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 in Human Resource Management Practice 
SAQA QUAL ID QUALIFICATION TITLE
90500  Diploma in Human Resource Management Practice 
ORIGINATOR
The Independent Institute of Education (Pty) Ltd 
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  371  Not Applicable  NQF Level 06  Regular-Provider-ELOAC 
REGISTRATION STATUS SAQA DECISION NUMBER REGISTRATION START DATE REGISTRATION END DATE
Reregistered  SAQA 1141/23  2021-07-01  2024-06-30 
LAST DATE FOR ENROLMENT LAST DATE FOR ACHIEVEMENT
2025-06-30   2030-06-30  

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:
The purpose of this qualification is to enable learners to enter a career in Human Resource Practices within a variety of organisations and to enable them to meet the distinct expectations and demands set by modern commerce. Such expectations relate to the fact that Human Resource practices within organisations must be deployed to strengthen the competitive advantage of focal organisations as well as contribute towards the value chain.

The qualification design supports the logical progression in learning by introducing learners to the basic concepts, theories and fundamental knowledge pertaining to Human Resource Practice in the first year. This positions them to master the more complex skills of analysing, interpreting and applying the principles and theories of human resources in the context of modern business in the second and third years. The curriculum contributes towards the achievement of qualification outcomes by introducing simple concepts that provide the foundation for progression. This is required to ensure the achievement of competencies within the qualification which effectively link the different modules in the qualification together through the Work Integrated Learning (WIL) modules. The aim of these modules, offered in the second and third years of the qualification is to promote the ability of students to think and act strategically within a variety of given contexts and to position successful students to effectively make a contribution to the economic welfare of the organisation that employs them.

Rationale:
Human Resource Management aims to improve the productive contribution of individuals while simultaneously attempting to attain other societal and individual employee objectives. The importance of people to ensure organisational success is receiving increasingly more attention in the field of Human Resource Management. The focus is on the effect of human resources on business performance and how effectively managed human resources benefit organisational development. Within the South African market there has been a growing emphasis on the importance of Human Resources Management to ensure organisational development, organisational growth, and the creation of a competitive corporate environment. Organisations are increasingly realising the value of qualified professionals in this field.

To educate diplomandi to comply with market demand, the Diploma: Human Resource Management Practice aims to expand Human Resource skills in terms of recruiting, developing, and evaluating staff, assisting in resolving disputes and dealing with employment relations as well as personnel administration and training. The Diploma: Human Resource Management Practice will provide the required skills and knowledge that are essential for entry level positions in a variety of Human Resource (HR) business roles. The specific selection of modules in this qualification aims to equip the learner to become productive in a short space of time as an HR practitioner or related position in industry. They will be able to engage efficiently with the HR functions in an organisation and contribute as a generalist or specialist in a particular HR discipline.

Successful achievement of this qualification will lead to positions such as:
  • HR Officer.
  • HR Administrator.
  • Training Officer.
  • Skills Development Manager.
  • Recruitment Consultant/Specialist.
  • Employee/Industrial Relations Officer.
  • Payroll Administrator.

    In addition, the qualification provides successful learners with access to higher education in HR or other studies. 
    		•

    LEARNING ASSUMED TO BE IN PLACE AND RECOGNITION OF PRIOR LEARNING 
    It is assumed that the learner is competent in the language of instruction (English) and academic skills at NQF Level 5.

    Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL):
    Learners can achieve this qualification in part through Recognition of Prior Learning. Learners may apply for credits or exemptions for subjects already passed, in-house or at other recognised institutions. Skills, knowledge and experience in respect of competencies acquired through informal and non-formal learning are also assessed in the RPL process.

    Access to the Qualification:
    Access is open to anyone in possession of one of the following:
  • National Senior Certificate (NSC) with a pass in English.
  • Senior Certificate (SC) with a pass in English.
  • National Certificate Vocational (NCV), at NQF Level 4.
  • A Higher or Advanced Certificate in a cognate discipline.
    Non-standard candidates may be granted access through RPL. 
    		•

    RECOGNISE PREVIOUS LEARNING? 
    Y 

    QUALIFICATION RULES 
    The qualification consists of 30 compulsory modules at NQF Level 5, 6 and 7 that total 371 Credits.

