Bachelor of Commerce Honours in Industrial and Organisational Psychology

Purpose

This Postgraduate qualification in Industrial and Organisational Psychology is designed to provide students with a sound basis of Industrial and Organisational Psychology theory as well as the application of its principles in the business world. The Degree is a Postgraduate specialisation qualification, which prepares students for research-based Postgraduate study at Level 9. The purpose of this qualification is to consolidate and deepen the student's 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. Students will acquire the knowledge, skills and attitudes to investigate and manage psychosocial phenomena in the work context. They will be able to apply psychometric and other required skills in the work setting, advise employers/employees on relevant issues/aspects and deliver support to employers/employees on issues/aspects related to Industrial and Organisational Psychology.

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)

This institution subscribes to the principles underlying outcomes based, source-based and lifelong learning. In this context, considerations of articulation and mobility play an important role. This Institution endorses the view that Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL) constitutes an essential element in deciding on admission to and awarding credits in an explicitly selected teaching-learning programme at honours level. RPL does not only imply assessment of the submitted portfolio, to determine the level of skills and knowledge comparable to Level 7 the candidate already possesses, but also the skills and knowledge the candidate has to master additionally prior to being accepted for the honours qualification. The assessment processes involved with RPL are the same as those followed for awarding credits in the formal graduate setting. An RPL candidate seeking credits for previously acquired skills and knowledge, must still comply with all the requirements as stated for modules, programmes and qualifications. The difference lies in the route of the assessment, since RPL assessment may be holistic in nature taking the context of the programme as well as the prior knowledge and experience of the person who is being assessed into account.

Entry Requirements

The minimum requirements for admission into the Honours Degree studies are

• Bachelor of Commerce Degree or Bachelor of Commerce status as approved by the Board of the relevant faculty.

This qualification comprises compulsory and elective modules at Level 8.

Electives Modules Level 8

• Psychometrics, 8 Credits.
• Human Capacity Building, 8 Credits.
• Advanced Practical Work, 48 Credits.
• Authentic Helping, 8 Credits.
• Organisational Development, 8 Credits.
• Work Wellness, 16 Credits.
• Career Psychology, 8 Credits.
• Research Methodology, 8 Credits.
• Organisational Behaviour 8 Credits.
• Psychological Evaluation And Forensic Psychology, 8 Credits.
• Human Resource Management Strategies, 16 Credits.

Compulsory Modules Level 8

• Research Report, 30 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 assessment of individuals, groups and organisations (within the boundaries specified by the 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 Psychometrist 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.