Bachelor of Commerce in Industrial and Organisational Psychology

Purpose

The purpose of the qualification is to produce learners who will master a systematic and coherent body of knowledge, an understanding of underlying theories, concepts and principles to further their studies in the specialisation of choice. Learners will have sufficient depth of knowledge and the skills to investigate and manage psychosocial phenomena in the work context.

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 BCom Honours in Industrial and Organisational Psychology. The qualification will provide opportunities for continued growth, postgraduate studies and activity in a range of related careers with rewarding and constructive contributions to society. Society will benefit from learners who are professional and ethical in their roles within the economy and society. Learners 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.

Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL)

The institution accepts the principle underlying outcomes-based, source-based and life-long learning, in which considerations of articulation and mobility play a significant role. The institution subscribes to the view that recognition of prior knowledge 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 qualification of the institution.

The institution will consider a learner 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), for admission or the recognition of prior knowledge for the achievement of the qualification in part or in full. A learner who, after such an assessment, is deemed to have sufficient potential but requires further academic development, will be directed to other suitable learning qualifications before admission or to parallel qualification after entry.

Entry Requirements

The minimum entry requirement for this qualification is

• Senior Certificate, NQF Level 4 with endorsement.

Or

• National Senior Certificate, NQF Level 4 granting access to Bachelors studies.

Or

• National Certificate Vocational, NQF Level 4 granting access to Bachelors studies.

This qualification consists of the following compulsory and elective modules at National Qualifications Framework Level 7 totalling 428 Credits.

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

Integrated assessment

This qualification employs formative, summative and integrated assessments throughout 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. There is an assessment of the learners' skills at communicating orally and in written format, using appropriate IT.