa, you should check out the South African College of Applied Psychology website for options.

UNISA

The University of South Africa offers the programmes listed below.

  • Bachelor of Arts in Psychology
  • Bachelor of Commerce in Industrial and Organisational Psychology
  • Bachelor of Science in Life Sciences Psychology and Physiology (with Genetics)

University of Cape Town (UCT)

UCT offers the courses listed below.

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  • Bachelor of Commerce (Honours) in Organisational Psychology
  • Bachelor of Arts (Hons) in Organisational Psychology
  • Bachelor of Social Sciences (Hons) in Organisational Psychology
  • Bachelor of Social Sciences (Hons) in Psychology
  • Master of Commerce in Industrial and Organisational Psychology
  • Master of Arts in Clinical Psychology
  • Master of Arts in Neuropsychology
  • Master of Arts in Organisational Psychology
  • Master of Philosophy in Psychology
  • PhD in Organisational Psychology
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Two men having a discussion while sitting at a desk with a pen and notebook. Photo: pexels.com, @nappy
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Requirements for psychology courses in South Africa

The requirements for admission into psychology courses depend on the level of academic learning and the institution. Note that many colleges offer certificate and diploma courses.

Online psychology course fees

The fees charged for online programmes depend on the institution. Generally, online programmes are cheaper than in-person learning programmes.

Which psychology course is best in South Africa?

The best course matches your interests and is in demand. Different people have different strengths, so it is wise to choose an area that brings out your best self.

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How many years does it take to study psychology in South Africa?

An undergraduate degree in psychology takes about three years, an honours degree takes one or two years, while a master's degree takes one or two years.

What subjects are needed to become a psychologist in South Africa?

Specific matric subjects are not mandatory for pursuing psychology in South Africa. However, if you wish to study psychology online in South Africa, you should make sure you score highly in English, Mathematics/Mathematical Literacy, and Life Sciences/Biology.

Can you study psychology online in South Africa?

Yes, you can. Check out the institutions that offer online programmes above.

There are multiple online psychology courses in South Africa that you can pursue. Prospective students are advised to visit various institutions' websites before submitting their applications.

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Source: Briefly News

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Cyprine Apindi (Lifestyle writer) Cyprine Apindi is a content creator and educator with over six years of experience. She holds a Diploma in Mass Communication and a Bachelor’s degree in Nutrition and Dietetics from Kenyatta University. Cyprine joined Briefly.co.za in mid-2021, covering multiple topics, including finance, entertainment, sports, and lifestyle. In 2023, she finished the AFP course on Digital Investigation Techniques. She received the 2023 Writer of the Year Award. In 2024, she completed the Google News Initiative course. Email: cyprineapindi@gmail.com