Human Resource Management Distance Learning

Enrol in our Human resource management distance learning courses and study from home with Skills Academy. Learn more here.

Studying Human Resource Management through distance learning is a flexible option. You can gain important HR skills from home. This type of learning lets you balance studies with work or other responsibilities. The NATED courses in Human Resource Management range from N4 to N6 levels.

NATED Courses in Human Resource Management

The Human Resource Management NATED courses are designed to guide you step-by-step. You begin with the N4 course, then continue with N5 and N6. Each level builds on what you learned before. These courses are recognised by employers. They help you gain skills to work in HR or grow in your career.

N4 Human Resource Management Course

The N4 Human Resource Management course is an introduction to HR. It covers the basics of working in HR and important skills like communication and managing people. This course is perfect for entry-level roles in HR. It also prepares you to continue your studies in the N5 course.

Subjects

The main subjects in the N4 course are:

  • Management Communication
  • Personnel Management
  • Entrepreneurship and Business Management
  • Computer Practice

What You’ll Learn

Here is a summary of what each subject in the N4 course covers:

SubjectWhat You’ll Learn
Management CommunicationLearn basic business communication and writing skills.
Personnel ManagementLearn the basics of hiring, appraisals, and managing people.
Entrepreneurship and Business ManagementGain basic business skills, like creating a business plan.
Computer PracticeLearn basic computer skills, including Microsoft Office and the internet.

N5 Human Resource Management Course

The N5 Human Resource Management course builds on what you learned in N4. This course includes more detailed skills in management, training, and labour relations. It prepares you for mid-level HR roles or to study further in the N6 course.

Subjects

The main subjects in the N5 course are:

  • Personnel Management
  • Personnel Training
  • Labour Relations
  • Computer Practice

What You’ll Learn

Here is a summary of what you will learn in each subject in the N5 course:

SubjectWhat You’ll Learn
Personnel ManagementLearn advanced skills in managing employees and teams.
Personnel TrainingLearn how to train employees and build a skilled team.
Labour RelationsUnderstand labour laws and how to keep a good work environment.
Computer PracticeImprove your computer skills to handle business tasks better.

N6 Human Resource Management Course

The N6 Human Resource Management course is the final step in the NATED programme. This course gives you advanced skills in HR. It focuses on planning, workplace relations, and handling complex HR tasks. After completing this course, you are ready for senior HR roles or internships to complete your diploma.

Subjects

The main subjects in the N6 course are:

  • Personnel Management
  • Personnel Training
  • Labour Relations
  • Computer Practice

What You’ll Learn

Here is what each subject in the N6 course covers:

SubjectWhat You’ll Learn
Personnel ManagementLearn advanced ways to lead, manage, and motivate staff.
Personnel TrainingGain skills in creating training plans and improving employee skills.
Labour RelationsLearn how to handle complex issues like conflicts and workplace rules.
Computer PracticeAdvance your computer skills to work in a professional setting.

Assessment Structure

The assessment structure in the NATED courses includes both assignments and exams. This structure helps you understand the theory and also apply what you have learned.

Assessment TypeDescription
AssignmentsOpen-book assignments completed from home for each subject.
Final ExamA final exam for each subject, set by the Department of Higher Education.

Each level (N4, N5, and N6) requires you to pass both assignments and final exams to move to the next level. 

Human Resource Management Online Short Course

If you want to learn about Human Resource Management quickly, an online short course is a good option. This course covers the basics of HR in a short time. It gives you the skills needed for entry-level HR jobs. It’s perfect for beginners who want to start with the basics before moving on to more advanced studies.

Human Resource Management: Short Course

The Human Resource Management Short Course covers basic HR topics. This course teaches you the main skills needed for simple HR tasks.

Subjects

The main subjects in the short course are:

  • Introduction to Business English
  • Organisational Communication
  • Organisational Skills

What You’ll Learn

Here is a summary of what each subject in the short course includes:

SubjectWhat You’ll Learn
Introduction to Business EnglishBasic English skills for communicating in a workplace.
Organisational CommunicationLearn how to communicate in different ways at work.
Organisational SkillsThis subject also equips you with methods to increase productivity, and how to organise ideas within a team. These are key skills to have for any HR professional who wants to be efficient and successful.

Human Resource Management: Certificate Course

The Human Resource Management Certificate Course goes deeper into HR topics. This course covers more advanced HR skills, like managing employee relations and learning about labour laws. It’s a good choice for people who want entry to mid-level jobs in HR.

