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NQF 7 · 360 Credits · Undergraduate Degree

BA in Psychology

Educating students in the theory and practice of psychology and counselling, with focus on personal development, family studies, and broader mental health interventions — grounded in the South African context and preparing students for further study in psychology.

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  • Accredited by the CHE
  • Registered with DHET
  • Ref: H/PRO96/E011CAN
Aim of the Programme

Theory & practice. Integrated praxis.

The aim of this programme is to educate students in the theory and practice of psychology and counselling, with focus on personal development, family studies, and broader mental health interventions.

The programme helps students develop an integrated and relevant counselling praxis within the South African context. It also prepares students for further studies in psychology and trains them in foundational social research skills.

During their first year, students also take the foundational set of modules referred to as the 'Cornerstone Core' — History, Sociology, Ethics, Philosophy, Economics, and Leadership Studies — embedded with Cornerstone's core values of inclusivity, excellence, integrity, unity, respect, and creativity.

  • Understand the principles, concepts, history, and major approaches in Psychology
  • Identify psycho-social problems and understand the insights, theories, and methods Psychology provides
  • Understand how psycho-social insights apply in the various spheres of mental health in South Africa
  • Understand how and when to refer people to other agencies
  • Develop, implement, and evaluate psychologically-based training programmes
  • Engage critically with current debates in psychology on contemporary issues
  • Conduct appropriate basic research into psycho-social questions

Watch the programme overview

The Cornerstone Core

In their first year, BA students complete a foundational set of modules referred to as the Cornerstone Core — History, Sociology, Ethics, Philosophy, Economics, and Leadership Studies. These modules are embedded with Cornerstone's core values of inclusivity, excellence, integrity, unity, respect, and creativity.

Time Commitment & Mode

How you can study.

Duration

Minimum three years full-time. Extended Programme option available for eligible applicants (4 years).

Delivery Mode

Offered in both Contact (on-campus) and Distance (online) modes — study in the format that works for you.

Intakes

Two intakes per year — January and July. Apply early to secure your place.

Module Master Module Descriptors Curriculum Grids
Target Groups

Who this is for.

The BA aims to provide access for those who have completed Grade 12 to a degree programme equipping them with skills to be more effective leaders in the community in the areas of Psychology, Theology, Media Studies, Alternative Education, and Sociology and Community Development.

In addition to a career path for sociologists, psychologists, and media specialists, the programme is also intended to enable students considering a career as teachers to advance to a Postgraduate Certificate in Education with the required teaching subjects at an undergraduate level.

Admission Requirements

Standard entry.

  1. 01 National Senior Certificate (NSC) with a bachelor's pass or equivalent.
  2. 02 A Matriculation Certificate (with university exemption) or equivalent.
  3. 03 A Higher Certificate, Advanced Certificate, or Diploma in a cognate field.
  4. 04 National Benchmark Test (NBT) results.
Alternative Admission (Senate Approval)
  1. 05 NSC or NCV with a diploma pass combined with NBT results.
  2. 06 Mature age of 23+ during first year with NSC (RPL conditions and NBT results determine admission).
  3. 07 Mature age of 45+ can be admitted, determined by RPL conditions and NBT results.
  4. 08 Applicants in the first category must register for the Extended Programme for Academic Development (minimum 4 years).
Programme Coordinator

Geraldine Franciscus

Head of Psychology Department · M.Psych

Geraldine Franciscus (M.Psych) is the Head of the Psychology Department at Cornerstone Institute and has over 10 years' experience in tertiary education. She has a practical interest in the Solution-Focused Brief Therapy approach and has been involved in the training of mental healthcare workers, occupational therapists, psychiatric nurses, and social workers.

psychadmin@cornerstone.ac.za
Accreditation

Fully accredited.

Registered as Cornerstone Institute (RF) NPC with the Department of Higher Education and Training as a private higher education institution under the Higher Education Act, 1997. Registered by the DHET and accredited by the CHE as a 360-credit learning programme for higher education at NQF Level 7.

  • SAQA ID87406
  • CHE RefH/PRO96/E011CAN
  • NQF Level7
Resources

Everything you need, in one place.

All ProgrammesBrowse the full catalogue YearbookAcademic yearbook Fee StructureTuition & programme fees Module MasterComplete module overview Module DescriptorsDetailed module descriptions Curriculum GridsYear-by-year layout TimetableClass & exam schedules Psychology Adminpsychadmin@cornerstone.ac.za

Ready to study the human mind?

Applications are open for the January and July intakes.

Apply Now Contact Psychology Admin
Cornerstone Institute
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