NORTH-WEST UNIVERSITY HUMAN RESOURCE MANAGEMENT AND LABOUR RELATIONS MASTER S PROGRAMMES INFORMATION FORM CONTENT: 1. GENERAL APPLICATION INFORMATION (Pages 2-3) 2. HUMAN RESOURCE MANAGEMENT MASTER S INFORMATION DOCUMENT (Pages 4-10) 3. LABOUR RELATIONS MASTER S INFORMATION DOCUMENT (Pages 11-15) 1
Information concerning completion of application form Thank you for applying for entrance to the master s programme. Please take note of the following: All applicants should complete the online application form from the North-West University available at: http://www.nwu.ac.za/postgrad/gratuate-studies-potchefstroom The applications are only handled by the Masters and Doctoral Admissions Office. Please see the application form for the relevant postal and courier addresses as well as relevant contact numbers and e- mail addresses. Mrs MG Campbell-Jacobs Master s and PhD degrees Admissions Office Internal box nr 460 North-West University Private bag x6001 POTCHEFSTROOM 2520 Courier address: Mrs MG Campbell-Jacobs Master s and PhD degrees Admissions Office North-West University 1 Hoffman Street Joon van Rooy building (F1) Second floor POTCHEFSTROOM 2531 Certified copies of the application form can also be sent to Mrs Campbell-Jacobs via e-mail to: 22214518@nwu.ac.za Closing date: 30 September of the year involved and not any other date. No late applications will be considered. See to it that you fill out the form in full to prevent any delays. Applicants who do not pass the paper selection (as set out in the information document) do not qualify for the rest of the selection process. These applicants will be informed timeously (via a letter or telephonically) that they were unsuccessful. Applicants who pass the paper selection will be informed telephonically or via a letter that they should attend the day of selection. The specific date will be made known later. If marks are still outstanding during the paper selection, and even during the final selection, the applicant will only receive conditional selection. Only after receipt of all outstanding results can the final decision be made regarding admission. In other words, only an applicant who passes his/her outstanding modules and degree can be considered for progression to masters studies. A prospective student should comply with the academic requirements as stipulated in the attached document. Only after the day of selection the final decision regarding admission is made. Applicants will be informed within two weeks (after the day of selection) in writing or telephonically whether they were successful or not. 2
Applicants should make sure that all contact particulars are correct. They are contacted regularly via SMS and e-mail. If an applicant is invited to attend the specific selection day, it is his/her responsibility to see to it that he/she does indeed do so. If the applicant does not attend, there will be NO SECOND OPPORTUNITY. Only candidates who attend the selection will be considered for admission. The selection is only valid for the year in which you apply, and is therefore not transferable to a next year. NB: Applicants who have not been subjected to a module in Research Methodology within the last three years of the application date will be required to do a COMPULSARY short course (additional to their normal curriculum) in RM during their first year of registration. Details regarding this short course and fees involved will be provided upon successful preliminary selection of the candidate. 3
NORTH-WEST UNIVERSITY HUMAN RESOURCE MANAGEMENT MASTER S DEGREES: INFORMATION DOCUMENT for 2016 4
Dear prospective student, Thank you for your enquiry concerning a master s degree in Human Resource Management at the Potchefstroom Campus. The master s degree in Human Resource Management constitutes a one- (minimum) to three- (maximum) year course consisting of lectured modules as well as a dissertation. Both a part-time and full-time option is available, and the student is allowed to structure the programme as suits him/her best, with a prerequisite that HRMA 873 and 874 should be taken during the first year of study. The entrance requirements for the master s degrees entail the following: 1. Entrance requirements: Human Resource Management Prospective students in Human Resource Management should adhere to the following admission requirements: i. A student should be in possession of a BA honours or BCom honours degree in Human Resource Management. The study content of this degree must be to the satisfaction of the dean and the director of the School of Human Resource Sciences. ii. The degree should include the following subjects: Research methodology and research report, Applied labour relations, Human capacity development, Organisational behaviour and Human resource strategies. iii. The student must have obtained an average of at least 65% in the honours degree in order to qualify to be invited to the selection process. iv. The research ability of the student must be to the satisfaction of the school directors of the Potchefstroom and Vanderbijlpark Campuses and the directors of the WorkWell and Optentia research units. Students whose abilities in research methods (as determined during the selection process) are deemed not to be adequate will only be accepted into the master s programme after successfully completing a research methodology course. Such a course is made available by the Faculty of Economic and Management Sciences. Prospective students should also pass a selection process directed at the measurement of the competencies set for Human Resource Practitioners by the South African Board for People Practices. The selection process includes a competency examination in Statistics. Students whose abilities in Statistics are deemed not to be adequate will only be accepted into the master s programme after successfully completing a Statistics course. Such a course is made available by the Faculty of Economic and Management Sciences. 5
