Bachelor of Arts Honours in Industrial Psychology

Purpose

The main purpose of Bachelor of Arts (BA) Honours in Industrial Psychology is to equip learners with competencies in the mastering, analysis, interpretation and understanding of industrial psychological principles and methods to contribute competently in the field of Industrial Psychology.

Graduates will be able to apply current theories and methodologies from Industrial Psychology and contribute to the current debates in the field in the context of South Africa and internationally. Graduates will be able to plan, design and execute research using the relevant methodology and report on the findings and thus contribute to the generation of new knowledge that may be used to address pertinent issues affecting organizations and the workplace in South Africa and globally.

The qualification will enable learners to acquire knowledge, specific skills, and applied competence for continued personal intellectual growth, gainful economic activity, rewarding contributions to enterprises, the economy and society. Furthermore, the qualification will prepare learners for further study in Industrial Psychology.

Upon completion of the qualification, learners will be able to

• Examine and apply concepts, principles, theories, and methodological approaches in Industrial Psychology.
• Assess, evaluate, integrate, and apply an advanced understanding of the concepts, principles, theories, and methodological approaches in Industrial Psychology to propose solutions to specific problems within the organisational setting.
• Apply their knowledge, understanding, and problem-solving abilities in new or relatively unfamiliar environments within broader (or multidisciplinary) contexts related to Industrial Psychology and can handle complexity, integrate different knowledge perspectives and interests, and accommodate multiple views of reality.
• Formulate judgements with incomplete or limited information, that includes reflection on social and ethical responsibilities linked to the application of their knowledge, and judgements in the context of organisational behaviour and human resource management processes.
• Identify and apply professional ethics ethical rules and conduct in practice within a South African context.
• Undertake independent research in an area of Industrial Psychology, including the ability to select and apply relevant tools for collecting, interpreting, and assessing qualitative and quantitative information in the different fields of Industrial Psychology.
• Work efficiently and effectively alone and as a member of a team on a project, taking responsibility for own work and providing leadership and support when appropriate.
• Communicate and share their conclusions and views, and the knowledge and rationale underpinning these, to specialist and non-specialist audiences.
• Manage own learning and demonstrate the attributes of self-directed, learning-driven and autonomous scholars.

Successful learners will be able to apply for an internship qualification in psychometrics and register as Psychometrists with the Professional Board for Psychology of the Health Professions Council of South Africa (HPCSA). Learners can also apply to enrol for a Professional Master's Degree in Industrial Psychology, which will enable them to become an Industrial Psychologist registered with the HPCSA.

Rationale

Over the past few decades, globalisation and the emergence of the knowledge economy have given rise to new economic, social, political, and cultural challenges to which nations, regions and higher education systems and institutions are responding to these new challenges. Specific knowledge, competencies, and skills often referred to as 'human capital' plays an increasingly important role in developmental efforts, research, innovation, and technological development. Knowledge production, accumulation, transfer, and application have become major factors in socio-economic development and are increasingly at the core of national development strategies for gaining competitive advantages in the global knowledge economy. The BA Honours in Industrial Psychology has been designed to respond to these challenges and factors.

The qualification is aligned with the Human Sciences Research Council HSRC's focus on education and skills development; human and social development as well as economic performance and development, research directions and social needs as indicated by various national policies and reports. The qualification will also address the Skill Development Act's focus on quality basic education, economy and employment and creating a skilled workforce.

Furthermore, the qualification focuses on economic growth; sustainable development and quality of life, in line with the National Institute of Humanities and Social Sciences (NIHSS) Policy document. The qualification will address the National Development Plan's focus on improving education, training, and innovation as well as on creating an economy that will create more Jobs. Promoting gender equality and greater opportunities for young people are integrated throughout the qualification.

The qualification is designed to supply the industry with skilled, competent, and professional graduates who can function in organisational and occupational settings. Graduates will be equipped to ethically explain, assess, and influence human behaviour at the individual, group, and organisational levels, with all efforts directed at improving the well-being and the sustainable development of all affected stakeholders. Graduates following a career in Industrial Psychology play a vital role in the establishment of human resource management practices, policies, and systems.

