Why study a Diploma in Human Resource Management (HRM)

Human resource management has evolved into an essential strategic function for organisations operating in today’s business environment. This means that the skills taught in a Diploma in Human Resource Management are in high demand.

Studying a Diploma in Human Resource Management equips students with the foundational skills and knowledge for managing people, the most valuable resource of any organisation. An HR diploma teaches students how to align workforce strategies with business goals and foster a productive work environment.

A Diploma in Human Resource Management is an excellent starting point for those seeking an HR management course that will help them begin their careers in HR. For those seeking to further their career in the field of HR, further study is advised, such as completing an Advanced Diploma in Human Resource Management offered by CUT.

How advanced diplomas shape HR professionals

An Advanced Diploma in Human Resources Management builds on the knowledge gained in a diploma, delving deeper into leadership and the strategic dimensions of human resource practices. The coursework in an advanced diploma covers more advanced topics such as employment law, organisational behaviour and HR analytics.

Advanced diplomas are designed for professionals who wish to take on leadership roles or specialise in high-impact areas such as organisational development, talent management and workforce planning.

The impact of online HR courses on career growth

Studying an HR online course can provide a great boost to the career growth of an HR professional, particularly as lifelong learning and adaptability become increasingly important in the modern workplace. Online learning makes it much easier than before for working professionals to gain new skills and qualifications without the need to halt their careers. While this is a hugely beneficial game changer that opens people to possibilities that were previously closed to them, it also raises the bar within the industry as a whole and has made it more important than ever to engage in lifelong learning and acquire new skills to remain competitive.

Understanding human resource management

What is human resource management (HRM)?

Human resource management (HRM) is the strategic approach to effectively managing people within an organisation. It goes beyond the basic administrative tasks of HR such as handling payrolls and leave requests and encompasses recruiting, training, performance management and fostering employee well-being to achieve organisational objectives. Human resource managers work to balance the goals of the business with the needs and aspirations of employees.

Definition and scope of HRM

Human resource management is defined quite simply as “the activity of managing a company’s employees”. The scope of what this entails, however, is much larger and includes a wide range of activities and skills. Human resource managers are responsible for talent acquisition, training and development, performance management, compensation planning and employee relations. While much of their work is focused on administrative tasks, human resource managers also play an important strategic role by shaping the company culture and driving initiatives that help the company achieve its goals.

Core functions: Recruitment, training and employee relations

The core functions that human resource managers carry out within an organisation centre around recruiting of new staff, training up current staff and handling employee relations. In the past, HR managers were usually put in charge of the “hiring and firing”, but while this is a neat little phrase, it hugely oversimplifies the work of a modern human resource manager. Their work begins well before the hiring and entails much that ultimately aims to prevent the firing of employees. As we will cover later, HR managers are responsible for strategic workforce planning before recruitment begins and must also handle negotiation and resolve conflicts.

Modern HR management places far more focus on employee well-being and development and HR managers must work with other department managers to identify skill needs and set up training programmes that benefit both the company and the employees themselves. As part of the employee relations function of their job, HR managers also need to be able to tactfully and efficiently address any conflict that may arise in the workplace while ensuring that the company's policies and procedures comply with the latest regulations and laws.

Key skills in HR management

Human resource management professionals require a diverse set of skills. They need to handle routine administrative tasks while also having the ability to communicate effectively to lead teams, navigate sensitive employee issues and resolve conflicts within the workplace. The following are some of the most important skills that aspiring human resources managers can gain from an HR management course.

Leadership and decision-making

As with many other fields of work, HR professionals who seek to advance their career to take on more senior roles will find themselves in leadership positions that require new skills from those needed to carry out the  more routine administrative tasks of junior HR personnel. A good HR manager is able to inspire and lead teams, while being able to quickly make important strategic decisions that ideally work towards the benefit of both the organisation and the employees.

Conflict resolution and negotiation

Although most people prefer to avoid conflict, it is seemingly unavoidable in large organisations with many employees. Ideally, HR managers should be able to foresee where potential conflicts could occur and take actions to prevent them from arising. When this fails, HR managers need the skills to address and resolve conflict in a way that is both fair and beneficial for both the organisation and the employees.

