Master of Commerce in Industrial Psychology

The primary purpose of this qualification is to develop applied competence of the learner on an advanced level in the mastering, analysis, interpretation and understanding of industrial psychological principles and methods. Its puts the learner in a position to register as Personnel Practitioner with the South African Board of Personnel Practice and to work on an advanced level in the fields of human resource management and Industrial Psychology. It will prepare the learner for further study in industrial Psychology on NQF Level 8 which eventually may lead to registration with the Professional Board of Psychology of the Health Professions Council of South Africa as a professional psychologist after having obtained a doctorate and having completed an internship.

Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL)

Recognition of Prior Learning in case of learners not complying with the formal entry requirements will be conducted in accordance with the policy and guidelines of the Institution concerning the recognition of other forms of formal, informal and non-formal learning experience. Recognition takes place only where prior learning corresponds with the required NQF level, and in terms of applied competencies relevant to the content and outcomes of the qualification. Through recognition of prior learning, learners may gain access, or advanced placement, or recognition of status, on condition that they continue their studies at this Institution.

Entry requirements

The minimum entry requirement for this qualification is

• Bachelor of Commerce Honours in Industrial Psychology, NQF Level 8.

1. Demonstrate their competence at applying the highly advanced theoretical principles of problem identification and solving in the field of industrial psychology / human resource management correctly and reflect on the application made. (Problem solving skills).
2. Plan and exercise highly advanced research in the field of industrial psychology/human resource management, including the gathering, analysing, synthesising and interpretation of information on industrial psychology/human resource management issues correctly by utilising the relevant theoretical research principles and reflect on the research undertaken (Research skills).
3. Communicate effectively orally and in writing on a highly advanced level with the different role players in the field of industrial psychology/human resource management by applying the theoretical principles of communication and reflect on the application made correctly (Communication skills).
4. Develop an accountable and highly advanced theoretical and practical macro vision, taking into account socio-political and multi-cultural factors of economic, business and people management internationally, nationally, provincially/regionally and locally (Development of macro vision).
5. Effectively and responsibly organise and coordinate resources and opportunities in the field of industrial psychology /human resource management by applying advanced relevant highly advanced theoretical aspects and reflect on the application thereof (Entrepreneurship).
6. Accept the responsibility for their own activities in the field of industrial psychology/human resource management (Entrepreneurship, self-responsibility skills).
7. Practice acceptable social sensitivity in this relationships with others and work effectively in a team by implementing relevant highly in a team by implementing the relevant highly advanced theory and reflect on the implementation thereof (Team ship).
8. Utilise appropriate management technology (eg. computer and e-mail) effectively in the industrial psychology/human resource management environment (Technological and environmental literacy).
9. Explore different effective learning strategies to acquire different skills within the field of industrial psychology /human resource management (Explore learning strategies).
10. Promote responsible citizenship through their approach towards the holistic application of management capabilities within the field of industrial psychology/human resource management (Promoting citizenship).
11. Practice acceptable social, cultural and aesthetic sensitivity towards the different role players in the industrial psychology/human resource management industry by applying the appropriate highly advanced theoretical principles and reflect on the application made (Cultural and aesthetic sensitivity).
12. Acquire acceptable employment seeking skills for entry into the different sectors of the sectors of the economic, business and people management industry by applying the highly advanced theoretical principles of employment seeking and reflect on the application thereof (Employment seeking skills).

Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcomes

1. Demonstrate their ability to identify and solve problems in the field of industrial psychology /human resource management correctly by applying the highly advanced theoretical principles correctly and reflect on the application made. (Problem solving skills).
2. Plan and exercise highly advanced research in the field of industrial psychology /human resource management, including the gathering, analysing, synthesising interpretation of information on industrial psychology/human resource management issues correctly by utilising the relevant theoretical research principles and reflect on the research undertaken (Research skills).
3. Communicate effectively orally and in writing on a highly advanced level with the different role players in the field of industrial psychology/human resource management by applying the theoretical principles of communication and reflect on the application made correctly (Communication skills).
4. Develop an accountable and highly advanced effective theoretical and practical macro vision, of economic, business and people management internationally, nationally, provincially/regionally and locally (development of macro vision).
5. Effectively and responsibly organise and coordinate resources and opportunities in the field of industrial psychology /human resource management by applying advanced relevant highly advanced theoretical aspects and reflect on the application thereof (Entrepreneurship).
6. Accept the responsibility for their own activities in the field of industrial psychology/human resource management (Entrepreneurship, self-responsibility skills).
7. Practice acceptable social sensitivity in this relationship with others and work effectively in a team by implementing relevant highly advanced theory and reflect on the implementation thereof (team ship).
8. Utilise appropriate management technology (eg. computer and e-mail) effectively in the industrial psychology/human resource management environment (Technological and environmental literacy).
9. Explore different effective learning strategies to acquire different skills within the field of industrial psychology /human resource management (Explore learning strategies).
10. Promote responsible citizenship through their approach towards the holistic application of management capabilities within the field of industrial psychology/human resource management (Promoting citizenship).
11. Practice acceptable social, cultural and aesthetic sensitivity towards the different role players in the industrial psychology/human resource management industry by applying the appropriate highly advanced theoretical principles and reflect on the application made (Cultural and aesthetic sensitivity).
12. Acquire acceptable employment seeking skills for entry into the different sectors of the economic, business and people management industry by applying the highly advanced theoretical principles of employment seeking and reflect on the application thereof (Employment seeking skills).

Integrated Assessment

Formative assessment practices that will be implemented

Learners are continuously assessed via written ad hoc modular tests and assignments, which will be utilised as an entry requirement for exam purposes. A minimum modular mark of 40% is required for entry into summative assessment.

Learners will also need to complete a written research paper, which will count 50% of their final mark. Learners will assess themselves in the writing of their research article and the subsequent assessment thereof by their supervisor. Further editing and re-writes may be necessary.

Summative assessment practices that will be implemented

Integrated assessment, focusing on the achievement of the exit-level outcomes, will be done by means of a written 3-hour examination per module. A final mark will be calculated on the average of the modular and exam mark.