SAQA All qualifications and part qualifications registered on the National Qualifications Framework are public property. Thus the only payment that can be made for them is for service and reproduction. It is illegal to sell this material for profit. If the material is reproduced or quoted, the South African Qualifications Authority (SAQA) should be acknowledged as the source.
SOUTH AFRICAN QUALIFICATIONS AUTHORITY 
REGISTERED QUALIFICATION: 

Master of Clinical Psychology 
SAQA QUAL ID QUALIFICATION TITLE
123023  Master of Clinical Psychology 
ORIGINATOR
University of Zululand 
PRIMARY OR DELEGATED QUALITY ASSURANCE FUNCTIONARY NQF SUB-FRAMEWORK
CHE - Council on Higher Education  HEQSF - Higher Education Qualifications Sub-framework 
QUALIFICATION TYPE FIELD SUBFIELD
Master's Degree  Field 09 - Health Sciences and Social Services  Preventive Health 
ABET BAND MINIMUM CREDITS PRE-2009 NQF LEVEL NQF LEVEL QUAL CLASS
Undefined  180  Not Applicable  NQF Level 09  Regular-Provider-ELOAC 
REGISTRATION STATUS SAQA DECISION NUMBER REGISTRATION START DATE REGISTRATION END DATE
Registered  EXCO 0628/24  2024-11-21  2027-11-21 
LAST DATE FOR ENROLMENT LAST DATE FOR ACHIEVEMENT
2028-11-21   2031-11-21  

In all of the tables in this document, both the pre-2009 NQF Level and the NQF Level is shown. In the text (purpose statements, qualification rules, etc), any references to NQF Levels are to the pre-2009 levels unless specifically stated otherwise.  

This qualification does not replace any other qualification and is not replaced by any other qualification. 

PURPOSE AND RATIONALE OF THE QUALIFICATION 
Purpose:
The Master of Clinical Psychology qualification is aimed at producing competent, ethical and professional Clinical Psychologists who can meet the psychological needs of South African society and abroad. The professional psychological practice promotes the personal, social, and educational functioning, career development, and well-being of individuals, couples, families, groups, organizations and communities, which may also include assisting clients in resolving typical life stresses, such as developmental challenges and problems with adjustment, as well as more significant forms of human distress, such as physical health and mental health concerns.

Learners will therefore gain in-depth knowledge about mental health, well-being and treatment, and will be able to provide interventions at the community level in promoting psychological health and prevention of psychological problems. Society will benefit from an increased number of qualified healthcare professionals to attend to the psychological needs of society.
A psychologically healthy society will increase job productivity and well-being and subsequently increase the economy. The professional Master of Clinical Psychology qualification is aligned with the National Framework for Human Resources for Health in South Africa and the National Qualification Framework for Education and is responsive to the psychological needs of the South African population.

The qualifying practitioner will be registered with the Health Professions Council of South Africa (HPCSA) as a Clinical Psychologist in Independent Practice. Economically this qualification contributes to entrepreneurship with self-employment, a decrease in scare skill professionals.
The learner will gain knowledge, develop insight and become comfortable with the application of assessment, diagnoses and interventions of psychological distress and/or psychopathology. It is expected that a psychologically healthy society will increase job productivity and well-being and subsequently increase the economy.

Upon completion of this qualification, a qualifying learner will be able to:
  • Apply the theoretical principles of problem identification and solving correctly in the field of Clinical Psychology and reflect on the application utilised (problem-solving skills).
  • Effectively plan and execute research in Clinical Psychology.
  • Apply theoretical principles of communication and reflect on the application made (communication skills
  • Effectively and responsibly organize and coordinate resources and opportunities in the field of Clinical Psychology
  • Practice acceptable social sensitivity in relationships with others and work effectively in a team by implementing the relevant theory and reflecting on the implementation thereof.
  • Utilize appropriate technology (computer, e-mail, fax, psychometric tests) effectively in the Clinical Psychology environment.

