Advanced Diploma in Labour Law

Purpose

The primary purpose of the Advanced Diploma in Labour Law is to allow for the development of professional knowledge and skills through collaborative practice to improve labour law practice. Furthermore, the implementation of this qualification would allow for capacity building of labour law practitioners to further their professional development.

The qualification is aimed at working professionals in the field of labour law. This qualification is on a learning pathway that underpins a career in the Labour Relations arena. The qualification is aimed at equipping learners with knowledge competencies in mastering, analysing, and interpreting specialised rules and principles of labour law. Many of the competencies developed in the qualification are rooted in actual workplace practice and should lead to greater productivity resulting from the improved performance by the learner through the integration of knowledge and workplace practice in its social and legal context.

The qualification aims to offer a wide range of transferable skills including

• A solution-based approach to problem-solving.
• Empowerment strengths-based approach to personal development.
• Competence in written and oral communication.
• Capacity to assess and implement labour regulations and other related policies
• An ability to work independently and as part of a team.

Upon completion of the qualification, qualifying learners will be to

• Provide sound advice on matters regarding labour law to a wide range of clients in society and business.
• Assist employers and employees to understand the intricacies of Labour Law.
• Promote the principles of fairness and equity in all labour matters.

Rationale

The qualification is designed to enable individuals to access the Postgraduate qualification and, on the other hand, it seeks to improve practitioners' competencies by way of formal qualifications.

This qualification is designed to enable individuals to develop theoretical competencies and practical skills to operate effectively in the field because knowledge of the application of labour legislation is a business imperative and necessary for the strategic and operational success of any organisation '

The qualification is an introduction to law for labour law practitioners who wish to formalise their qualifications in the specialised field of labour law. The qualification, with the sum of its parts, starts with the general (Introduction to law, Basic legal skills, Basic principles of law) and moves to specifics (Collective labour law, Individual labour law, Labour conflict and dispute resolution, Workplace equality and discrimination, Labour, and social security law).

This qualification will further contribute to growing our labour law qualification for practitioners and building scholarship through practice and sustainability through partnerships. To fulfil a need identified by qualified professionals from different professions as well as labour relations officials to enhance their knowledge and skills of application of labour law and other legislation in the labour environment.

Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL)

The institution has an approved Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL) policy which is applicable with regards to equivalent qualifications for admission into the qualification. RPL will be applied to accommodate applicants who qualify. RPL thus provides alternative access and admission to qualifications, as well as advancement within qualifications. RPL may be applied for access, credits from modules and credits for or towards the qualification.

RPL for access

• Learners who do not meet the minimum entrance requirements or the required qualification that is at the same NQF level as the qualification required for admission may be considered for admission through RPL.
• To be considered for admission in the qualification based on RPL, applicants should provide evidence in the form of a portfolio that demonstrates that they have acquired the relevant knowledge, skills, and competencies through formal, non-formal and/or informal learning to cope with the qualification expectations should they be allowed entrance into the qualification.

RPL for exemption of modules

• Learners may apply for RPL to be exempted for modules that form part of the qualification. For a learner to be exempted from a module, the learner needs to provide sufficient evidence in the form of a portfolio that demonstrates that competency was achieved for the learning outcomes that are equivalent to the learning outcomes of the module.

RPL for credit

• Learners may also apply for RPL for credit for or towards the qualification, in which they must provide evidence in the form of a portfolio that demonstrates prior learning through formal, non-formal and/or informal learning to obtain credits towards the qualification.
• Credit shall be appropriate to the context in which it is awarded and accepted.

Entry Requirements

The minimum entry requirement for this qualification is

• Diploma in Labour Law, NQF Level 6.

Or

• Advance Certificate in Labour Law. NQF Level 6.

This qualification consists of the following compulsory modules at National Qualifications Framework Level 7 totalling 120 Credits.

Compulsory Modules, Level 7,120 Credits

• Introduction to law,15 Credits.
• Basic legal skills,15 Credits.
• Basic principles of labour law,15 Credits.
• Collective labour law,15 Credits.
• Individual labour law,15 Credits.
• Labour conflict and dispute resolution,15 Credits.
• Workplace equality and discrimination,15 Credits.
• Labour and social security law,15 Credits.

1. Develop an understanding of conflict, its dynamics within the workplace and skills required for the prevention, management and resolution of workplace conflict and disputes.
2. Correctly apply advanced theoretical principles of problem identification and solution in the labour dispute resolution field and reflect critically on the application thereof.
3. Demonstrate the ability to develop appropriate processes of information gathering within the field of labour law and the ability to independently access, process, validate and manage the sources of information.
4. Plan and research in relevant fields of labour law, including gathering, analysing, synthesizing, and interpreting rules, utilising appropriate research principles, and reflecting critically on their content.
5. Review the structure of statutes, case law and unwritten customs as well as demonstrate the ability to find, read, summarise, and explain these legal texts.

Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 1

• Apply appropriate skills required for prevention, management, and resolution of different forms of workplace conflict.
• Examine and critically evaluate different solutions to a problem pertaining to Labour Law and contemplate the consequences of each solution for future legal development.
• Advise on and assist with dispute resolution in the organisation.
• Demonstrate a coherent and critical understanding of the context of conflict, negotiation, and collective bargaining.
• Analyse and deal with complex and real collective bargaining and negotiation challenges using theory-based principles.

Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 2

• Evaluate and compare formal and non-formal conflict and dispute resolution processes.
• Consult relevant, current sources and authorities to address legal problems related to Labour Law.
• Interpret, analyse and explain legal problems pertaining to Labour Law are within different contexts.

Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 3

• Collect, analyse, synthesise, critically evaluate, and apply information on labour law issues to reach conclusions and make recommendations.
• Communicate effectively and efficiently Labour law solutions.
• Interrogate organisational communication, theories, models, principles, and macro sources of knowledge for strategically managing and developing a productive workplace.

Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 4

• Examine and apply the fundamentals of research methods in law.
• Integrate and apply strategic labour management principles and practice, specific knowledge of policies and legislation and labour relations strategies to ensure the achievement of business goals.

Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 5

• Effectively develop legal arguments through writing legal essays and applying referencing techniques, recognising academic integrity and ethical considerations.
• Read and interpret legal texts pertaining to Labour Law within a contextual framework.
• Reflect upon and critically evaluate and debate views expressed in texts.