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SOUTH AFRICAN QUALIFICATIONS AUTHORITY 
REGISTERED QUALIFICATION: 

Diploma in Human Resource Management 
SAQA QUAL ID QUALIFICATION TITLE
90719  Diploma in Human Resource Management 
ORIGINATOR
Boston City Campus (Pty) Ltd formerly Boston City Campus and Business College (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  360  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:
Human Resource Business Management is a critical component in commerce. The Diploma in Human Resource Management has been developed to facilitate the learning of the knowledge and skills required by people who are capable of applying competencies to systems supporting human resource management practices. For South Africa to continue to grow and to remain globally competitive, it is crucial to increase the supply of competent people with middle to high order capabilities in such sectors as Human Resource Management.

The purpose of the qualification is to ensure learners are equipped with the knowledge, theory and methodology of the important disciplines in Human Resource Management, and to enable them to demonstrate initiative and responsibility in a professional or academic context in this field of endeavour. The modules in the Diploma: Human Resource Management cover the application of the major functional specialisations in an integrated manner. They provide learners with a broad theoretical and practical knowledge of human resource management and development, socio-economics, industrial psychology, company law and business management, labour law and industrial relations, project management, computer literacy and research methods, as well as the contexts in which the learning and theory are most applicable.

The breadth and depth of learning achieved by learners should help facilitate access to the world of work and will promote critical and analytical citizenship.

Rationale:
The Diploma in Human Resource Management is a response to the workplace need for competent managers across all economic sectors. The current and future need for competent entry, junior and middle managers has been expressed by employers and employees. The skills, knowledge, attitudes and values required by Human Resource Managers are captured in this qualification. The qualification is more generalist in nature than one offering specialist learning for particular sectors in Human Resource Management. The qualification should equip learners for one of the following careers in the fields of business and management.
  • Human Resource Assistant, Practitioner, Officer or Manager specialising in:
    > Planning, recruitment and selection.
    > Learning and development.
    > Reward and remuneration.
    > Safety, health and environment.
    > Information and administration systems.
  • Industrial Relations Assistant, Practitioner, Officer or Manager.
  • Junior Researcher, Analyst, or Advisor.
  • Consultant in Human Resource Management or Industrial Relations.

    The qualification provides learning in fields that are broadly enabling in relation to human resource career pathways and should allow holders of the qualification to become members of relevant Professional Bodies and to continue with further studies in such fields as:
  • Organisational behaviour, coaching and mentoring, counselling and mediation.
  • Labour law, industrial relations or industrial psychology.
  • Strategic Human Resource Management and Development. 
    		•

    LEARNING ASSUMED TO BE IN PLACE AND RECOGNITION OF PRIOR LEARNING 
    It is assumed that learners are competent in:
  • Communication at NQF Level 4.
  • Mathematical Literacy at NQF Level 4.

    Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL):
    Learners may provide evidence of prior learning for which they may receive credit towards the qualification such evidence may be provide by means of portfolios or other forms of appropriate evidence which may include, verified accounts of previous relevant work done and performance records and which evidence is in accordance with the requirements of the relevant Quality Council.

    Learners not meeting the minimum entry requirements may be granted admission through Recognition of Prior Learning.

    Access to the Qualification:
  • A National Senior Certificate (NSC) with English as one of the subjects passed and which grants admission to Diploma study.
    Or
  • A National Certificate Vocational, Level 4 with English as one of the subjects passed and which grants admission to Diploma study. 
    		•

    RECOGNISE PREVIOUS LEARNING? 
    Y 

    QUALIFICATION RULES 
    The qualification consists of:
  • Modules at NQF Level 5 to the value of 112 credits.
  • Modules at NQF Level 6 to the value of 192 credits.
  • Modules at NQF Level 7 to the value of 62 credits.

    Modules at NQF Level 5 (All compulsory):
  • Human Resource Management 16 credits.
  • Human Resource Development 16 credits.
  • Company Law 8 credits.
  • Socioeconomics 14 credits.
  • Business Management 16 credits.
  • Computer Literacy I 8 credits.
  • Computer Literacy II 8 credits.
  • Industrial Psychology 10 credits.
  • Public Relations 16 credits.

    Modules at NQF Level 6 (All compulsory):
  • Financial Management 30 credits.
  • Human Resource Management 22 credits.
  • Human Resource Development 22 credits.
  • Labour Law & Industrial Relations 20 credits.
  • Project Management 12 credits.
  • Socioeconomics 14 credits.
  • Business Management 30 credits.
  • Industrial Psychology 14 credits.
  • Applied Research 14 credits.
  • Experiential Learning 14 credits.

