Ask Lynn. Child Psychology - Careerplanet

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Dear Erma

Thank you for your enquiry. We hope the following information will help you find a workable solution for Tarquin.

Careers in psychology specialising in child psychology

In South Africa psychologists do not have a specific category called child psychology. Instead, psychologists who want to work with children complete qualifications in the areas of education psychology, counselling psychology or clinical psychology. Registered counsellors, another level of psychology service provision, complete qualifications within the area of school counselling.

We suggest you explore the following UNISA web pages for detailed information on the field of psychology and counselling and the related qualification requirements:

“Your career in psychology” http://www.unisa.ac.za/default.asp?Cmd=ViewContent&ContentID=16702
“Summary of occupations directly related to psychology” http://www.unisa.ac.za/default.asp?Cmd=ViewContent&ContentID=16685
“education psychologist” http://www.unisa.ac.za/default.asp?Cmd=ViewContent&ContentID=16693
“registered counsellor” (school counselling) http://www.unisa.ac.za/default.asp?Cmd=ViewContent&ContentID=16688

Professional registration to practice is provided through the Professional Board for Psychology of the Health Professions Council of South Africa (HPCSA), after the completion of appropriate academic qualifications, internship and the writing of a board examination. Consult the HPCSA website for more information: http://www.hpcsa.co.za

Admission requirements with “N” subjects

Tarquin’s NSC includes subjects with do not meet the admission requirements for universities and universities of technology, which is probably why you have been having so much trouble getting information. However, UNISA may have a solution. We suggest you explore the UNISA Access Program for the College of Human Sciences on the following web page: (http://www.unisa.ac.za/Default.asp?Cmd=ViewContent&ContentID=16619)

The University of South Africa (UNISA) provides distance education (correspondence) in the form of degrees, national diplomas and advanced certificates (http://www.unisa.ac.za ).

Alternatively Tarquin may consider completing a National Senior Certificate through a private education institution like Abbotts College: http://www.abbotts.co.za.

However, it is essential that when choosing National Senior certificate subjects, university admission requirements are born in mind. Consult the following university admission requirements: