Bachelor of Administration Honours in Industrial and Organisational Psychology

Purpose

The postgraduate qualification in Industrial and Organisational Psychology is designed to provide students with a sound basis of Psychological theory as well as the application of principles in the business world. This Bachelor Honours Degree is a postgraduate specialisation qualification which furthermore prepares students for research-based postgraduate study at Level 9. This qualification has as purpose to consolidate and deepen the students expertise in Industrial and Organisational Psychology and to develop research capacity in its methodology and techniques. The postgraduate modules are in line with the development of academic research in the field and also with the increasing demand for quantitative techniques (for analysis) in practice.

Rationale

The rationale of this qualification is to develop students to function as Psychometrists. Students will be able to register with the Health Professions Council of South Africa (HPCSA) in the category 'Psychometrist: Independent Practice' after the successful completion of the practical component (elective module), the degree and the required board (HPCSA: Board for Psychology) examination, and will thus be able to apply psychometric and other skills in the work-setting. Students will also be able to register as personnel practitioners with the South African Board for People Practices (SABPP). This qualification will empower students to continue with a Master's Degree in Industrial and Organisational Psychology should they adhere to all the relevant admission requirements.

Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL)

Formal prior learning: Prior accredited learning at the Further Education and Training (FET) or HET level in relevant domains, which constitute credit-bearing units or modules, should be recognised if evidence can be produced that shows that the student has achieved, at a satisfactory level, the outcomes and associated assessment criteria specified for modules of the Bachelor of Arts (BA) and, if appropriate, allows the Recognition of Prior Learning for the achievement of the qualification in part or in full. Non-formal and informal prior experiential learning: An applicant who falls outside of the formal qualifications system but who can demonstrate (through the production of substantial and satisfactory evidence) experiential or work-based learning or a non-formal qualification (or a combination), may be considered for admission and/or for the Recognition of Prior Learning for the achievement of the qualification in part. An applicant who, after such assessment, is deemed to have sufficient potential, but is in need of further academic development, will be directed to other suitable learning programmes prior to admission, or to parallel programmes after admission.

Entry Requirements

Students must have passed a Bachelor of Administration or have passed Public Administration at Level 6 with a mark of 60%.

This qualification comprises compulsory modules at Level 8.

Modules

• Labour and Social Security Law (MCLM621) 15 Credits.
• Psychometrics (IPSM611) 12 Credits.
• The Human Resource Management Function (HRNM612) 12 Credits.
• Organisational Behaviour (IPSM621) 12 Credits.
• Career Psychology (IPSM622) 12 Credits.
• Research Project (IPSM671) 60 Credits.

1. Consult relevant literature, undertake empirical research of limited scope, draw valid conclusions about the findings, and assist in the application thereof.
2. Apply knowledge to do psychological assessments of individuals, groups and organisations within the boundaries specified by the Health Professions Council of South Africa( HPCSA).
3. Interpret psychological functions (e.g. intellectual/scholastic ability, aptitude, interest and personality) for general screening purposes.
4. Apply knowledge and skills to identify symptoms for referral (e.g. psychological pathology, group problems and/or organisational dysfunction).
5. Demonstrate knowledge of ethical and legal issues and considerations when working with individuals, groups and organisations and apply the relevant skills to ensure ethical behaviour.
6. Demonstrate knowledge of professional networks and apply skills to refer clients to equivalent professional peers within the primary health-care system (e.g. general practitioner or social worker).
7. Apply knowledge and skills to do short-term supportive intervention and/or psycho-education and training at sub-system level (individual or small groups) (as specified by the HPCSA) in work context.
8. Apply knowledge and skills to promote primary psychosocial well-being in work as well as community contexts.
9. Apply oral and written communication skills to implement policies and standards, to report on the results of assessments, short-term intervention.
10. Apply knowledge and skills in project management, identify work and business opportunities for a psycho-metrist and apply skills to run a psychometric practice on a sound basis.
11. Demonstrate the ability to function effectively at intra-personal, interpersonal and group level and internalise the principles of lifelong learning to keep abreast of a changing environment.

The following Associated Assessment Criteria will be assessed in an integrated manner across the Exit Level Outcomes.

• Demonstrate a systematic and integrated knowledge and understanding of, and an ability to analyse, evaluate and apply the fundamental terms, concepts, facts, principles, rules and theories.
• Apply appropriate discipline-related methods of scientific inquiry and independently validate, evaluate and manage sources of information.
• Demonstrate critical reflection on, and understanding and application of, appropriate methods or practices to resolve complex discipline-related problems and thereby introduce change within related practice.
• Demonstrate professional and ethical behaviour within an academic and discipline-related environment with sensitivity towards societal and cultural considerations.
• Effectively communicate scientific understanding and own opinions/ideas in written or oral arguments, using appropriate discipline-related and academic discourse as well as technology.
• Demonstrate effective functioning as a member and/or leader of a team or a group in scientific projects or investigations, with self-directed management of learning activities and responsibility for own learning progress.

Integrated Assessment

Continuous formative assessment strategies in the form of assignments, portfolios, tests and so forth are employed, as well as integrated summative assessments in the form of formal examinations and a mini-dissertation, project or report. Oral presentations of smaller integrated research projects or seminars in individual as well as group context may also be employed. Students are continuously assessed on the application of integrated knowledge and advanced skills in order to assure that they are competent for the workplace.