    Rationale:
    The Department of Higher Education and Training (DHET) identified that unemployment of university learners, results from a mismatch between the academic qualifications and the workplace skills requirements. Universities should therefore identify learner attributes and include them in the curriculum. Learner attributes are generic skills and values which identify an individual as a university learner, regardless of his or her course of study.
    The qualification is aimed at producing competent, ethical and professional Clinical Psychologists who can meet the psychological needs of the people living in South Africa and abroad.

    The Professional Master's in Clinical Psychology is aligned with the National Framework for Human Resources for Health in South Africa and the National Qualifications Framework and is responsive to the psychological needs of the South African population. In as much as there are common psychology practices that overlap, this competency document details the practitioner's education and training and confines the scope specific to the category of Clinical Psychology.
    These competencies, as specified by Rule 21 of the Ethical Rules of Conduct for Practitioners Registered under the Health Professions Act 56 of 1974, confine the scope to areas of the profession to which clinical psychologists have knowledge, skills and experience to practice lawfully, safely and effectively, meeting specified standards.

    The Professional Board of Psychology at the Health Professions Council of South Africa (HPCSA) is involved in the inception of the qualification as it is mandatory that learners are registered on the commencement of their professional training with the HPCSA. Failing to comply with this requirement will prevent learners from professional registration and licensing. The qualifying practitioner will be registered with the HPCSA as a Clinical Psychologist in Independent Practice.

    The professional Master of Clinical Psychology degree is aligned with the National Framework for Human Resources for Health in South Africa and the National Qualification Framework for Education and is responsive to the psychological needs of the South African population.
    The areas in which learners of the Master of Clinical Psychology degree will be employed or are employable will be the Health and Mental health sectors whereby they can provide mental health services on a primary or secondary level health basis.
    Professional careers may include different sectors (considering that the main duties will be assessing, diagnosing and treating psychological disorders, distress and psychopathology), including but not limited to; primary and secondary health care systems (which may be state or privately employed) whereby duties comprise the expert knowledge of a clinical psychologist in a Multi-Disciplinary Team, related to individual or group psychological health and well-being

    The following are typical examples of learner attributes which can make our learners more employable:
  • Understand the discipline of Psychology in its interdisciplinary context and applications
  • Conduct both independent and collaborative enquiry, in order to solve problems
  • Locate, manage, and critically use information
  • Adapt the technologically and scientifically literate to new technologies and to understand their application.
  • Account and be ethical to the Professional Board of Psychologists.
  • Communicate effectively both orally and in writing.
  • Apply environmental, social and cultural responsibility. 
    		•

    LEARNING ASSUMED TO BE IN PLACE AND RECOGNITION OF PRIOR LEARNING 
    Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL):

    In circumstances where academic studies are not as outlined below:
  • a three-year bachelor's degree with psychology or the equivalent thereof as a major subject, and
  • a post-graduate year, i.e. an honours degree in psychology, and
  • a master's degree qualification or the equivalent of a fifth year of study in psychology
    but are believed to be equivalent to the above formal requirements outlined, applicants may submit details to the Board for consideration.

    In such cases, the following will be considered:
  • The Recognition of Prior Learning in this qualification will be conducted in accordance with the Policy and Procedures for Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL) of the University. > RPL is regarded as one of the critical mechanisms for achieving redress and equity and accelerating access in the university.
    This policy and set of procedures will be used in the admission of a candidate to a learning qualification where the minimum requirements have not been met (excluding the mature age exemption category of exemption for admission to undergraduate qualifications), but the candidate has evidence that the requirements can be met through RPL.

    All potential learners who are not in possession of an NQF Level 8 degree in Clinical Psychology need to provide proof of an equivalent qualification. Those who claim that they have achieved relevant prior learning which should give them access to the qualification need to apply to the Head of the Department of Psychology for recognition of prior learning. Only 10% of the cohort of learners may be admitted through this route.

    Potential learners who want to be credited for prior need to apply in writing to the Head of the Department of Psychology clearly stating the title(s) of the module or modules they want to be credited for, as well as the basis on which they believe the accreditation should be granted.

