My application process at UJ – The program
*It is important to take note that this article/information snippet is based on my application process at UJ. The process, fees, structure, etc., may have changed as time progressed. The information is shared to assist students with their questions related to the information it contains.
What does the program(structure) look like?
You have a supervisor at your practicum, as well as a UJ supervisor. The 40 selected students, were added to groups. We were 5 in a group and got allocated a UJ supervisor. A group leader was also selected to assist with correspondence between supervisors/program coordinators and the students in the group. We attended supervision classes, once a month. This was either online, or in person (at the UJ campus).
During supervision sessions, we checked in (how are you progressing at your practicum. What did you learn. Personal check ins. Concerns etc.) We also learned a lot during these sessions and also got work (like homework) to do. This then needed to be completed and ready for the next supervision session. This included presentations, group work, research, etc.
On top of this, did we also attend classes. Either online or in person (at the UJ campus). To give you an idea of the in-person classes; I completed my practicals in Nelspruit. I had to drive to UJs campus about every 2-3 weeks (just under a 4hr drive there from Nelspruit). This was for either a class or supervision sessions.
Classes were usually around 3-5 hours, mornings, or full days, with breaks in between.
And on top of this, do you also do practicals at your practicum. Whether it be assessment administration, scoring, interpretation, report writing etc. So no, there is no time for another part-time job.
You also keep track of EVERYTHING, by use of a logbook, since day one. The logbook needs to be signed off by yourself, your practicum supervisor and your UJ supervisor. At the end of the program, you hand it in to be signed off by UJ, to be able to write the board exam at the HPCSA, which also requires proof of your logbook.
You will also register with the HPCSA at the start of the program, as a student Psychometrist, and pay a fee.
Classes are presented by various Lecturers, assessment providers, other practitioners in the field and more. They provide such insightful info! You will learn about test development, stats, and exam prep, and get exposure to various assessments and different assessment providers. Furthermore, learned about report writing, how to give feedback and interpret results. This is just to name a few topics, but the list goes on.
The program is hectic, but totally worth it. The supervisors, lecturers and program coordinators’ correspondence are super efficient too, so you are never left in the dark.