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SOUTH AFRICAN QUALIFICATIONS AUTHORITY 
REGISTERED QUALIFICATION: 

Master of Commerce in Human Resource Management 
SAQA QUAL ID QUALIFICATION TITLE
100919  Master of Commerce in Human Resource Management 
ORIGINATOR
North West University 
PRIMARY OR DELEGATED QUALITY ASSURANCE FUNCTIONARY NQF SUB-FRAMEWORK
CHE - Council on Higher Education  HEQSF - Higher Education Qualifications Sub-framework 
QUALIFICATION TYPE FIELD SUBFIELD
Master's Degree  Field 03 - Business, Commerce and Management Studies  Human Resources 
ABET BAND MINIMUM CREDITS PRE-2009 NQF LEVEL NQF LEVEL QUAL CLASS
Undefined  180  Not Applicable  NQF Level 09  Regular-Provider-ELOAC 
REGISTRATION STATUS SAQA DECISION NUMBER REGISTRATION START DATE REGISTRATION END DATE
Reregistered  EXCO 0821/24  2021-07-01  2027-06-30 
LAST DATE FOR ENROLMENT LAST DATE FOR ACHIEVEMENT
2028-06-30   2031-06-30  

In all of the tables in this document, both the pre-2009 NQF Level and the NQF Level is shown. In the text (purpose statements, qualification rules, etc), any references to NQF Levels are to the pre-2009 levels unless specifically stated otherwise.  

This qualification does not replace any other qualification and is not replaced by any other qualification. 

PURPOSE AND RATIONALE OF THE QUALIFICATION 
Purpose:
This Master's qualification in Labour Relations Management is designed to provide students with an advanced basis of labour relations management theory as well as the application of its principles in the business world. The degree prepares students for research-based postgraduate study at Level 10. This qualification has as purpose the consolidation and deepening of research capacity in the methodology and techniques of labour relations management and also with the increasing demand for quantitative techniques (for analysis) in practice. Students will acquire the knowledge, skills and attitudes to be competent and successful in exercising the functions of labour relations practitioners and apply the skills required to analyse, advice and support employers/employees in the work context regarding labour relations related issues/aspects.

Rationale:
This qualification provides the student with core foundation training in research methodology in the labour relations management field. In the composition of the qualification consideration was given to career possibilities and the human resource needs of our country. This qualification also prepares the student for advanced research and academic development on a Doctoral level. 

LEARNING ASSUMED TO BE IN PLACE AND RECOGNITION OF PRIOR LEARNING 
Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL):
RPL for access purposes will require the candidate to comply with the admission requirements of the North West University.

The North-West University accepts the principle underlying outcomes oriented, source-based and lifelong learning in which considerations of articulation and mobility play a meaningful role. The University also underwrites the view that recognition of previous learning, obtained either by formal teaching programmes at this or another institution, or informally(obtained by experience), is an indispensable element in granting admission or credits with the aim of placing in a specifically chosen teaching-learning qualification of the University.

In recognising previous learning, it deals with provable knowledge and learning that the applicant obtained by following formal teaching qualifications or by experience. At all times the question will be what level of competence was reached, judged in the context of the exit level skills required for the contemplated teaching-learning programmes (or modules therein) or status for which the applicant is applying and not merely about the experience the applicant can prove. The recognition of previous learning takes place in terms of the relevant skills that the applicant demonstrated in the application with reference to the exit outcomes that should be reached in the chosen qualification.

Entry Requirements:
The minimum requirement for admission to the Master's Degree is:
  • A Bachelor of Commerce.
    Or
  • A Bachelor of Administration Honours Degree in Human Resource Sciences/Management. 
    		•

    RECOGNISE PREVIOUS LEARNING? 
    Y 

    QUALIFICATION RULES 
    This qualification comprises a compulsory module at Level 9 totalling 180 Credits.

