Master of Commerce in Industrial and Organisational Psychology

Purpose

The purpose of this qualification is to enable a student to register with the Professional Board for Psychology of the Health Professions Council of South Africa (HPCSA) as a Psychologist (Category: Industrial). The registration empowers the psychologist to render psychological services in a variety of workplace-related settings, focusing on the prevention, intervention, promotion and assessment of human behaviour with a view to optimising behaviour in individuals and organisations. The qualification enables students to assimilate new psychological knowledge and promotes life-long learning, inculcating curiosity and respect for the scientific method in psychology.

Rationale

The qualification is aimed at producing competent, ethical and professional practitioners who will meet the needs of South Africa to provide psychological services in order to understand modify, enhance individual, group and organisational behaviour, well-being and effectiveness within the context of work.

This qualification provides knowledge and skills for quality psychological interventions necessary for optimising individual and organisational functioning and/or well-being. Qualified practitioners are able to provide a variety of psychological services within various sectors.

The qualification is aligned to the National Framework for Human Resources for Health in South Africa and is responsive to the psychological needs and care of the South African population in its diverse contexts. The focus of the profession is the creation and enhancement of optimal organisational and individual functioning through diagnosis, prevention, intervention, promotion and assessment. After examination of the professional board of Psychology students will also be able to register as psychologists (category: industrial) and as personnel practitioners with the SABPP. This qualification will empower students to study further in a Doctor of Philosophy Degree.

Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL)

The North-West University accepts the principle underlying outcomes oriented, source-based and lifelong learning in which considerations of articulation and mobility play a meaningful role. The University also underwrites the view that recognition of previous learning, obtained either by formal teaching qualifications at this or another institution, or informally(obtained by experience), is an indispensable element in granting admission or credits with the aim of placing in a specifically chosen teaching-learning qualification of the University.

In recognising previous learning, it deals with provable knowledge and learning that the applicant obtained by following formal teaching qualifications or by experience. At all times the question will be what level of competence was reached, judged in the context of the exit level skills required for the contemplated teaching-learning qualifications (or modules therein) or status for which the applicant is applying and not merely about the experience the applicant can prove. The recognition of previous learning takes place in terms of the relevant skills that the applicant demonstrated in the application with reference to the exit outcomes that should be reached in the chosen qualification.

Entry Requirements

The minimum requirement for admission to the Master's Degree is

• A Bachelor of Commerce Honours degree in Industrial and Organisational Psychology.

This qualification comprises compulsory modules at Level 9 totalling 160 Credits.

Compulsory Modules, Level 9, 80 Credits.

• Mini - Dissertation, 80 Credits.

Elective Modules, Level 9

• Applied Counselling, 16 Credits.
• Scientific Reasoning, 16 Credits.
• People Development, 16 Credits.
• Professional Industrial Psychology, 16 Credits.
• Wellbeing, 16 Credits.

1. Apply appropriate knowledge and insights of the South African population and psychological measurement theories and techniques to identify strengths and weaknesses.
2. Apply knowledge, theories and techniques of psychology to develop and implement interventions to enhance and or promote individual, group or organizational well-being and the optimal functioning.
3. Conduct a professional manner and work within their scope of practice, observing the legislative framework and professional standards and codes of conduct.
4. Research using scientific techniques, debate, and describe the findings in a written format adhering to academic protocols.
5. Apply skills and knowledge to evaluate debate, adapt and/or develop policies.
6. Apply skills and knowledge to design and implement qualifications to train and supervise others.
7. Apply knowledge of ethics and legislation impacting on psychology.

The following Associated Assessment Criteria will be assessed in an integrated manner across 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.
• Ability to apply appropriate discipline-related methods of scientific inquiry and independently validate, evaluate and manage sources of information.
• 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.
• Professional and ethical behaviour within an academic and discipline-related environment, with sensitivity towards societal and cultural considerations.
• Ability to effectively communicate scientific understanding and own opinions/ideas in written or oral arguments, using appropriate discipline-related and academic discourse as well as technology.
• 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

Assessment of the structured modules, where applicable, takes place by means of internal and external evaluation of assignments, portfolios, project reports and an integrated examination by academic experts with a qualification of at least Level 9. The research component of the qualification is assessed by means of a research dissertation or report, which assesses the student's ability to plan, structure, conceptualise and execute innovative scientific research that makes a contribution to the field/discipline and report the findings thereof. Assessment is initiated when the research proposal is considered by the Committee for Advanced Degrees. Approval by this committee is a requirement for the study. The supervisor also assesses continuously while the dissertation is being written. Examination of the dissertation is finally done by at least two examiners of which one is external, all experts in the field of specialization. A supervisor may not be appointed as an examiner.