Postgraduate Diploma in Applied Psychometry

Qualification code:	90185
NQF level:	8
Total credits:	120
SAQA ID:	119985
APS/AS:	65

Maximum time to complete this qualification:

3 years

Purpose statement:
The Postgraduate Diploma in Applied Psychometry aims to provide learners with a high level of theoretical engagement, intellectual independence, and specialist skills basis on the complexities of the ethical and professional practice of psychometry (that is psychometrics and processes of psychological assessment). The focus is on psychometry practice as applied in diverse South African-based client socio-cultural contexts, and educational, organisational and community settings. This qualification prepares learners for specialist knowledge and advanced scholarship in the broader field of psychology, including industrial and organisational psychology, and postgraduate research studies. Upon completion of this qualification, qualifying learners will be able to: Demonstrate and take full responsibility for their work, decision making and use of resources that make meaningful contributions as a professional. Apply psychometrists to clients, organisations, and communities through their competencies in, and services of psychometry. Apply ethical and good practice under different levels of supervision in the use of psychometric tests, including test development and test adaptation, test selection, test administration, scoring of tests, and interpretation of test scores. Communicate and report on test results, psychological assessments relating to a group, and individually administered tests for adults and children relating to the assessment of general cognitive ability, specific cognitive, perceptual, and psychomotor functions, personality-based functioning, tests for career guidance and counselling, and organisational type tests for individual, team, and organisational development, including job selection. Assess and contribute to the development of psychometric tests and other assessment devices or techniques in the South African context. Evaluate and apply specialist knowledge and skills, within the boundaries of the scope of practice for psychometry and under different levels of supervision, in compiling appropriate test batteries, administering tests, scoring, and interpreting tests, communicating, and providing written and oral feedback on psychological assessments appropriate to the client context and psychological assessment service need. The qualification may lead to professional registration as a Psychometrist with the Health Professions Council of South Africa after passing the National Board Examination of the Professional Board for Psychology.

This qualification contains modules with work-integrated learning components, which will require you to spend time away from your home and responsibilities, to gain the required industry exposure through applying your theoretical understanding in a workplace. You will be expected to complete tasks which will reflect your experience and skills gained while in the workplace. These tasks will be formally assessed and grades awarded.

Admission and re-admission requirements

Qualification admission requirements

Please note:

• Your admission to Unisa is dependent on you meeting the specific admission requirements for your chosen qualification.
• Unisa reserves the right to withdraw any offer for admission to the 2026 academic year should it be found that you do not meet the statutory, college and/or minimum admission requirements for the qualification to which you have been admitted. In such a case, the university will refund any registration fees paid towards the said qualification.

An appropriate NQF 7 qualification in the field of industrial and organisational psychology or psychology from an accredited provider of higher education. A minimum of 65% for the major(s), or for a selected number of NQF 7 modules in the qualification.
Students who apply for the Postgraduate Diploma in Applied Psychometry must complete the online application questionnaire as part of the application. Applications will only be processed if the questionnaire has been completed. Click the link below to complete the questionnaire:
https://www.unisa.ac.za/sites/corporate/default/Colleges/Economic-and-Management-Sciences/Schools,-departments,-bureau,-centres-&-institutes/School-of-Management-Sciences/Department-of-Industrial-and-Organisational-Psychology/PG-Dip-in-Applied-Psychometry 

Student fees and funding your studies

Apply for admission

Apply for admission to honours degrees or postgraduate diplomas for the 2026 academic year between 18 August and 10 October 2025. 

Please note:

• You must apply for each new qualification even if you already have a formal Unisa student number. This includes first-time Unisa applicants, Unisa students changing to a new qualification and/or changing the specialisation of their current qualification, and applicants completing an undergraduate qualification who wish to continue with postgraduate studies.
  * Student numbers issued for short learning programmes and the Graduate School of Business Leadership are not formal Unisa student numbers.
• You may apply for a maximum of two qualifications, ranked in order of preference (although you may only register for one should all of your applications be successful). No changes may be made after the closing date for applications.
• You must accept or decline Unisa's offer within the prescribed period of time.
• You may only accept one offer. If you accept an offer, the other application for admission/offer will automatically fall away.
• If you accept Unisa's offer for the 2026 academic year, you may only register for the qualification and specialisation for which you received an offer. You may also only register for the 2026 academic year. Should you decide not to register for the 2026 academic year for any reason, you will need to apply for admission during the next application period.

Registration

Successful applicants should visit the registration website in January 2026 for updated registration information (eg qualification rules, curriculum/transitional arrangements, pre-requisites and co-requisites): www.unisa.ac.za/register

Curriculum / modules