    Modules at NQF Level 7 (All compulsory):
  • Human Resource Management 30 credits.
  • Human Resource Development 16 credits.
  • Labour Law & Industrial Relations 16 credits. 
    		•

    EXIT LEVEL OUTCOMES 
    1. Apply general Human Resource Management and Development principles to real life situations and adhere to regulatory requirements in performing human resource functions.
    2. Manage financial and technology resources in organisations.
    3. Analyse data and legal information.
    4. Demonstrate business management and project management skills.
    5. Identify the socio-economic needs of society and display cultural sensitivity within organisations.

    Critical Cross-Field Outcomes:
    The Critical Cross-Field Outcomes are embedded in the qualification and will be assessed appropriately in the modules that constitute the qualification. 

    ASSOCIATED ASSESSMENT CRITERIA 
    Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 1:
  • Demonstrate an understanding of the Human Resource Management function and scope as found in best practice.
  • Apply the core general Human Resource Management practices in a business context.
  • Comply with relevant ethical practice in all activities.

    Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 2:
  • Apply basic financial accounting practices in own work context.
  • Apply end-user computing practices to human resource management functions.
  • Use software suites available in an office environment competently.

    Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 3:
  • Demonstrate understanding and knowledge of industrial psychology, with a particular emphasis on the principles and theories associated with individual, group and organisational behaviour.
  • Demonstrate an understanding of the scope of Labour Legislation and the core industrial relations practices.
  • Manage and interpret information and research data for Human Resource Management and Development purposes.

    Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 4:
  • Apply the knowledge and skills that are associated with general business management in a commercial context.
  • Demonstrate an understanding of the project management scope by initiating, planning and explaining the overall conduct of a project through to the closure of the project.
  • Plan and manage a project and show proficiency in project control, evaluation and scoping operational plans.

    Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 5:
  • Explain the sociological and economic principles and theories that can be used to promote equality and diversity in modern society.
  • Handle conflicts in professional environments while demonstrating cultural sensitivity.
  • Demonstrate understanding of motivation and the motivational skills that can be applied to staff.

    Integrated Assessment:
    Integrated assessment is essential to ensure that the purpose of the qualification is achieved in relation to its occupational focus.

    Successful learners will have undertaken an extensive process in which assessments progressively build the learners' integrated competency to a point where the learner is able to express, through a range of mechanisms measured against valid, reliable and transparent criteria, that they can operate effectively in a relevant entry level occupational position.

    Formative assessment integrates the cycle of teaching, learning and assessment. Study guides and texts contain self-assessment exercises. The qualification includes formal assessments in the form of tests and/or assignments based on the learning material and students are graded and provided written feedback. The process is continuous and focuses on smaller sections of the work, limited in the number of outcomes assessed.

    Summative assessments take the form of proctored examinations, or equivalent assessment such as a research report, which assesses a representative selection of the outcomes practised and assessed in the formative stage. Summative assessment also tests the learner's ability to manage and integrate a large body of knowledge to achieve the stated outcomes of a full course. 
    		•

    INTERNATIONAL COMPARABILITY 
    The qualification has been compared to qualifications in Canada, Nigeria and USA.

    Nigeria:

    Nigeria Institute of Management (NIM):

    Professional Diploma in Management (2 Years):
    The professional Diploma in Management is a blend of theory and practice concerning the basic area of management and is aimed at middle and senior management. The emphasis is on the development of analytical skills necessary in a fast changing environment, and the course is suited to executives in both private and public institutions who are involved in planning, administration, production, human resource development or financial management.

    Part I:
  • Principles of Management.
  • Business insurance and Risk.
  • Business Mathematics Methods.
  • Communication Skills for the Managers.
  • Principles of Economics.
  • Introduce to Accounting.

    Part II:
  • Introduction to Computer Use.
  • Management Theory.
  • Organisational Behaviour.
  • Business Law: Principles and Contracts.
  • Financial Accounting.
  • Micro Economics.

    Part III:
  • Research Methods.
  • Human Resources Management.
  • Financial Management (Elective).
  • Marketing Management.
  • Production Management (Elective).
  • Strategic Management.
  • Macro-Economics.

    Canada:

    University of Winnipeg:
    Human Resource Management Diploma Programme:
    The full-time Human Resource Management Programme includes traditional elements of human resource management with a strong emphasis on leadership, concrete business tools, and effective communication.

