Honours degree in Human Resource Development

This postgraduate degree in Human Resource Development provides students with the opportunity to broaden and deepen their understanding of human resource development (HRD), enabling them to add value to their workplaces on a strategic HRD level. Since the degree consists of a large research component, it prepares students for master's-degree studies in HRD.

Note that this qualification is offered only part-time (duration two years) with limited compulsory contact sessions, and only on the Potchefstroom Campus.

Admission requirements

1. Candidates should be in possession of a suitable bachelor’s degree majoring in Human Resource Development at NQF Level 7 or equivalent, for which the student has achieved a final average mark of at least 65%.

2. Candidates should have achieved at least 65% in their research methodology module in their undergraduate qualification. Note that candidates without a minimum of 65% in the research methodology module of the undergraduate qualification may be allowed to register concurrently for this undergraduate module.

3. Candidates should provide evidence of at least five years of current human resource development work experience in the form of a curriculum vitae.

4. Students from other schools or faculties of the NWU, as well as students from other recognised universities, will have to apply for recognition of prior learning (RPL). Outcomes of the completed modules in the applicant’s completed degree will be compared to those presented in this qualification and the undergraduate HRD course for admission. Credit will be given for modules that are similar to those mentioned above. Students applying for RPL must provide the relevant school or department with a certified copy of their study record as well as the outcomes covered in their completed degree.

5. The admission requirements as mentioned above are also applicable here. The applicants from other universities must also have completed their undergraduate qualification in Human Resource Development and meet the 65% criteria, and have at least five years of experience in the human resource development field.
    

Masters degree 

Students wishing to enrol for a master’s degree in HRD must apply for the Master of Administration in Human Resource Management. (Qualification code: 5CSN01:E801M). 

On the application form, please indicate that you wish to specialise in Human Resource Development at the Potchefstroom Campus,  and address the application for the attention of Prof. Helen Meyer.

Students enrolling for this degree would have mastered the theory of human resource development (HRD) through their undergraduate studies. Through their extensive professional background, students would also have first-hand experience of HRD issues that need to be addressed in the field and that are suitable for research, thereby contributing to HRD on a national level.

This master’s degree also prepares candidates for the PhD in Economic and Management Sciences (specialising in Human Resource Development). The qualification is offered on a part-time basis only and consists of a full research dissertation.

Admission requirements

To enrol for the master’s degree in HRD (NQF Level 9), candidates require:

• Completion of an undergraduate and an honours degree in Human Resource Development on NQF Level 7.
• At least seven years of work experience, preferably as a senior HRD professional.
• An average of at least 60% in the honours degree.
• At least 60% in the research modules HRDT 612; HRDP 671[Al1.1].

Admission is subject to programme capacity.

Doctoral degree

Students enrolling for the doctoral degree in Economic and Management Sciences with Human Resource Development (Qualification Code: 5CA E11 and module code: HRDT971) would have mastered all the theory of human resource development (HRD) through their undergraduate and post-graduate studies up to NQF Level 9. Through their extensive career experience, candidates would also have gained valuable practical insight into HRD issues that need to be addressed in the field and are suitable for research, thereby contributing to HRD on a global level.

This qualification is offered on a part-time basis only and consists of a full research thesis.

Admission requirements

To enrol for the doctoral degree in HRD (NQF Level 10), candidates require:

• Completion of a master’s degree in Human Resource Development at NQF Level 9.
• At least ten years of work experience, preferably as a senior HRD professional.
• An average of at least 60% in the master’s degree. 

Admission is subject to programme capacity.