    The principles of RPL are subscribed to and will be implemented in a flexible manner. The principle of flexible and open access will, however, be offset against the provision that this should not be to the detriment of the potential learner and that his/her chances of success are reasonable.
    The Committee will assess the competencies of these learners in order to determine whether they are eligible or not.

    Entry Requirements:
    The minimum entry requirement for this qualification is:
  • Bachelor Honours Degree in Psychology, NQF Level 8.
    Or
  • Relevant Postgraduate Diploma, NQF Level. 
    		•

    RECOGNISE PREVIOUS LEARNING? 
    Y 

    QUALIFICATION RULES 
    This qualification consists of the following compulsory modules at NQF Level 9 totalling 180 credits.

    Compulsory Modules at Level 9 totalling 180 Credits.
  • Ethics and Legislation in Clinical Psychology, 15 Credits.
    Level 9
  • Psychological Assessment in Clinical Psychology, 15 Credits.
  • Indigenous Psychology, 15 Credits.
  • Professional Practice, 15 Credits.
  • Mini Dissertation in Clinical Psychology, 90 Credits.
  • Neuro-Psychopathology, 15 Credits.
  • Psychological Interventions in Clinical Psychology, 15 Credits. 
    		•

    EXIT LEVEL OUTCOMES 
    1. Apply the theoretical principles of problem identification and solving correctly in the field of Clinical Psychology and reflect on the application utilised (problem-solving skills).
    2. Effectively plan and execute research in Clinical Psychology.
    3. Apply theoretical principles of communication and reflect on the application made (communication skills.
    4. Effectively and responsibly organize and coordinate resources and opportunities in the field of Clinical Psychology.
    5. Practice acceptable social sensitivity in relationships with others and work effectively in a team by implementing the relevant theory and reflecting on the implementation thereof.
    6. Explore different effective learning strategies to acquire the different capabilities of a practitioner in the field of Clinical Psychology.
    7. Promote responsible citizenship through their approach towards the holistic application of Clinical Psychology related skills.
    8. Practice acceptable social and cultural sensitivity towards the people of different communities and the role players in the field of Clinical Psychology.
    9. Apply essential ethical and professional principles when conducting psychological assessments.
    10. Apply essential neuro-psychopathological assessment and intervention skills. 

    ASSOCIATED ASSESSMENT CRITERIA 
    Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 1.
  • Identify and solve problems correctly in the field of Clinical Psychology.
  • Apply the relevant theoretical principles are applied and reflected upon.
  • Design, select and apply appropriate and creative methods, techniques, processes or technologies to complex practical and theoretical problems in Clinical Psychology.

    Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 2.
  • Utilise theoretical research principles to reflect on the research undertaken.
  • Apply the resources of academic and professional or occupational discourses to communicate and defend substantial ideas that are the products of research or development in Clinical Psychology.
  • Engage and critique current research or practices, as well as demonstrate advanced scholarship or research in a psychology discipline and practice.

    Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 3.
  • Ethically communicate professional impressions and conclusions to multi-disciplinary teams.
  • Apply a range of advanced and specialised skills and discourses appropriate to Clinical Psychology practice, to communicate with a range of audiences with different levels of knowledge or expertise.
  • Write clinical reports and present them efficiently orally and in writing.
  • Present reports efficiently to different role players in the field of Clinical Psychology.

    Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 4.
  • Organise and manage resources and opportunities effectively in the field of Clinical Psychology.
  • Apply and reflect upon relevant theoretical aspects, including applications of entrepreneurship where relevant.
  • Accept responsibility for activities in the field of Clinical Psychology.

    Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 5.
  • Work effectively in an acceptable social sensitivity in relationships with others.
  • Apply acceptable social sensitivity when working in a team.
  • Operate independently and take full responsibility for own work,

    Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 6.
  • Explore different effective learning strategies to acquire the different capabilities of a practitioner in the field of Clinical Psychology.
  • Apply the competencies of a practitioner as a Clinical Psychologist.
  • Develop own learning strategies, which sustain independent learning and academic or professional development.

    Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 7.
  • Illustrate an ability to promote responsible citizenship through approaches, attitudes and ethics during clinical practice.
  • Interact effectively within the learning or professional group as a means of enhancing learning.
  • Make and present sound professional decisions towards the holistic application of Clinical Psychology-related skills.

    Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 8.
  • Practice acceptable social and cultural sensitivity towards the people of different communities.
  • Practice acceptable sensitivity towards role players socially and culturally.
  • Apply appropriate theoretical activities and reflect them on during practicum.
    Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 9.
  • Select and administer relevant psychological instruments and interpret relevant cases.
  • Illustrate familiarity with a variety of assessment procedures commonly applied in Clinical psychology.
  • Apply sound professional decisions on problems presented and make and apply ethical and professional principles when conducting psychological assessments.

    Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 10.
  • Implement evidence-based assessment and therapeutic interventions in abnormal psychology.
  • Deliberate on basic ethical dilemmas and challenges in clinical practice.
  • Formulate a working psychological diagnosis.
  • Formulate a comprehensive psychological case report. 
    		•

    INTERNATIONAL COMPARABILITY 
    Country: United Kingdom
    Institution name: University of Gibraltar
    Qualification title: Applied Clinical Psychology MSc
    Duration: 2 to 5 years
    NQF Level 7
    Credits: 180

    Entry requirement:
  • Possess a good first degree (i.e. a minimum of a 2.1) in psychology,

    Purpose/Rationale
    The qualification is aimed at healthcare professionals in the UK and overseas wishing to gain new knowledge and skills in applied clinical psychology.
    This qualification will upskill its learners and give health professionals a better understanding of the role of psychology within healthcare settings, allowing them to apply their knowledge of clinical psychology to their practice. This qualification is also suited for psychology graduates wanting to undertake a distance learning postgraduate diploma: potentially those who are seeking positions as assistant Psychologists, wishing to further
    progress their training or are preparing to apply for doctoral training as a clinical psychologist.
    To qualify as a Clinical Psychologist in the UK you need to be registered with the Health and Care Professions Council (HCPC) with an accredited doctorate in Clinical Psychology.

    Exit outcome:
  • Equip learners with life-long learning and advanced problem-solving skills that they can apply to clinical
    practice in clinical psychology.
  • Enable graduates to demonstrate the ability to lead complex tasks and processes in the delivery and
    advancement of psychologically informed health care.
  • Enable graduates to confidently work in teams in multi-agency, multi-cultural and/or international
    contexts.
  • Enable graduates to critically evaluate the delivery of psychological care to clients/service users.
  • Equip students with a systematic understanding of evidence-based psychological interventions
  • Enable graduates to use relevant understanding, methodologies and approaches to address complex
    issues of clinical care across the spectrum of healthcare specialities caring for clients with psychological
    needs.
  • Equip students with the ability to critically evaluate evidence and guidance for clinical psychology and
    implement best practices and innovation in complex client scenarios.
  • Extend student knowledge of research methods and application to practice

    Course structure
    Modules:
  • Foundations of Clinical Psychology
  • Therapeutic Approaches
  • The Psychology of Common Mental Health Difficulties, comparable to Psychological Interventions in Clinical Psychology.
  • Specialist Applications
  • Research Methodologies and Critical Appraisal
  • Professional Project: Applied Clinical Psychology, comparable to Mini Dissertation in Clinical Psychology.

    Similarities:
  • The University of Gibraltar (UG) and the South African (SA) qualifications both consist of 180 credits.
  • Both qualifications are considered mental health where clinical psychology has a major role in the provision of clinical services through the direct provision of psychological care (assessment, formulation, therapy, evaluation) and indirect contributions through the application of psychological concepts and methods within multidisciplinary services.
  • The SA qualification provides learners with in-depth knowledge about mental health, wellbeing and treatment, and will be able to provide interventions at a community level in promoting psychological health and prevention of psychological problems.
  • The UG qualification will upskill its learners and give health professionals a better understanding of the role of psychology within healthcare settings, allowing them to apply their knowledge of clinical psychology to their practice.
  • Both qualifications share similar outcomes.
  • Both qualifications share similar modules such as The Psychology of Common Mental Health Difficulties, comparable to Psychological Interventions in Clinical Psychology.

