Take out straightforward points in the following statement and write them in point form
"Many people, when asked what psychologists do, believe that all psychologists are
psychotherapists. In addition, people expect psychologists to have better insights into themselves
and others than other people do (although there is also the contrasting image of the ‘crazy’
psychologist). These images of psychologists are, of course, limited. Psychology is a very broad
discipline and there are many aspects to it.
The vast majority of people who begin studying psychology at undergraduate level will never
become psychotherapists. This is partly because places in professional training courses are limited,
but also because most people who study psychology do not choose to go in that direction.
Introductory psychology courses, such as the ones for which this book has been written, are not
generally designed as an introduction to psychotherapy. This book offers a very broad introduction
to basic knowledge that first-year students in psychology need to master before they go on to more
advanced training in psychology. This basic knowledge will help you open your mind to new ideas
and to new ways of collecting and analysing information about people. In time, you will be able to apply these to a range of situations.
Learners from a wide range of disciplines take courses in psychology to learn ways of thinking
about people that are helpful in their chosen fields, which include health, education, business,
management and social development. Psychologists themselves work in a wide range of contexts –
in schools, communities, hospitals, prisons, business, training of athletes, the police force and the
military, to name just a few.
At present in South Africa, to become a psychologist registered with the Health Professions
Council of South Africa (HPCSA) you have to have a Master’s degree in psychology and you have to
have completed a recognised internship (which is like an apprenticeship in your particular branch of
psychology). In addition, candidates must write the National Professional Board examination before
they can register as a psychologist.
To be accepted into a Master’s programme in psychology, you need to have a first (Bachelor’s)
degree majoring in psychology and an Honours degree in psychology. However, many more people
wish to train as psychologists than there are places in the Master’s programmes. Students who have
done appropriate community or volunteer work, and who are able to speak a number of South
African languages, will generally have a better chance of being accepted into postgraduate
programmes.
The fact is, though, that many people will not be accepted into such programmes, and every
sensible psychology undergraduate should consider professional training in psychology as only one
of a possible range of options.
Some universities in South Africa now offer a Bachelor of Psychology (BPsych) degree, a four-year
undergraduate programme leading to registration with the HPCSA as a registered counsellor, but,
once again, places on these courses are limited.
As you study psychology, think about what interests you about the discipline and why, and think
about what alternatives there may be to being a psychologist that will allow you to pursue these
interests. Studying psychology provides an excellent background for a wide range of careers. Even
from your first year, you should plan how to use what you learn to develop a fulfilling career, in
whatever direction you choose."
- People often believe all psychologists are psychotherapists
- Psychologists are expected to have better insights into themselves and others
- Psychology is a broad discipline with many aspects
- Majority of psychology students will not become psychotherapists
- Introductory psychology courses are not designed for psychotherapy
- Psychology can be applied in various fields such as health, education, business
- To become a psychologist in South Africa, a Master's degree and internship are required
- Acceptance into Master's program requires a Bachelor's degree and Honours degree in psychology
- Limited places available in psychology training programs
- Bachelor of Psychology (BPsych) degree offered in some universities
- Psychology provides a background for a wide range of careers
- Students should consider alternatives to being a psychologist for career fulfillment