Subjects

The main subjects in this certificate course are:

  • Organisational Skills
  • Organisational Communication
  • Introduction to Business English
  • Diversity
  • Coaching

What You’ll Learn

Here is a breakdown of what each subject in the certificate course covers:

SubjectWhat You’ll Learn
Organisational SkillsLearn how to enhance productivity by managing tasks and team organisation effectively.
Organisational CommunicationGain insights into workplace communication, including strategies for leadership, motivation, and team interactions.
Introduction to Business EnglishEnglish language skills are important to have in almost every industry. That’s why we offer Introduction to Business English as a subject to all our students.
DiversityExplore how to create a diverse, inclusive workplace, understanding barriers and promoting understanding.
CoachingAcquire basic coaching skills, focusing on helping team members grow and facilitating interpersonal communication.

Human Resource Management: Comprehensive Certificate Course

The Comprehensive Certificate Course in Human Resource Management is the most detailed of these short courses. It covers advanced HR topics, like leadership, handling conflicts, and helping employees stay happy at work. This course is best for people who want to move into higher roles in HR.

Subjects

The main subjects in this comprehensive course are:

  • Introduction to Business English
  • Organisational Communication
  • Organisational Skills
  • Diversity
  • Coaching
  • Performance Management
  • Change Management

What You’ll Learn

Here is what each subject in the comprehensive course covers:

SubjectDescription
Introduction to Business EnglishLearn essential English language skills for HR work. This includes talking to people and preparing documents.
Organisational CommunicationCovers basic communication skills for leadership and teamwork. Helps you work well with different people.
Organisational SkillsTeaches how to manage different types of information, manage time well, and stay organised.
DiversityLearn the basics of diversity, how to recognise differences, and manage a diverse team successfully.
CoachingUnderstand the basics of coaching and how to guide employees. Learn to hold effective coaching sessions.
Performance ManagementLearn how to evaluate employee performance, hold meetings about goals, and find ways to improve performance.
Change ManagementCovers the basics of managing change, dealing with challenges, and adapting to new situations.

Assessment Structure

Each HR course has assignments and a final exam to check your progress. Here’s how the assessments work:

Assessment TypeDescription
AssignmentsShort tasks or quizzes at the end of each module to test your learning.
Final ExamCovers everything you learned in the course to test your knowledge.

Assignments let you practise what you learned, and the final exam checks that you understand the full course.

Human Resource Management Distance Learning In South Africa

Distance learning in Human Resource Management lets you study from anywhere in South Africa. It’s a flexible study option, which is perfect if you have other responsibilities. You can learn at your own pace and from the comfort of your home.

What Is HR Management?

Human Resource (HR) Management is about managing people in a company. HR managers help with hiring, training, and supporting employees. They make sure employees have a safe, fair, and positive work environment.

Who Should Study HR?

Anyone who likes working with people and solving problems can study HR. If you enjoy helping others and want to make workplaces better, HR could be a good choice for you.

What Is An HR Management Course?

An HR Management course teaches you the skills needed to work in HR. This includes hiring employees, managing their information, and creating a positive workplace. These courses help you learn the basics of Human Resource Management so you can work in entry-level HR jobs.

Is HR An Easy Course?

Yes, HR can be an easy course to start. It covers practical skills and is good for people who enjoy working with others. The course teaches you the basics in a clear and simple way, making it easy to understand.

How Do I Become An HR Manager?

To become an HR manager, you need to learn key skills in Human Resource Management. Start by studying an HR course to learn the basics. Then, you can work in entry-level HR jobs to get experience. With more skills and experience, you can move up to an HR manager role.

What Qualifications Are Needed To Become A Human Resource Manager?

Most HR managers need a qualification in Human Resource Management. Many start with a short course or a certificate in HR. To reach higher positions, like HR manager, it’s helpful to have a diploma or a degree in HR. These courses teach you the skills needed to lead an HR team.

What Does A Human Resource Manager Do?

An HR manager handles many important tasks in a company. They manage hiring, training, and employee support. HR managers also make sure the company follows workplace laws. They help create a positive work environment for all employees.

What Are The Five Main Tasks Of A Human Resource Manager?

An HR manager has five main tasks. Here is a table that explains each task:

TaskDescription
HiringFinding and hiring new employees for the company.
TrainingHelping employees learn new skills and improve their performance.
Employee RelationsSolving problems between employees and keeping a positive work environment.
Performance ManagementReviewing and improving employee work performance.
Legal ComplianceEnsuring the company follows all workplace laws and rules.

Career Opportunities For Human Resource Management

A career in Human Resource Management opens up many job opportunities. There are entry-level jobs for beginners and higher roles for those with more experience. HR roles are needed in all types of companies.

Is HR Management A Good Career In South Africa?

Yes, HR management is a good career in South Africa. Many businesses need HR professionals to help manage and support their employees. This career offers chances to grow and move up to higher positions.

Careers In Human Resource Management

Here are some entry-level careers you can start with an HR qualification. The table shows careers from NATED and short courses, along with duties of each role

CareerDuties
HR Assistant– Organising employee records.
– Assisting with hiring tasks.
– Helping with employee questions.
Recruitment Officer– Posting job listings.
– Screening job applications.
– Helping with interviews.
Training Coordinator– Scheduling training sessions.
– Preparing training materials.
– Assisting trainers.
Office Administrator– Organising office tasks.
– Keeping files and records up to date.
– Supporting the HR team.

