Students interested in psychology and counselling will have a new study option in Cape Town’s Northern Suburbs from next year, following the South African College of Applied Psychology’s (SACAP) plans to establish a campus in Tyger Valley.
The new facility will extend the institution’s presence beyond its existing Claremont campus, offering a range of qualifications from higher certificate and diploma programmes to undergraduate and honours studies.
Based at Tyger Valley Office Park in Bellville Park, the campus is intended to make in-person Applied Psychology studies more accessible to prospective students living in the Northern Suburbs.
SACAP, which dates back to 1997, says the expansion will bring its specialist teaching and student support model to a new student community.
What students can expect at the new campus
The Tyger Valley facility will offer classrooms, a library with computer stations, student social spaces, a Student Support Desk and free Wi-Fi. Access to the premises will be security-controlled.
Its location at 41 Old Oak Road also places it near the N1 and surrounding arterial routes, with Tyger Valley and Willowbridge shopping centres in the vicinity.
SACAP Managing Director Zerina Royeppen said the expansion would bring the institution’s specialist expertise closer to students in the area.
‘Tyger Valley brings SACAP’s specialist expertise in applied psychology closer to students in the Northern Suburbs,’ Royeppen highlighted.
‘We are excited to welcome a new community of students who are curious about people and passionate about making a difference. They will join an institution where understanding human behaviour is at the heart of what we do, and where personal engagement and practical learning bring that knowledge to life.’
The institution says its teaching approach places emphasis on smaller classes, interaction with lecturers and practical learning alongside academic study.
SACAP Dean Dr Lauren Martin said the format is intended to create more opportunities for discussion and engagement.
‘Our approach places students at the centre of the learning experience,’ Martin stated.
‘Small classes create space for discussion and meaningful engagement with lecturers. Alongside academic study, practical learning helps students connect what they learn with the people and communities they may go on to serve.’
The new campus is expected to offer five programmes across different levels of study, including:
- Higher Certificate in Counselling and Communication Skills – NQF Level 5
- Diploma in Counselling and Communication Skills – NQF Level 6
- Bachelor of Applied Social Science, majoring in psychology and counselling – NQF Level 7
- Bachelor of Applied Social Science, majoring in psychology and criminology – NQF Level 7
- Bachelor of Social Science Honours in Psychology – NQF Level 8
The programmes cover counselling, communication, psychology and criminology, giving prospective students several routes into the field of Applied Psychology.
More information about the qualifications and the campus is available through the SACAP Tyger Valley campus page.
Prospective students and their families will have an opportunity to visit the new facility before the next academic year begins.
SACAP will host an Open Day on Saturday, 14 November 2026, from 10:00 to 13:00 at Tyger Valley Office Park, 41 Old Oak Road, Bellville Park.
Attendance is free, but visitors are encouraged to register for the Open Day.
The event will give prospective students an opportunity to explore the campus and find out more about the available qualifications and study options.
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