WSU’S PSYCHOLOGY PROGRAMME EXCEEDS HPCSA STANDARDS, SECURES 5-YEAR ACCREDITATION

The recent 5-year (full) accreditation for WSU’s Bachelor of Psychology comes as a result of a collective effort to pursue excellence at WSU, according to Head of Department of Psychology, Dr Bongiwe Xhoseni.

The programme was recently audited by the Health Professions Council of South Africa (HPCSA) as part of its quality assurance mandate to for health sciences in higher education institutions.

“Our accreditation ensures that our graduates have a clear path to professional registration, enabling them to establish their own practices or work in recognized institutions. As you may recall, all professionals within the psychology field are regulated by the HPCSA and upon completing their four-year degree, graduates are eligible to write the board exam to become registered counsellors,” said Xhoseni.

According to the HPCSA report, WSU exceeded minimum requirements in crucial aspects that include institutional governance, academic staffing, student support, and program structure.

The university’s notable excellence in governance highlights effective management and leadership, while academic staffing certified the department’s dedication to quality education through well trained and registered professionals.

Regarding student support services, Xhoseni said the university was recognised for providing necessary resources, guidance, and academic assistance to produce future ready professionals who will strengthen healthcare system.

This includes a psychology lab that supports both academic learning and practical application, helping students and researchers explore the complexities of human thought and behaviour.

“The university also offers psychosocial support through its Student Counselling Unit, which is available to all registered students who are seeking assistance for their well-being. Staffed with clinical psychologists, registered councillors, and an educational psychologist, the unit encourages students to seek support early in their academic journey to address challenges before they escalate,” said Xhoseni.

Despite these achievements, Xhoseni emphasized the need for continuous improvement, particularly in areas where the programme received a score of three, such as practical casework and student assessment.

“We see this accreditation as both a validation of our efforts and an opportunity for growth. Moving forward, we aim to enhance these areas to ensure even higher standards in the next evaluation,” she said.

With a commitment to maintaining its high standards and addressing identified gaps, WSU’s BPsych program continues to set a strong foundation for aspiring registered counsellors.

This is in line with the United Nation’s fourth Strategic Developmental Goal, which ensures inclusive and equitable quality education and promoting lifelong learning opportunities for all.

Xhoseni also expressed gratitude to the library, the staff members of the Psychology Department, and the Executive Dean’s office for their unwavering support throughout the accreditation process.

She highlighted the crucial role played by the Quality Assurance Office, particularly in arranging a mock review that helped prepare the department for the evaluation."

By Ongezwa Sigodi