The Clinical Psychology programme at UKZN is shaped by a commitment to the healing and transformation of individuals, families, and communities, especially those marginalised by structural violence, historical trauma, and socio-economic inequality.

At the Master’s level, the Clinical Psychology programme is guided by the scientist-practitioner model and meets all professional requirements for registration with the HPCSA. It adopts an African-centred, integrative philosophy that draws on multiple psychological traditions (e.g., psychodynamic, cognitive-behavioural, systemic, existential, and African healing systems) to support ethical, evidence-based interventions tailored to local realities.

Students are equipped to work in contexts marked by high trauma load, poverty, inequality, and stigma, including hospitals, rural clinics, community settings, prisons, and post-disaster environments. Training includes deep engagement with the biopsychosocial model, which values the complex interplay of biological, psychological, social, historical, and cultural factors in understanding human suffering and resilience.

Beyond clinical practice, the programme develops critical thinkers and researchers who challenge psychiatric reductionism and work to decolonise mental health care in South Africa. Many go on to complete PhDs exploring topics such as gender-based violence, indigenous healing, youth mental health, transgenerational trauma, and mental health policy.

Students complete a defined sequence of core modules, a dissertation, and a full-year internship. The following modules are on offer:

Year 1

• Psychological Interventions: African and Global Approaches (16C)
• Theory & Practice of Clinical Psychology (32C)
• Psychology of Personality & Abnormal Behaviour (16C)
• Assessment in Psychological Practice (16C)
• Community Interventions in Professional Psychology (16C)
• Research Methods in Psychology (16C)

Year 1 and 2: Short Dissertation: Clinical Psychology (96c)

Year 2: Internship Module (Non-Credit Bearing)