In today’s ever-changing work environment, human resource management expertise – which includes the essentials of labour relations management – plays a crucial role in giving companies a competitive edge.

The MCom and MPhil Human Resource Management (HRM) programmes offered by the University of Pretoria’s (UP) Department of Human Resource Management provides students with the requisite skills and knowledge to become HRM leaders in the industry. The programme integrates theory with practical modules where students are coached in strategic decision-making in the workplace.

The Department of HRM consists of highly qualified academics with expertise in diverse areas such as organisational behaviour and employee relations. This includes HRM-related variables such as labour law, talent management, leadership, work-life balance, work identity, subjective career success and much more. Postgraduate students can pursue research in these fields for the mini-dissertation that forms part of their master’s.

Dr Martha Harunavamwe, master’s coordinator in the Department of HRM, says the research expertise in the department is multifaceted, providing students with broad research areas to explore.

“Our research focuses on emerging trends in the modern workplace, including techno-stress, hybrid work environments, employee well-being, flexible work arrangements and challenges posed by tele-pressure [the stress associated with having to respond to work-related messages at all times],” she says. “We also examine issues related to diversity and gender to understand how these factors affect workers, and explore strategies to mitigate stress and enhance productivity in the rapidly evolving digital landscape.”

The master’s programmes equip students with essential skills in multiple areas that will help advance their careers and develop their leadership competencies. It has yielded great returns for Sipho Kubayi, a recent MCom HRM graduate.

“I work in a management position, and the programme has significantly enhanced my skills in planning, organising and handling responsibilities, preparing me for larger roles and the challenges ahead,” he says.

Kubayi, whose research focused on work-life balance for women in the public sector, says that, despite being challenging at first, the programme was an enriching experience that deepened his knowledge of human resources.

“Despite the initial challenges and being one of only two male students, the programme turned out to be an eye-opener, expanding my understanding of human resources,” he says. “The workload was substantial, and required late nights and early mornings, but the support from my classmates, lecturers and my supervisor was invaluable. Although the group work was very demanding, it was also enriching due to the diverse knowledge and experiences shared by my classmates. The modules were engaging, and the collaborative environment made the learning experience enjoyable.”

The HRM master’s programmes are offered at a minimum duration of two years, and include core modules and a research module for the mini-dissertation. 

Admission requirements:

• A BCom (Hons) in HRM or Labour Relations Management (or an equivalent) degree (NQF level 8)

• An average of 65% or above overall for all honours (NQF level 8) modules

• An average of 65% or above for research module/s and research reports at honours level (NQF level 8)

• Successfully completed a labour relations module or equivalent module with an average of 65% or above at honours level (NQF level 8)

International and national accreditations

UP’s Department of HRM is accredited by the Association to Advance Collegiate Schools of Business, the oldest international accreditation body of business education. Nationally, UP’s HRM master’s programmes are accredited by the South African Board for People Practices (SABPP), which gives a credible voice to the human resources profession based on clear standards of governance, quality assurance and professionalism in human resource management and people practices in the workplace. The University’s Department of HRM has received several awards from the SABPP, demonstrating that the department adheres to the best human resources standards and is committed to developing students to be leaders in the fields of human resources and labour relations.