Workplace conflicts can arise in many different areas of an organisation. They can happen between employees in the same team, between members of different teams and between employees and management. HR managers need to be able to deal with all types, acting quickly and decisively. When done well, the process of conflict resolution can in fact strengthen an organisation and help towards fostering a positive work culture and environment.

Strategic workforce planning

As we mentioned earlier, the role of a modern HR manager goes well beyond the cliched “hiring and firing”. Through strategic workforce planning, HR managers must plan ahead for the organisation’s future needs and ensure that it has people with the right skills.

This can be done by hiring new people with those skills, or it can involve training and developing the skills of the current workforce. Organisations are under increasing pressure to adapt quickly to remain competitive as the pace of technological advances speeds up. This means that the ability to strategise and plan for future needs is an increasingly important part of the greater human resources role.

Advanced Diploma in Human Resource Management

If you have already completed a degree in an HR-related field and are trying to decide between different human resource management courses to improve your skills and job prospects, then the advanced Diploma in Human Resource Management may be a perfect fit.

Programme overview

An Advanced Diploma in Human Resource Management is a postgraduate qualification that builds on the knowledge and skills of prior studies. This advanced programme is aimed at HR professionals who have already completed an undergraduate degree and wish to further specialise and advance their careers. Although work experience is not always necessary, most who study this qualification have already gained some experience in the field.

Topics: Employment law, organisational behaviour and HR analytics

When studying HR at the advanced diploma level, students will build on existing knowledge to gain a more thorough understanding of key HR topics such as employment law, organisational behaviour and HR analytics, allowing them to provide strategic guidance to their organisations. CUT's Advanced Diploma in Human Resource Management includes modules on both individual and organisational behaviour, which delve into workplace psychology and teaches skills to lead teams effectively. The modules also look at employee wellness and students engage with various research methods applicable to the HR context that equip them with the analytical skills to inform their decision making.

Two other modules, "Advanced ERM: Application of ERM Theory" and "Advanced ERM: Dispute Resolution Management" focus on enterprise risk management (ERM), employment law and dispute resolution. Students are given an in-depth look at case law with a focus on South Africa, allowing them to gain a comprehensive understanding of employment law and learn how to address disputes through the Commission for Conciliation, Mediation and Arbitration (CCMA).

Building expertise in recruitment and talent management

Students of an Advanced Diploma in Human Resource Management learn strategies to attract and recruit the best people for the various roles in the organisation. They also learn how to manage and develop the skills of employees through education, training, and development (ETD). CUT's advanced diploma includes the modules "Advanced Human Capital Development: ETD Environment" and "Advanced Human Capital Development: ETD Interventions", which look at how to plan and implement effective employee training programmes that support organisational goals.

Benefits of an advanced diploma

There are many benefits to obtaining an Advanced Diploma in Human Resources. Graduates will emerge with leadership and strategic management skills that will greatly improve their job prospects, allowing them to move into more senior roles. These skills will open up many opportunities both in South Africa and internationally.

Increased employability and career progression

An advanced diploma significantly enhances career prospects by providing specialised skills that employers value. Graduates often find themselves well-positioned for promotions or transitions into more strategic HR roles.

The South African Department of Higher Education and Training identified both human resource advisers and human resource managers as key occupations that are in high demand in their "South Africa’s National List of Occupations in High Demand" report published in 2024. South Africa does not have public figures or data on forecasts for job growth, but the US Bureau of Labour forecasts that demand for human resource specialists will grow by 8% per year, which it notes is faster than average within the US job market.

Preparation for leadership roles in HR

The curriculum of an advanced diploma prepares individuals for leadership positions by developing practical skills in organisational strategy, workforce planning and team management. These skills allow graduates to play a leading role in the development of HR policies and practices within an organisation.

Gaining a comprehensive understanding of global HR practices

Part of the curriculum of an advanced diploma will likely cover international best practices and teach students about the latest trends within the global HR industry. This means that an HR qualification gained in South Africa will open up roles in multinational organisations and allows far more freedom of mobility than many professional qualifications.

