SAQA All qualifications and part qualifications registered on the National Qualifications Framework are public property. Thus the only payment that can be made for them is for service and reproduction. It is illegal to sell this material for profit. If the material is reproduced or quoted, the South African Qualifications Authority (SAQA) should be acknowledged as the source.
SOUTH AFRICAN QUALIFICATIONS AUTHORITY 
REGISTERED QUALIFICATION: 

Diploma in Human Resource Development 
SAQA QUAL ID QUALIFICATION TITLE
111180  Diploma in Human Resource Development 
ORIGINATOR
University of Johannesburg 
PRIMARY OR DELEGATED QUALITY ASSURANCE FUNCTIONARY NQF SUB-FRAMEWORK
CHE - Council on Higher Education  HEQSF - Higher Education Qualifications Sub-framework 
QUALIFICATION TYPE FIELD SUBFIELD
Diploma (Min 360)  Field 03 - Business, Commerce and Management Studies  Human Resources 
ABET BAND MINIMUM CREDITS PRE-2009 NQF LEVEL NQF LEVEL QUAL CLASS
Undefined  360  Not Applicable  NQF Level 06  Regular-Provider-ELOAC 
REGISTRATION STATUS SAQA DECISION NUMBER REGISTRATION START DATE REGISTRATION END DATE
Reregistered  EXCO 0821/24  2019-09-03  2027-06-30 
LAST DATE FOR ENROLMENT LAST DATE FOR ACHIEVEMENT
2028-06-30   2033-06-30  

In all of the tables in this document, both the pre-2009 NQF Level and the NQF Level is shown. In the text (purpose statements, qualification rules, etc), any references to NQF Levels are to the pre-2009 levels unless specifically stated otherwise.  

This qualification does not replace any other qualification and is not replaced by any other qualification. 

PURPOSE AND RATIONALE OF THE QUALIFICATION 
The purpose of the Diploma in Human Resource Development is to prepare learners for a career in human resource development in such roles as Human Resource Business Partner, Learning Consultant, e-Learning Designers and Consultants, Performance Improvement Consultants and Organisational Development Consultants within the full Human Resource (HR) value chain.

This qualification will develop theoretical knowledge and practical competence and skills on National Qualifications Framework (NQF) Level 6 in Human Resource Development to enable learners to apply the principles of contemporary people practices in their working environment.
The learner should be able to take decisions in the context of human resource development, interpret relevant information and produce innovative responses based on informed judgment to concrete but often-unfamiliar problems.

The qualification will provide the learner with an appropriate range of fundamental knowledge, skills and competencies in fields such as Human Resource Management, Human Resource Development, Leadership, Business Communication, Learning Technologies, Learning Delivery and Support, Digital Communication, Change Management, Performance Consulting, Business Research and Project Management.

Rationale:
This qualification offers school leavers an option for a career in Human Resource Development. It also offers Human Resource Development Practitioners a path to extend their knowledge, skills and practice to raise their professional competence in the field. The desire for career enhancement in the field of Human Resource Development continues to be at the forefront of people practices in South Africa. However, a rapidly developing knowledge economy, augmented by technological disruption has substantially altered competency requirements in human resource practices.

The qualification will supply industry with practitioners who can be agents of transformation as required as it combines human resource development, human resource management, business and leadership skills to adequately prepare learners for the 21st century requirement of talent development. The qualification introduces new paradigms and consulting approaches in human resource practices and simultaneously underscores the new digital citizenship context. The aim is to enable learners to understand traditional and contemporary human resource development practices in order to consult meaningfully with business, develop a cohesive understanding of a broad-based, sustainable human resource value chain and to better integrate technology. Learners will be exposed to relevant knowledge on human resource development, Human Resource Management and Business Management.

Against this background and requirement, in which professional skills development is key, the learner will also gain the following critical, modern-day industry skills:
  • 21st century leadership of self and others.
  • Performance consulting, which is the foundation for providing transformational human resource development.
  • Complex problem-solving (The ability to solve complex, current problems with fresh, cross-disciplinary thinking and methods).
  • An understanding of contemporary human resource development trends and changes.
  • Effective research skills.
  • Digital savvy (The ability to effectively leverage and apply a large 'toolbox' of ever-changing technologies to facilitate problem-solving).
  • The ability to leverage flexible, new learning environments and dynamic business contexts.
  • Relevant, up-to-date knowledge on human resource development, human resource management and business management.

    Learners will also gain the opportunity to develop, through work-integrated learning, practical consulting skills towards co-creating strategically aligned solutions. In the same way, they will have opportunities to implement basic methods of measuring and interpreting skills development, behaviour and job performance data. 

  • LEARNING ASSUMED TO BE IN PLACE AND RECOGNITION OF PRIOR LEARNING 
    Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL):
    Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL) is accepted as an integral part of education and academic practice. It is acknowledged that all learning has value and the institution will endeavour to assess prior learning and award credit where relevant.
    Through RPL, a learner may gain access, or advanced placement, or recognition of status.

