University of South Africa | Latest Reviews | Student Reviews & University Rankings EDUopinions

University of South Africa - UNISA
speciality: Human Resources

4.3

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.

17 Student Reviews

Sorry, no matches found. Try with another keyword
  • Human Resource ...
    Management
    Stephen
    Study plan

    The fees are affordable for everyone who want to study.Its convenient to everyone who is working.The challenge was the communication as you struggle to see the lecture.The other challenge was the modules that are faced out while you are still busy studying.

    View more
    Programme: Human Resource Management
    Degree: Bachelor's
    Graduation: 2015
    Delivery Type: Online
    Overall
    Professors
    Internationality
    Career Prospects
    Value
    Location
    Student Life
    Facilities
    Accommodation
  • Human Resource ...
    Management
    avatar
    The best university i have had to experience

    the best university that i have experienced in life, you get to interact with the lecturers and the students on telegram. the study groups help us alot. campus and online learning i am able to adjust it well.

    View more
    Programme: Human Resource Management
    Degree: Bachelor's
    Graduation: 2026
    Delivery Type: Blended
    Campus: Pretoria
    Overall
    Professors
    Internationality
    Career Prospects
    Value
    Location
    Student Life
    Facilities
    Accommodation
  • Occupational Health ...
    and Safety
    avatar
    My experience at unisa

    My experience at UNISA has been good overall. Studying at UNISA has given me the chance to continue my education while managing other responsibilities. The flexibility of distance learning made it easier for me to study at my own pace and plan my time.
    The study materials are helpful and guide you on what to focus on. Using the online system helped me access my modules, assignments, and important updates. Through this experience, I learned to be independent, disciplined, and responsible for my studies.
    Although there are times when communication or administration can be slow, I learned to be patient and proactive. UNISA helped me grow academically and personally.

    View more
    Programme: Occupational Health and Safety
    Degree: Bachelor's
    Graduation: 2023
    Delivery Type: Online
    Overall
    Professors
    Internationality
    Career Prospects
    Value
    Location
    Student Life
    Facilities
    Accommodation
  • Human Resource ...
    Management
    avatar
    Human Resource management

    I honestly have nothing but good things to say about Unisa ,my lecturers was always very helpful and I could go to them for help anytime I needed it.It truly made things so much easier as I thought I would be on my own but I wasn’t .

    View more
    Programme: Human Resource Management
    Degree: Short Course
    Graduation: 2014
    Delivery Type: Blended
    Campus: Pretoria
    Overall
    Professors
    Internationality
    Career Prospects
    Value
    Location
    Student Life
    Facilities
    Accommodation
  • Industrial and ...
    Organizational Psychology
    avatar
    The best in the game.

    I started with a bridging course then completed my Bachelors degree and now I’m currently completing my Honours degree and I love everything about UNISA. Given the opportunity to start afresh, I’d still choose them.

    View more
    Programme: Industrial and Organizational Psychology
    Degree: Short Course
    Graduation: 2025
    Delivery Type: Online
    Overall
    Professors
    Internationality
    Career Prospects
    Value
    Location
    Student Life
    Facilities
    Accommodation
  • Human Resource ...
    Management
    avatar
    Unisa review

    I really like this school, I also like that even if it’s a distance learning you can actually understand the lectures and we are free to ask questions. We have easy access to contact the lectures almost anytime we want.

    View more
    Programme: Human Resource Management
    Degree: Bachelor's
    Graduation: 2026
    Delivery Type: Online
    Overall
    Professors
    Internationality
    Career Prospects
    Value
    Location
    Student Life
    Facilities
    Accommodation
  • Human Resource ...
    Management
    avatar
    Good university for everyone

    The lecturers are so helpful, notes were given on time.
    The reception and administration sections are friendly, you will never go back without being assisted.
    I will recommend everyone to study at this university.

    View more
    Programme: Human Resource Management
    Degree: Bachelor's
    Graduation: 2021
    Delivery Type: Online
    Overall
    Professors
    Internationality
    Career Prospects
    Value
    Student Life
    Facilities
  • Human Resources ...
    Management
    avatar
    Good university

    The notes for modules were presented on time and if you don’t understand anything, they were there to help.
    Everything was good for me.
    Yes I will recommend this university to others.
    Any problems that I faced were attended to on time.
    Friendly environment.

    View more
    Programme: Human Resources Management
    Degree: Bachelor's
    Graduation: 2021
    Delivery Type: Online
    Overall
    Professors
    Internationality
    Career Prospects
    Value
    Location
    Student Life
    Facilities
  • Industrial and ...
    Organizational Psychology
    avatar
    A rewarding experience as a student at UNISA

    As a student at the University of South Africa (UNISA), my experience has been both enriching and fulfilling. The flexibility offered through online learning allowed me to balance my studies with other commitments, providing a perfect environment for personal growth. The course content is comprehensive, and the lecturers are supportive and responsive. UNISA’s student support services are always readily available, ensuring that any challenges are addressed quickly. I have gained valuable knowledge and skills that have contributed to my academic and personal development. Overall, UNISA has provided a strong foundation for my future career, and I highly recommend it to anyone seeking quality education with flexibility.

    View more
    Programme: Industrial and Organizational Psychology
    Degree: Bachelor's
    Graduation: 2026
    Delivery Type: Online
    Overall
    Professors
    Internationality
    Career Prospects
    Value
    Location
    Facilities
  • Human Resource ...
    Management
    Zolani
    What A highlight

    Becoming a tutor was a pivotal moment for me. This role allowed me to assist fellow students in navigating complex subjects, particularly in the fields of science and technology. It was rewarding to witness the progress of first-year students as they gained confidence in their abilities. Whether it was breaking down challenging concepts in human resources, guiding students through Excel or PowerPoint tutorials, or simply being a source of encouragement, tutoring became more than just a job—it became a way of giving back to the community that had nurtured me

    View more
    Programme: Human Resource Management
    Degree: Bachelor's
    Graduation: 2025
    Delivery Type: On Campus
    Campus: Pretoria
    Overall
    Professors
    Internationality
    Career Prospects
    Value
    Location
    Student Life
    Facilities
    Accommodation
  • +programme_dots+
    +programme_dots_hide+
    +comment_date1+
    +comment_user_logo+
    +comment_user+
    +title+
    +comment+View more
    Programme: +program_name+
    Degree: +degree+
    Graduation: +graduation_year+
    Delivery Type: +delivery+
    Campus: +campus+
    +all_ratings+
  • Overall
    Facilities
    Professors
    Location
    Student Life
    Accomodation
    Internationality
    Value
    Career Prospects
    +reply1_date+
    +reply1_user_logo+
    +reply1_user+
    Official Reply
    +reply+
    This site uses cookies. By continuing to browse the site you are agreeing to our use of cookies. Review our Privacy Policy for more details.
    Close