University of Pretoria - UP
speciality:
Human Resources
What is a Human Resources degree?
A Human Resources (HR) degree provides students with an overview of HR principles and practices as well as business communication and technology training and how these are applied in business.
HR Bachelor’s degrees place a strong emphasis on organizational theory, behavioural science, legal issues in HR management, performance assessment and management, employee training and development, business ethics and reward management. Ethics and social responsibility are an integral part of any HR degree. As future HR professionals, students have to understand the significance of these in relation to individuals, organizations and the community. HR students learn about individual and group behaviour in business settings in order to be able to manage organizational behaviour, change, communication and performance effectively. Business communication knowledge and skills, which cover emails, memos, business letters, reports and other means of communication, developed throughout HR courses contribute towards the effective management of individuals and groups as well. HR courses also include training in core areas of the business field such as accounting, finance, information technology, marketing and other more general modules. Perhaps, one of the most important aspects of such a degree is the fact that it teaches students the significance of aligning HR management with overall business strategies and how to do that in practice.
If students go on to complete an MBA program, they will most likely explore the specifics of corporate management, ethical leadership, organisational behaviour and business strategy as well as dive deeper into HR concepts.
Overall, an HR degree develops students; understanding of how to enhance human capital in the organization by attracting, retaining and improving the skills and competencies of employees in order to aid the achievement of organizational objectives.
It is worth noting that students may be required to have a strong background in English, communications, speech and debate. Such requirements are set in order to ensure that students possess the required skills to be successful in the HR field. Individuals who wish to take an HR postgraduate course need to have attained a Bachelor’s degree which covers the core HR concepts.
Benefits of a Human Resources degree
HR is a broad field, which keeps HR students’ career options open. An HR degree prepares students to pursue a career in HR in different business settings. Moreover, there are numerous employment opportunities regardless of the degree level students have attained.
HR programs at different Higher Education Institutions are often accredited by professional bodies, such as CIPD, which means that students become certified professionals once they graduate with an HR degree without having to complete additional courses to acquire the needed qualifications.
Students may be glad to hear that HR courses could offer a lot of flexibility in acquiring these qualifications through online course opportunities. Online HR courses offer the same quality of education as on-campus courses. On top of that, they allow students to do the required work from the comfort of their home or any other location, which has Wi-Fi connection, at the most convenient time for them. In other words, students can fit their coursework into their personal schedule and still gain the required qualifications to become a certified HR professional.
Students may also find it appealing that an MBA or Master’s degree in HR often secures them high positions such as director of HR.
Human Resources Degree Structure
The duration of HR degrees varies depending on the country and level of the degree. In most cases, a Bachelor’s degree in HR takes four years to complete in the United States and three years in the United Kingdom. Some HR courses in the UK, however, offer students the opportunity to spend a year in the industry and gain professional experience, which extends the course to four years.
Master’s degrees in HR usually take between one or two years to complete.
PhD degrees in HR require students to dedicate a substantial amount of time to their studies. The completion of a PhD degree takes anywhere between 3 and 6 years depending on the mode of study (full-time or part-time) but could even exceed that time period in some countries, such as the US.
2 Student Reviews
-
Human Resource ...4 months ago
StudentZAHigher Certificate in HRMI did my higher certificate in 2003 at the University of Pretoria. It was an online course that took me about 2 years to complete because I was working full time and study part time online. I received all my asignments on time and had enough time to submit my tasks. The exams was marked quickly and I received my Certificate within 4 months.
View moreProgramme: Human Resource ManagementDegree: Short CourseGraduation: 2003Delivery Type: Online -
Bachelor of ...03 Mar, 2024 StudentZAStrong Sense Of Community
One of the turning points in my professional experience was earning my BCom in Human Resource Management from the University of Pretoria in 2013. With UP’s stellar academic reputation and cutting-edge approach to education, my studies gave me a strong foundation in HRM and the information and abilities I required to be successful in the industry.
The HRM program at UP was comprehensive and practical, covering a wide range of topics from recruitment and selection to employee relations and strategic HRM. The curriculum was designed to be relevant to the current industry trends and challenges, ensuring that graduates were well-prepared for the demands of the workplace.
One of the most valuable aspects of studying HRM at UP was the opportunity to interact with industry professionals and experts through guest lectures, workshops, and networking events. These interactions not only provided valuable insights into the field but also helped me build a professional network that has been invaluable in my career.
The faculty members at UP were highly experienced and dedicated to student success. They not only imparted knowledge but also challenged us to think critically and develop innovative solutions to HRM issues. Their mentorship and guidance were instrumental in shaping my understanding of HRM and preparing me for the challenges of the industry.
UP’s campus was a vibrant and dynamic environment, with a strong sense of community among students and faculty. The campus facilities were modern and well-equipped, providing a conducive learning environment. The university also offered a range of extracurricular activities and support services to enhance the student experience.
In conclusion, my experience studying HRM at the University of Pretoria was incredibly rewarding. It provided me with the skills, knowledge, and confidence to pursue a successful career in HRM. I am proud to be a graduate of UP and am grateful for the opportunities and experiences that have shaped my career.
View moreProgramme: Bachelor of Commerce Human Resource ManagementDegree: Bachelor'sGraduation: 2013Delivery Type: Online
