Postgraduate Diploma in Industrial Relations

Purpose

The qualification is designed to ensure that leaners are trained in the competencies of labour law as required to practice as Commission for Conciliation, Mediation and Arbitration (CCMA) Commissioners, Bargaining Council Panellists and labour law generalists. The qualification provides an industry appropriate and relevant course to train labour practitioners and give them a deeper understanding and develop their knowledge and skill in labour law. It equips professionals with an appreciation of the legal, ethical principles applicable to industrial relations and labour law, and contributes to the professional development of labour practitioners. Further, the qualification aims to equip practitioners with the advanced knowledge and practical skills required for competent practice in this field.

Rationale

This qualification provides an industry-appropriate and relevant course that provides labour practitioners with advanced knowledge in the field of industrial relations and labour law, aligned with constitutional imperatives and current societal realities. Consequently, the rationale is to provide and develop an understanding, knowledge and skill in labour law and industrial relations; to equip professionals with an appreciation of the legal and ethical principles of labour law and to contribute to the professional development of labour practitioners.

Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL)

The institution accepts the principle underlying outcomes-based, source-based and life-long learning, in which considerations of articulation and mobility play a significant role, and subscribes to the view that Recognition of Prior Learning, whether acquired by formal education curricula at this or another institution or informally (by experience) is an indispensable element in deciding on admission to and awarding credits in an explicitly selected teaching-learning qualification of the institution.

A learner who falls outside of the formal qualifications system, but who can demonstrate (through the production of substantial and satisfactory evidence) experiential or work-based learning or a non-formal qualification (or a combination), may be considered for admission and/or for the Recognition of Prior Learning for the achievement of the qualification in part or in full.

A learner who after such assessment, is deemed to have sufficient potential, but is in need of further academic development, must be directed to other suitable learning qualifications prior to admission or to parallel qualifications after admission.

Entry Requirements

The minimum entry requirement for this qualification is

• Bachelor of Commerce in Industrial Psychology, National Qualifications Framework (NQF) Level 7.

This qualification consists of the following compulsory modules at National Qualifications Framework (NQF) Level 8 totalling 136 Credits.

Compulsory Modules, Level 8, 136 Credits

• Procedural Labour Law A, 16 Credits.
• Management of Conflict, 16 Credits.
• Procedural Labour Law B, 16 Credits.
• Contemporary Issues in Labour Law, 16 Credits.
• Individual Employment Law, 24 Credits.
• Labour Dispute Resolution, 8 Credits.
• Collective Employment Law, 16 Credits.
• Industrial Relations, 24 Credits.

1. Demonstrate a comprehensive and systematic understanding of industrial relations theoretical knowledge and its application in South Africa.
2. Analyse and critically evaluate complex issues in Industrial Relations.
3. Appreciate the unique Industrial Relations challenges in the South African context.
4. Understand the best business practices related to collective bargaining, worker's participation in decision-making, and grievance and dispute settlement.
5. Demonstrate a clear understanding of the general principles related to South African labour Legislation.
6. Demonstrate an understanding of the social justice mandate for commissioners in terms of the labour relations act and the constitution.
7. Demonstrate an understanding of the ethics and values required of commissioners and arbitrators.
8. Apply the interpersonal skills required by commissioners.
9. Demonstrate awareness of diversity requirements.
10. Demonstrate an understanding of the general principles of labour law and labour legislation in South Africa, in such a way that this knowledge can be applied to resolve and determine labour disputes demonstrate the ability to read, analyse and apply relevant case law and display competence in applying the law to practical situations.
11. Demonstrate an understanding of the labour law amendments.
12. Develop an understanding of the dispute resolution system in South Africa and the skills and ability to effectively conciliate, mediate and arbitrate a labour dispute.
13. Develop an understanding and knowledge of the law of evidence as it applies to labour arbitrations and the skill to apply this knowledge when arbitrating a dispute.
14. Develop competence in legal writing, drafting and advocacy to effectively practice as a Commission for Conciliation, Mediation and Arbitration (CCMA) commissioner and bargaining council panellist.
15. Research independently, to evaluate critical, to write articulately and accurately.
16. Explain and critique own practices in the field of Labour Law.

The following Associated Assessment Criteria will be used in an integrated manner across the Exit Level Outcomes

• Understand concepts, theories and principles and demonstrate critical reasoning.
• Utilise appropriate techniques/methodologies for the effective presentation of an argument.
• Access, analyse and interpret data and information.
• Think creatively and utilise critical reasoning to place data and information in context.
• Work with others in groups or through networking.

Integrated Assessment

A range of assessments methods will be utilised. The qualification will develop research capacity amongst Learners by seeking to develop the capacities of leaners to read, critique and evaluate content and engage critically with material and case work. Learners will be required to submit assignments where it will be necessary for them to undertake independent research. The learning outcomes at module level will be assessed in an integrated way to ensure the achievement of the overall programme learning outcomes. Assessment methods will include written tasks, and practical exercises and students will be required to demonstrate a required level of skill and understanding to practice effectively as a Commission for Conciliation, Mediation and Arbitration (CCMA) commissioner, arbitrator and labour generalist. Moderators and external examiners will be selected based on experience and competence in the field and requisite qualifications as well as in-depth knowledge of the material.

Assessment methods will include written tasks, and practical exercises and leaners will be required to demonstrate a required level of skill and understanding to practice effectively as a CCMA commissioner, arbitrator and labour generalist. Formative assessment through written assignments in which leaners engage with the literature demonstrate and reflect on their knowledge and understanding of a relevant topic and adhere to the conventions of academic writing. Oral presentations using PowerPoint. Practical exercises to assess skills. Monitoring participation of leaners in class. Summative assessment through tests incorporating both theory and practice and three-hour examination which will be externally examined.