2. Purpose of the degree The MCom/MA degree in Human Resource Management is offered to: provide learners with the competence to understand and evaluate human resource theories and research. empower learners to use a wide variety of research methods and to cultivate scientific thinking and reasoning. enable learners to demonstrate critical thinking and to assimilate new field-related knowledge. promote life-long learning inculcating a sense of wonder, curiosity and respect for the scientific method in learners. provide learners with the competence to assess people and intervene on an advanced level within work context to solve problems. This qualification will enable learners to enrol for a PhD degree as well as enable them to apply for registration as a personnel practitioner with the South African Board for People Practices. 3. Modules The following modules are included in the master s programme in Human Resource Management for 2016: Module code Module name % of programme HRMA873P Dissertation (80%) HRMA874 Scientific reasoning (10%) HRMA875 People development (10%) 4. Competencies The master s programme Human Resource Management aims to reach several critical outcomes. After completion of the degree, students should be able to: understand theories and research in the field of human resource management; show an ability to assimilate new knowledge; know and understand the ethical and legal considerations applicable to research and intervention on individual, group and organisational level; show an ability to use a wide variety of human resource management research methods and statistics; 6
demonstrate knowledge and understanding of published research and apply critical thinking in analysing research results; demonstrate knowledge and understanding of networks (equivalent professional peers within the primary healthcare system); identify ways to promote work-related wellbeing; and demonstrate effective oral and written communication skills. 5. Methodology VERY IMPORTANT: It is expected of students to attend ALL the classes as registered for during the year, to complete their assignments and to show acceptable behaviour. A student s studies may be terminated on the basis of low class attendance, or unsatisfactory progress and behaviour. Take note that classes take place once a month. Students with fulltime employment should make arrangements with their employer in order to attend contact sessions. A learner who cannot attend a class needs to submit a written reason for not having done so. Should the reason be to the satisfaction of the lecturer, additional work (assignment or practical, for example) to make up for the time lost will be requested. This arrangement can only be made for one/two classes. Please take note that the programme already commences during January 2016. This first contact session is COMPULSORY. Teaching methods such as lectures, assignments, practical assignments, discussion groups, role-plays, simulations and self-study are used. 7
6. Examination and pass requirements Assessments take place in the following format: Written and oral tests and examinations; Individual and group projects; Case studies; Verbal presentations; Role-plays and simulations; Assignments; Self- and peer assessment; Seminar papers or presentations. Mini-dissertation proposal and defence; Attendance of and contributions at research meetings at various levels; A student must achieve 50% to pass a module (except where another pass rate is indicated); A maximum of two modules may be repeated, and if a student fails more than two modules, the (whole) programme must be repeated; and A student must achieve an average of 75% to obtain the degree cum laude. 7. External moderation The Faculty appoints internal and external examiners as well as moderators in the case of written examinations. Examination committees review the performance of all the students. Another type of moderation is undertaken by both the Health Professions Council of South Africa (Professional Board for Psychology) and the South African Board for People Practices The following process is used in the case of mini-dissertations: The Research Committee approves a research proposal during a proposal meeting. The Director of Research approves and comments on the research proposal before it is sent to the management committee of the Faculty for registration and approval of supervisor(s) and examiners. The supervisor plays a day-to-day role in guidance and integrated assessment. Finally, both internal and external examiners examine the mini-dissertation and report to the management committee. 8. International comparability Postgraduate education and training for a master s degree are co-ordinated by a research unit under a research director. The research unit has extensive international networks, among others with the Free University, Amsterdam and the University of Paderborn, Tilburg, Utrecht and Ghent. 8
An international audit committee has positively evaluated the research unit. Currently, both national and international research funding agencies are supporting the research unit financially. 9. Financial implications The MCom/MA (Human Resource Management) degree must be completed within a period of three years. An estimate of the class fees will be available on the link to post-graduate studies provided on the NWU website. Take note that the fees escalate annually. For more information, the finances department can be contacted at 018 299 1111. 10. Application procedure 10.1 Application forms Contact this office for the official application forms (available electronically), which will be available from 1 June 2015. The Master s and Doctorate Admissions Office can also be contacted for application forms. 10.2 Application fee Apart from the University application fee, as indicated later in this document, you also have to pay the programme application fee to the following account before the due date: Students applying off campus: Deposit the amount into the following account: Bank: Absa Account name: NWU DIVERSE ONTVANGSTE Account nr: 670 642 313 Branch code: 63 2005 Amount: R200.00 9
