Postgraduate Diploma in Human Resource Management

The purpose of the programme is to enhance the knowledge of management of the learner within the specific field selected, to develop a thorough knowledge of relevant theory, and to develop the skills needed to apply the theory.

Learners should possess an undergraduate degree, or have a relevant professional qualification with relevant work experience to the satisfaction of the Senate of the University of Natal.

(If applicable) Appropriate professional qualification, practical experience, or other recognised university qualification as acceptable to Senate can be recognised for admission.

• Understand the role that the specific management discipline of the programme selected plays in the organisation and how it interacts with other management disciplines. In the case of marketing and human resources diplomas emphasis is placed on how the discipline interacts with other management disciplines.
• Have an understanding and proficiency in relevant theory, institutional forms, legislation and its application.
• Be able to communicate with specialists in the chosen field and with general management.
• Be able to develop relevant plans.
• Be able to conduct relevant research.
• Be competent in delivering verbal presentations and writing reports.

• Demonstrate a thorough knowledge of the general field of inquiry
• Demonstrate a detailed knowledge of specific areas of inquiry in the programme.
• Understand the interrelationships amongst various areas of the field of knowledge.
• Analyse components / issues / factors / structures etc.
• Grasp the theoretical and philosophical underpinnings of the area of study.
• Demonstrate a thorough knowledge of current critical debates.
• Summarise, compare, and evaluate a substantial body of knowledge.
• Construct a sustained argument; formulate questions and work towards solutions.
• Command the conceptual discourse of the field of study.
• Solve problems, both theoretical and applied.
• Demonstrate an appropriate understanding of the discipline.
• Contextualise this study within the social environment and historical understanding.
• Develop a clear understanding of the historical and contemporary state and possible future of the disciplinary areas in which he / she is working.
• Command academic English at an appropriate level.
• Demonstrate familiarity with information technology at an appropriate level.
• Understand diversity.
• Manage individual study.
• Work effectively with groups.
• Present findings at an appropriate level, both orally and in writing.
• Integrate information, conduct research, and contextualise aspects of language, literature and/or culture and understand what is needed for social development, with values consistent with social responsibility and the redress of disadvantage.

Integrated Assessment

The University of Natal is currently reforming its assessment strategies to include the assessment of applied competence for each qualification. In the meantime, a combination of continuous assessment and traditional written examinations serve to assess the integration of all / most of the learning outcomes for each module in a qualification.

A research paper in the last two semesters of the programmes provides the learner with an opportunity to develop research skills and integrate the theoretical and applied fields covered in the coursework of the Diploma.