Industrial-Organisational Psychology applies psychological theories, principles, and research to the work context. It deals with individual and group behaviour in organisations and the management of people in the workplace.

If you decide to study Industrial-Organisational Psychology, you will gain an in-depth understanding of what drives people’s behaviour. By understanding people, you can carefully select how to communicate and structure organisations and processes to influence people’s behaviour at work.

An undergraduate degree in Industrial and Organisational Psychology prepares you for roles in a variety of areas across industries, including change management, reward and recognition, talent management, diversity and inclusion, organisational strategy, employee relations, learning and development, performance management, and human resources management.

When considering your options for an undergraduate degree in Industrial and Organisational Psychology it's important to look at all the available degrees that you can choose from. Industrial and Organisational Psychology is offered through both the Humanities and Commerce Faculty.

It is important to note that regardless of which faculty you register in, students complete the same courses. 

Students who want to pair Industrial-Organisational Psychology with foundational business practices may choose to register for a Bachelor of Business Science specialising in Industrial and Organisational Psychology (BBusSc). This choice is limited to students who have Matric Mathematics (not Mathematical Literacy).

Unlike the Humanities degrees below, the BBusSc has a set curriculum over 4-years (the fourth year includes your Honours year). Students complete courses in areas such as Economics, Maths, Statistics, Finance, Accounting, Marketing, Ethics, Project Management, and Professional Communication, to name a few. The business courses paired with the Industrial-Organisational Psychology courses provide a solid business-focussed degree with Industrial and Organisational Psychology as a specialisation.

For more information on the courses, please refer to the Commerce Undergraduate Handbook. 

Students who want a flexible degree or who are unable to gain entry into the Commerce Faculty can take Industrial and Organisational Psychology as a major in their Humanities degree. Industrial and Organisational Psychology can be chosen as part of the following degree structures:

• Bachelor of Social Science (BSocSc)
• Bachelor of Arts (BA)

Students register for a BSocSc or a BA, depending on their second choice major.

For more information on the courses, please refer to the Humanities Undergraduate Handbook.