Organisational Psychology

The Master of Philosophy in Organisational Psychology at the University of Cape Town is a rigorous postgraduate program designed to equip students with comprehensive knowledge and practical skills in understanding human behaviour within organizational settings. This program aims to prepare graduates to assess, examine, and improve workplace dynamics, leadership effectiveness, employee wellbeing, and organizational culture through evidence-based approaches. The curriculum integrates theoretical foundations of psychology with applied practices relevant to diverse organizational contexts, enabling students to translate psychological principles into effective strategies that enhance productivity and staff satisfaction. Throughout the course, students engage with a broad range of topics including talent management, organisational development, change management, and psychometric assessment, fostering a deep understanding of how individuals and groups function within workplaces. The program emphasizes both research and practical experience, encouraging students to undertake comprehensive projects that address real-world challenges faced by organizations in South Africa and globally. By combining academic rigor with industry relevance, the Master of Philosophy in Organisational Psychology prepares graduates for careers in consulting, human resources, training and development, and organisational consulting. Students benefit from access to experienced academics and practitioners, as well as opportunities for internships and collaborative projects with local and international organizations. Graduates of this program are equipped to contribute to organizational effectiveness by applying psychological insights to improve employee engagement, leadership development, and organizational change initiatives. The program also serves as a strong foundation for those wishing to pursue further studies or research within the field of organisational psychology. With its commitment to social relevance and transformation, the University of Cape Town ensures that students are not only academically prepared but also socially aware, ready to make meaningful contributions to sustainable organizational growth and development in diverse settings.

First Year Core Modules

• BUS1036F Evidence-based Management
• ECO1010F Microeconomics
• MAM1010F Mathematics 1010
• PSY1004F Introduction to Psychology (Part 1)
• BUS1007S Introduction to Organisational Psychology
• ECO1011S Macroeconomics
• MAM1012S Mathematics 1012
• PSY1005S Introduction to Psychology (Part 2)
• STA1000S Introductory Statistics

Second Year Core Modules

• ACC1006F Financial Accounting
• ECO2003F Microeconomics II
• BUS2018F Organisational Behaviour and Employee Relations
• FTX2020F Business Finance OR
• FTX2024S Corporate Financial Management
• INF1002F Information Systems I
• ACC1012S Business Accounting OR
• ACC2011S Financial Reporting I
• BUS2010S Marketing 1
• BUS2022S Staffing and Performance
• ECO2004S Macroeconomics II

Third Year Core Modules

• BUS3002F Organisational Learning and Wellness
• BUS3004S Research Methods
• CML1001F Business Law I
• PSY2006F Research in Psychology I
• BUS2033F/S Professional Communication
• PHI2043F/S Business Ethics
• STA2020F/S Applied Statistics
• BUS3038S Introduction to Project Management OR
• An approved 3000 level course
• PSY2003S Social Psychology and Intergroup Relations

Fourth Year Core Modules

• BUS4006W Organisational Psychology Change Management-Coursework
• BUS4050W Strategic Thinking
• BUS4030H Organisational Psychology Change Management-Research Report 

• Certified copies of official academic transcripts in ENGLISH (full transcripts for each tertiary institution attended)
• Certified copies of degree certificates in ENGLISH (for each tertiary institution attended where applicable)

International applicants for whom English is a second language are required to submit one of the following:

• a recent score (obtained within 3 - 5 years before application for admission) of at least 570 (paper-based test) or 230 (computer-based test) on the Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL)
• a recent overall band score of 7.0 (with no individual element of the test scoring below 6.0) on the International English Language Testing System (IELTS).
• or, noting that this may only be written at certain designated venues within South Africa, a score of at least 65% on the university's Placement Test in English for Educational Purposes (PTEEP).

Want to improve your English level for admission?

Prepare for the program requirements with English Online by the British Council.

• ✔️ Flexible study schedule
• ✔️ Experienced teachers
• ✔️ Certificate upon completion

📘 Recommended for students with an IELTS level of 6.0 or below.

Enroll in the course

The University of Cape Town offers various funding options for students enrolled in the Master of Science in Organisational Psychology program. These include government bursaries, university scholarships, financial aid, and external funding opportunities. The government bursaries are typically available to South African citizens and residents, providing partial or full coverage of tuition fees, depending on the applicant's financial need and academic merit. The university also offers merit-based scholarships which are awarded based on academic performance, leadership qualities, and potential contribution to the university community. These scholarships may cover tuition fees, living expenses, or a combination of both, and often require an application process separate from the program application.

In addition to institutional funding, students can explore external funding sources such as private foundations, professional associations, and international organizations that support studies in psychology and related fields. Some organizations provide grants specifically targeting postgraduate students pursuing careers that benefit organizational development and human resource management. The university's financial aid office provides comprehensive guidance and resources to assist students in identifying suitable funding options and preparing applications.

Students are encouraged to apply early and maintain a strong academic record to enhance their eligibility for scholarships and bursaries. The university also offers work-integrated learning opportunities and teaching assistantships, which can provide additional financial support while gaining practical experience in the field of organisational psychology. It is recommended that prospective students consult the University of Cape Town's official website and the financial aid department for the most current and detailed information regarding available financing opportunities, application procedures, and eligibility requirements.

The Master of Philosophy in Organisational Psychology at the University of Cape Town is a postgraduate research program designed for individuals interested in advancing their understanding of human behavior within organizational contexts. This program offers a comprehensive exploration of psychological principles as they apply to workplace settings, focusing on areas such as employee motivation, leadership development, organizational change, and work culture. Students engaging in this program are typically required to undertake rigorous research, contributing original knowledge to the field of organisational psychology. The curriculum usually combines coursework with independent research, supervised by leading academics in the discipline. Graduates of the program are equipped with advanced analytical skills and practical expertise that prepare them for careers in consulting, human resource management, organizational development, or further academic pursuits. The University of Cape Town emphasizes research excellence, and students benefit from access to extensive resources, including state-of-the-art laboratories, libraries, and collaborations with industry partners. The program aims to develop professionals who can effectively apply psychological theories and research methods to solve complex organizational problems, improve employee well-being, and enhance organizational effectiveness. Admission requirements typically include a relevant bachelor's degree with strong academic performance, and specific prerequisites may involve coursework in psychology, research methodology, or related fields. The program operates within the Faculty of Humanities or the Faculty of Commerce, aligning with multidisciplinary approaches to organizational challenges. Overall, the Organisational Psychology master's program at UCT prepares students for leadership roles in various sectors by fostering critical thinking, research proficiency, and practical skills tailored to organizational contexts.