The subject has contributed to the general improvement of the South African community. This is evident in the following areas:

• People are selected for jobs that meet their interests and abilities.
• They are trained and developed to be more efficient in their careers.
• Prejudice towards the disadvantaged is limited.
• Improvements are evident in the safety and convenience of the workplace.
• The quality of work-life has been improved.

Industrial Psychology plays a prominent role in improving the effectiveness of organisations as a whole by continually endeavouring to improve the job performance of individual employees and groups. Graduates following a career in Industrial Psychology play a vital role in improving the well-being of workers. Comprehensive research in areas such as job satisfaction, career development, job/family matters, fairness, work stress, safety, training, recognition and ethics bears testimony to this. Graduates furthering their studies in Industrial Psychology will undertake research that is both of professional interest and practical value, providing access to further research-based postgraduate studies and a Professional Master's Degree in Industrial Psychology.

The qualification will not only be beneficial for learners who aspire to become Industrial Psychologists but will also provide learners with valuable knowledge to be able to manage the human capital of an organisation, a skill that is greatly needed in both the public and private sectors. Industrial Psychology is instrumental in helping businesses become more effective and profitable, as well as improving employees' wellbeing and performance. Graduates will work in a wide and diverse range of fields including both private and public sectors. Graduates will also be able to work for themselves or others as consultants and human resource practitioners.

Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL)

This qualification may be achieved in part through the Recognition of Prior Learning, which includes informal, formal learning and work experience. The learner must demonstrate competence in the knowledge, skills, values, and attitudes indicated in the qualification to obtain credits/credit exemptions.

RPL will be applied in line with the institution's RPL policy the National Policy and Criteria for the Implementation of Recognition of Prior Learning (Amended March 2019). There are two types of RPL, being RPL for access and RPL for credit. Both are applicable to the qualification.

Recognition of Prior Learning may be used for

• Granting access to the qualification.
• Gaining credits towards a qualification.

RPL for access

• RPL provides an alternative access route into the qualification for those who do not meet the admissions requirements,
• RPL can provide learners with advanced standing in cases where the learner demonstrates sufficient mastery of the content and skills to gain admission to postgraduate study.
• Decisions to grant access through RPL are based on a critical evaluation by the Head of School and Programme Leader of the portfolio of evidence provided by the applicant in which s/he makes a case for admission.

RPL for credits

• Credit may be granted if any of the previous studies are comparable in content, equivalent in standard and suitable to be included as part of the qualification.
• Decisions to award credits are based on a critical comparison by subject experts of the module that has been passed previously.

Exemption from modules through RPL

• In accordance with National Policy, RPL may be used to provide an exemption from certain modules (CHE 2016).
• This exemption is normally based on informal and non-formal learning (CHE, 2016) and does not result in the award of credits.
• The process is based on the critical evaluation by subject experts of a portfolio of evidence in which the applicant presents a case for how s/he meets the outcomes of the module.
• Where an application for exemption is based on formal, credit-bearing learning, the preference is to use the Credit Accumulation Transfer process described below (CHE, 2016; SAQA, 2019).
• In accordance with policy, the exemption will not be provided for more than 50% of modules and will not be provided for the Research Report module which is seen as a capstone module at the institution or the core modules.

Entry Requirements

The minimum entry requirement for this qualification is

• Bachelor of Arts in Industrial Psychology, NQF Level 7 with Industrial Psychology as a major subject and a 60% or above average for Industrial Psychology modules in the final year.

or

• Bachelor of Commerce in Industrial Psychology, NQF Level 7 with Industrial Psychology as a major subject and a 60% or above average for Industrial Psychology modules in the final year.

This qualification consists of the following compulsory and/or elective modules at National Qualifications Framework Level 8 totalling 120 Credits.

Compulsory Modules, Level 8, 105 Credits

• Research Methodology, 15 Credits.
• Research Paper, 30 Credits.
• Career Psychology, 15 Credits.
• Human Resource Management, 15 Credits.
• Organizational Behaviour, 15 Credits.
• Psychometrics, 15 Credits.