    Compulsory Modules, Level 9, 180 Credits:
  • Dissertation, 180 Credits. 
    		•

    EXIT LEVEL OUTCOMES 
    1. Demonstrate in-depth knowledge and advanced competencies in the identification of a viable research question that can be researched individually or within a group, either discipline-specific or interdisciplinary.
    2. Demonstrate the ability to design and apply appropriate qualitative and/or quantitative formats and procedures in an ethical and scientific way to investigate the problem, Interpret and report the research findings scientifically and communicate the findings in writing in accordance with academic protocols, and also orally with the aid of Information Technology, to an audience of academic peers.
    3. Demonstrate a critical understanding and the ability to analyse case studies of human resource management and other problems, including the impact on business enterprises. 

    ASSOCIATED ASSESSMENT CRITERIA 
    The following Associated Assessment Criteria will be assessed in an integrated manner across the Exit Level Outcomes.
  • Demonstrate a systematic and integrated knowledge and understanding of, and an ability to analyse, evaluate and apply the fundamental terms, concepts, facts, principles, rules and theories.
  • Apply appropriate discipline-related methods of scientific inquiry and independently validate, evaluate and manage sources of information.
  • Demonstrate critical reflection on, and understanding and application of, appropriate methods or practices to resolve complex discipline-related problems and thereby introduce change within related practice.
  • Demonstrate professional and ethical behaviour within an academic and discipline-related environment with sensitivity towards societal and cultural considerations.
  • Effectively communicate scientific understanding and own opinions/ideas in written or oral arguments, using appropriate discipline-related and academic discourse as well as technology.
  • Demonstrate effective functioning as a member and/or leader of a team or a group in scientific projects or investigations, with self-directed management of learning activities and responsibility for own learning progress.

    Integrated Assessment:
    The qualification is assessed by means of a research dissertation or report, which assesses the student's ability to plan, structure, conceptualise and execute innovative scientific research that makes a contribution to the field/discipline and report the findings thereof. Assessment is initiated when the research proposal is considered by the Committee for Advanced Degrees. Approval by this committee is a requirement for the study. The supervisor also assesses continuously while the dissertation is being written. Examination of the dissertation is finally done by at least two examiners of which one is external, all experts in the field of specialization. A supervisor may not be appointed as an examiner. 
    		•

    INTERNATIONAL COMPARABILITY 
    The SAQA Level Descriptors for Level 9 were used to design the qualification standard. Having the stature of a professional qualification, and approved by a statutory board, the qualification is comparable to other similar to international qualifications. 

    ARTICULATION OPTIONS 
    This qualification allows both vertical and horizontal articulation:

    Vertically Articulation:
  • A Doctor of Philosophy Degree at Level 10 in Human Resource Sciences.

    Horizontal Articulation:
  • A Doctor of Philosophy Degree in Industrial Psychology. 
    		•

    MODERATION OPTIONS 
    N/A 

    CRITERIA FOR THE REGISTRATION OF ASSESSORS 
    N/A 

    NOTES 
    N/A 

    LEARNING PROGRAMMES RECORDED AGAINST THIS QUALIFICATION: 
     
    NONE 


    PROVIDERS CURRENTLY ACCREDITED TO OFFER THIS QUALIFICATION: 
    This information shows the current accreditations (i.e. those not past their accreditation end dates), and is the most complete record available to SAQA as of today. Some Primary or Delegated Quality Assurance Functionaries have a lag in their recording systems for provider accreditation, in turn leading to a lag in notifying SAQA of all the providers that they have accredited to offer qualifications and unit standards, as well as any extensions to accreditation end dates. The relevant Primary or Delegated Quality Assurance Functionary should be notified if a record appears to be missing from here.
     
    1. North West University 


    All qualifications and part qualifications registered on the National Qualifications Framework are public property. Thus the only payment that can be made for them is for service and reproduction. It is illegal to sell this material for profit. If the material is reproduced or quoted, the South African Qualifications Authority (SAQA) should be acknowledged as the source.