Bachelor of Arts Honours in Industrial and Organisational Psychology

Purpose

The purpose of the qualification is to produce graduates who have mastered a systematic and coherent body of knowledge and an understanding of underlying discipline-related theories, concepts and principles with a view to further their studies in the specialisation of choice. Students will have sufficient depth of knowledge and the skills to investigate and manage psychosocial phenomena in the work context. This will provide opportunities for continued growth, postgraduate studies and for activity in a range of related careers with rewarding and constructive contributions to society. Society will benefit from graduates who are professional and ethical in their roles within the economy and society. Graduates in their indicated scientific fields will widen, increase and transform the leadership base in South Africa, both for innovation and science-based economic and research development for the education of future generations of Industrial and Organisational Psychologists and labour relations practitioners.

Rationale

South Africa is in many ways still very much a developing country in need of specialists who can focus on the enhancement of the quality of work life of its citizens. This qualification answers to this aim, since the successful completion thereof will enable Industrial and Organisational Psychologists and Labour Relations practitioners to function effectively in their respective roles within industry and business. Furthermore it provides the necessary Industrial and Organisational and Labour Relations foundation for continuation with a Bachelor of Commerce (BCom) Honours Degree in Industrial and Organisational Psychology.

Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL)

This institution accepts the principle underlying outcomes based, source-based-and life-long learning, in which considerations of articulation and mobility play a significant role, and subscribes to the view that Recognition of Prior Learning, whether acquired by formal education curricula at this or another institution, or informally (by experience) is an indispensable element in deciding on admission to and awarding credits in an explicitly selected teaching-learning programme of this institution. Formal prior learning: Prior accredited learning at the Further Education and Training (FET) or Higher Education and Training (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 this qualification and, if appropriate, allows the Recognition of Prior Learning for the achievement of the qualification in part. 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 or in full. 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

The minimum requirements for admission into Degree studies are

• National Senior Certificate (NSC) or National Certificate (Vocational) (NC(V)) for Degree studies.

Or

• Matriculation Exemption.

This qualification comprises compulsory and elective modules at Level 5, 6 and 7.

Elective Modules, Level 5

• Academic Literacy (AGLE121), 12 Credits.
• Academic Literacy (AGLA121), 12 Credits.

Compulsory Modules, Level 5

• Business Management (BMAN121), 12 Credits.
• Introduction to Economics (ECON111), 12 Credits.
• Financial Accounting (Special) (ACCS121), 16 Credits.
• Social and Community Psychology (PSYC121), 12 Credits.
• Basic Micro-and Macroeconomics (ECON121), 12 Credits.
• Introduction to Management and Management Processes (BMAN111), 12 Credits.
• Occupational Health and Ergonomics (IOPS121), 12 Credits
• Fin Acc (Spec) (ACCS111), 16 Credits.
• Introduction to Industrial Psychology (IOPS111), 12 Credits.
• Introduction to Labour Relations (LARM111), 12 Credits.
• Descriptive Statistics (STTN111), 12 Credits.
• Practical Statistics (STTN124), 12 Credits.

Compulsory Modules, Level 6

• Personnel Psychology (IOPS211), 16 Credits.
• Career Psychology (IOPS221), 16 Credits.
• Understanding the Economic World (WVES221), 12 Credits.
• Positive Psychology (PSYC221), 16 Credits.
• Personality Psychology (PSYC212), 16 Credits.
• Occupational Management (LARM211), 16 Credits.
• Work Group Dynamics (LARM221), 16 Credits.
• Development Psychology (PSYC211), 16 Credits.

Compulsory Modules, Level 7

• Organisational Psychology (IOPS311), 16 Credits.
• Strategic Management (BMAN321), 16 Credits.
• Financial Management (BMAN311), 16 Credits.
• Psychometrics and Research Methodology (IOPS321), 16 Credits.
• Applied Ethics (WVES311), 12 Credits.
• Conflict Resolution (LARM322), 16 Credits.
• Management of Labour Relations (LARM321), 16 Credits.
• Theory and Practice of Labour Relations (LARM311), 16 Credits.

• Demonstrate an integrated knowledge, understanding and the ability to investigate psychosocial phenomena in the work context.
• Apply and evaluate key concepts and principles in the field of industrial and organisational psychology and labour relations.
• Debate, evaluate and explain their acquired knowledge, including identifying, analysing and critically reflecting in an ethical manner on the process of resolving problems.
• Identify own learning needs in a changing environment and apply new skills to manage changes in the work context.

Associated Assessment Criteria will be assessed in an integrated manner to the Exit Level Outcomes

• 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 is achieved.
• The ability to apply appropriate discipline-related methods of scientific inquiry and independently validate, evaluate and manage sources of information is demonstrated.
• An understanding and application of, appropriate methods or practices to resolve complex discipline-related problems and thereby introduce change within related practice is critically reflected.
• Professional and ethical behaviour within an academic and discipline-related environment, with sensitivity towards societal and cultural considerations is displayed.
• Scientific understanding and own opinions/ideas, written or oral arguments, using appropriate discipline-related and academic discourse as well as technology are communicated.
• 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 is demonstrated.

Integrated Assessment

This qualification employs formative, summative and integrated assessments through out the three years of study, in the form of written tests, as well as practical assignments and examinations used in the various disciplines included in the qualification. The student's skills at communicating orally and in written format, using appropriate Information Technology (IT), are also assessed, as well as her/his computer literacy.