All qualifications and part qualifications registered on the National Qualifications Framework are public property. Thus the only payment that can be made for them is for service and reproduction. It is illegal to sell this material for profit. If the material is reproduced or quoted, the South African Qualifications Authority (SAQA) should be acknowledged as the source. |
SOUTH AFRICAN QUALIFICATIONS AUTHORITY |
REGISTERED QUALIFICATION: |
Bachelor of Commerce Honours in Industrial and Organisational Psychology |
SAQA QUAL ID | QUALIFICATION TITLE | |||
120461 | Bachelor of Commerce Honours in Industrial and Organisational Psychology | |||
ORIGINATOR | ||||
University of Mpumalanga | ||||
PRIMARY OR DELEGATED QUALITY ASSURANCE FUNCTIONARY | NQF SUB-FRAMEWORK | |||
CHE - Council on Higher Education | HEQSF - Higher Education Qualifications Sub-framework | |||
QUALIFICATION TYPE | FIELD | SUBFIELD | ||
Honours Degree | Field 03 - Business, Commerce and Management Studies | Human Resources | ||
ABET BAND | MINIMUM CREDITS | PRE-2009 NQF LEVEL | NQF LEVEL | QUAL CLASS |
Undefined | 120 | Not Applicable | NQF Level 08 | Regular-Provider-ELOAC |
REGISTRATION STATUS | SAQA DECISION NUMBER | REGISTRATION START DATE | REGISTRATION END DATE | |
Registered | EXCO 01213/23 | 2023-02-02 | 2026-02-02 | |
LAST DATE FOR ENROLMENT | LAST DATE FOR ACHIEVEMENT | |||
2027-02-02 | 2030-02-02 |
In all of the tables in this document, both the pre-2009 NQF Level and the NQF Level is shown. In the text (purpose statements, qualification rules, etc), any references to NQF Levels are to the pre-2009 levels unless specifically stated otherwise. |
This qualification does not replace any other qualification and is not replaced by any other qualification. |
PURPOSE AND RATIONALE OF THE QUALIFICATION |
Purpose:
The purpose of Bachelor of Commerce Honours in Industrial and Organisational Psychology is to provide learners with appropriate competencies (skills, knowledge, and attitudes) to continue with research-based postgraduate studies (CHE, 2013). Learners will be able to apply an advanced understanding of theories and methodologies and contribute to the current debates in Industrial and Organisational Psychology. Graduates will be able to plan, design and execute research using the relevant methodology and report on the findings and thus contribute to the generation of knowledge that may be used to address pertinent issues affecting South Africa and globally. The qualification is a steppingstone for two quite separate career paths, one being that of research and possibly academia, and the other that of professional practice. Graduates will be able to apply for an internship programme in psychometrics. Completion of an internship will enable them to register as psychometrists with the Professional Board for Psychology of the Health Professions Council of South Africa (HPCSA). Learners can also apply to enrol for a Professional Master's Degree in Industrial Psychology, which will enable them to become an Industrial Psychologists registered with the HPCSA. On completion of the qualification, qualifying learners will be able to: All modules will include problem-based learning and will contribute to the achievement of this outcome. Rationale: South Africa needs academic staff and researchers who will contribute to the production of knowledge in Industrial and Organisational Psychology. The qualification will produce graduates who have mastered a systematic and coherent body of knowledge and an understanding of underlying discipline-related theories, concepts, and principles to further their studies in the specialisation of choice and to join the ranks of academia. This 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 graduates who are professional and ethical in their roles within the economy and society. The qualification will increase, and transform the leadership base in South Africa, both for innovation and science-based economic and research development for the future of Industrial and Organisational Psychologists (IOP) generations and labour relations practitioners. This qualification has become increasingly relevant in the modern era. Evidence can be found in the significant volume of research-based