Rhodes University

What you'll study

The MSc by thesis is a predominantly research-based programme in which you design, conduct and write up an original empirical study under the supervision of a departmental academic. You will consolidate advanced knowledge in your chosen subfield of psychology and deepen your competence in research methodology, data analysis and scientific writing.

• Thesis research: A substantial independent research project on a topic agreed with a supervisor. Projects may be quantitative, qualitative or mixed-methods depending on the research question and methodological fit.
• Research methods and statistics: Advanced training in research design, inferential statistics, multivariate techniques, or qualitative analysis procedures; statistical consultation and access to software support are typically available.
• Specialist content areas: Typical thesis topics reflect staff expertise and may include clinical and counselling psychology, developmental and educational psychology, cognitive and neuropsychology, health psychology, social and community psychology, and organisational psychology.
• Ethics and professional practice: Preparing and securing ethical clearance, consideration of cultural and contextual issues in research, and adherence to professional standards governing psychological research in South Africa.
• Seminars and departmental engagement: Participation in research seminars, journal clubs and thesis workshops to develop critical appraisal and presentation skills.

Structure

The programme is structured around supervised independent research culminating in a written thesis which is examined by internal and external examiners. There is no taught coursework requirement beyond any required research-methods modules or departmental seminars; the emphasis is on close supervision, regular progress reviews and timely completion of the research report.

Entry requirements

Applicants normally require an accredited Honours degree in Psychology or an equivalent four-year professional psychology qualification with a strong academic record. Selection is competitive and based on a combination of academic performance, the quality and feasibility of a proposed research topic or proposal, and the availability of a suitable supervisor within the department.

• Academic record: A good honours grade or equivalent academic standing in psychology.
• Research proposal: A concise research proposal outlining the research question, methodology and ethical considerations is usually required as part of the application.
• Supervisor availability: Admission depends on the departmental capacity to provide appropriate supervision in the chosen topic area.
• Language and other requirements: Proficiency in English is expected; candidates whose first language is not English may need to demonstrate competence as per university policy. International applicants should consult the Faculty for documentation requirements.
• Additional considerations: Relevant research experience, publications, or practical experience in applied settings can strengthen an application. For those intending clinical practice, additional professional training and registration requirements apply beyond the MSc.

Career prospects

Graduates of the MSc by thesis in Psychology use the degree as a springboard into several career paths. Key trajectories include:

• Academic and research careers: Many proceed to doctoral study (PhD) and pursue roles in universities, research institutes or policy research units.
• Applied research and evaluation: Employment with government departments, non-governmental organisations, health services or specialist research consultancies conducting programme evaluation, assessment and community-based research.
• Clinical and professional practice: For those who follow additional professional training, the degree supports progression to postgraduate professional qualifications and registration (where applicable) in clinical, counselling or educational psychology.
• Organisational roles: Opportunities in human resources, organisational development, occupational health and employee wellness where research and assessment skills are valued.
• Public policy and advocacy: Roles in mental health policy, social development and community interventions where evidence-based research informs practice.

Why study at Rhodes University

Rhodes University’s Psychology Department is known for its research-intensive environment, small cohort sizes and close supervision, which provide personalised support during the thesis process. Situated in Makhanda (Grahamstown) in the Eastern Cape, the university offers a context for community-engaged and regionally relevant research that reflects South Africa’s social and cultural diversity.

• Supervisory strength: Academic staff supervise across a range of specialist areas, offering expertise in both quantitative and qualitative methodologies.
• Research infrastructure: Access to departmental laboratories, statistical software support, and an active seminar programme helps students refine their methods and disseminate findings.
• Interdisciplinary opportunities: Rhodes’ relatively small campus encourages collaboration across departments in health, education and social sciences, enriching applied and policy-relevant research.
• Community engagement: The department has a track record of community-linked projects and applied research, enabling students to conduct research with real-world impact in local and regional settings.