Electives Modules, Level 8, 15 Credits (Select one module)

• Employee Relations, 15 Credits.
• Consumer Psychology and Behaviour, 15 Credits.

1. Demonstrate an advanced understanding of the concepts, principles, theories and methodological approaches in Industrial Psychology.
2. Use the acquired knowledge and understanding of Industrial Psychology as a basis for the original and critical application of concepts, principles, theories, and methodological approaches in the various fields of the discipline.
3. Assess, evaluate, integrate, and apply an advanced understanding of the concepts, principles, theories and methodological approaches in Industrial Psychology to propose solutions to specific problems within the organisational setting.
4. Apply their knowledge, understanding, and problem-solving abilities in new or relatively unfamiliar environments within broader (or multidisciplinary) contexts related to Industrial Psychology and can handle complexity, integrate different knowledge perspectives and interests and accommodate multiple views of reality.
5. Formulate judgements with incomplete or limited information, which includes reflection on social and ethical responsibilities linked to the application of their knowledge, and judgements in the context of organisational behaviour and human resource management processes.
6. Demonstrate an advanced understanding of professional ethics in Industrial Psychology and identify and apply ethical rules and conduct in practice within a South African context.
7. Undertake independent research in an area of Industrial Psychology, including the ability to select and apply relevant tools for collecting, interpreting, and assessing qualitative and quantitative information in the different fields of Industrial Psychology.
8. Work efficiently and effectively alone and as a member of a team on a project, taking responsibility for own work and providing leadership and support when appropriate.
9. Communicate and share their conclusions and views, and the knowledge and rationale underpinning these, to specialist and non-specialist audiences.
10. Manage their own learning and demonstrate the attributes of self-directed, learning-driven and autonomous scholars.

Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 1

• Evaluate and apply theories, principles, procedures, and practices, research methodologies, methods and techniques in Industrial Psychology, research reports and examinations.

Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 2

• Identify and apply appropriate career management models and theories in various contexts
• Interpret and analyse consumer behaviour.
• Examine interactions amongst role players in employment relationships in relation to relevant theory, principles and practices.
• Analyse and apply knowledge of the processes of obtaining, developing, and maintaining employees to propose employment strategies in familiar and unfamiliar circumstances.
• Interpret and analyse processes and behaviours in organisations using advanced knowledge of Industrial Psychology
• Administer ethically and correctly Psychometric assessment measures, score and interpret correctly the written report adheres to standard conventions

Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 3

• Analyse current organizational and human resource practices, systems, processes and procedures from a holistic perspective and propose appropriate solutions.
• Administer correctly and ethically Psychometric assessment measures score and interpret the written report adheres to standard conventions.

Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 4

• Analyse and apply complex and varying knowledge to solve discipline-related challenges in familiar and unfamiliar contexts.
• Complete accurately organizational needs assessments and apply appropriate processes and procedures to satisfy organizational and individual needs.

Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 5

• Correctly interpret incomplete and ambiguous data sets and evaluate the limits of the interpretation.
• Identify and reflect on ethical dilemmas in terms of the general principles from moral philosophy as well as applicable ethical standards, such as the American Psychological Association's (APA) Code of Conduct

Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 6

• Identify and apply ethical issues in Industrial Psychology and propose solutions to address them.

Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 7

• Undertake independent research in an area of Industrial Psychology and apply relevant tools for collecting, interpreting and assessing qualitative and quantitative information in different Industrial Psychology fields.

Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 8

• Work in a group and reflect on the participation in a group.
• Accept responsibility for their own learning in terms of time management and quality of the work at an intermediate level.

Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 9

• Effectively communicate scientific understanding and own opinions/ideas in written or oral arguments, using appropriate discipline-related and academic discourse as well as technology.
• Present all written work in the approved style and adhere to norms for scientific writing in Industrial Psychology.

Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 10

• Function 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.
• Take full responsibility for his or her work, decision-making and use of resources, and full accountability for the decisions and actions of others where appropriate.