SAQA 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.
SOUTH AFRICAN QUALIFICATIONS AUTHORITY 
REGISTERED QUALIFICATION: 

Postgraduate Diploma: Human Resource Management 
SAQA QUAL ID QUALIFICATION TITLE
83827  Postgraduate Diploma: Human Resource Management 
ORIGINATOR
University of South Africa 
PRIMARY OR DELEGATED QUALITY ASSURANCE FUNCTIONARY NQF SUB-FRAMEWORK
CHE - Council on Higher Education  HEQSF - Higher Education Qualifications Sub-framework 
QUALIFICATION TYPE FIELD SUBFIELD
Postgraduate Diploma  Field 03 - Business, Commerce and Management Studies  Human Resources 
ABET BAND MINIMUM CREDITS PRE-2009 NQF LEVEL NQF LEVEL QUAL CLASS
Undefined  120  Not Applicable  NQF Level 08  Regular-Provider-ELOAC 
REGISTRATION STATUS SAQA DECISION NUMBER REGISTRATION START DATE REGISTRATION END DATE
Registered-data under construction  EXCO 0324/24  2024-07-01  2027-06-30 
LAST DATE FOR ENROLMENT LAST DATE FOR ACHIEVEMENT
2028-06-30   2031-06-30  

Registered-data under construction

The qualification content is currently being updated for the qualifications with the status “Registered-data under construction” or showing “DETAILS UNDER CONSTRUCTION” to ensure compliance with SAQA’S Policy and Criteria for the registration of qualifications and part-qualifications on the National Qualifications Framework (NQF) (As amended, 2022). These qualifications are re-registered until 30 June 2027 and can legitimately be offered by the institutions to which they are registered.

 

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.  

PURPOSE AND RATIONALE OF THE QUALIFICATION 
Purpose:

The Postgraduate Diploma: Human Resource Management offers specialised academic and professional studies for students holding a relevant Bachelors' Degree, Advanced Diploma or equivalent qualification in the field of Human Resource Management (HRM). The Postgraduate Diploma: Human Resource Management will enable them to independently identify, analyse and manage human resource trends, practices and problems within the context of managing human resources in any organisation.

The qualification is accredited by the South African Board for People Practices (SABPP). Its composition is based on the learning outcomes provided by the SABPP and the requirements for registration as a Chartered Human Resource Practitioner.

Rationale:

This qualification offers South Africa (and other countries) people who can understand the constructive role they need to play as leaders and specialists in their specific area of knowledge and who are empowered to play that role. It will advance the theoretical knowledge and practical skills levels of Human Resource practitioners. This should result in the better management of the human resources in organisations. 

LEARNING ASSUMED TO BE IN PLACE AND RECOGNITION OF PRIOR LEARNING 
Students should:
  • Have good reading and writing skills in the language of learning and teaching of the provider.
  • Be able to analyse and respond to variety of texts.
  • Be able to learn independently in an Open and Distance Learning context (ODL) with minimum support.

    Recognition of Prior Learning:

    All admission through Recognition of Prior Learning must be in accordance with the principles laid down in the Unisa Recognition of Prior Learning Policy. The Unisa Recognition of Prior Learning office can supply full details of processes relating to the assessment and accreditation of learning from prior experiences. Evidence can be presented in a variety of forms, including international or previous local qualifications, reports, testimonials mentioning functions performed, work records, portfolios, videos of practice and performance records. All such evidence should be judged according to the general principle of assessment described in the notes to assessors. Unisa lecturers will act as assessors for Recognition of Prior Learning purposes.

    This qualification can be achieved wholly or in part through recognition of prior learning. Recognition of Prior Learning can also be used to grant access to learners who do not meet the requirements for admission to the qualification.

    Access to the Qualification:

    An appropriate Bachelor's Degree or equivalent cognate qualification.

    Further admission requirements (e.g. a minimum percentage obtained in undergraduate studies) may be set by the University.

    The Chair of Department also has the prerogative to admit candidates subject to documentary evidence of being active in the field of Human Resource Management.

