The MA degree in Clinical Psychology at UCT is awarded through the Department of Psychology in the Faculty of Humanities. Thus, the director and course convenor of the programme are accountable to the Head of the Department of Psychology and to the Dean of the Faculty of Humanities. The degree is a professional qualification which, with the stipulated internship and community service, leads to registration as a Clinical Psychologist with the Health Professions Council of South Africa (HPCSA) Professional Board for Psychology. At the beginning of each year of training students are required to register with the Professional Board for Psychology as student clinical psychologists (M1), and intern clinical psychologists (M2). The academic requirements for the degree involve two years of full-time study and professional training as well as submission of a minor dissertation.

In both academic and practical training, there is a strong emphasis on relating clinical practice to the broader South African context. Specific community oriented projects (consultations, training sessions, support groups) and seminars are integral to the training. Emphasis is placed on competence in working in a multilingual and multicultural society.