BUS5033W - Organisational Psychology Masters Coursework

Masters Programme in Organisational Psychology

Who should enrol for this programme?

The programme is aimed at people who work in the human resource field. Selection criteria are academic performance, the University's employment equity policy and relevant working experience. An Honours degree in Human Resource Management / Organisational Psychology / or the broad field of people management is a requirement for entrance.

Can I do this if I work full time?

Classes are scheduled from 17h00-19h00, two days per week. Coursework assignments, research dissertations, presentations and supervisory meetings are scheduled to suit people who work full time.

How long is this programme?

The Masters programme is a one-year, full time programme. Students could enrol as occasional students over a two-year period, but this will have cost implications. The course starts in February and ends in November.

What does the programme offer?

The central theme of the programme is the human resource practitioner as a strategic business partner. Nowhere in South Africa are senior students equipped to take up the role of a strategic partner in an organisation. As a rule, students are exposed to the latest research and best practice interventions in the South African workplace. Lecturers and practitioners who present this programme are considered to be specialists in their fields.

The programme consists of two parts: a coursework section and a research project (a mini-thesis of 20,000 words).

The coursework section of the programme consists of two compulsory modules, Organisational Context, and Research Methods. Students then choose any four modules from: HR Programme Evaluation, Strategic Labour Relations, Reward Management & Talent Retention, Strategic Interventions, Psychological Assessment or New Worlds of Work (click on each module for more information).

Students choose a research project offered by a supervisor (or suggest a project themselves if they can find a suitable supervisor). The research project is aligned with the Research Methods module and structured in such a way that students are able to complete it within one year.

Does the programme lead to registration as an Industrial Psychologist?

The programme is recognised by the Health Professions Council or South Africa for registration as an Industrial Psychologist. Apart from the knowledge and skills required by the profession, students who complete this programme will have superior strategic skills to present to senior management the benefits of a psychological assessment programme for leadership or special groups. In addition, the programme is structured in such a way that it enables students to complete their coursework and research dissertation before they start their twelve month internship at an accredited institution.

Who should I contact?

Please contact Associate Professor Burger van Lill at Burger.VanLill@uct.ac.za or 021-6503829.

How do I apply?

Students applying for the Masters programme should complete both the official University application form as well as a departmental application form from the School of Management Studies (click here for the departmental form).

Completed application forms must be submitted by 30 November in the year preceding that for which the application is made.