Human Resources Management Courses At Unisa

The University of South Africa (UNISA) is one of the premier institutions for distance learning in Africa. UNISA offers a wide range of courses aimed at equipping individuals with relevant skills to thrive in various industries. One of the most sought-after areas of study is Human Resources Management (HRM). This field has gained immense importance as organizations increasingly recognize the value of skilled HR professionals in building strong and efficient workforces.

Whether you are looking to start a career in HR, specialize in a specific area, or simply expand your knowledge, UNISA provides a variety of courses to meet your learning needs. In this article, we will take an in-depth look at the list of Human Resources Management courses at UNISA, along with the skills and opportunities they offer.

Why Study Human Resources Management?

Before diving into the list of HRM courses at UNISA, it’s important to understand why this field is vital in today’s professional landscape. Human Resources Management focuses on the most valuable asset of any organization: its people. HR professionals are responsible for various critical functions, including recruitment, employee development, performance management, creating workplace policies, and fostering a positive organizational culture.

Some benefits of pursuing HRM as a career include:

High Demand: There is a growing need for HR professionals across various industries.
Rewarding Career Path: You can directly impact the success of an organization and improve employees’ work lives.
Diverse Opportunities: HR roles range from recruitment and training to strategic leadership positions.
Skill Development: You gain expertise in communication, relationship management, conflict resolution, and organizational development.

With that said, let’s explore the Human Resources Management courses available at UNISA.

Categories of Human Resources Management Courses at UNISA

UNISA offers a range of HRM courses at different academic levels, including:

Short Learning Programmes (SLPs)
Undergraduate Certificates and Diplomas
Bachelor’s Degrees
Honours Degrees
Postgraduate Diplomas

Each of these categories includes specialized courses designed to meet diverse academic and professional aspirations.

1. Short Learning Programmes (SLPs) in HRM

Short Learning Programmes at UNISA are ideal for individuals who want to gain specific skills within a shorter period. These courses are practical and focused on delivering immediate, workplace-relevant knowledge.

Short Course in Human Resources Basics

Duration: 6 months
Purpose: Designed for individuals new to HR, this course covers fundamental aspects of human resources management, including recruitment, basic labor laws, and employee relations.
Key Topics:
Introduction to HRM
Workforce planning and recruitment
Employee motivation and engagement

Short Course in Labour Relations Management

Duration: 6–12 months
Purpose: This course is geared toward those focusing on labor laws and workplace conflict resolution.
Key Topics:
Understanding labor legislation in South Africa
Managing disputes and grievances
Mediation and negotiation techniques

Short Course in Employee Wellness

Duration: 6 months
Purpose: This course addresses employee well-being by teaching strategies to create healthier, more productive workplaces.
Key Topics:
Workplace stress management
Employee assistance programs
Mental health policies

Short Course in Job Analysis and Job Evaluation

Duration: 6 months
Purpose: This course is targeted at individuals seeking skills in job design and role assessment.
Key Topics:
Designing job descriptions
Evaluating job performance
Linking job roles to organizational goals

Short Learning Programmes are highly flexible, allowing working professionals to advance their skills and qualifications without committing to a full degree program.

2. Undergraduate Certificates and Diplomas in HRM

For those who want a more comprehensive education in HRM but aren’t ready to commit to an undergraduate degree, UNISA offers certificates and diplomas in human resources.

Higher Certificate in Human Resource Management

Duration: 1 year (full-time) or 2 years (part-time)
Purpose: This entry-level qualification lays the groundwork for a career in HR by providing foundational knowledge and skills.
Key Topics:
Human resource administration
South African labor laws
Basic recruitment processes
Office and organizational management

Diploma in Human Resource Management

Duration: 3 years
Purpose: Designed for individuals aiming for a more specialized focus in HRM, this diploma combines theoretical knowledge with practical application.
Key Topics:
Workforce planning and employment law
Leadership and organizational change
Employee training and development
Performance management systems
Career Opportunities After Graduation:
HR Assistant
Payroll Administrator
Training and Development Coordinator

3. Bachelor’s Degrees in Human Resources Management

For those aiming for in-depth knowledge and a solid academic foundation in HRM, UNISA’s undergraduate degrees are an excellent choice.