Why choose an online HR course?

The rapid rise in the popularity of online learning has revolutionised many industries such as HR by making it far easier for professionals to engage in lifelong learning to keep up with new developments and advancements. While this is of course hugely beneficial, this increased accessibility to new skills means that there is more competition in the workplace and those who don’t seek new skills and qualifications are more likely to fall behind than in bygone years.

Flexibility for working professionals

Online learning offers fantastic flexibility, especially for working professionals who would be unable to commit to regular daytime class attendance. Online programmes allow students the freedom to study within their own free time, such as evenings and weekends. This removes the dilemma that working professionals previously faced whereby the only way to become better qualified was to pause their careers to take time off to study. Thanks to online learning, students need not fall behind their colleagues or halt their income while they study.

Affordable learning options

In addition to the flexibility that online learning offers, it is usually also much more affordable than traditional contact learning. While we often tend to think that cheaper equates to lower quality, this need not be the case. The quality of teaching and staff are what is of importance in a qualification and online institutions do not have all the other overheads and costs of maintaining lecture halls and campus grounds. While it can be nice to walk past ivy covered walls and well tended gardens on the way to class each day, they do little to add to the value of your skills.

Technological integration in online learning

While distance learning existed long before the advent of the internet, today's technology allows online learning platforms to offer a far more interactive and collaborative student experience than was previously possible outside of a physical classroom. Not only do online learning platforms offer all learning materials at the click of a button, they also allow for easy communication among peers and teachers through live chats, discussion forums and message boards.

Career opportunities in HR management

HR is a broad field with many different avenues for career progression and specialisation. In addition to the many traditional roles that HR professionals have filled for many years, the combination of recent technological advancements and evolving societal expectations have opened up an increasing number of new and emerging roles for HR professionals.

Traditional HR roles

Here are some examples of both entry-level and more senior HR roles that have existed for many years.

HR generalist

An HR generalist is a versatile role responsible for handling all basic HR needs of an organisation, such as recruitment, employee relations, training and compliance with local labour laws and regulations. What the position may lack in specialisation, it makes up for in diversity of tasks.

South African job listings: Indeed | Google | LinkedIn | Glassdoor | CareerJunction

Average pay in South Africa: Payscale (R289,424 per year) | Indeed (R 25,762 per month) | Glassdoor (R29,333 per month)

Training and development specialist

Training and development specialists are responsible for planning and implementing an organisation's training programmes to ensure that staff are well equipped with the skills to do their jobs and are up to date with the most recent industry developments.

South African job listings: Indeed | Google | LinkedIn | Glassdoor | CareerJunction

Average pay in South Africa: Payscale (R423,117 per year) | Indeed (R24,922 per month)

Compensation and benefits manager

Compensation and benefits managers design and oversee salary structures, benefits packages and performance incentives. They need to be up to date on HR trends and developments, ensuring that they are able to attract and retain talent without overstraining their organisation's wage bill.

South African job listings: Indeed | Google | LinkedIn | Glassdoor | CareerJunction

Average pay in South Africa: Payscale (R715,107 per year) | Indeed (R48,412 per month)

Emerging HR roles

The combination of advancements in technology and shifting social standards and employee expectations have created many new opportunities in the field of HR. Here are some examples of HR roles that have emerged in recent years.

HR data analyst

HR data analysts use data analytics to inform workforce planning and decision-making, helping organisations optimise their HR strategies.

South African job listings: Indeed | Google | LinkedIn | Glassdoor | CareerJunction

Average pay in South Africa: Payscale (R288,000 per year) | Indeed (R 22,562 p/m)

Diversity and inclusion officer

A diversity and inclusion officer is responsible for creating inclusive workplaces where all employees feel valued and respected. This role also goes by other names such as an equal opportunity manager, an inclusion and compliance officer or an equity manager. Here in South Africa this role has a large overlap with that of a BEE compliance officer, which is unique to South Africa and branches beyond HR to also include an organisation's procurement.

