• A candidate must have complied with all the requirements of an appropriate undergraduate degree, or equivalent, before the beginning of the academic year for which he/she has been selected
• Third year in Psychology must have been passed with a minimum of 70%
• Those applicants who have a 65-69% Psychology Three (3) average will need to complete and submit a written academic assignment as part of their application to be considered for selection to the programme
• A candidate must complete the BPsych Equivalent Programme Application Form as well as the Cornerstone Postgraduate Application Form.
• Two references are required from professionals to whom the candidate is not related. At least one must be from a Psychology professional e.g. Psychology Faculty, Psychologist, Registered Counsellor or Social worker.

The B. Psych. Equivalent programme at Cornerstone Institute has been developed at the Honours level (NQF Level 8), specifically offering professional training towards registration as counsellors. The curriculum for this programme includes the following modules:

Students enrolling in the B. Psych. Equivalent programme develop advanced knowledge of psychological theories, concepts and conduct-focused research within the discipline. This programme prepares students to pursue careers that require an in-depth understanding of human behaviour, as well as apply for further studies in psychology (Masters). The academic modules provide the theoretical psychological knowledge that informs the application of skills for psychological interventions in the programme. Those accepted into the B. Psych. Equivalent are required to register with the HPCSA as student registered counsellors, complete the required modules, and a 720-hour Practicum. This programme will require a minimum of 18 months to complete, and the Practicum must be completed in 6-8 months within that period.

By the end of this programme students will be able to:

• Demonstrate a comprehensive understanding of psychological theory and biological influences on behaviour
• Demonstrate systematic thinking about selection of techniques for various research scenarios
• Develop comprehension of the theoretical traditions within qualitative research
• Demonstrate the ability to execute the techniques of analysis covered in the programme
• Explain how developmental, cultural, socioeconomic, and gender factors affect the clinical diagnosis and conceptualisation of psychopathology
• Develop conceptual and procedural knowledge of the descriptive system that is codified in the DSM-V for purposes of referral
• Apply critical thinking skills in the assessment and resolution of community mental health needs
• Demonstrate an advanced understanding of professional ethics in psychology, with special reference to issues of statutory control (According to scope of practice HPCSA Form 258)
• Demonstrate comprehensive knowledge of counselling modalities and counselling skills; appropriately developing treatment plans and intervention programs from these modalities as they pertain to the scope of practice for registered counsellors
• Demonstrate critical thinking about the applicability of western models to the multicultural South African context
• Engage critically in current debates on the use of different interventions, modalities and theoretical perspectives in psychology
• Address community dilemmas through developing and implementing psychoeducational programmes and appropriate community interventions
• Work effectively with other professionals in a team setting
• Understand the scope and practice of a professional counsellor
• Gain access to the HPCSA board examinations for professional registration as a registered counsellor; upon successful completion of this examination.

Programme Coordinators – Dr Serahni Symington and Geraldine Franciscus

Dr. Serahani Symington (PhD)

Dr Symington works in the field of family counselling and child and adolescent interventions through counselling and play therapy. She a Registered Counsellor and holds a PhD in Psychology with a research focus on the adolescent socialisation patterns and impacts of new technological developments (internet, media, social media). She is a Senior Lecturer in Psychology at Cornerstone Institute. Further she has a part-time private practice in Durbanville, where she mostly works within her communities’ schools and ECD centres to look at child development through the lens of healthy social interactions and strong familial relationships. She also sees private clients in the form of children ranging from 4-18 years old.

Ms Geraldine Franciscus (M. Psych Coun.)

Geraldine Franciscus is a Counselling Psychologist and the Head of the Psychology Department at Cornerstone Institute and has over 20 years’ experience in tertiary education. She has a practical interest in the Solution-Focussed Brief Therapy approach and has been involved in the training of mental healthcare workers, registered counsellors, interns, psychologists, psychiatric nurses and social workers.