Prior to entering politics, Verwoerd was regarded as a brilliant Social Science scholar at Stellenbosch University. He completed his undergraduate studies with distinctions majoring in Psychology, Sociology and Philosophy. Verwoerd completed his Masters and Doctorate in Psychology graduating cum laude. As a result of his academic performance Verwoerd received a post-doctoral scholarship from the University of Oxford, but turned it down and continued his research in the fields of Psychology, Sociology, and Philosophy at various German universities. Upon his return to South Africa, a graduate in Philosophy and Psychology he was appointed as a professor of Applied Psychology at Stellenbosch University at the age of 26. He was then later appointed as head of the Sociology department in 1933.