Human Resource Management (HR) plays a key role in every organisation. It focuses on hiring, training, and managing employees effectively. If you want to study HR, Skills Academy offers flexible courses to help you reach your career goals.
Requirements to Study Human Resource Courses
To study HR, you need to meet certain entry requirements depending on the course you choose. These requirements help you find the course that matches your educational background and goals.
What Requirements Are Needed to Study HR?
Here are the general requirements for Human Resource Courses:
- Short Courses: Open to everyone. No matric certificate needed.
- Certificate Courses: Requires basic English skills. This includes reading, writing, and understanding English text.
- NATED Courses: Requires a matric certificate or equivalent qualification.
Each course gives you important HR knowledge and skills. Choose one that fits your current qualifications.
Can I Do HR Without Matric?
Yes, it is possible to study HR even if you don’t have a matric certificate. Skills Academy offers short Human Resource Courses and provider programmes for everyone. These courses teach you basic HR concepts and practical skills.
If you want to study higher-level courses that need matric, you can enrol in a matric programme through Skills Academy and move up from there.
Can I Study HR with Maths Literacy?
Yes, you can. Maths literacy is accepted for Human Resource Courses at Skills Academy. HR focuses more on communication and leadership skills than advanced mathematics. If you meet the other entry requirements, maths literacy will not stop you from enrolling.
Types of Human Resource Courses
Skills Academy offers a range of Human Resource Courses to suit different needs and career plans. Whether you’re just starting or want advanced training, there’s a course for you.
What Course Is Best for HR?
Here’s a breakdown of Human Resource Courses at Skills Academy:
| Course Type | Accreditation | Description |
|---|---|---|
| HR Short Courses | Skills Academy Provider Programme | Introductory courses open to everyone. Covers communication, organisational skills, and basic HR concepts. |
| HR Certificate Courses | Skills Academy Provider Programme | Intermediate courses for enhancing HR skills like diversity, coaching, and leadership. |
| HR Comprehensive Certificate | Skills Academy Provider Programme | Advanced provider programme that includes performance management and change management. |
| NATED N4 HR Management | Quality Council for Trades & Occupations (QCTO) | Focuses on recruitment, management communication, and computer literacy. |
| NATED N5 HR Management | Quality Council for Trades & Occupations (QCTO) | Builds on N4 topics with training, labour relations, and advanced personnel management. |
| NATED N6 HR Management | Quality Council for Trades & Occupations (QCTO) | Final NATED course focusing on leadership, conflict resolution, and workplace training. |
How Long Is an HR Course?
The duration of HR courses depends on the type and level of the programme.
Typical Duration of Short Human Resource Courses
Short Human Resource Courses take about 4 months to complete. These are great if you want to learn the basics quickly.
Duration of Human Resource Courses
Certificate and comprehensive programmes usually take 8 to 12 months. These give you more detailed knowledge and skills without the long commitment of a diploma.
How Long Is a Diploma in HR?
Diplomas in HR are completed through NATED courses (N4, N5, and N6). Finishing all three levels, plus practical work experience, takes about 36 months.
Breakdown of NATED HR Courses:
- N4 Human Resource Management: Basics like personnel management and business strategy.
- N5 Human Resource Management: Builds on N4 with topics like labour relations and leadership.
- N6 Human Resource Management: Focuses on advanced topics like conflict resolution and workplace training.
To get a National Diploma, complete the N6 course and gain practical work experience.
Certification and Qualifications in Human Resource Courses
Choosing the right certification can greatly improve your career opportunities. Certifications vary based on your goals and industry needs.
Which Certification Is Best for HR?
When deciding on an HR certification, it’s important to understand how different certifications are valued.
Industry-Specific Certifications for Human Resource Courses
In South Africa, the NATED HR Management Certificates are highly respected and accredited by the Quality Council for Trades and Occupations (QCTO). These courses focus on practical skills.
Provider courses such as Skills Academy’s Comprehensive HR Certificate also offer focused training in communication, diversity, and performance management.
How to Get an HR Qualification?
There are multiple ways to obtain an HR qualification, whether you’re new to the field or looking to enhance your skills.
