Psychologist

Psychologists do research into and study mental processes and behaviour of human beings as individuals or in groups. They also apply their knowledge to promote personal, social, educational or occupational adjustment and development. The field of psychology includes the following categories: educational, counselling, clinical, industrial and research.

• Helping people to overcome existing problems and difficulties.



• Guiding people in the development of skills for dealing with problems.



• Training various helpers in the community in skills to be applied in serving communities.



• Planning and carrying out tests to measure mental, physical, and other characteristics such as intelligence, aptitude, ability, personality, interest, etc..



• Interpreting and evaluating test results and giving advice in this regard.



• Studying psychological factors in the diagnosis, treatment and prevention of mental illness and emotional or personality disorders, and conferring with related professionals.



• Enhancing general adjustment and academic development of pre-school and school children through assessment and counselling for children, parents and teachers.



• Conducting research to investigate various human and social issues in order to generate psychological theories.

Requirements

Secondary Education
Possession of at least a HIGCSE Grade 12, or equivalent qualification, with matriculation exemption is required for studies in South Africa. A valid HIGCSE/IGCSE Grade 12, or equivalent qualification, with passes in five subjects and a minimum of 25 points on the UNAM point evaluation scale, is needed to enrol at UNAM.
 
Compulsory subjects
None
 
Tertiary Education
Most South African universities offer the B. A. degree in Psychology as well as Honours, Masters and Doctoral training in this field. UNAM offers a B. A. and Masters degree in Psychology.

The basic minimum qualification for registration as a psychologist is a Master’s degree and appropriate internship (12 months) at an accredited institution.
 
Candidates have to undergo selection to be admitted to the Honours and Masters degree courses. Psychologists can only practice after registration with the HPCSA.

To practice in Namibia, psychologists have to be registered by the MHSS in terms of the Allied Health Services Professions Act.

Personality
The prospective psychologist must have an above-average intelligence. He/she should be patient, sensitive, reliable and mature, and should be a creative thinker.

Work Opportunities
Psychologists are employed both in the private and public sector, or they can start their own practices. Psychologists can also be employed by academic institutes as lecturers.

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