The Educational Psychology Practicum Unit (EPPU) is a specialized training centre within the Master's in Educational Psychology program. It provides second-year students with supervised, hands-on experience, guided by educational psychologists. The EPPU serves the community by receiving referrals from schools across Cape Town, offering assessments, career guidance, parental counselling, and therapeutic interventions for children and adolescents. While the demand for services is high, capacity limits the number of cases managed. However, with the program shifting to full-time in 2025, the EPPU will be positioned to expand its social impact significantly.
What we do:
The second year MEd (Educational Psychology) students conduct their practicum under close supervision of senior registered educational psychologists. We follow a thorough, interactive process that includes a detailed report with recommendations and relevant follow-up actions. Our services include:
- Educational assessments (E.g. for those experiencing neurodiversity or learning challenges).
- Career counselling (e.g. fort hose who need to make subject choices or plan their career)
- Parental guidance
- Learning Support
What you can expect:
Referral forms are received and join a running waiting list.
Assessments occur in block sessions through the year. In 2025, assessments will take place in April, May and June, and then again in August and September. Therapeutic interventions usually occur throughout the year.
The module coordinator then allocates clients to students and supervisors.
Once a client has been allocated, the EPPU will keep you informed about the process going forward (dates|time slots, travelling directions, parking, payment, etc.).
For educational and career assessments, four appointments are scheduled:
| 1st appointment: Intake | Duration is usually 1 hour and must be attended by at least one biological parent/guardian/life partner. We try to arrange this appointment during the afternoon. |
| 2nd appointment: Assessment | Duration is approximately 4 hours and only the child will be involved. This appointment is scheduled in the morning. |
| 3rd appointment: Follow-up assessment | Duration is approximately 2 hours and only the child will be involved. This appointment is scheduled for the afternoon. |
4th appointment: Feedback
| Duration is usually 1 hour and must be attended by at least one biological parent/guardian/life partner. We try to arrange this appointment during the afternoon. |
A full psych-educational/ career report is then sent to the client/ client's parents (or guardians), at least one month after the feedback interview.
For therapeutic interventions, an intake interview is scheduled. Thereafter the student psychologist and client agree on the number of sessions that may be needed.
The EPPU can be contacted
Number: 021 808 2229
Email: eppu@sun.ac.za