Bachelor of Commerce in Human Resource Management (BCom HRM)

Duration: 3–4 years
Purpose: This comprehensive program prepares students for professional HR roles, focusing on strategic and operational aspects of human resources.
Key Topics:
Business management and economics
Advanced principles of HRM
Human behavior in organizations
Industrial psychology
Strategic HRM planning
Career Opportunities After Graduation:
HR Manager
Recruitment Specialist
Employment Relations Consultant

Bachelor of Business Administration (BBA) with HR Focus

Duration: 3 years
Purpose: This degree combines core business administration principles with specialized HR training.
Key Topics:
General business management
HR project management
Labor laws and ethics
Career Opportunities After Graduation:
HR Consultant
Office Manager
Talent Acquisition Specialist

These bachelor’s programs are ideal for individuals seeking to pursue leadership roles in human resources or related fields.

4. Honours Degrees in HRM

Honours degrees provide opportunities for deep specialization and research. These programs are suitable for graduates who want to advance their academic qualifications or move into senior-level HR positions.

Bachelor of Commerce Honours in Human Resources Management

Duration: 1–2 years (part-time or full-time)
Purpose: This advanced qualification builds on undergraduate studies by focusing on critical HR theories, research methodologies, and strategic applications.
Key Topics:
HR analytics and metrics
Advanced labor relations management
Organizational development
Leadership theories and practices
Career Opportunities After Graduation:
Senior HR Consultant
Organizational Development Specialist
HR Analyst

5. Postgraduate Diplomas in HRM

Postgraduate diplomas at UNISA are professionally oriented and aim to equip learners with advanced HR skills for higher-level positions.

Postgraduate Diploma in Human Resource Management

Duration: 1–2 years
Purpose: This program focuses on preparing students for executive or strategic roles in HR.
Key Topics:
Strategic HR management
Talent management and succession planning
Employee engagement strategies
HR information systems
Career Opportunities After Graduation:
HR Director
Talent Manager
Employee Relations Strategist

Postgraduate diplomas are perfect for HR professionals looking to enhance their credentials and broaden their career horizons.

Skills You’ll Gain from HRM Courses at UNISA

Studying Human Resources Management at UNISA equips you with an array of valuable skills, including:

Strategic Thinking: Learn how to align HR practices with organizational goals.
Leadership and Communication: Develop the ability to manage teams and effectively communicate workplace policies.
Legal Knowledge: Gain an understanding of labor laws and regulations to ensure compliance.
Problem-Solving: Learn how to address employee concerns and workplace challenges.
Data Analysis: Understand how to use data to inform HR decisions and strategies.

These skills are applicable across numerous industries, making HRM one of the most versatile career options.

Admission Requirements for HRM Courses at UNISA

Admission requirements vary depending on the course level. Below is a general guide:

Short Learning Programmes: Typically require a Grade 12 certificate or relevant work experience.
Higher Certificates and Diplomas: Require a National Senior Certificate (NSC) or equivalent qualification.
Bachelor’s Degrees: Require an NSC with degree admission and specific achievement levels in subjects like Mathematics and English.
Honours Degrees and Postgraduate Diplomas: Require a relevant undergraduate qualification with minimum performance standards.

It is always advisable to check specific requirements for each course on UNISA’s official website.

How to Apply

Applying for an HRM course at UNISA is a straightforward process. Follow these steps:

Visit the official UNISA website.
Register an account on the application portal.
Fill in your personal details and select your desired course.
Upload required academic documents.
Pay the application fee and submit the form.

Make sure you apply during the specified application period to secure your spot.

Conclusion

The University of South Africa offers an extensive range of Human Resources Management courses suitable for every stage of your career. Whether you’re starting out with a short learning program, gaining foundational knowledge through a diploma, or specializing with an honours degree, UNISA has a course tailored to your needs. These programs provide the skills and qualifications needed to excel in the dynamic field of HR, positioning you for success in a variety of roles.

With flexible learning options and a reputation for academic excellence, UNISA is the perfect choice for anyone looking to build a career in Human Resources Management. Start your journey toward a fulfilling career today by exploring the HRM courses offered at this prestigious institution!