Master of Philosophy in Industrial Psychology

Purpose

During the course of study the students will further develop their written and oral communication skills and demonstrate competence in independently undertaking and concluding advanced and original scientific research. The qualification may allow access to an internship which may eventually lead to registration as Industrial Psychologists with the Professional Board for Psychology of the Health Professions Council of South Africa (HPCSA).

Rationale

The student should be able to develop applied competence at an advanced level, specifically in the analysis, interpretation and application of Industrial Psychology principles and methods. The student should furthermore be able to identify, contextualise, and/or interpret industrial psychological theories and research.

A student must be computer literate and have Internet access. A student must have completed an honours module in Research Methodology (NQF Level 7).

Access to the Qualification

Access will be granted to a student who is in possession of an Honours qualification in Industrial Psychology or the equivalent thereof, which is evaluated as NQF Level 7.

Learning Components (Curriculum)

First Year, First and Second Semester

Module (Research): Minor Dissertation: Industrial Psychology.

NQF Level: 8.

NQF Credits: 120.

First Year, Year Modules

Module (course work): Advanced Industrial Psychology Research Module.

NQF Level: 8.

Credits: 40.

Calculation Criteria

• Minimum Full Period Mark for Examination Admission - 40%.
• Full Period Mark Weight - 50%.
• Examination Mark Weight - 50%.

Purpose

This module will provide learners with qualitative and quantitative research skills, which will allow them to conduct independent research and to critically read the industrial psychology literature.

Module (course work): Advanced Industrial Psychology Theory.

NQF Level: 8.

Credits: 40.

Calculation Criteria

• Minimum Full Period Mark for Examination Admission - 40%.
• Full Period Mark Weight - 50%.
• Examination Mark Weight - 50%.

Purpose

The purpose of this module is firstly to provide students with an overview and necessary background of Industrial and Organisational Psychology (IOP) as one of the fastest growing areas in Psychology; and secondly in view of the current and future trends in the field, to facilitate a greater understanding and appreciation for IOP as a science.

Module (course work): Advanced Industrial Psychology Practice.

NQF Level: 8.

Credits: 40.

Calculation Criteria

• Minimum Full Period Mark for Examination Admission - 40%.
• Full Period Mark Weight - 50%.
• Examination Mark Weight - 50%.

Purpose

The purpose of this module is to develop and enhance the applied competence on an advanced level in mastering, analysis, interpretation and application of industrial and organisational psychological knowledge and principles in individual and organisational contexts.

Research Time: 50%.

The minimum duration of a master's programme is one academic years (part time or full time). Residency less than the prescribed minimum period is not granted.

Module (course work): Advanced Industrial Psychology Research Module.

Specific Outcomes

• Understand the epistemological bases of qualitative and quantitative research methods.
• Design, analyse and interpret a qualitative study.
• Design, analyse and interpret a quantitative study.

Module (course work): Advanced Industrial Psychology Theory.

Specific Outcomes

• Conceptualise how the discipline of Psychology in general and IOP in particular developed and evolved into its present status.
• Discuss the broad areas that serve as basis of behaviour.
• Discuss organization theory (OT) as a focus on different ways of organizing human activity.
• Contextualize and apply ethics, human rights and medical law principles.
• Reflect on the emergence of positive psychology and especially its impact on the work environment.
• Apply theories and concepts from the fields of Advanced Personnel and Career psychology.

Module (course work): Advanced Industrial Psychology Practice.

Specific Outcomes

The student should be able to

• Explain and demonstrate knowledge regarding the practice of industrial psychological assessment and conduct a helping/supporting relationship in a working environment and conduct a complete career counselling process.
• Discuss organisational development as an eclectic area of Industrial Psychology as a process of assisting organisations in preparing for and facilitating change.
• Discuss the principles of change facilitation in an organisational context in selected recognised theoretical change focus areas.
• Demonstrate that he/she has the competence to apply existing knowledge and basic skills in a field setting. This involves the planning and execution of the project as members of dedicated project teams, under the close supervision of university academic staff. The practical intervention will be done in a field setting.

The assessment of coursework modules takes place in accordance with Faculty specific regulations as determined by the Faculty Board, approved by Senate and contained in the relevant Faculty Rules and Regulations.

• Students pass a coursework module if they obtain a final mark if at least 50%.
• Students pass a coursework module with distinction if they obtain a final mark if at least 75%.

The master's Degree candidates are responsible for the technical and linguistic editing of the minor dissertation, prior to submission for final summative assessment.

Submission of the final minor dissertation for assessment purposes, with reference to the presentation format, content and layout, is in accordance with faculty-specific regulations as determined by the relevant Faculty Board, Senate Higher Degrees Committee, approved by Senate and contained in the Faculty Rules and Regulations.

A minor dissertation is submitted for final summative assessment, subject to the written permission of the supervisors, which does not guarantee a successful outcome of the assessment procedure. If a dispute should arise about the readiness of the thesis for final summative assessment, the Executive Dean of the Faculty makes a final decision in accordance with the Higher Degrees and Postgraduate Studies Policy.

The final submission of the minor dissertation is in accordance with the final submission dates per semester as contained in the University's Year Programme to ensure timely completion of the assessment process.

The final mark is calculated in accordance with the requirements determined by the Faculty Board, approved by Senate and contained in the Faculty Riles and Regulations. The following results are possible for a minor dissertation:

• Acceptance and awarding of a pass mark of 50% to 74%.
• Acceptance and awarding of a cum laude of 75% or above.
• Conditional acceptance, with the awarding of a mark, subject to minor corrections being made to the satisfaction of the supervisors.
• Recommendation of substantial amendments, without the awarding of a mark, and with a recommendation/request by the assessor for resubmission and reassessment within a period of three months.
• Rejection and warding of a mark reflecting a fail (less that 50%), in which case no reassessment is recommended or considered.

The Master's Degree can only be conferred after the successful completion of every requirement of each component of the degree.