publications, providing Industrial and Organisational Psychologists not only with a deeper understanding of human behaviour in the workplace but also insight into the physical and psychological conditions of employees in diverse socio-economic work environments. These insights ultimately result in an improvement in the quality of life for employees, as well as the overall effectiveness of organisations in a local and global context. Industrial and Organisational Psychology (IOP) makes large contributions to organisational effectiveness by enhancing the performance, satisfaction, wellbeing, motivation, and attitudes of employees. There are several different activities to be performed to apply industrial and organisational psychological practices to the industry. These include job and performance analyses that indicate not only the level and type of skills and knowledge required of employees to do a particular job but also their tasks and responsibilities as well as their performance expectations. This in turn relates closely to employee motivation, which in its positive form not only improves productivity but also has a significant impact on staff retention rates. Industrial and Organisational Psychologists also study the work environment and recommend changes resulting in increased production and motivation and the elimination of any negative influences. They develop rating scales and examine work samples to evaluate job performance. Moreover, these professionals become involved in the recruitment and hiring of qualified and competent staff for various jobs within the organisation. Methods used for selecting appropriate candidates for a job include reviewing applicant qualifications, applying specific screening procedures, conducting structured interviews and psychometric testing. IOP is a rapidly expanding profession offering many diverse career opportunities in private and public enterprises. Within universities, Industrial and Organisational Psychologists conduct research as well as teach undergraduate and graduate learners. Pharmaceutical companies, energy production and motor manufacturing companies, hospitality businesses and governmental agencies are some examples of enterprises that recruit graduates of IOP. Some Industrial and Organisational Psychologists become independent consultants. There are numerous job opportunities for graduates of IOP within South Africa, and the profession offers above-average lifestyle benefits and financial rewards. The curriculum has been developed after a comparison exercise and a needs analysis, including consultation with relevant stakeholders. The qualification forms the bridge to further postgraduate research-based studies, and it is expected that many learners will progress to Master's and Doctoral studies and contribute to research-based solutions to challenges, issues, and questions in Industrial and Organisational Psychology. It is also expected that graduates from Master's and Doctoral programmes will remain in academia and contribute to training the next generation of learners in the field. |
LEARNING ASSUMED TO BE IN PLACE AND RECOGNITION OF PRIOR LEARNING |
Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL):
The institution has an approved Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL) policy applicable to equivalent qualifications for admission into the qualification. RPL will be applied to accommodate applicants who qualify. RPL thus provides alternative access and admission to qualifications, as well as advancement within qualifications. RPL for access: RPL for exemption of modules: RPL for credit: Entry Requirements: The minimum entry requirement for this qualification is: Or Or Or Or |
RECOGNISE PREVIOUS LEARNING? |
Y |
QUALIFICATION RULES |
This qualification consists of the following compulsory and elective modules at National Qualifications Framework Level 8 totalling 120 Credits.
Compulsory Modules, Level 8, 105 Credits: Elective Modules, Level 8, 15 Credits (choose one module): |
EXIT LEVEL OUTCOMES |
1. Demonstrate an advanced understanding of and critical insight into the principles, theories and methodological approaches underpinning the study of Industrial and Organisational Psychology.