Pathways to Obtaining an HR Qualification in Human Resource Courses
Here are the common pathways to getting qualified in HR:
- Short Courses: Ideal for beginners, short courses introduce you to basic HR concepts like organisational skills and business communication.
- Certificate Courses: These courses provide more depth and cover topics like diversity and coaching.
- NATED Courses: Nationally accredited qualifications (N4, N5, and N6) that are recognised across South Africa. Completing these courses, along with practical work experience, leads to a diploma.
These pathways offer flexibility, making it easier for students to balance studies with work or personal commitments.
What Are the Qualifications for Human Resources?
HR qualifications range from certificates to diplomas:
- Entry-Level: Short courses and HR certificates provide foundational knowledge.
- Intermediate: Comprehensive certificates and N4 courses build on basic HR concepts.
- Advanced: NATED N5 and N6 courses prepare students for leadership roles in HR.
Each qualification equips students with the skills required for recruitment, labour relations, and employee management.
Study Options for Human Resource Courses
Skills Academy offers flexible study options to suit different lifestyles and learning preferences. You can choose between online and in-person courses, depending on what works best for you.
Can I Study HR Online?
Yes, Skills Academy provides accredited online Human Resource Courses that allow you to study from anywhere. This is a great option for students who prefer a flexible learning schedule.
Accredited Online Human Resource Courses
The following online courses are available at Skills Academy:
- Short HR Courses: A four-month course covering basic HR topics like communication and organisational skills.
- Certificate Courses: These eight-month programmes include coaching and diversity training.
- NATED Courses (N4, N5, N6): Accredited by the QCTO, these courses combine theoretical knowledge with practical experience.
Studying online means you can access course materials, submit assignments, and interact with tutors without the need to attend in-person classes.
Online Versus In-Person Study Options for Human Resource Courses
Both study options have their advantages:
- Online Courses: Flexible and convenient. Perfect for working adults or anyone who likes to learn at their own pace.
- In-Person Courses: Structured and interactive. Great for students who learn best in a classroom environment.
Skills Academy focuses on online learning to make education accessible to more South Africans.
How Do Beginners Get Into HR?
If you’re new to HR, starting with a beginner-friendly course is the best way forward. Here’s how beginners can enter the HR field:
- Start with Short Courses: These provide an introduction to HR fundamentals, such as communication and organisational skills.
- Enrol in a Certificate Programme: Gain a deeper understanding of HR roles, including coaching and leadership.
- Progress to NATED Courses: For those who want to pursue a diploma, the N4 to N6 courses are the next step.
These pathways help beginners build the skills and confidence needed to succeed in the HR industry.
Start Your HR Career Today!
Ready to build a successful career in Human Resource Management? Skills Academy offers accessible, flexible, and accredited Human Resource Courses tailored to your goals. Whether you’re starting with the basics or working towards an advanced diploma, we’re here to support you every step of the way.
Don’t wait to achieve your dreams. Contact Skills Academy today to enrol in the HR course that suits your needs. Empower yourself with the knowledge and skills to succeed in the HR field! Call, email, or visit our website to get started. Your future in HR is just a click away!
Frequently Asked Questions
Yes, HR is a great career in South Africa. It offers diverse opportunities in recruitment, employee management, and labour relations, with high demand for skilled professionals across industries.
No, HR does not require advanced mathematics. Basic numeracy skills may be helpful for tasks like payroll management, but the field focuses more on communication, leadership, and organisational skills.
The cost of an HR course varies depending on the level and provider. Skills Academy offers affordable courses starting from short courses to advanced NATED programmes; contact the academy directly for pricing.
An HR manager oversees recruitment, resolves workplace conflicts, manages employee performance, and ensures compliance with labour laws. They also support staff training and development.
Three main functions of an HR manager are recruitment and selection, employee training and development, and handling labour relations to maintain a positive workplace environment.
HR managers act as the bridge between employees and the organisation. They manage hiring, enforce workplace policies, and support employee welfare while aligning HR strategies with business goals.
The APS (Admission Point Score) required for HR courses varies by institution. Typically, you need a minimum score of 20-25 points for higher education programmes in South Africa.
