Yearbooks

Programme: MPhil (Human Resource Management) (Coursework)

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Code Faculty Department
07255263 Faculty of Economic and Management Sciences Department: Human Resource Management
Credits Duration NQF level
Minimum duration of study: 1 year Total credits: 180 NQF level:  09

Programme information

This is a coursework master's programme with six modules and a mini-dissertation.

Admission requirements

  1. Relevant honours degree in Human Resource Management or Labour Relations Management or equivalent
  2. A cumulative weighted average of at least 65% for the honours degree
  3. At least 65% for the research component at honours level

Additional requirements

  • A candidate may be refused admission to a master’s degree by the head of the relevant department if he/she does not comply with the standard of competence in the subject as determined by the department – with the proviso that a candidate who does not comply with the required level of competence, may be admitted, provided that he/she completes additional study assignments and/or examinations.
  • The relevant head of department may set additional admission requirements. 
  • Specific departments have specific requirements for admission. 
  • The number of students will be determined in line with the growth strategy of the University of Pretoria as approved by the Executive. 
  • The diversity profile of students will be aligned with the UP diversity objectives.

Other programme-specific information

The pass mark for the mini-dissertation is 50%. The provisions regarding pass requirements for dissertations, contained in General Academic Regulation G39, apply mutatis mutandis to mini-dissertations. A pass mark of at least 50% is required in the examination of each module.

The research component contributes 50% toward the total requirements for the degree, which include the Research in Practice module and the mini-dissertation or research article.

A module in Research Methodology is compulsory in all programmes. The Dean may, on the recommendation of the relevant head of department, waive the prerequisites. For the purpose of this degree, the Research in Practice module replace this Research Methodology module.

Research information

Preparation and submission of dissertation
Refer to General Academic Regulation G39.7.

Pass with distinction

In order to be awarded the degree with distinction, a student must meet the following criteria:

  • Obtain a Grade Point Average of at least 75% including at least 75% in the mini-dissertation;
  • Complete the degree/diploma within the minimum period prescribed;
  • Only the final mark of the first attempt to pass the modules or dissertation will be considered and
  • The GPA will be not be rounded up to a whole number.

Minimum credits: 180

Core modules

  • Module content:

    Students will develop an in-depth knowledge of the context and content of strategic human resource management. They will integrate them to develop and implement strategic human resource management plans and communicate them to a variety of audiences in different contexts. Students will be able to critically appraise the state of strategic human resource management in South African organisations.

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  • Module content:

    Students will design, conduct and evaluate research in talent management in the management of human resources; they will design, facilitate and monitor the implementation of talent management practices; as an internal or external consultant they will appreciate the complexity of behaviour in the workplace; they will combine theoretical knowledge with practical examples and provide guidelines on talent management as a decision science.

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  • Module content:

    Students will be knowledgeable about the history of leadership theory and critically apply contemporary approaches to design, deliver and evaluate leadership development programmes. They will be able to communicate their rationale for leadership development programmes to a variety of audiences.

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  • Module content:

    Students will know the principles of data management, data mining, assuring data integrity and its utilisation as the source of human capital measurement in personnel management. Students will be able to critically apply metrics to analyse the effectiveness and value of typical human resource management initiatives and be able to communicate them to a variety of audiences.

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  • Module content:

    Students will develop an in-depth understanding of diversity approaches and practices and be able to apply them in a critical manner to manage diversity related issues in South African organisations. Students will have an understanding of issues that are detrimental in a diverse work context (i.e. stereotyping, ethnocentrism, bias) and will demonstrate reflexive self and social awareness in managing diversity.

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  • Module content:

    Part 1: Research design and proposal development
    Students will design a suitable research project by developing a research proposal commencing with the background, the problem statement and the purpose of the proposed study. An integrated and in-depth literature review follows, demonstrating academic scholarship in the field of study and the student’s ability to reflect critically on their own and others’ research. They will develop research questions or hypotheses and justify an appropriate methodology for the study. The proposal will include ethical considerations and the criteria for ethical conduct in doing research, adhering to UP’s Code of ethics for scholarly activities (S4755/12). Students will present their proposals to a panel of members of D-HRM. Students will follow the APA guidelines in their academic writing.

    Part 2: Qualitative research
    Students will be proficient in advanced qualitative research methods, and knowledgeable of the relevant paradigms, designs, sampling procedures, data collection and analysis methods as well as the criteria for quality and rigour. Students will demonstrate reflexivity in applying these by conducting a qualitative research project of limited scope in which they justify their methodological choices.

    Part 3: Quantitative research
    Students will be proficient in quantitative research methods and the relevant paradigms, research designs, sampling procedures and data collection methods. They will be able to select and apply appropriate statistical models for different types of designs and justify their choices in line with the specific purpose of the study and data requirements. They will develop a practical ability to analyse data using SPSS and AMOS.

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  • Module content:

    The research component (Human Resource Management mini-dissertation) can be completed after the successful completion of HRC 806 (or IPS 806). It needs to be submitted for examination by 30 September in Year 2.

    In line with the proposal developed as part of HRC 806, students will conduct their research study by collecting, analysing and interpreting their findings in a scholarly manner, demonstrating a critical engagement with related academic work. They should also discuss the limitations of their study, its practical implications and its contribution. The findings will be communicated in the form of a mini- dissertation, following APA guidelines.

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  • Module content:

    Students will be knowledgeable about psychological theories of change in individuals and groups. They will build and communicate their own mental models of a changing post-modern society and of the organization as change territory. They will integrate this knowledge to develop suitable frameworks to facilitate change interventions and manage the dynamics of change in contemporary organisations. Students will be able to critically appraise and articulate the intended benefits and possible unintended consequences of a change intervention to different audiences.

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  • Module content:

    Students will acquire an in-depth knowledge of labour relations management principles and understand employment contracting in the context of South African Labour legislation. Students will develop an understanding of different approaches for managing grievances and understand different strategies and policies used in labour relations management. Students will integrate and apply these critically in solving South African based labour issues.

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The regulations and rules for the degrees published here are subject to change and may be amended after the publication of this information.

The General Academic Regulations (G Regulations) and General Student Rules apply to all faculties and registered students of the University, as well as all prospective students who have accepted an offer of a place at the University of Pretoria. On registering for a programme, the student bears the responsibility of ensuring that they familiarise themselves with the General Academic Regulations applicable to their registration, as well as the relevant faculty-specific and programme-specific regulations and information as stipulated in the relevant yearbook. Ignorance concerning these regulations will not be accepted as an excuse for any transgression, or basis for an exception to any of the aforementioned regulations.

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