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: 

Diploma: Human Resource Management 
SAQA QUAL ID QUALIFICATION TITLE
86348  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
Diploma (Min 360)  Field 03 - Business, Commerce and Management Studies  Human Resources 
ABET BAND MINIMUM CREDITS PRE-2009 NQF LEVEL NQF LEVEL QUAL CLASS
Undefined  360  Not Applicable  NQF Level 06  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   2033-06-30  

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 purpose of this qualification is to provide learners with the opportunity to acquire the applied competencies in the field of Human Resource Management that are required for registration with the South African Board for People Practitioners (SABPP) as an Human Resource/Employee Resource (HR/ER) Associate. The learners will be empowered to co-ordinate and contribute to the management of the core Human Resource Management functions in line with best practices and quality standards. This qualification lays a foundation for higher career advancement and further studies in the field of Human Resource Management.

This qualification is aimed at learners who work within business environments, and seek recognition for essential people management skills and competence in operational Human Resource practice. It has been developed:
  • To promote efficiency in implementing legislative requirements and organisational policies and procedures in Human Resource functions.
  • Co-ordinate and contribute to the management of the core processes related to human resources management and practices.
  • Co-ordinate some of the human resources management processes and practices at operational level.
  • Promote best human resource management practices in an organisation to contribute to the monitoring of Health and Safety at the workplace and the implementation of wellness interventions.
  • Identify strengths and areas for improvement in own learning through self-reflection and reflection on organisational human resource management and practices.

    Qualified learners will be competent to perform all the functions of human resource management.

    Rationale:

    The Human Resource function is one of the main components that provides direction to and drives organisational performance. The Diploma: Human Resource Management graduate can:
  • Apply Human Resource knowledge and general business principles to real life situations.
  • Interpret economic realities within organisational contexts.
  • Manage resources (human and financial) in organisations.
  • Manage information appropriately.
  • Demonstrate people skills.
  • Practise the ethics and standards pertinent to the Human Resource Management profession as per the Code of Ethics of the South African Board for People Practices.
  • Demonstrate knowledge of financial information in a business context.

    This qualification has been developed considering the needs of employers and the South African Board of People Practice. 
    		•

    LEARNING ASSUMED TO BE IN PLACE AND RECOGNITION OF PRIOR LEARNING 
  • Good reading and writing skills in English.
  • 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.
    This qualification can be achieved wholly or in part through recognition of prior learning. 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.

    Access to the Qualification:

    Learners wishing to access this qualification must have obtained:
  • A National Senior Certificate (NSC) certified by the Council for General and Further Education and Training (Umalusi) with an achievement rating of 3 or better (an E symbol for Senior Certificates), in four recognised NSC 20-credit subjects selected as a recognised 20-credit subject for the NSC.
  • An achievement rating of 3 (an E symbol for Senior Certificates), in four recognised NSC 20-credit subjects selected as a recognised 20) or better for English, at either Home, or First Additional or Second Additional Level selected as a recognised 20-credit subject for the NSC.
  • An achievement rating of 3 (an E symbol for Senior Certificates) or better for Mathematics or an achievement rating of 5 or better for Mathematical Literacy as a recognised 20-credit NSC subject.

    Candidates with an equivalent qualification that meets the above listed criteria or with an appropriate Higher Certificate at NQF Level 5 may also be considered for admission to the Diploma in Human Resource Management.

    Learners who do not meet the minimum requirements may be admitted through Recognition of Prior Learning and the completion of additional modules. 
    		•

    RECOGNISE PREVIOUS LEARNING? 
    Y 

    QUALIFICATION RULES 
    The qualification consists of the following modules:

    Compulsory Modules at NQF Level 5, worth 12 Credits each:
  • Business Management 1A.
  • Introduction to Human Resource Management.
  • Introduction to Labour Relations Management.
  • Financial Accounting.
  • Psychological processes in work context.
  • Introduction to Human Resource Development.
  • Economics 1A.

    Total credits at NQF Level 5 = 84 Credits.

    Compulsory modules at NQF Level 6, worth 12 Credits each:
  • Business Management 1B.
  • Financial Accounting.
  • Economics 1B.
  • Education, Training and Development Practices.
  • Human Resource Provisioning.
  • Performance Management Practices.
  • General Management.
  • Individual Labour Law.
  • Finance for Non-financial Managers.
  • Human Resource Maintenance and Retention.
  • Compensation Practices.
  • Personality in Work Context.
  • Collective Labour Law.
  • Labour Relations Practices.
  • Labour Economics.
  • Management of Human Resource Development.
  • Organisational Research Methodology.
  • Organisational Psychology.

    Total credits at NQF Level 6 = 216 Credits.

    Compulsory Modules at NQF Level 7, worth 12 Credits each:
  • Applied Human Resource Development Competencies.
  • Applied Human Resource Management Competencies.
  • Employee Wellness Management.
  • Applied Labour Relations Management Competencies.
  • Project Management.