    NQF Level 5: 10 Modules totalling 95 Credits:
  • Business Communication, 10 Credits.
  • Human Resource Management 1A, 8 Credits.
  • Business Management 1A, 11 Credits.
  • Employment Practices, 8 Credits.
  • Introduction to Personal Computing, 5 Credits.
  • Accounting 1A, 12 Credits.
  • Human Resource Management 1B, 8 Credits.
  • Business Management 1B, 11 Credits.
  • Analytical Technique, 10 Credits.
  • Accounting 1B, 12 Credits.

    NQF Level 6: 13 Modules totalling 147 Credits:
  • Applied Organisational Psychology, 10 Credits.
  • Payroll Administration, 11 Credits.
  • Human Resource Management 2A, 15 Credits.
  • Management of Training A, 8 Credits.
  • Business Management 2A, 18 Credits.
  • Labour Law 1, 12 Credits.
  • Advanced Spreadsheet Projects, 8 Credits.
  • Human Resource Management 2 B, 15 Credits.
  • Management of Training B, 8 Credits.
  • Business Management 2B, 18 Credits.
  • Introduction to Project Management, 9 Credits.
  • Work Integrated Learning Project (year module), 15 Credits.

    NQF Level 7: 8 Modules totalling 129 Credits:
  • Human Resource Management 3A, 18 Credits.
  • Employment Relations 1A, 12 Credits.
  • Labour Law 2, 18 Credits.
  • Business Management 3A, 18 Credits.
  • Human Resource Management 3B, 18 Credits.
  • WIL Project (year module), 15 Credits.
  • Employment Relations 1B, 12 Credits.
  • Business Management 3B, 18 Credits. 
    		•

    EXIT LEVEL OUTCOMES 
    1. Communicate effectively and professionally in a business environment including the ability to present and communicate information reliably and appropriately.
    2. Identify and apply Human Resource discipline specific principles, practices and processes in a variety of contexts.
    3. Demonstrate the ability to respond to given or contextual abstract problems pertaining to human resource practice within a business environment.
    4. Demonstrate the ability to perform a wide range of human resource administrative functions in a business against relevant policy and legislative matters.
    5. Apply a range of methods to resolve human resource-related problems and challenges inclusive of the introduction to change within a business environment.
    6. Function effectively and ethically in a team as a responsible business leader and contribute to the economic welfare of a business.

    Critical Cross-Field Outcomes:
    The qualification offers the opportunity to develop all the Critical Cross-Field Outcomes. 

    ASSOCIATED ASSESSMENT CRITERIA 
    Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 1:
  • Appropriate grammar, syntax and punctuation in written and oral communication applications to adjust conventions to business purposes are employed.
  • Various communication techniques to plan and administer human resource activities within a business environment are used.
  • Communication is according to organisational practices and standards at all times.

    Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 2:
  • Knowledge of human resource principles, practices and processes in a business context is demonstrated.
  • Knowledge of relevant labour practice legislation and organisational policy requirements applicable to employee and labour contracts is outlined.
  • Training and development plans are compiled according to individual and organisational development requirements.
  • A variety of human resource practices; concepts and theories to implement and manage performance according to organisational policy are employed.

    Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 3:
  • Business opportunities and propositions related to human resource development and management decisions are identified, evaluated and contextualised.
  • Market trends to determine the impact on the human resource function in business are assessed.
  • Practical solutions to a variety of human resource related challenges in business are proposed.

    Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 4:
  • Legislation governing human resource practices are interpreted for implementation within a business environment.
  • Performance management policies and procedures inclusive of disciplinary and grievance procedures within a business environment are administered and applied.
  • The ability to administer payroll functions in business is demonstrated.
  • All required Department of Labour returns as required by legislation are prepared.

    Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 5:
  • Human resource problems and challenges are assessed and appropriate sources of information to help inform decisions to resolve the problems or meet the challenges are identified.
  • Basic research to resolve HR related problems through the collection, analysis and synthesis of the data and the display of results in report format is conducted.
  • Change management principles and plans related to HR to create a competitive advantage within the broader business environment are applied.

    Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 6:
  • Individuals function and participate as part of a team.
  • Ethical business leadership is provided.
  • Business patterns and statistics as the basis for good business decisions to ensure the economic well-being of an organisation of choice are evaluated.

    Integrated Assessment:

    Assessment Methods and Instruments:

    Formative assessment:
    Learning and assessment are integrated. Continual formative assessment is essential so that students are given feedback on their progress in the achievement of learning outcomes. The scheme of work includes assignments based on the learning material and students are given feedback. The process is continuous and focuses on smaller sections of the work and limited numbers of outcomes which are assessed using tests, assignments, case studies and several different projects.

    Summative assessment:
    Summative assessment is conducted to asses students on the larger scope of the module completed. The assessment is in a form of examination or a portfolio of evidence that is submitted. A percentage of this assessment is then subjected to internal and external moderation. The assessment assists with judgement of the learning in relation to the Exit Level Outcomes of the qualification. Such judgements include integrated assessments which test the student's ability to integrate the larger body of knowledge, skills and attitudes that are represented by the Exit Level Outcomes as a whole. 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 
    The West End London College offers a Diploma in Human Resource Management. The Diploma is divided into two parts against which the modules for this qualification can be compared. Learners who complete the Diploma may progress and enrol for a degree with the Coventry University of London.

    Part 1:
    The four compulsory subjects are:
  • Human Resource Management.
  • Organisational Behaviour.
  • Economic Principles and their Application to Business.
  • Human Resource Development.

    Part 2:
    The four compulsory subjects are:
  • Personnel Information Systems.
  • Employment Relations.
  • People, Planning and Resourcing.
  • Human Resource Management in Action.

    Plus one subject from either:
  • Principles of Business Law.
  • Quantitative Methods for Business and Management.

    The Vision College in New Zealand also offers a Diploma in Human Resource Management. The one year diploma consists of five core modules and elective modules determined by the learner to fulfil the requirements of the qualification.

    Core Modules:
  • Organisation and Management.
  • Business Communication.
  • Leadership.
  • Human Resource Management.
  • Employment Relations.

    Elective Modules:
  • Financial Accounting.
  • Management Accounting.
  • Business Finance.
  • Internal Auditing.
  • Taxation.
  • Strategic Planning for Small Business.
  • Applied Management.
  • Marketing Research.
  • Buyer Behaviour and Communication Strategies.
  • Marketing Planning and Control.
  • Applied Computing.
  • Systems Development Project.
  • Tourism Industry Management.

    Conclusion:
    The Diploma in Human Resource Management compares favourably with the above two qualifications. The modules that students are supposed to complete to acquire the international qualifications are similar to the Diploma in Human Resource Management except that Vision College makes provision for elective modules. Both the qualifications focus in developing individuals with a strong background in Human Resources Management, as does this qualification. 
    		•

    ARTICULATION OPTIONS 
    The qualification articulates horizontally with any Human Resource qualification at NQF Level 6 and vertically with an Advanced Diploma or Bachelor's Degree in the same field at NQF Level 7. This articulation can be within the institution or with other institutions offering similar qualification. 

    MODERATION OPTIONS 
    The IIE ensures the quality of its qualifications through a stringent process of internal and external control and quality assurance as set out in the IIE Assessment Policy. 

    CRITERIA FOR THE REGISTRATION OF ASSESSORS 
    Assessors and moderators must hold a qualification at least one level higher than the qualification being assessed or moderated. Moderators are also required to have more than two years' teaching experience. Assessors with less than two years' experience have their assessment work moderated by a peer. 

    REREGISTRATION HISTORY 
    As per the SAQA Board decision/s at that time, this qualification was Reregistered in 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. The Independent Institute of Education (Pty) Ltd 


    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.