| Qualification code: | 90180 |
| NQF level: | 7 |
| Total credits: | 360 |
| SAQA ID: | 118636 |
| APS/AS: | 20 |
| Maximum time to complete this qualification: | 8 years |
Purpose statement:
The purpose of this qualification is to enable prospective mental health professionals and researchers in Psychology to prepare for a career in psychological services and/or psychological knowledge generation. The qualification aims to develop students' understanding of the basic principles of Psychology, knowledge of community functioning, understanding mental health well-being, development of psychometric assessments, the procedures for diagnosing mental health disorders, knowledge of social and societal functioning, critical understanding of the principles of scientific research related to human behaviour, emotion, development, ageing and cognition. Furthermore, the qualification emphasises the development of counselling skills within the South African context. The qualification further aims to make students aware of the political history of Psychology and how it has contributed to the power structures that legitimised inequalities in societies. Students are encouraged to critically consider the shift from Psychology in Africa to African Psychology and to claim Psychology as an African endeavour. The Bachelor of Arts in Psychology consists of a minimum of 50% Psychology modules which form the core of the degree and are combined with a choice (electives) from other Humanities and Social Science disciplines. The aim of the multidisciplinary and transdisciplinary teaching approach applied within this qualification is to develop well-rounded psychological professionals who are capable of drawing on multidisciplinary and transdisciplinary knowledge in studying human development and behaviour and providing mental health services.
Your admission to Unisa is dependent on you meeting the specific admission requirements for your chosen qualification.
A National Senior Certificate (NSC) (Degree endorsement) with at least 50% in English,
or
A National Certificate (Vocational) with at least 50% in English,
or
A Senior Certificate (SC) with matriculation exemption or qualify for the exemption from the Matriculation Board with at least a D symbol on HG or a C symbol on SG in English,
or
A completed Higher Certificate at NQF level 5.
Applicants who do not comply with the above requirements, should consider applying for a lower level qualification for which they meet the statutory and additional requirements.
Applicants who would like to apply for admission through recognition of prior learning (RPL) must be at least 23 years old; have completed at least Grade 10; and have at least five years' relevant work experience in the study field in which they would like to apply for admission to a qualification. For more information on RPL criteria visit: http://www.unisa.ac.za/rpl
Pay the application fee once you've received your student number:
Please note that this application fee is non-refundable even if you decide not to study through Unisa, do not qualify for admission to Unisa or cannot be offered a space due to limited spaces available.
Click here to find out more about Unisa's student fees, and the bursaries and loans for Unisa students.
Apply for admission to undergraduate qualifications for the 2026 academic year between 18 August and 10 October 2025.
Please take note of the following:
Unisa will send the necessary information about registration dates and the registration process to all successful applicants who have confirmed their acceptance of Unisa's offer. Visit www.unisa.ac.za/register for registration information.