How do you become an organisational psychologist?
Industrial or organisational psychology (as it is referred to at UCT) is one of five psychology categories in which you can register with the Health Professions Council of South Africa (HPCSA).
You can become an organisational psychologist and practice as an independent practitioner by following the steps below:
1. Completing an undergraduate degree majoring in organisational psychology. In the Organisational Psychology Section at UCT you can obtain a:
- Bachelor of Business Science
- Bachelor of Social Science
- Bachelor of Arts
- or a Bcom specialising in Organisational Psychology.
2. Complete an honours degree specialising in organisational psychology.
3. Complete an HPCSA accredited professional Masters degree in organisational psychology and register as a student psychologist with the HPCSA. HPCSA accredited degrees help to ensure alignment to best practice and are a requirement for registration.
Therefore, ensuring you choose the right institution with an accredited degree is crucial to ensure you can complete the registration process. The organisational psychology Masters programme at UCT is accredited by the HPCSA.
4. Register as an intern psychologist with the HPCSA and complete a supervised HPCSA approved 12-month internship programme at a training institution. During this time, you will be an employee of your training organisation and undergo extensive and specialised training in all the areas of Industrial Psychology. Your internship will be run and supervised by the training organisation and would also need to be externally supervised by a registered Organisational Psychologist at a training university such as UCT.
5. Pass the National Examination of the Professional Board for Psychology.
FAQs:
Do I have what it takes?
If you want to know if Industrial-Organisational Psychology is a good fit for you, have a look at the typical job description and personal profile for the typical Industrial Organisational Psychologist at this helpful link.
Is the Section for Organisational Psychology at UCT accredited to supervise internships?
Yes, we are fully accredited by the HPCSA to supervise Organisational Psychology internships. A good proportion of our academic staff are practising Organisational Psychologists and you will be allocated to one of our experienced supervisors for the duration of your internship. (Please note that we do not supervise Intern Psychometrists, nor is our Honours degree accredited as academic training towards Psychometrist internships).
When should I register as a student psychologist?
Student’s of psychology can only register with the HPCSA once registered for an accredited Master’s programme and must do so within 4 months of the date of commencement of the relevant Master's programme.
Are you required to complete community service to register as an Organisational Psychologist?
No, currently you just need to complete a 12-month supervised HPCSA approved internship after completing the relevant educational training, after which you can write National Examination of the Professional Board for Psychology to register.
Are there any professional associations in South Africa that I can be affiliated to build my career once I register as an Organisational Psychologist?
Yes, the two notable associations you can be affiliated to are Psychological Society of South Africa (PSYSSA) and the Society for Industrial and Organisational Psychology of SA (SIOPSA).
Who should I contact if I have any further questions?
Professor Francois de Kock. He is the convener for internships, here's his email address: francois.dekock@uct.ac.za.