South African job listings: Indeed | Google | LinkedIn | Glassdoor | CareerJunction

Average pay in South Africa: SalaryExpert (R740,083 per year) | Indeed (R83,899 per month)

Employee experience manager

Employee experience managers are responsible for improving employee satisfaction within the workplace. Other names for this role include employee engagement managers and employee relations managers.

South African job listings: Indeed | Google | LinkedIn | CareerJunction

Average pay in South Africa: Payscale (R465,964 per year) | Indeed (R 69,595 p/m)

HR leadership and consultancy

The ultimate purpose of studying an Advanced Diploma in Human Resource Management is to allow HR professionals to gain leadership and specialised skills that open up more senior roles at the top of the HR career ladder. Here are some examples of senior and specialised HR roles.

Chief human resources officer (CHRO)

A chief human resources officer leads an organisation's entire human resources department. They are responsible for aligning HR strategies with business goals, ensuring that the organisation has the talent and capabilities needed to achieve its objectives.

South African job listings: Indeed | Google | LinkedIn | CareerJunction

Average pay in South Africa: Payscale (R1,200,000 per year) | Economic Research Institute (R2,017,152 per year) | Glassdoor (R1,603,088 per year)

HR consultant

HR consultants provide expertise in areas such as workforce planning, compliance and organisational restructuring. HR consultants often work for multinational corporations that need to navigate the labour laws and regulations of each country that they operate in. Although we have listed HR consultants along with other more specialised and senior roles in this article, roles within this field range from more modestly earning entry-level positions through to very well paid senior roles.

South African job listings: Indeed | Google | LinkedIn | Glassdoor | CareerJunction

Average pay in South Africa: Payscale (R307,873 per year) | SalaryExpert (R568,312 per year)

Talent management strategist

These specialists design and implement long-term strategies to identify, develop and retain top talent within an organisation. Job titles for these specialists include HR strategist, talent manager and other similar variations such as talent management specialist and talent acquisition manager.

South African job listings: PNet | Google | LinkedIn | Glassdoor

Average pay in South Africa: Payscale (R584,616 per year for a talent acquisition manager) | SalaryExpert (R664,058 per year for a talent management consultant)

Conclusion

Why an Advanced Diploma in HRM is a strategic career move

An Advanced Diploma in HRM is a strategic career move for HR professionals who have already gained an undergraduate qualification in human resources or a related field and who wish to advance into more senior leadership roles. Completing an advanced diploma gives graduates a competitive edge in the job market and equips them with specialised skills that are in high demand and that make them a valuable asset to any potential employers.

Lifelong learning: Adapting to the future of human resources

Like many other industries, the pace of change within the field has been sped up enormously by new technology. HR practitioners must stay up to date with these advances and need to embrace lifelong learning to continuously update their skills in order to remain relevant and competitive. Completing an online Advanced Diploma in Human Resource Management is an excellent way for working HR professionals to gain valuable new skills that will not only allow them to keep up with the competition but also open up new leadership opportunities.

FAQs

What is an HR employee portal?

An HR employee portal is an online platform where employees of a company or organisation can log in to access information and services that are carried out by the company’s HR department. Some of the common services offered by employee portals include a self-service method for applying for leave as well as providing a repository of documents such as payslips and annual tax certificates. Depending on the needs of the organisation, the portal can also include other features such as allowing employees to claim expenses for travel or other costs incurred in the course of their work.

Another useful function that employee portals can provide is to allow employees access to company policies and training manuals on the company’s procedures. Employee portals have become even more useful with the recent shift towards work from home, allowing remote employees access to all that the HR department has to offer without having to physically be in the same building. They benefit companies as they reduce operational costs by automating many routine administrative tasks, while at the same time improving transparency and employee well-being.

How long do you study HR?

The amount of time spent studying HR depends entirely upon the type of qualification. Although it is rare, at the extreme end, someone seeking to complete a PhD in human resources could spend over a decade studying the subject. Most people who work in HR, however, will likely have completed either a one- or two-year diploma or a three- to four-year degree. Those in more senior positions may also have done some postgraduate study, such as an advanced diploma

Like many other industries, HR is constantly evolving and there is also a shift towards continuous professional development or lifelong learning, meaning that many qualified HR professionals benefit from studying short courses and participating in workshops to supplement their skills and learn how to use new and emerging technologies.

