The primary purpose of this 18-month Diploma is to enable working professionals, particularly those working with children and youth, to develop their skills in psychological counselling, assessment, community development, and research. The programme is full-time and requires students to attend all lectures using a blended approach (depending on the UKZN policy). Classes are attended in block sessions, and we expect a confirmation letter of release from the work for employed students. The following modules are covered in this 128-credit point Diploma (refer to Annexure A for more details of the content of the module):

Registration with the Health Professions Council

Completing this qualification allows eligibility to apply for registration as a Registered Counsellor to practice in settings you have been trained. Students will be expected to complete a 6-month practicum within the 18 months of training under a registered psychologist’s supervision with at least three years of experience. The practicum may be completed in a school counselling programme, a non-profit organisation offering psychological counselling, the University of KwaZulu-Natal Child and Family Centre or a similar approved working environment. You may complete your practicum at your place of work, provided this is an approved learning environment and you are appointed an appropriate supervisor.

Registration and selection

The minimum requirement for the programme is a psychology major at the undergraduate level. Students should have completed a Bachelors degree regarded as appropriate by the college. Students who are still completing their undergraduate qualifications will not be considered. We DO NOT offer a 6-month stand-alone practicum if you have completed honours or any other postgraduate degree in psychology. The programme integrates the practicum. We have no mechanisms to credit you for the modules you have completed in another postgrad qualification.

The programme is offered for over 18 months for all students. The PGDip programme is equivalent to an Honours degree but does not translate to the same degree. The PGDip is an accredited professional programme and requires students to undergo a more in-depth theory and practice that will allow them to register with HPCSA. Honours graduates will still need to undergo full 18 months of training.

A postgraduate degree (i.e. honours in psychology degree) and work experience in the related field puts the applicants at an advantage but does not guarantee admission. The selection is competitive and considers several factors such as academic performance, suitability for training, broad research knowledge, work experience, etc. 

The call for applications for the 2027 cohort will be open from:

APPLICATION OPEN: 13^TH July 2026

APPLICATIONS CLOSE: 13^th Sept 2026

NB: Please note that this is a self-funded programme, and the School does not offer financial assistance.

NB: Actual classes may start in February 2027.

STEP 1:

COMPLETE THE PG DIP Application form

PG Dip Application Form.01_07Jul26.pdf

PG Dip  Referee Report form_07Jul2026.pdf

STEP 2:

APPLY VIA THE UKZN ONLINE APPLICATION SYSTEM

(Upload the completed PG DIP Application form with your online application)

Upload the following documents:

1. PG Dip Application form
2. Copy of degree certificate/s
3. Statement of results
4. Copy of Matric certificate
5. Copy of ID 

Annexure A SYLLABUS

Fundamentals of Psychological Assessment

PSYC621 PC (30L-0T-6P-0S-70H-10R-20F-0G-24A-15W-16C)

Aim: To expose students to the theory underlying assessment, highlighting some of the critical debates in the field.

Content: The module comprises a theoretical and practical component that will provide students with a broad understanding of approaches to assessing individual behaviour in adults and children through standardised tests. Students will develop expertise in administering, analysing, interpreting, and reporting selected psychological assessment measures.

Assessment: Coursework (including assignments and various practical exercises) and an examination.

DP Requirement: Class mark minimum of 50%.

Community Interventions

PSYC622 PC (0L-0T-0P-24S-94H-0R-12F-6G-24A-15W-16C)

Aim: To introduce students to the central concepts of Critical Community Psychology and equip them with the knowledge and skills to apply them to a broad range of psycho-social issues relevant to the South African context.

Content: The module comprises theoretical and practical components. The theoretical part introduces the students to the concepts of Critical Community Psychology and will cover critical skills required to implement a community intervention. The students will be given a broad introduction to the various themes. The practical component will provide students with (in groups) the opportunity to visit a relevant community organisation or school. They will do a needs assessment around one of the critical themes using the skills they have been taught.

Assessment: Coursework (including assignments and various practical exercises) and an examination.

DP Requirement: Class mark minimum of 50%.

Counselling Psychology: Theory and Practicum

PSYC623 PC (30L-0T-6P-0S-70H-10R-20F-0G-24A-15W-16C)

Prerequisite Requirement: A completed undergraduate degree with a good psychology major.

Aim: To introduce students to the multidimensional definitions, goals and principles of counselling psychology. It also aims to provide context-based theoretical models of psychological counselling, considering the various roles of registered counsellors’ and their interventions in community centres and schools.

Content: The module comprises a theoretical and practical component. The theoretical component introduces major psychological counselling theories and the basic principles and philosophy of psychological counselling. The module provides an opportunity to apply theoretical understanding of psychopathology and management of barriers to human development.

Assessment: Coursework (including assignments and various practical exercises) and an examination.

DP Requirement: Class mark minimum of 50%.

Developmental Psychology and Applied Psychopathology

PSYC624 PC (15L-0T-0P-0S-51H-10R-210F-0G-34A-30W-16C)

Aim: To provide the learner with the opportunity to develop core competencies in their focus area within an appropriate work environment.

Content: The module comprises both a theoretical and practical component. The practical component involves the development and practice of counselling and therapeutic skills, restorative counselling on a monthly basis with students and university staff, instruction and development of group counselling, counselling technology and micro counselling skills.

Assessment: Test and Examination (30%), Submission of Practicum Report that would embrace Case Presentation and Case Study (70%).

DP Requirement: Class mark minimum of 50%.

Research Methodology

PSYC 6RM PC (13W-32C)

Prerequisite Requirement: A completed undergraduate degree with a good psychology major. The student may be required to demonstrate competence in basic qualitative and quantitative research methods.

Aim: To equip students with research and data analysis skills appropriate for completing an applied research project.

Content: The module Research Design introduces students to a range of methodologies used by psychologists and social scientists and explains when to use different methods appropriately. Data Analysis is an advanced theoretical and practical course on analytical methods and field research.

Assessment: Coursework (including assignments and various practical exercises) and an examination.

DP Requirement: Class mark minimum of 50%.

Short Research Project

PSYC 6RS PC (32C)

Prerequisite Requirement: A completed undergraduate degree with a good psychology major.

Aim: To engage students in research by focusing on a chosen area of specialist study under the supervision of a staff member.

Content: Students are required to review the available knowledge in the field, devise appropriate methods to describe and investigate an issue of social and psychological interest, evaluate their research by the ethical and scientific criteria used in the area, and produce a research report in the form of a report or publishable article. Students are strongly encouraged to select a research topic in a staff member’s field of research interest. Group research projects are encouraged.

Assessment: Research proposals, and/or presentations and a research report/article.

DP Requirement: As per School of Psychology rules

Contact person

Contact details: 033 2605364

Email: Pillayj3@ukzn.ac.za