2. Apply the detailed knowledge and understanding of Industrial and Organisational Psychology to constructively contribute to academic debate and problem-solving. 3. Critically reflect on the diversity of approaches to the generation of knowledge and what constitutes knowledge and research in Industrial and Organisational Psychology. 4. Demonstrate the ability to access information from a diverse range of sources to address complex problems and issues, evaluate the sources and the information, and use this information to develop and sustain an argument in which different knowledge perspectives and interests are integrated, multiple views accommodated, and creative tension managed. 5. Demonstrate the ability to select and implement an appropriate research paradigm, data collection method/s and method/s of analysis, including both qualitative and quantitative analytical methods. 6. Demonstrate an advanced knowledge of professional ethics in general and in specialisation in Industrial and Organisational Psychology and apply it in decisions, and actions. 7. Undertake independent and original research in a specialised area of industrial and organizational psychology, starting from identifying a research problem, collecting data, analysing the data, through to completion of the research and preparation of the research report. 8. Work effectively as part of a group, taking the lead when required and taking full responsibility for personal work and that of the team members when appropriate. 9. Communicate confidently and effectively, orally and in writing, to professional and lay audiences using appropriate language and technology. 10. Reflect critically on personal learning and intellectual development and develop appropriate learning strategies to address learning and professional development needs. |
ASSOCIATED ASSESSMENT CRITERIA |
Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 1:
Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 2: Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 3: Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 4: Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 5: Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 6: Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 7: Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 8: Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 9: Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 10: |
INTERNATIONAL COMPARABILITY |
The designs and development of the qualification are compatible and comparable with international best practices or standards for similar qualifications.
Country: United States of America Institution: DePaul University Qualification Title: Bachelor of Arts (BA) Honours in Industrial and Organisational Psychology Credits: 192 credit hours Duration: Four years full time Entry requirements: Learners should have completed the undergraduate requirements with a grade point average of 3.2 or higher; a strong GPA of at least 3.5 is preferred. Applicants must have earned a high school diploma or its equivalent at the time of enrolment. Purpose: Bachelor of Arts students will choose from one of six concentrations: Community, Comprehensive Evening Program, Human Development, Human Services, Industrial/Organizational, or Standard. Learners will be taught psychological theories and research methodologies, as well as gain an understanding of both scientific and applied psychology. The combined Bachelor's and Master's degree programs allow learners to complete 12 graduate credit hours while still undergraduates. These 12 graduate credit hours will count toward both the undergraduate and graduate degree programs. This qualification was designed and approved by DePaul University in the late 1980s to give qualified DePaul undergraduates the opportunity to earn both a Bachelor of Arts and Master's Degree in the field of Industrial and Organizational Psychology. Only learners who are pursuing an undergraduate degree at DePaul are eligible to apply for this qualification. The qualification leads to a terminal Master's Degree and should not be seen as an intermediate step towards a doctoral degree. Industrial-Organizational (I-O) psychology is the scientific study of the workplace. Rigour and methods of psychology are applied to issues of critical relevance to business, including talent management, coaching, assessment, selection, training, organizational development, performance, and work-life balance. Qualification structure: The qualification consists of nine modules taken during year four which carry 36 credit hours; these 36 credit hours are added to the completed 156 credit hours to produce 192 credit hours, which meets the minimum requirement for conferral of the BA degree. Similarities: The following fourth-year modules of the DePaul University (DPU) qualification are comparable to the South African (SA) qualification. > Psychology of Leadership compares with Organisational Behaviour. Differences: Country: United States of America Institution: Robert Morris University Qualification Title: Honours in Industrial Organisational Psychology Duration: Four-year full time Entry Requirements: Learners seeking to enrol as first-time freshmen must submit official high school transcripts showing all grades and GPA, or a General Equivalency Diploma (GED). Preference is given to learners with a 3.0 GPA or higher. Purpose: The industrial-organizational psychology concentration is concerned with the scientific study of working, and the application of that science to workplace issues facing individuals, teams, and organizations. In this fast-growing field, the scientific method is applied to investigate issues of critical relevance to individuals, businesses, and society. Coursework