Can you do an HR course online?

Yes, you can certainly do an HR course online. Online programmes such as the CUT's Advanced Diploma in Human Resource Management are particularly useful for working professionals and those with other commitments who would not be able to attend regular contact classes on a full-time basis.

Studying HR online offers flexibility, enabling students to learn from anywhere and balance their studies with other responsibilities. Additionally, online programmes such as CUT’s offer interactive elements such as discussion forums and virtual workshops to enhance the learning experience. This format makes education more accessible while also allowing students to connect with peers.

What course is best for HR?

The best HR course depends on your career goals and level of experience. For beginners, a Diploma in Human Resource Management is an excellent choice, covering foundational topics such as recruitment, employee relations and training.

For professionals seeking advanced knowledge, an Advanced Diploma in Human Resource Management focusing on strategic HR practices, workforce analytics and leadership is ideal. Short courses on topics such as HR analytics, diversity and inclusion or talent management are also valuable for gaining new skills in specific areas.

Ultimately, the best HR course for you is one that best aligns with your career aspirations and interests

What are human resource management course requirements?

The requirements for studying a human resources course depends entirely on the particular qualification being studied, along with any additional requirements that particular institution may ask for. Entry into a diploma programme will generally require a National Senior Certificate (NSC) or equivalent qualification, while entry into a degree programme will likely also require a minimum pass rate in certain subjects.

Entry into higher level qualifications such as advanced diplomas and postgraduate degrees usually require a relevant diploma, degree, or work experience in HR or related fields. CUT’s Advanced Diploma in Human Resource Management requires a Bachelor’s degree in human resource management, business administration or a related field with a minimum average of 60%. Relevant work experience is also preferred, although not compulsory.

How much does it cost to study HR?

The cost of studying human resource management can vary widely based on factors such as the type of programme, the institution offering the programme and its location. As a general guideline, tuition fees in South Africa are significantly lower than in most developed countries, such as those in Europe or North America.

For comparison, at the upper end of the scale, just one year’s tuition for a two-year MBA in Human Resource Management at Harvard business school costs $76,410 (almost R1.5 million at the time of writing this article), which excludes living and other costs that can push the annual cost of attendance to nearly double. While a Harvard MBA is well regarded, online local study is vastly more affordable, as you can see by comparing those costs with CUT's online tuition fees.

What does a Diploma in Human Resources Management do?

A Diploma in Human Resources Management indicates that the diploma holder has successfully learnt the skills and knowledge needed to manage HR functions effectively. A Diploma in Human Resources Management programme teaches students to handle recruitment, employee relations, training and development and compliance with labour laws.

This qualification opens doors to entry-level roles in the field of HR. It also provides a solid foundation for further studies, such as CUT’s Advanced Diploma in Human Resource management, enabling further career growth and specialisation.

How long is the Diploma in Human Resource Management?

A Diploma in Human Resource Management will usually take one year to two years to complete, depending on the institution and whether the qualification is studied full- or part-time. Although it is a more advanced qualification than a diploma, the fully online Advanced Diploma in Human Resource Management offered by CUT takes a minimum of 2 years to complete.

Study HR management with CUT

If you already have a bachelor's degree in HR or a related field and would like to further build your skills and improve your career prospects, completing an Advanced Diploma in Human Resource Management will provide a great return on your investment of time and money. CUT's Advanced Diploma in Human Resource Management provides a deep dive into contemporary HR practices and strategies that equips students for more senior and leadership roles. The fully online programme is aimed at HR professionals who want to build more expertise in areas such as employee relations, talent management and organisational development.

The programme's curriculum is structured around a modular carousel format that allows students to start their studies at any one of six starting points throughout the year. This, together with the easy online access of course materials and flexibility to study at any time of day or night, makes this fully accredited programme ideal for working professionals who wish to elevate their HR careers without the need to neglect their existing job responsibilities.

To get the full details on admission requirements, available starting dates and the content of the 12 modules, please go to the Advanced Diploma in Human Resource Management page. If you have any other questions or would like to begin your application process, then please go to this page.