As the country’s largest and most renowned distance-learning institution, UNISA offers psychology programs that cater to a wide demographic—from recent high school graduates to working professionals. Whether you’re looking to become a registered psychologist, develop your skills in human behavior for a corporate career, or simply quench a thirst for understanding the human mind, there’s a place for you in UNISA’s academic community.
Psychology is the science of human behavior and mental processes—a discipline that unravels why people think, feel, and act the way they do. In a world that’s more connected, digitally driven, and emotionally complex than ever, understanding psychological principles has become a gateway to various dynamic careers. In South Africa, few institutions offer as flexible and accessible a pathway into the field as the flexible and accessible a pathway into the field as the University of South Africa (UNISA).
UNISA Psychology Courses 2025 Fees & Requirements
Undergraduate Psychology Qualifications
UNISA offers psychology as both a major in general degrees and within targeted programs. These are some of the most popular options for undergraduate students:
Bachelor of Arts in Psychology (Code: 90180)
This is the flagship psychology degree.
Duration: 3 to 4 years
Total Credits: 360
NQF Level: 7
Modules: Approximately 30 modules in total
Fields Covered: Developmental psychology, psychopathology, social psychology, research in psychology, and cognitive neuroscience.
Entry Requirements:
A National Senior Certificate (NSC) with degree endorsement
An Admission Point Score (APS) of at least 20 points
Proficiency in English (minimum of 50% in English Home or First Additional Language)
Estimated Fees (2025):
R2,000 to R3,500 per module
With 30 modules, the total cost of the degree ranges from R60,000 to R90,000 over 3–4 years
Bachelor of Social Work (Code: 02011-BSW)
Though not purely a psychology degree, it shares foundational subjects with psychological science and is ideal for those aiming at counseling or social services.
Duration: 4 years full-time
Includes practical work and placements in the social sector
APS Required: Minimum of 23, higher than the BA
Estimated Fees:
R65,000–R100,000 in total depending on course load and materials
Access and Bridging Programs
Not everyone qualifies immediately for undergraduate degrees. UNISA offers access-level certificates to help learners transition to degree-level study.
Higher Certificate in Life and Environmental Sciences (Code: 90098)
This certificate serves as a stepping stone to a Bachelor’s degree, especially for those who don’t meet standard APS or who need foundational support.
Duration: 1 year full-time or 2 years part-time
NQF Level: 5
Modules include: Basic human biology, introduction to psychology, academic reading and writing
Entry Requirements:
NSC with at least 30% in English
No previous university experience necessary
Fees:
R1,800 to R2,500 per module
Total program cost: ~R16,000 to R22,000
Upon successful completion, learners can apply for admission to the BA in Psychology.
Honours and Postgraduate Psychology Options
Students who complete an undergraduate psychology degree and achieve strong academic performance (minimum 60–65%) can pursue postgraduate qualifications. These are essential for those who want to specialize or eventually register as psychologists.
BA Honours in Psychology (Code: 98406)
This is the gateway to professional psychology paths such as Clinical, Counseling, Educational, and Industrial Psychology. It lays the foundation for Master’s-level specializations.
Duration: 1 year full-time or 2 years part-time
Includes modules in: Psychological testing, research design, abnormal psychology, and ethics
Entry Requirements:
Completed BA in Psychology or equivalent qualification
Minimum 60% average in third-year psychology module
Space is limited—admissions can be competitive
Fees:
R3,000 to R4,000 per module
Program total: R25,000–R35,000
Master’s-Level Psychology Degrees
For those serious about professional registration, a Master’s degree is non-negotiable. UNISA offers select coursework and research-based Master’s programs, though space is highly limited, and applications are rigorously screened.
Master of Arts in Clinical Psychology
This program includes coursework, research, and intensive practical training, often involving placements in clinics or hospitals.
Duration: 2 to 3 years
Professional Accreditation: Graduates may register with the HPCSA as Clinical Psychologists, pending internship and board exams
Entry Requirements:
Honours degree in Psychology with high academic standing (65–70% average)
Selection through interviews, psychometric testing, and possibly written exams
Fees:
Tuition ranges from R40,000 to R60,000+, depending on modules and supervision costs
Other available master’s-level options include:
MA in Counseling Psychology
MA in Educational Psychology
MA in Research Psychology
Admission is incredibly selective, and most streams admit fewer than 30 students per year.
Alternative and Related Psychology Courses
UNISA also offers multiple programs in related or hybrid fields, which can be a valuable option for learners looking to apply psychological knowledge in non-clinical professions.
Postgraduate Certificate in Education (PGCE – Life Orientation)
Includes key psychology content such as adolescent development, motivation, and learning theory
Prepares graduates to teach Life Orientation in high schools
Must have relevant undergraduate credits in psychology/human behavior
Guidance Counseling & Life Skills Development
This higher certificate program is ideal for aspiring community workers, youth mentors, or those in basic counseling roles.
Duration: 1 year
Practical and accessible curriculum
Professional Registration: Becoming a Psychologist in South Africa
Studying psychology at UNISA is the first step. If your aim is to become a licensed psychologist, your path will look something like this:
Complete a BA in Psychology
Earn a BA Honours in Psychology
Gain Admission to a Master’s in Psychology (Clinical, Counseling, Educational, or Industrial)
Complete a full-time internship and community service (as required)
Pass the HPCSA Board Exam
Register as a Psychologist with the HPCSA
Note: You may also register with the HPCSA as a Psychometrist or Registered Counselor after Honours and a 6–12 month internship—these roles involve assessments, counseling, and support work, without full psychologist status.
Financial Aid and Bursaries
UNISA students may apply for:
NSFAS (National Student Financial Aid Scheme)
Funza Lushaka (for PGCE students entering teaching)
Internal UNISA bursaries for academic achievers or financially needy students
Employer-sponsored study (common among adult learners)
It’s advisable to apply early—funding is competitive and deadlines are firm.
Study Tips for Psychology Students at UNISA
UNISA’s psychology courses are academically rigorous and require self-motivation, excellent reading habits, and an ability to apply complex theory in relatable contexts.
Tips for success:
Join student groups or psychology forums online
Make use of myUNISA, the digital portal for assignments, study materials, and updates
Reach out to tutors early, especially in modules like Statistics or Research
Set a consistent weekly study schedule—and stick to it
Practice applying psychological theories to news articles, social situations, and case studies for deeper understanding
Why Study Psychology at UNISA?
UNISA combines the credibility of a traditional university with the flexibility of online learning. This is especially valuable for South Africans who juggle work, family, or geographic limitations. With psychology being a popular and multidisciplinary field, UNISA offers a route for both theoretical understanding and practical application across sectors—ranging from healthcare and education to marketing and organizational development.
Some reasons to consider UNISA:
Accredited qualifications with national and international recognition
Modular learning structures that support part-time and full-time study
Entry-level programs for students with lower matric scores
Bridging qualifications to higher degrees
A clear professional route to psychological registration via the Health Professions Council of South Africa (HPCSA)
Related:
- TUT Courses And Requirements
- UNISA Nursing Courses
- UNISA Teaching Courses
- South African School Holidays and Terms Calendar
Conclusion:
Whether you’re driven by a personal passion for mental health, a desire to enter the helping professions, or the ambition to decode the human mind, UNISA’s psychology programs offer a reliable and rewarding pathway. With clear entry ladders—from certificates to advanced degrees—and a structure that embraces learners of all walks of life, UNISA remains a top choice for aspiring psychologists in South Africa and beyond.