includes business classes on management theory and organizational behaviour. Learners will have an opportunity to complete a psychology thesis and a 120-hour practicum. Similarities: The following fourth-year Robert Morris University (RMU) compulsory modules are comparable to the South African (SA) qualification. Differences: Country: United Kingdom Institution: Aston University (Birmingham) Qualification Title: Honours in Industrial / Organisational Psychology Duration: 4 years (with placement year) Entry Requirements: Five GCSEs at grade C/4 and must include Mathematics and English Language or English Literature. Purpose/Rationale: Psychology is a fascinating subject that aims to understand why people behave in the way that they do, by considering the complex interplay between biological, psychological, environmental, cultural, and social influences on behaviour. Alongside this, studying Business will provide learners with a breadth of business knowledge including the functions of management and the science of decision-making. Psychology and Business are, therefore, an ideal combination of complementary disciplines, with Psychology providing learners with an understanding of the foundations of human behaviour and insights into methods of changing behaviour. This understanding can then be applied to Business contexts, such as managing and motivating the workforce, making effective business decisions, and communicating effectively with customers. Likewise, studying Business will enable learners to understand psychological knowledge and theories in the context of a real-world setting. Psychology and business graduates have important skills that employers value very highly, such as: These attributes make graduates excellent candidates for careers in occupational, educational and clinical psychology, as well as for careers in areas such as human resources, social services, management consultancy, and creative industries (for example, advertising and marketing). On successful graduation from the qualification (this includes the completion of a work placement, appropriate choice of final year modules, and payment of the appropriate membership fee) learners will also be eligible to become an Associate Member of the Chartered Institute of Personnel and Development (CIPD). This four-year degree focuses on the practical applications of psychology and business and the links between theory and practice. Learners will study the theories, principles, and underlying concepts of the main functions of management (people management in particular) and develop a strong understanding of business models and processes. They will also examine how strategic decision-making within organisations takes place and develop the ability to recognise and analyse the social and organisational parameters within which modern managers make decisions. Qualification structure: Compulsory Modules: Elective Modules (Select two modules): Assessment: Learners will be assessed throughout the course via a wide range of assessments linked to learning outcomes. These include: Similarities: The following AUB compulsory and elective modules compare favourably with the SA qualification compulsory modules. Differences: Country: Scotland Institution: Abertay University Qualification Title: Honours in Business and Human Resource Management Duration: Four years full time Entry Requirements: All applicants must have passed in English and Maths, Application of Maths or Life skill Maths - National 5 grade C or GCSE grade C/4 or equivalent. National 5 ESOL is accepted in lieu of National 5 English. Higher Application of Maths at grade C accepted. Purpose: This qualification will enable learners to develop the knowledge to make significant contributions to the management of people in organisations. This qualification combines psychology with human resource management (HRM). Learners will engage with the challenges and issues faced by managers and HR practitioners in all sectors and types of organisations, in theory, and practice. Qualification structure: The qualification is part of a larger portfolio of 12 courses covering business, accounting, and marketing and the fourth year consists of four compulsory modules and two elective modules. Learning and Assessment: Learners will be assessed via a combination of methods: Similarities: Differences: |
ARTICULATION OPTIONS |
This qualification allows possibilities for both vertical and horizontal articulation.
Horizontal Articulation: Vertical Articulation: |
MODERATION OPTIONS |
N/A |
CRITERIA FOR THE REGISTRATION OF ASSESSORS |
N/A |
NOTES |
N/A |
LEARNING PROGRAMMES RECORDED AGAINST THIS QUALIFICATION: |
NONE |
PROVIDERS CURRENTLY ACCREDITED TO OFFER THIS QUALIFICATION: |
This information shows the current accreditations (i.e. those not past their accreditation end dates), and is the most complete record available to SAQA as of today. Some Primary or Delegated Quality Assurance Functionaries have a lag in their recording systems for provider accreditation, in turn leading to a lag in notifying SAQA of all the providers that they have accredited to offer qualifications and unit standards, as well as any extensions to accreditation end dates. The relevant Primary or Delegated Quality Assurance Functionary should be notified if a record appears to be missing from here. |
1. | University of Mpumalanga |
All qualifications and part qualifications registered on the National Qualifications Framework are public property. Thus the only payment that can be made for them is for service and reproduction. It is illegal to sell this material for profit. If the material is reproduced or quoted, the South African Qualifications Authority (SAQA) should be acknowledged as the source. |