    Entry Requirements:
    The minimum entry requirement for this qualification is:
  • National Senior Certificate (NSC), Level 4, granting access to Diploma studies.
    Or
  • National Certificate Vocational (NCV), Level 4, granting access to Diploma studies.
    Or
  • Senior Certificate (SC), Level 4 with endorsement. 

  • RECOGNISE PREVIOUS LEARNING? 

    QUALIFICATION RULES 
    This qualification consists of the following compulsory modules at Levels 5 and 6 totalling 360 Credits.

    Compulsory Modules, Level 5, 195 Credits:
  • Human Resource Management 1A, 15 Credits.
  • Human Resource Development 1a, 15 Credits.
  • Business Communication, 15 Credits.
  • Introduction to Technology 1a, 15 Credits.
  • Human Resource Management 1B, 15 Credits.
  • Human Resource Development 1B, 15 Credits.
  • Business Skills, 15 Credits.
  • Introduction to Technology 1B, 15 Credits.
  • Human Resource Management 2a, 15 Credits.
  • Digital Communication 2a, 15 Credits.
  • Leadership Skills 2a, 15 Credits.
  • Human Resource Development: Delivery and Support, 15 Credits.
  • Digital Communication 2b, 15 Credits.

    Compulsory Modules, Level 6, 165 Credits.
  • Human Resource Development 2a, 15 Credits.
  • Human Resource Management 2b, 15 Credits.
  • Human Resource Development 2b, 15 Credits.
  • Human Resource Development 3a, 20 Credits.
  • Change Management, 20 Credits.
  • Contemporary Issues in People Practices, 20 Credits.
  • Introduction to Consulting, 15 Credits.
  • Introduction to Research, 15 Credits.
  • Human Resource Development Practical Project, 30 Credits. 

  • EXIT LEVEL OUTCOMES 
    1. Align business strategy with regulatory and compliance demands.
    2. Apply Human Resource Development concepts, methodologies and principles to propose solutions to business performance problems.
    3. Utilise technology to plan, implement and evaluate workplace learning and development solutions for improved organisational learning.
    4. Leverage various platforms and networks, in order to share and create knowledge within a business environment.
    5. Demonstrate personal and professional leadership in managing oneself and others in micro and macro engagements to facilitate appropriate and impactful solutions.
    6. Promote the support of people development solutions in line with the broader change management initiatives of a business.
    7. Undertake investigations into organisational challenges and opportunities from a workplace learning and development perspective for authentic solutions.
    Exit Level Outcome 8:
    8. Conduct relevant research within an organisation in order to provide an appropriate people development solution.
    9. Embody the qualities of a trusted, credible, ethical and professional business partner to transform and elevate people practices, in people development solutions in the workplace. 

    ASSOCIATED ASSESSMENT CRITERIA 
    Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 1:
  • Apply Human Resource Management concepts, methodologies and principles correctly to given business and people strategies.
  • Propose solutions to business problems/requirements by applying a chosen human resource management methodology.
  • Describe the solution's alignment to the organisation's business strategy.
  • Identify how the solution complies with regulatory human resource management demands and ways in which the organisation can adhere to the recommended solution.

    Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 2:
  • Apply Human Resource Development concepts, methodologies and principles correctly to given people strategies.
  • Recommend solutions to certain business performance problems/requirements by applying a chosen human resource development methodology.
  • Describe the in alignment to the People Strategy of an organisation.
  • Reflect on the appropriateness of the people development solution within given quality and compliance demands as prescribed.
  • Construct a people strategy in accordance with quality and compliance demands.

    Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 3:
  • Describe and motivate the role and purpose of technology in supporting human resource development solutions.
  • Plan and implement workplace learning and development solutions using selected technology, tools and platforms for improved organisational learning.
  • Evaluate the effectiveness and efficiency of the learning and development solution against the selected technology, tools and platforms in line with given quality criteria.

    Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 4:
  • Demonstrate collaborating, knowledge-sharing and knowledge-creation with relevant role players in the people profession by: membership to appropriate online platforms, networks and communities of practice, active and meaningful participation in such online platforms and sharing and transferring knowledge appropriately to individual, Human Resource Development (HRD) team, organisation and profession.

    Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 5:
  • Describe the application of personal and professional leadership and motivate in managing oneself as a 21st century human resource development practitioner.
  • Reflect on personal and professional leadership of self and others against appropriate measurements and criteria to determine impact.

    Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 6:
  • Explain and justify the importance of applying effective change management processes to the people development aspect of change initiatives.
  • Identify, describe and translate effective change management processes into people development solutions for positive impact.
  • Describe effective change management processes clearly.

    Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 7:
  • Identify and Investigate organisational challenges and opportunities from a workplace learning and development perspective.
  • Present relevant data analysis and recommend solutions to problems in a way that demonstrates insight and value and opening up possibilities to collaborate with business for authentic solutions.

    Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 8:
  • Use an appropriate business research process and apply the relevant combined knowledge, skills, competencies, tools and techniques.
  • Demonstrate with the portfolio of evidence that all of the required Human Resource Development (HRD) activities have been conducted in accordance with specifications outlined in a performance checklist.

    Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 9:
  • Demonstrate and describe the qualities that embody a credible, trusted business partner in a workplace or workplace simulation contexts using case studies.
  • Demonstrate the qualities that embody an ethical business partner in a workplace or workplace simulation contexts using case studies.
  • Demonstrate the qualities that embody a professional business collaborates in case studies, workplace or workplace simulation contexts.

    Integrated Assessment:
    Formative Assessments such as will be used during the learning:
  • Quizzes, Practical exercises/demonstrations, Reflective journals, Written or oral questions.
    Summative Assessment
    In the third year, the Work Integrated Learning Project will be used to assess inter-modular outcomes in an integrated manner. It will comprise a research project related to the application of combined knowledge, skills and competencies in providing an appropriate people development solution for a particular context. 

  • INTERNATIONAL COMPARABILITY 
    Country: Ireland.
    Institution: National College of Ireland.
    Qualification Title: Chartered Institute of Personnel and Development (CIPD) Diploma in Learning and Development.
    This 10 month programme is aimed at those at working in training, learning, organisational development and talent development in organisations or those seeking to make a career change towards training and development. Entry is based on relevant work and other experience. The programme leads to Chartered Institute of Personnel and Development (CIPD), Associate membership.

    The course content is as follows:
  • Designing digital and blended learning
  • Facilitation skills
  • Coaching and mentoring
  • Consultancy Skills
  • Organisational Development
  • Understanding the context of learning and development
  • Developing business cases for learning and development
  • Professional practice.

    Country: Ireland.
    Institution: University of Limerick Kemmy Business School.
    Qualification Title: Diploma in Human Resource Management.
    This one year, part-time qualification covers key areas of human resource management (HRM), human resource development (HRD) and employment relations as well as broader subjects related to economics and sociology. The programme is further accredited with the CIPD.

    Students are required to successfully complete 4 taught modules per semester:

    Semester 1:
  • Sociology of Work
  • Human Resource Management B
  • Organisational Behaviour 2
  • Managing for Results
  • Developing Professional Competence 2.

    Semester 2:
  • Principles of Economics
  • Employment Relations 2
  • Human Resource Development 2
  • Continuing Professional Development 2
  • Research Methods.

    Country: Australia.
    Institution: Swinburne University of Technology.
    Qualification Title: Diploma in Human Resource Management.
    This is a practical hands-on course that develops knowledge, skills and professional practice for a career in human resources. The duration of the course is 6 months full time or 1 - 2 years part-time.
    The course consists of nine units, six core units and three elective units.

    The core units are as follows:
  • Manage human resources services
  • Manage recruitment, selection and induction processes
  • Develop and manage performance management processes
  • Manage workforce planning
  • Manage employee relations
  • Implement and monitor WHS policies, procedures and programs to meet legislative requirements.

    Elective units:
  • Manage separation or termination
  • Manage remuneration and employee benefits
  • Lead and manage organisational change.

    Country: United Kingdom.
    Institution: Pearson Edexcel.
    Qualification Title: Online Diploma in Human Resource Management.
    This online distance programme is designed for people working in training, human resources or other related area. The course focuses on developing knowledge and understanding of the management of HR processes. The course duration is approximately 9 months.

    The Diploma consists of 6 units; namely:
  • Recruitment and selection
  • Human Resource Management
  • Managing Human Resources
  • Human Resources Development
  • Employee Relations
  • Management Accounting.

    The above-mentioned qualifications are aligned to the Diploma in Human Resource Development in terms of module content. 

  • ARTICULATION OPTIONS 
    This qualification allows possibilities for both vertical and horizontal articulation.
    Horizontal Articulation:
  • Diploma in Human Resource Management, Level 6.
  • Diploma in Human Resource Management Practice, Level 6.

    Vertical Articulation:
  • Advanced Diploma in People Performance, Level 7.
  • Bachelor of Arts in Human Resource Management, Level 7.
  • Bachelor of Administration in Human Resource Management, Level 7.
  • Bachelor of Human Resource Development, Level 7.
  • Bachelor of Human Resource Management, Level 7. 

  • MODERATION OPTIONS 
    N/A 

    CRITERIA FOR THE REGISTRATION OF ASSESSORS 
    N/A 

    NOTES 
    N/A 

    LEARNING PROGRAMMES RECORDED AGAINST THIS QUALIFICATION: 
     
    NONE 


    PROVIDERS CURRENTLY ACCREDITED TO OFFER THIS QUALIFICATION: 
    This information shows the current accreditations (i.e. those not past their accreditation end dates), and is the most complete record available to SAQA as of today. Some Primary or Delegated Quality Assurance Functionaries have a lag in their recording systems for provider accreditation, in turn leading to a lag in notifying SAQA of all the providers that they have accredited to offer qualifications and unit standards, as well as any extensions to accreditation end dates. The relevant Primary or Delegated Quality Assurance Functionary should be notified if a record appears to be missing from here.
     
    NONE 



    All qualifications and part qualifications registered on the National Qualifications Framework are public property. Thus the only payment that can be made for them is for service and reproduction. It is illegal to sell this material for profit. If the material is reproduced or quoted, the South African Qualifications Authority (SAQA) should be acknowledged as the source.