If you’re passionate about understanding human behaviour, mental health, emotions, and the mind, then Psychology is one of the most versatile and rewarding degrees you can pursue in South Africa. Whether you dream of becoming a psychologist, counsellor, researcher, social worker, HR practitioner, or neuroscientist, there are multiple academic pathways available — including BA Psychology, BSocSci Psychology, BSc Psychology, and the professional BPsych degree.
South Africa has a wide range of universities offering high-quality psychology programmes, from Nelson Mandela University (NMU) all the way to Wits University (Wits). Below is a complete guide to all universities offering psychology-related degrees, grouped by study pathway to help you choose the programme that best matches your career goals.
1. BA Psychology (Humanities Stream)
Best for: Students interested in counselling, community psychology, social sciences, mental health, or postgraduate psychology training.
Universities Offering BA Psychology:
- Nelson Mandela University (NMU)
- North-West University (NWU)
- Rhodes University
- Sol Plaatje University (SPU)
- Stellenbosch University (SU)
- University of Cape Town (UCT)
- University of Fort Hare (UFH)
- University of Johannesburg (UJ)
- University of KwaZulu-Natal (UKZN)
- University of Limpopo (UL)
- University of Mpumalanga (UMP)
- University of Pretoria (UP)
- University of South Africa (UNISA)
- University of the Free State (UFS)
- University of the Western Cape (UWC)
- University of the Witwatersrand (Wits)
- University of Venda (UNIVEN)
- University of Zululand (UNIZULU)
The BA Psychology degree provides a strong foundation in psychological theory, mental health, developmental psychology, cognitive processes, counselling and research methods.
2. BSocSci Psychology (Social Sciences Stream)
Best for: Students who want a broad social science education with Psychology alongside subjects like Sociology, Anthropology, or Politics.
Universities Offering BSocSci Psychology:
- Nelson Mandela University (NMU)
- North-West University (NWU)
- Rhodes University
- University of Cape Town (UCT)
- University of KwaZulu-Natal (UKZN)
- University of the Western Cape (UWC)
- University of Pretoria (UP)
- University of the Witwatersrand (Wits)
- UNISA (through BA Social Sciences specialisations)
- University of Venda (UNIVEN)
- University of Zululand (UNIZULU)
This programme prepares students for careers in social development, mental health support, research, NGO sectors, and postgraduate psychology studies.
3. BSc Psychology / BSc Human Physiology, Genetics & Psychology
Best for: Students interested in the biological or scientific side of psychology, such as neuroscience, brain science, and cognitive processes.
Universities Offering BSc Psychology Tracks:
- Stellenbosch University (SU): BSc Human Life Sciences with Psychology
- University of Pretoria (UP): BSc Human Physiology, Genetics & Psychology
- University of Cape Town (UCT): BSc Psychology pathways
- UNISA: BSc Life Sciences with Psychology
- Wits University: Psychology under BSc (Biological Sciences)
This option is ideal for careers in neuropsychology, health sciences, clinical research, and postgraduate psychology studies.
4. BPsych / BPsych Equivalent (Professional Counsellor Qualification)
Best for: Students who want to qualify as a Registered Counsellor with the HPCSA.
Universities Offering BPsych or BPsych Equivalent:
- University of Limpopo (UL)
- University of Venda (UNIVEN)
- University of Zululand (UNIZULU)
- UNISA (BPsych Equivalent Programme)
This is the only undergraduate route that leads directly to professional registration (after meeting HPCSA requirements).
5. Industrial & Organisational Psychology (BA / BCom / BAdmin)
Best for: Students interested in workplace psychology, HR, employee wellness, and organisational behaviour.
Universities Offering Industrial Psychology:
- North-West University (NWU)
- University of Johannesburg (UJ)
- University of South Africa (UNISA)
- University of the Free State (UFS)
- University of Pretoria (UP)
- University of Cape Town (UCT)
- Wits University
- University of the Western Cape (UWC)
- Nelson Mandela University (NMU)
- University of KwaZulu-Natal (UKZN)
Industrial Psychology is ideal for careers in HR, organisational consulting, recruitment, training & development, and workforce analytics.
Which Psychology Degree Is Right for You?
Choose BA Psychology if you want:
✓ Counselling
✓ Clinical or educational psychology
✓ Social/Community psychology
✓ Therapy-focused careers
Choose BSocSci Psychology if you want:
✓ Social sciences focus
✓ Careers in NGOs, government, research or development
✓ Flexible combinations with sociology, politics or anthropology
Choose BSc Psychology if you want:
✓ Neuroscience or brain science
✓ Health sciences pathways
✓ Research-heavy careers
Choose BPsych if you want:
🔥 Direct professional registration as a Registered Counsellor
Choose Industrial Psychology if you want:
✓ HR and workplace psychology
✓ Corporate consulting
✓ People management and organisational development
Final Thoughts
South Africa offers some of the best psychology programmes on the African continent, with multiple pathways depending on your career ambitions. Whether you choose the BA, BSocSci, BSc, BPsych, or Industrial Psychology route, the field of psychology opens doors to meaningful, impactful, and rewarding careers.
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