Program Overview

Programme: BComHons Industrial Psychology

The BComHons Industrial Psychology programme is offered by the Faculty of Economic and Management Sciences, Department of Human Resource Management.

Programme Information

The programme consists of eight modules, with four full-year modules, two modules presented in the first semester, and two modules presented in the second semester.

• Candidates must familiarise themselves with the General Academic Regulations regarding the maximum period of registration and other requirements for honours degrees.

Admission Requirements

To be admitted to the programme, candidates must meet the following requirements:

1. Relevant BCom degree
2. Psychometrics passed at final-year level
3. Weighted average of at least 65% for Industrial Psychology at final-year level
4. At least 65% for the research component at undergraduate level

Additional Requirements

• BTech degrees are not accepted.
• Registration for a second field of study: With reference to General Academic Regulation G23, a student who has already completed a bachelor of honours degree at this or another university, may, with the permission of the Dean, register for another degree, subject to the regulations applicable to the field of study in question and to any other stipulations the Dean may prescribe on the condition that there shall be no overlap in the course content of the first degree and the second degree.
• Recognition of modules:
  • Subject to the stipulations of General Academic Regulation G23 and the Joint Statute, a dean may acknowledge modules passed at another tertiary institution or at this university in a department other than that in which the honours study is undertaken for the honours degree – provided that at least half of the required modules for the degree in question are attended and passed at this university.
  • If there is overlap in the course content of the degree for which the student wishes to enrol or is enrolled and a degree already conferred, the Dean may not acknowledge any modules that form part of the degree already conferred.

Examinations and Pass Requirements

• The head of department determines when the honours examinations will take place, provided that:
  • honours examinations which do not take place before the end of the academic year must take place before the closing date of the special exam period in the beginning of the following academic year, and all examination results must be submitted to Student Administration before the closing date of submission of marks;
  • honours examinations which do not take place before the end of the first semester may take place no later than the closing date of the exam period, and all examination results must be submitted to Student Administration on or before the closing date of submission of marks.
• The head of the department determines whether a candidate will be admitted to a supplementary examination, provided that a supplementary examination is granted, only once in a maximum of two prescribed semester modules or once in one year module.
• The manner in which research reports are prepared and examined in the department is determined by the head of the department.
• Supplementary examinations (if granted) cover the same subject matter as was the case for the examinations.
• A student may not enrol for the same module more than once, unless the dean has approved a second enrolment based on an application supported by a valid reason or motivation.

Pass with Distinction

To be awarded the degree with distinction, a student must meet the following criteria:

• Obtain a Grade Point Average of at least 75% including at least 75% in the Research Report;
• Complete the degree within the minimum period prescribed;
• Only the final mark of the first attempt to pass the modules or dissertation will be considered;
• The GPA will not be rounded up to a whole number.

General Information

• Minimum credits: 120
• The University of Pretoria Programme Qualification Mix (PQM) verification project: The higher education sector has undergone an extensive alignment to the Higher Education Qualification Sub-Framework (HEQF) across all institutions in South Africa.

Core Modules

The programme consists of the following core modules:

• HRC 701: Research Methodology 701 (Credits: 12.00)
  • Module content: This module requires students to identify research problems/gaps, formulate a problem statement and literature study and develop research objectives/questions/hypotheses within the fields of Industrial Psychology, Human Resource Management and Labour Relations.
• HRC 703: Personnel and career psychology 703 (Credits: 12.00)
  • Module content: To understand and develop insight regarding personnel psychology, career dynamics; career development and the framework in which career management, and personnel psychology can be pursued.
• HRC 704: Employee health and safety 704 (Credits: 12.00)
  • Module content: Understand and apply the legal aspects of the Health and Safety Act 85 of 1993, and what is meant with 'health' and 'safety' in the work context.
• HRC 705: Organisational psychology and diversity management 705 (Credits: 12.00)
  • Module content: Know and apply theories pertaining to group dynamics, leadership and group functioning and how to utilise groups in decision-making, problem-solving and reaching organisational objectives.
• IPS 700: Research report 700 (Credits: 30.00)
  • Module content: This module requires the student to demonstrate their ability to conduct independent research by conducting research on a topic in the Industrial Psychology field and submit a research report.
• IPS 701: Psychometrics and assessment 701 (Credits: 15.00)
  • Module content: Know and apply all ethical and legal aspects, theories of assessment and report writing guidelines pertaining to psychological measurement.
• IPS 702: Industrial counselling 702 (Credits: 12.00)
  • Module content: The overall purpose of this module is to equip the student with the necessary knowledge and skills to act as an Industrial Counsellor in the workplace.
• IPS 703: Industrial psychology practicum 703 (Credits: 15.00)
  • Module content: Compile a portfolio concerning practicums pertaining to psychological assessment and industrial counselling, as well as organisational, personnel and career psychology.