    The full-time programme aligns its content to industry-recognised standards and best professional practice. It will prepare learners to:
  • Work in a variety of human resource positions and to assume greater levels of responsibility as they grow in their human resource capability.
  • Understand and comply with the employer's legislative and legal obligations including workplace health and safety regulation, WHMIS legislation, the Worker's Compensation Act, payroll compliance legislation and employment standards.
  • Conduct organisational needs assessments, analyse and modify organisational staff development plans and develop effective recruitment strategies to attract talent that satisfies the organisational objectives.
  • Foster a work environment that promotes productivity and employee satisfaction.
  • Evaluate performance and communicate performance issues in a manner that encourages responsible and corrective action and manage disciplinary action proactively and thoroughly.
  • Understand the elements of a total compensation package that aligns with an organisational recruitment and retention strategy, develop compensation policies and procedures, procure benefits, and analsse employee and organisational pension requirements.
  • Exercise sound financial decision-making and budgeting skills.
  • Write the Certified Human Resource Professional (CHRP) Knowledge-Based Exam.

    United States of America:

    McMaster University:

    Human Resources Management Diploma (CHRP):
    The Human Resources Management programme has been designed in association with the DeGroote School of Business to help human resources professionals succeed as strategic partners within their organisation and to gain university level knowledge and applied skills in the key human resources disciplines of recruitment, strategic planning, training, labour relations, compensation, health, safety and human behaviour.

    Programme objectives:
  • Introduce concepts and practices essential to human resources management.
  • Provide an opportunity to study and discuss current issues and areas of specialisation important to the human resource function in business and industry today.

    Modules:
  • Business Finance and Accounting.
  • Organisational Behaviour.
  • Business Communications.
  • Basic Bookkeeping.
  • Principles and Practices of Supervision.
  • Recruitment and Selection.
  • Compensation.
  • Labour Relations.
  • Human Resources Management.
  • Training and Development.
  • Occupational Health and Safety.
  • Human Resources Planning.
  • Wellness in the Workplace.

    Conclusion:
    The Diploma: Human Resource Management compares favourably with other qualifications internationally and particularly with the three qualifications listed above, in that they all have a practical component. The Diploma: Human Resource Management differs from these qualifications in terms of duration, while it is a 3-year qualification, its counterparts are 2-year qualifications. 
    		•

    ARTICULATION OPTIONS 
    This Qualification articulates horizontally with the following qualifications:
  • Diploma in Human Resource Management Practice, at NQF Level 6.
  • National Diploma in Labour Relations, at NQF Level 6.
  • Diploma in Business Management, at NQF Level 6.

    The Qualification articulates vertically with the following qualifications:
  • Advanced Diploma in Management in Human Resource Management, at NQF Level 7.
  • Bachelor of Business Science: Industrial Relations and Technology, at NQF Level 7.
  • Bachelor of Commerce: Applied Human Resource Management, at NQF Level 7.
  • Bachelor of Social Science: Human Resources Management, at NQF Level 7.
  • Bachelor of Business Administration, at NQF Level 7. 
    		•

    MODERATION OPTIONS 
    Assessment and Moderation Criteria:
    All formal formative and summative assessments in the learning programme are internally moderated and all formal formative and summative assessments at the exit level are both internally and externally moderated according to the policy of the institution. The programme embraces an outcomes based assessment model. External assessors and/or moderators are appointed to validate the learners' examination and final assessments. The Examinations Committee is the final decision making body that is responsible for the promotion of learners and the awarding of results.

    All assessors and moderators (internal and external) must be proficient in the declarative and propositional knowledge content of the programme and the associated occupational field and sub-fields of practice. Assessors and moderators (whether internal or external) must have a clear understanding of applying critical benchmarks and assessment practices to higher education learning outcomes, as well as have a clear understanding of current good practice standards in the related occupational contexts, in order to make valid assessment or moderation judgments about learner proficiency and in order to provide validation of, and evaluate, the learning programme.

    Internal faculty members will be used as assessors and/or moderators in a manner that fits into the quality management system and accords with the institution's teaching and learning, and assessment and moderation policies. This will also apply to the appointment of outside persons. A system of workplace assessment might be initiated for certain courses in the Diploma, i.e., experiential learning.

    The minimum requirement for appointment as an internal faculty member and/or external assessor and/or moderator for the Diploma is a relevant NQF Level 7 qualification and appropriate experience. 

    CRITERIA FOR THE REGISTRATION OF ASSESSORS 
    All assessors must be in possession of a relevant qualification at least one NQF Level higher than that of this qualification.
    All assessors should have practical experience in the areas being assessed and should preferably have practical experience in the areas being assessed. 

    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. Boston City Campus (Pty) Ltd formerly Boston City Campus and Business College (Pty) Ltd 


    All qualifications and part qualifications submitted for public comment, or 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.