How to Become An Industrial Psychologist In South Africa

Industrial psychologists work with an organization’s human resources department, observing employees’ behavior in the work environment, assessing organizational workflows and practices, and identifying opportunities for improvement.

What is the role of an industrial psychologist?

An industrial psychologist applies psychological theory to an organization, rather than an individual. Specifically, they look at how employees within the organization relate to their work environment.

What is industrial psychology and how it works?

Industrial-organizational psychology is the branch of psychology that applies psychological theories and principles to organizations. Often referred to as I-O psychology, this field focuses on increasing workplace productivity and related issues such as the physical and mental well-being of employees.

CAREER REQUIREMENT

Degree LevelMaster’s degree or doctoral degree, depending on career objectives
Degree FieldI-O psychology or related field
Licensure and CertificationIndividuals using the title of psychologist may need to obtain licensure
Experience1-2 year internship is required to qualify for licensure
Key SkillsAnalytical skills; an ability to teach and conduct research is required for university positions
Mean Annual Salary (May 2018)R 1590444.60

The Role of Industrial Psychology in the Workplace:

Industrial psychologists work with an organization’s human resources department, observing employees’ behavior in the work environment, assessing organizational workflows and practices, and identifying opportunities for improvement. The following constitute the main subject areas of industrial psychology:

Recruitment.

Industrial psychologists assist the human resources department with the development of recruitment processes and the selection of personnel. This includes the development of job announcements, defining key qualifications, and developing selection assessments.

Employee training and development.

Industrial psychologists perform job analyses whereby the skills and abilities necessary to perform a specific job effectively are determined. The information and insights gained from these analyses are used to develop and evaluate employee skills development and training programs.

Employee satisfaction and work-life.

This area of industrial psychology is concerned with employee satisfaction, motivation, health, safety, and well-being. In this respect, the role of the industrial psychologist is to evaluate employees’ well-being and happiness at work and find ways to improve the work environment, and implement work-life balance programs, if necessary.

Performance management.

Industrial psychologists help organizations with the measurement and management of employee performance by developing and conducting performance assessments, identifying skills gaps, and providing feedback and recommendations.

The information gained from these assessments is often used to inform decisions regarding compensation and promotions.

Organizational development and management.

This area of industrial psychology is concerned with organizational structure and performance. An organization would engage an industrial psychologist to determine how efficient, productive, and profitable the organization is and to assist with matters pertaining to corporate culture and structural changes within the organization.

Below are steps to Become An Industrial Psychologist In South Africa

Step 1: Bachelor’s Degree Program

The first step for prospective I-O psychologists is to complete a bachelor’s degree program. Although no specific undergraduate degree is required, students who do not major in psychology will want to be sure to take some foundational classes in psychological principles, statistics, social psychology and research methodology.

Some colleges may offer a specific I-O major, which could be of interest to students who know early in their education that they want to pursue a career in I-O psychology.

Step 2: Master’s Degree Program

Practicing I-O psychology in the private sector usually requires a master’s degree. Master’s degree programs vary in their requirements and in the types of careers for which they prepare their graduates.

A Master of Arts (M.A.) or Master of Science (M.S.) program, for example, may include an option to complete a thesis and could prepare students for both industry work and for further study at the doctoral level.

Step 3: Consider a Doctoral Degree

Students wanting to focus on research and teaching in their careers will want to complete a Ph.D. program. Doctoral programs generally take 3-5 years to complete, and coursework varies according to the interests of the student.

Students usually complete about two years of coursework and spend the rest of the time doing research for and writing a dissertation. An internship or practicum may also be required.

Step 4: Consider Licensure

Most states require anyone using the job title of psychologist to be licensed.

To become licensed, an individual must graduate from a doctoral degree program, complete a supervised internship, and pass the Examination for Professional Practice in Psychology (EPPP). Licensure may not be appropriate for individuals working in the private sector or for some researchers and teachers.

How long does it take to become an industrial psychologist in South Africa?

A directed Master’s degree programme in psychology approved by the HPCSA. Successful completion of a full-time approved internship of 12 months duration. Successful completion of the National Examination of the Professional Board for Psychology in the relevant registration category.

How long does it take to become an industrial psychologist In South Africa?

I/O psychology is a professional-level career that demands at least a Master of Arts or Master of Science. Most master’s programs require at least 18 to 24 months. With the four years of a bachelor’s degree and two years of a master’s degree, the minimum time to become an industrial psychologist is six years.

What are the requirements to be an industrial psychologist In South Africa?

Industrial psychologists, or industrial-organizational psychologists, require at least a master’s degree and may need a doctoral degree depending on career goals. Some may need to be licensed as a psychologist in their state.

How long does it take to become a psychologist in South Africa?

Five years full-time formal education in psychology, i.e. a three-year bachelor’s degree, majoring in psychology or its equivalent, plus an honours degree in psychology, plus a directed master’s degree programme in psychology approved by the HPCSA.

What do industrial psychologists earn in South Africa?

The average pay for an Industrial Psychologist is ZAR 838,490 a year and ZAR 403 an hour in Cape Town, South Africa. The average salary range for an Industrial Psychologist is between ZAR 590,203 and ZAR 1,051,354. On average, a Master’s Degree is the highest level of education for an Industrial Psychologist.

Is industrial psychology a good career?

Whether you’re interested in helping companies create processes that improve employee happiness and productivity, or you want to use data to guide solid decision making related to growth and talent acquisition, earning your master’s degree in industrial-organizational psychology will put you in a position for a high- .

Where can I study industrial psychology in South Africa?

Industrial Psychology

UniversityAreaAccredited Program
University of JohannesburgJohannesburgMA Industrial Psychology
University of Kwazulu NatalDurbanMA Industrial Psychology
University of PretoriaPretoriaMA Industrial Psychology
University of the Western CapeCape TownMA Industrial Psychology

Do you need a PHD to be an industrial/organizational psychologist?

Managerial, coaching, and consulting positions in industrial-organizational psychology tend to require a master’s or doctoral degree in the field, plus at least two years of supervised work experience. A practicum, postdoctoral program, or internship can count toward this work experience.

How much does it cost to study industrial psychology in South Africa?

How much does it cost to study psychology in South Africa. According to articles on low-enrollment universities, undergraduate programs in South Africa will cost you R 36468.05- R 65642.49. At the same time, graduate programs will cost you around R 39385.49- R 43761.66. The price is for one academic year.