What is Psychiatry?
Psychiatry is the medical specialty devoted to the diagnosis, prevention, and treatment of deleterious mental conditions.
These include various matters related to mood, behavior, cognition, and perceptions. Initial psychiatric assessment of a person begins with a case history and mental status examination
Where Can I Study Psychiatry In South Africa
University of Cape Town (UCT)
The University of Cape Town is one of South Africa’s premier institutions for higher education. The Faculty of Health Sciences at UCT offers various programs in psychiatry at both undergraduate and postgraduate levels. The faculty is known for its research initiatives, modern facilities, and a high standard of education.
University of the Witwatersrand (Wits)
Situated in Johannesburg, the University of the Witwatersrand is another leading university that offers robust psychiatry programs. Wits School of Clinical Medicine offers a comprehensive range of medical programs, including psychiatry.
Stellenbosch University
Located in the Western Cape, Stellenbosch University has a Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences that offers specialized programs in psychiatry. The faculty is known for its research contributions to the medical field, including mental health.
University of KwaZulu-Natal (UKZN)
The University of KwaZulu-Natal in Durban offers psychiatry programs geared towards solving the healthcare challenges of the region. The School of Nursing and Public Health includes psychiatry as part of its comprehensive curriculum.
University of Pretoria
The University of Pretoria offers a diverse range of programs, including psychiatry, through its Faculty of Health Sciences. Known for a strong focus on research and practical experience, it is a viable option for prospective psychiatry students.
Is Psychiatry in demand in South Africa?
Demand for mental health services exceeds supply by far
However, there is a massive shortage of psychologists and psychiatrists in the country – especially in the public sector.
There are only 451 psychologists in the public sector, with vacancy rates between 80% and 83% in Mpumalanga, Limpopo and the Eastern Cape.
Which psychology field pays the most in South Africa?
| Category (Job Title) | Average Salary |
|---|---|
| Psychiatrists | R1 616 999 |
| Mental Health Technicians | R480 000 |
| Organizational Psychologists | R312 550 |
| Forensic Psychologists | R536 120 |
| Engineering Psychologists | R751 457 |
| Military Psychologists | R585 218 |
| Neuro Psychologists | R796 000 |
| Therapists | R 90,000 |
| Clinical Psychologists | R105 000 |
| Counseling Psychologists | R13000 |
How many years does it take to study psychology in South Africa?
THREE years are required for a bachelor’s degree, ONE year is required to complete an honors degree, and TWO years are required for the Master’s in Clinical, Counselling, and Research Psychology degrees (one-year of coursework and one year internship).
How difficult is it to get into a Master’s in psychology in South Africa?
In South Africa, most universities enroll around 300 students for first-year psychology courses. Of those, only around 50 get selected into honors, and only 8 for clinical masters.
Statistically, there are very few psychology students who will ever become clinical psychologists.