Higher Certificate in Human Resources

Purpose

This qualification is designed to enhance the employability of learners by equipping them with basic human resources knowledge and skills, which will enable them to occupy entry-level/junior or support positions in both the private and the public sectors. Upon completion of the qualification, learners will be equipped with the appropriate knowledge and skills to work in the human resources department of an organisation as assistants to human resources practitioners; and as administrative staff (e.g. responsible for capturing data and maintaining personnel records).

The eight modules in the qualification were coherently planned, in terms of content, credits, purpose and outcomes, so that they were aligned to the needs of all types of organisations for employees with basic human resources knowledge and skills. While the four fundamental modules in the programme address the need for general knowledge and skills required in the workplace, the four core modules in the qualification address the need for foundational knowledge and skills in the human resource management field.

Rationale

According to the National Development Plan (NDP), education is the critical enabler for economic development and growth in South Africa; it also defines learners' identity; enables them to take control of their own lives; raise healthy families, and plays a meaningful role in the broader development of society. In the above regard, the Higher Certificate in Human Resources will not only improve the employment prospects of the qualifying learners, but it will also contribute towards meeting the needs of commerce and industry for employees at entry-level/junior or support positions with basic human resources knowledge and skills, thereby contributing to the socio-economic growth and development of South Africa.

Moreover, the qualification will broaden access to a tertiary education for many people, as the minimum admission criteria are lower than that for the Diploma programme in Human Resources. Upon completion of this qualification, learners will be able to articulate into Diploma in Management Sciences, with a specialisation in Human Resources, or into other relevant Advanced Certificate and Diploma qualifications.

Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL)

The institution has an RPL policy in place that allows learners access to higher education by recognising their prior learning (completed qualifications, short courses and work experience).

The learner's portfolio will be assessed against the relevant learning outcomes, and credits/exemption may be granted for some modules in the programme, and/or admission may be granted into the programme.

Entry Requirements

The minimum entry requirement is

• National Senior Certificate (NSC) granting access to Higher Certificate studies.

Or

• Senior Certificate.

Or

• National Certificate (Vocational) NCV Level 4.

This qualification consists of compulsory modules at National Qualifications Framework (NQF) Levels 5 totalling 120 Credits.

Modules

• Business Communication and Information Literacy, 16 Credits.
• Financial Literacy, 12 Credits.
• Introduction to Technology, 12 Credits.
• Cornerstone 101, 12 Credits.
• Introduction to Human Resource Management, 20 Credits.
• Fundamentals of Organisational Behaviour, 16 Credits.
• Introduction to Labour Relations, 16 Credits.
• Introduction to Training and Development, 16 Credits.

1. Apply the key concepts, terms and principles within the field of human resources.
2. Apply basic operational knowledge within the context of human resources in an organisation.
3. Express independent ethical judgements regarding organisational issues and contribute to ethical standards in human resources.
4. Communicate information effectively, both orally and in writing, using appropriate technology, language, structure, style and graphical support.

Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 1

• Demonstrate basic understanding of the key concepts, terms, principles, and practices within the field of Human Resources.
• Explain the concepts of ethics and corporate governance in human resources.
• Demonstrate the basic underlying concepts and practical application of the fundamentals of human resource finance.

Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 2

• Apply basic operational knowledge within a human resource environment.
• The concepts of training and development and labour relations in the organisation are applied.
• Apply basic IT knowledge and skills to a human resources context.
• Demonstrate the ability to leverage basic human resource concepts to an organisational context.

Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 3

• Explain the difference between ethical and unethical human resources practices.
• Demonstrate an understanding of the relevant legislation pertaining to labour relations and training and development.
• Identify and present performance gaps, and basic measures to improve employee motivation and interpersonal relations and reduce workplace stress.
• Explain the concepts of ethics and corporate governance in human resources.

Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 4

• Demonstrate the ability to use appropriate human resource terminology to communicate effectively with a range of audiences.
• Communicate using appropriate techniques, language, structure, style and graphical support.
• Apply basic IT knowledge and skills to a human resources context.
• Demonstrate understanding of human resource information systems.

Integrated Assessment

Assessment will be systematic, regular and formative, and feedback to the learners about their progress toward exit level competence will be timeous and constructive, and according to the institution's policy.

Foundational knowledge embedded in the fundamental modules, which are offered in the first semester, will be integrated into the assessments for the core modules in the qualification which are offered in the second semester. The integrated assessments will make use of a range of formative and summative assessment tools and may include written tests, assignments, and presentations.