    Total credits at NQF Level 7 = 60 Credits.

    Total credits for qualification: 360 Credits. 
    		•

    EXIT LEVEL OUTCOMES 
    1. Adhere to legislative requirements and organisational policies and procedures in performing Human Resource functions.
    2. Promote best human resource management practices in an organisation.
    3. Identify strengths and areas for improvement in own learning through self-reflection and reflection on organisational human resource management and practices.
    4. Co-ordinate and contribute to the management of the core processes related to human resources management and practices.
    5. Contribute to the monitoring of Health and Safety in the workplace and the implementation of wellness interventions.

    Critical Cross-Field Outcomes:
  • Identify and solve problems and make decisions using critical and creative thinking.
    > Note: apply fundamental Human Resource Management principles, methodologies and techniques in order to provide support services expected from associate Human Resource practitioners to all employees in organisations.
  • Work effectively with others as members of a team, group, organisation or community.
    > Note: accept work instructions pertaining to Human Resource Management, to interpret these correctly and to request assistance in an appropriate manner as a team member.
  • Organise and manage himself/herself and his/her activities responsibly and effectively.
    > Note: make 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: 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: 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: identify varying and diverse contexts in which Human Resource Management practices.
  • Identify strengths and areas for improvement in own learning through self-reflection and reflection on support for organisational human resources management and practices.
    > Note: 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.
  • Contribute to the full personal development of the learner. 
    		•

    ASSOCIATED ASSESSMENT CRITERIA 
    Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 1:
  • Support the implementation of procedures and systems related to human resources management and practices in all of the Human Resource Management roles.
  • Identify and analyse staff needs and opportunities.
  • Solve human resources problems by implementing relevant procedures.
  • Apply appropriate principles to situations related to problems.
  • Apply the Code of Conduct as stated by the South African Board for Personnel Practice.

    Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 2:
  • Demonstrate basic understanding of people dynamics and its impact in the workplace.
  • Apply knowledge to provide solutions to problems that arise in a culturally diverse society.
  • Show empathy and understanding of the problems and contexts of others.
  • Develop human resources in an organisational context.

    Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 3:
  • Relate learning gained from individual experience to knowledge encountered in an academic environment.
  • Interpret the past and the present in relation to future.
  • Reflect on personal experiences and academic disciplines.

    Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 4:
  • Apply the Human Resource Development (HRD) principles, processes and practices in the management of HRD interventions within the organisation.
  • Apply and evaluate performance management practices, processes and techniques to optimise employee performance.

    Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 5:
  • Develop a comprehensive wellness strategy for an organisation.
  • Promote and establish workplace safety, occupational health and hygiene policy.

    Integrated Assessment:

    All assessment will integrate knowledge, skills and attitudes and applied competence. The "Applied Competencies" modules in the third year are intended as capstone modules in human resource management, human resource development and labour relations management. In these modules, theoretical and practical components will be assessed together with knowledge, skills and attitudes from across the curriculum.

    Formative Assessment:

    Learning and assessment are integrated. The study guides contain self-assessment tasks with feedback. The scheme of work includes a combination of written and multiple choice assignments based on the learning material which learners have to submit and for which they earn year marks. Learners 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. Assignment marks contribute 10% towards the student's final mark.

    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.
  • One two-hour examination per module per semester.
  • Unless otherwise stated, a subminimum of 40% must be obtained in the examination.
  • The mark obtained in the examination contributes 90% to the student's final mark.

    Supplementary examinations at the end of the following semester are available for learners who obtained at least 45% as a final examination mark. 
    		•

    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.

    The qualification is accredited by the South African Board for Personnel Practice. Its composition is based on the learning outcomes provided by the SABPP and the requirements for registration as a human resource or employment relations associate.

    This qualification and its components have been compared with similar qualifications from the following countries:
  • New Zealand.
  • Scotland.
  • Australia.

    It compares well with similar qualifications in those countries. 
    		•

    ARTICULATION OPTIONS 
    Horizontal Articulation:

    This qualification articulates horizontally with any cognate Diploma or Advanced Certificate at NQF Level 6.

    Vertical Articulation:

    This qualification articulates vertically with any cognate Bachelors Degree or Advanced Diploma at NQF Level 7. 

    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 honours 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 experienced, must be well developed within the field of Human Resource Management.

    Mentorship:
  • All junior and new members of staff are mentored by senior members as they work together in teams. All assessment done by external markers is quality-controlled by internal staff. 
    		•

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

    NOTES 
    This qualification replaces qualification 62395, "National Diploma: Human Resource Management", Level 6, 360 credits. 

    LEARNING PROGRAMMES RECORDED AGAINST THIS QUALIFICATION: 
    When qualifications are replaced, some (but not all) of their learning programmes are moved to the replacement qualifications. If a learning programme appears to be missing from here, please check the replaced 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.