    Students with a degree outside the fields of human resource management or labour relations management may be required to register for prerequisite modules from the curriculum of the Bachelor of Commerce: Human Resource Management for non-degree purposes. 
    		•

    RECOGNISE PREVIOUS LEARNING? 
    Y 

    QUALIFICATION RULES 
    The qualification has a total of 120 credits.

    All five modules are compulsory, and all are at NQF Level 8 and have 24 credits each:
  • Strategic Management.
  • Advanced Human Resource Management.
  • Advanced Labour Relations Management.
  • Advanced Human Resource Development.
  • Managerial and Organisational Psychology. 
    		•

    EXIT LEVEL OUTCOMES 
    1. Utilise the building blocks of strategic management and their inter-relatedness to develop a strategic plan with implementation guidelines in order to effectively manage the human resources function in an organisation.

    2. Demonstrate systematic knowledge of advanced human resource management with a view to determining, designing and implementing appropriate Human Resource systems and practices to ensure proper management of employees in an organisation.

    3. Manage labour relations at a strategic level in such a way that it contributes towards the achievement of the objectives of the organisation.

    4. Manage and maintain a strategic Human Resource Development portfolio and strategy for an organisation.

    5. Explain individual, group and organisational phenomena and assist in providing a work environment that promotes quality of work life.

    Critical Cross-fields Outcomes:

    This qualification promotes the development of, in particular, the following Critical Cross-Field Outcomes:
  • Identify and solve problems and make decisions using critical and creative thinking.
    > Note: The ability of the candidate to apply advanced Human Resource Management principles, methodologies and techniques in order to independently identify, analyse and manage human resource trends, practices and problems within the context of employment relations in any organisation.
  • Work effectively with others as members of a team, group, organisation or community.
    > Note: The ability and willingness of the candidate to give and accept work instructions pertaining to Human Resource Management, to interpret these correctly and to request assistance in an appropriate manner as a team member or leader.
  • Organise and manage himself/herself and his/her activities responsibly and effectively.
    > Note: In making the necessary preparations for establishing proper procedure, the candidate must indicate what prerequisites are required and must be able to communicate this in writing.
  • Collect, analyse, organise and critically evaluate information.
    > Note: The ability of the candidate to reconcile the information from various sources and examination of physical evidence relevant to Human Resource Management.
  • Communicate effectively using visual, mathematical and/or language skills in the modes of oral and/or written presentations.
    > Note: The ability to present and communicate information and opinions related to the field of Human Resource Management in well-structured arguments, showing awareness of audience and using professional discourse appropriately.
  • Demonstrate an understanding of the world as a set of related systems by recognising that problem-solving contexts do not exist in isolation.
    > Note: The ability of the candidate to identify varying and diverse contexts in which Human Resource Management practices are conducted.
  • Identify strengths and areas for improvement in own learning through self-reflection and reflection on support for organisational Human Resources Management and practices.
    > Note: The ability to operate in variable and unfamiliar learning contexts, requiring responsibility and initiative; a capacity to self-evaluate and identify and address personal learning needs and to interact effectively in a learning group. 
    		•

    ASSOCIATED ASSESSMENT CRITERIA 
    Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 1:
  • Explain what strategic management is and how it fits into contemporary business environment.
  • Conceptualise the building blocks of strategic management and their inter-relationship.
  • Critically evaluate a strategic management plan for a multi-business South African organisation.
  • Develop a strategic plan with implementation guidelines based on the building blocks of strategic management for a small single/dominant product organisation or a division of a multi-business organisation.

    Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 2:
  • Discuss the functioning of human resource management from an investment perspective with the focus on the challenges human resource management faces.
  • Integrate advanced Human Resource issues with other Human Resource functions and the operational objectives of the organisation.
  • Describe the nature of advanced human resource management and explain appropriate Human Resource systems and designs that may be relevant to managing a complex workforce effectively.

    Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 3:
  • Contribute to the overall formulation, implementation and control of the organisational strategy from a labour relations management perspective.
  • Develop strategies for improved labour relations within the workplace.
  • Interpret both external and internal environmental influences on the strategic management of labour relations in an organisation.
  • Formulate a labour relations policy based on the labour relations strategy and the overall strategy of an organisation.
  • Oversee the implementation of a labour relations policy in line with the organisational and labour relations strategies.
    > Range: This includes developing and monitoring the implementation of all necessary labour relations policies and procedures in an organisation as well as training and advising line managers on the implementation of policies and procedures.
  • Advise on and assist with the handling of serious disciplinary transgressions and terminations.
  • Engage in negotiation regarding restructuring, redundancy and retrenchments.
  • Advise on and assist with equity plans and processes.
  • Plan and execute elementary research in the field of employment relations and relay results to the appropriate person.

    Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 4:
  • Establish and maintain structures to manage the Human Resource Development function in the organisation.
  • Develop and implement a strategic Human Resource Development plan.
  • Identify relevant Human Resource Development stakeholders and establish liaison mechanisms for feedback and inputs.
  • Formulate and monitor Human Resource Development policies and procedures in the organisation.
  • Implement and evaluate the Human Resource Development strategy in the organisation.
  • Apply the Return on Investment (ROI) principles to measure the financial and business impact of strategic Human Resource Development interventions and practices.
  • Develop a Quality Management System as part of the strategic Human Resource Development process.
  • Ensure compliance with legislative requirements from a strategic Human Resource Development context/perspective.

    Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 5:
  • Critically analyse the concepts of organisational behaviour, culture and change.
  • Explain the principles and theories underlying the psychology of managing individual behaviour and group behaviour within organisational contexts.
  • Apply leadership theories to various situations in an organisational context.

    Integrated assessment:

    All assessment will integrate knowledge, skills and attitudes and applied competence.

    Formative assessment:

    Learning and assessment are integrated. The study material contains self-assessment tasks with feedback. The scheme of work includes a combination of written and multiple choice assignments based on the learning material which students have to submit and for which they earn year marks. Students are given feedback in the form of written comments in the assignments and suggested solutions and mark plans presented in a formal tutorial letter. The process is continuous and focuses on smaller sections of the work and a limited number of outcomes.

    Summative assessment:

    Examinations of a representative selection of outcomes practiced and assessed in the formative stage. Summative assessment also tests the student's ability to manage and integrate a large body of knowledge to achieve the stated outcomes of a module. 
    		•

    INTERNATIONAL COMPARABILITY 
    Unisa forms part of an internationally recognised accreditation system whereby university qualifications are evaluated against international comparators and accredited accordingly; for example, Unisa's qualifications are accredited in the International Handbook of Universities and in the Commonwealth Universities` Yearbook. 

    ARTICULATION OPTIONS 
    Horizontal Articulation:

    This Qualification articulates horizontally with any cognate Postgraduate Diploma: Human Resource Management, NQF Level 8.

    Vertical Articulation:

    The Qualification articulates vertically with the Master of Philosophy: Human Resource Management, NQF Level 9. 

    MODERATION OPTIONS 
    Moderation is conducted internally through a system of second examiners. All exit level modules will have in addition an external examiner from another higher education institution:
  • Within Unisa, first examiners set and assess assignments and examinations. In the case of assignments, the quality is checked by course co-ordinators or team leaders and by the head of department. In the case of examinations, a system of internal second examiners is used to moderate question papers, the marking process and marked scripts. Such second examiners are senior members of staff.
  • In addition, external examiners act as moderators of examination papers and marked scripts for Unisa third year undergraduate modules and postgraduate courses.
  • In instances where professional or statutory bodies have a say in determining the curriculum, they could be involved in moderation as well.

    Unisa lecturers act as assessor-practitioners to carry out the assessment of candidates for the core modules that make up this qualification. 
    		•

    CRITERIA FOR THE REGISTRATION OF ASSESSORS 
    The following criteria are specified for assessors concerning the core aspects of the qualification:
  • Assessors need experience in interpersonal skills, subject matter and assessment.
  • Assessors need to be competent in the planning and conducting of assessment of learning outcomes and in the design and development of assessment.
  • Subject matter experience must be well developed within the field of Human Resource Management and Labour Relations Management.
  • The assessor must have an appropriate Master's degree in the field of Human Resource Management or Labour Relations Management. 
    		•

    REREGISTRATION HISTORY 
    As per the SAQA Board decision/s at that time, this qualification was Reregistered in 2012; 2015. 

    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. University of South Africa 


    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.