Which HR Roles Get The Highest Salary?

Here are HR roles with higher salaries. This table shows different roles and their average salaries.

CareerAverage Salary (Annual)
HR AssistantR120,000 – R180,000
Recruitment OfficerR150,000 – R220,000
Training CoordinatorR150,000 – R210,000
Labour Relations OfficerR200,000 – R300,000
HR ManagerR300,000 – R500,000+

Where Can I Study Human Resource Management In South Africa?

Skills Academy offers Human Resource Management courses you can study from anywhere in South Africa. With Skills Academy, you can learn online, at your own pace. You can start with a short course and move up to more advanced courses if you want to grow in HR.

Human Resource Management Distance Learning Requirements

To study Human Resource Management through distance learning, you need to meet certain requirements. These requirements help you succeed in your studies.

Admission Requirements

Here are the admission requirements for Skills Academy’s HR courses:

CourseRequirement
Short CourseMust be 16 years old and able to understand English.
Certificate CourseMust be 16 years old and able to understand English.
NATED Courses (N4 to N6)Must have a matric or equivalent qualification.

Technical Requirements

To study online, you need basic technology. Here is what you need:

  • A computer, tablet, or smartphone.
  • Access to the internet.
  • Basic computer skills to access online materials.

How To Apply

Applying to Skills Academy is simple. Follow these steps:

  • Choose Your Course: Decide which HR course is right for you.
  • Fill Out the Online Form: Complete the online application form.
  • Submit Documents: Provide any required documents, like an ID.
  • Select a Payment Plan: Choose a payment option that suits you.
  • Start Studying: Once registered, you’ll get your study materials and can begin right away.

Frequently Asked Questions

The time it takes to study HR depends on the course you choose:

  • Short Courses: These take about 4 months to complete. They cover the basics of HR.
  • Certificate Courses: These usually take 8 to 12 months to finish. They provide more in-depth knowledge than short courses.
  • NATED N4 to N6 Courses: Each NATED level (N4, N5, and N6) takes about 12 months, meaning a full National Diploma in HR takes around 3 years when you complete all three levels and practical work.

The length of study can vary depending on your study pace and the course level you choose.

The best HR certification depends on your career goals:

  • NATED Diploma in Human Resource Management: This is one of the most recognised HR qualifications in South Africa. It includes N4, N5, and N6 levels and practical work experience. This diploma is ideal if you want a strong foundation and higher-level jobs in HR.
  • Short and Certificate Courses: If you’re just starting out or need an introduction to HR, a certificate course is a good choice. It covers the basics and prepares you for entry-level roles.

The NATED qualification is often preferred by employers, as it shows you have a solid background in HR.

Both HR and HRM are related but can differ slightly in focus:

  • HR (Human Resources): This term covers all activities related to managing people in a company. It includes tasks like hiring, employee support, and training.
  • HRM (Human Resource Management): HRM is a more formal term and includes a full management approach to handling HR activities. It focuses on policies, employee satisfaction, and legal compliance.

In most cases, HR and HRM are used interchangeably. For studies and qualifications, “Human Resource Management” (HRM) is the formal term that may cover broader responsibilities.

To start a career in HR, follow these steps:

  1. Study an HR Course: Begin with an HR course to learn the basics. Skills Academy offers short, certificate, and NATED courses to help you start.
  2. Gain Experience: Look for entry-level HR jobs, like HR assistant or admin roles. This helps you build skills and get used to working in HR.
  3. Continue Learning: As you gain experience, consider taking advanced courses or certifications to qualify for higher HR roles.

With dedication, you can grow in HR, gaining skills and moving up to senior roles over time.

Yes, you can study HR online in South Africa. Many institutions, like Skills Academy, offer HR courses online. This allows you to study at your own pace from home. Online courses are flexible, so you can balance your studies with work or other responsibilities. Online learning is a great choice if you need convenience and flexibility.

To qualify for HR roles, you need a combination of education and skills:

  • Education: Most HR positions require at least a certificate or diploma in HR. A higher qualification, like a National Diploma in HR, is ideal for advanced roles.
  • Skills: Good communication, problem-solving, and organisational skills are important in HR. HR professionals should also be approachable and able to work with different types of people.

With these qualifications and skills, you’ll be ready for entry-level HR roles. Gaining experience helps you move up in the field.

The lowest level of HR certification is a short course in HR. These courses cover the basics of HR, such as hiring and managing employee information. Short courses are a quick way to learn about HR and can be completed in a few months. They are ideal for beginners who want to explore HR before committing to a longer course.

Last Updated: 8 November 2024

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