    Differences:
  • The UG qualification is offered over two to five years, and the SA qualification is offered over one to two years.

    Country: Australia
    Institution name: University of Sydney
    Qualification title: Master of Clinical Psychology
    Duration: Two years

    Entry requirements:
  • Have completed the requirements for an APAC-accredited 4th-year qualification with First Class Honours in Psychology

    Purpose/Rationale
    The University of Sydney's Master of Clinical Psychology (MCP) is a two-year, full-time postgraduate degree that prepares learners to work in the diagnosis, prevention, and treatment of psychological disorders.
    The program includes:
    Learners gain knowledge and practical experience to work as professional clinical psychologists. The qualification will adopt a Scientist-Practitioner model, led by practising psychologists with expertise in their research areas recognised at an international level. The qualification develops foundational skills in cognitive behavioural therapy, by gaining experience in therapy and psychometric assessment across the lifespan. Learners develop further depth and breadth to their clinical experience, through advanced units of study and external clinical placements by exposure to additional models of treatment.

    Course structure
    Modules:
  • Life span
  • Research, comparable to Mini Dissertation in Clinical Psychology.
  • Ethics and professional practice, comparable with Ethics and Legislation in Clinical Psychology.
  • Clinical skills and practice.
  • Health and neuropsychology
  • Complex relationship dynamics.

    Similarities:
  • The University of Sydney (US) and the South African (SA) qualification are both offered over two years.
  • The US qualification is accredited by the Australian Psychology Accreditation Council which works similarly with the SA qualification's professional board HPCSA.
  • The SA qualification aims at producing competent, ethical and professional Clinical Psychologists who can meet the psychological needs of South African society and abroad.
  • The US qualification learners will gain knowledge and practical experience to work as professional clinical psychologists.
  • Both qualifications share similar outcomes.
  • Both qualifications share similar modules such as Ethics and professional practice, comparable with Ethics and Legislation in Clinical Psychology. 
    		•

    ARTICULATION OPTIONS 
    Horizontal Articulation:
  • Master of Health Sciences in Clinical Psychology, NQF Level 9.
  • Master of Arts in Clinical Psychology, NQF Level 9.
  • Master of Clinical Pharmacy, NQF Level 9.
  • Master of Philosophy in Clinical Research Administration, NQF Level 9.
  • Master of Social Science in Clinical Psychology, NQF Level 9.

    Vertical Articulation:
  • Doctor of Philosophy in Health Science, NQF Level 10.
  • Doctor of Philosophy in Psychology, NQF Level 10.
  • Doctor of Education in Psychology of Education
  • Doctor of Philosophy in Psychology

    Diagonal Articulation
    There is no diagonal articulation for this qualification. 
    		•

    MODERATION OPTIONS 
    N/A 

    NOTES 
    N/A 

    LEARNING PROGRAMMES RECORDED AGAINST THIS QUALIFICATION: 
     
    NONE 


    PROVIDERS CURRENTLY ACCREDITED TO OFFER THIS QUALIFICATION: 
    This information shows the current accreditations (i.e. those not past their accreditation end dates), and is the most complete record available to SAQA as of today. Some Primary or Delegated Quality Assurance Functionaries have a lag in their recording systems for provider accreditation, in turn leading to a lag in notifying SAQA of all the providers that they have accredited to offer qualifications and unit standards, as well as any extensions to accreditation end dates. The relevant Primary or Delegated Quality Assurance Functionary should be notified if a record appears to be missing from here.
     
    1. University of Zululand 


    All qualifications and part qualifications registered on the National Qualifications Framework are public property. Thus the only payment that can be made for them is for service and reproduction. It is illegal to sell this material for profit. If the material is reproduced or quoted, the South African Qualifications Authority (SAQA) should be acknowledged as the source.