Indicate the following reference nr on the deposit slip: Reference: M+YOUR NAME AND ID NR Please attach the deposit slip to your formal application form. NWU full-time students applying to the programme: Full-time students currently on the Potchefstroom Campus can make a deposit at the teller at the Administration building to the following account: P.3B00586.5607 (M-Admin Account) Indicate the following reference number on the bank slip: Reference: M+YOUR NAME AND ID NR Please attach the deposit slip to your formal application form 11. Due dates Ensure that you keep to the following due dates: CLOSING DATE FOR APPLICATIONS: 30 SEPTEMBER 2015 SELECTION PROCESS: DURING NOVEMBER 2015 FIRST CLASS SESSION: TO BE ANNOUNCED 12. Netherlands exchange programme The School of Human Resource Sciences (Potchefstroom campus) has formalised an exchange programme with the Department of Human Resource Studies at the Tilburg University (the Netherlands). It provides the opportunity for two HRM students to do their modules at TU for one semester, commencing in the middle of August 2016. More detail on this exchange programme will be given to those candidates who are interested. Please mark with an X if you are interested in this exchange programme: I am interested: 10
NORTH-WEST UNIVERSITY LABOUR RELATIONS MANAGEMENT MASTER S DEGREES: INFORMATION DOCUMENT for 2016 11
1. Application detail All applicants should complete the online application form of the North-West University, available at: http://www.nwu.ac.za/postgrad/gratuate-studies-potchefstroom The applications are only handled by the academic administration s office of: Mrs MG Campbell-Jacobs Master s and PhD degrees admissions office Internal box nr 460 North-West University Private bag x6001 POTCHEFSTROOM 2520 Certified copies of the application form can also be sent to Mrs Campbell-Jacobs via e-mail to: 22214518@nwu.ac.za. No late applications will be considered. 2. Concerning the application: See to it that you fill out the form in full to prevent any delays. Qualifications that can be applied for in Labour Relations Management include: o MCom Labour Relations: Qualification code: 505145; Curriculum code: E826P o MA Labour Relations: Qualification code: 103186; Curriculum code: E827P The applicant does not need to now identify a possible supervisor. A prospective student should comply with the qualification requirements as stipulated in the academic yearbook and summarised in this document. Applicants who do not reach the qualification prerequisites (as set out in the information document), do not qualify for the rest of the selection process. These applicants will be informed timeously (via a letter or telephonically) that they were unsuccessful. Applicants who do reach the minimum requirements for the qualification will be informed telephonically or via a letter that they should attend the day of selection. The selection dates will be communicated in advance. If marks are still outstanding during the paper selection and even during the final selection, the successful applicant will only receive conditional selection until final marks can be provided. The final admission decision can only be made after all outstanding documentation and proof have been received. In other words, only an applicant who passes his/her outstanding modules and degree can be considered. The final decision regarding admission is only made after the day of selection. Applicants will be informed within two weeks (after the day of selection) in writing or telephonically whether they were successful or not. The result of the selection process is final and the selection panel for the qualification does not need to provide the applicants any further information concerning the outcome of the application. Applicants should make sure that all contact particulars are correct, since they are contacted regularly via SMS and e-mail. If an applicant is invited to attend the specific selection day, it is the applicant s responsibility to attend it. If the applicant does not attend, there will be NO second opportunity. Only candidates who attend the selection will be considered for admission. The selection is only valid for the year in which you apply, and is therefore not transferable to a next year. By applying for this qualification, the applicant acknowledges that he/she has read this document and is aware of the fact that he/she will be subjected to a selection process and all the mentioned prerequisites and information associated with it. Furthermore, the applicant then also consents to be subjected to psychometrics, interviews and other individual and/or group exercises. Apart from the University application fee, as indicated later in this document, you also have to pay the programme selection fee of R200.00 to the following account before the due date: 12
Students applying off campus: Deposit the amount into the following account: Bank: Absa Account name: NWU DIVERSE ONTVANGSTE Account nr: 670 642 313 Branch code: 63 2005 VERY IMPORTANT: Indicate the following reference nr on the deposit slip: M+YOUR NAME AND ID NR Please attach the deposit slip to your formal application form. NWU full-time students applying to the programme: Full-time students currently on the Potchefstroom Campus can make a deposit at the teller at the Administration building to the following account: P.3B00586.5607 (M-Admin Account) VERY IMPORTANT: Indicate the following reference nr on the bank slip: M+YOUR NAME AND ID NR 13
3. Qualification guide Dear applicant, Thank you for your enquiry concerning a master s degree in Labour Relations Management. The master s degree in Labour Relations Management constitutes a one- (minimum) to three- (maximum) year course consisting of a dissertation. The entrance requirements for the master s degrees entail the following: 3.1. Entrance requirements: Labour Relations Management Prospective students in Labour Relations Management should adhere to the following admission requirements: v. A student should be in possession of a BA honours or BCom honours degree in Labour Relations Management. The study content of this degree must be to the satisfaction of the dean and the director of the School of Human Resource Sciences. vi. The degree should include the following subjects: Research methodology and research report, Applied labour relations, Advanced labour relations, Labour market principles, Human capacity development, Organisational behaviour and Human resource strategies. vii. The student must have obtained an average of at least 65% in the honours degree in order to qualify to be invited to the selection process. viii. The research ability of the student must be to the satisfaction of the school directors of the School of Human Resource Sciences and of the WorkWell research unit. Students whose abilities in research methods (as determined during the selection process) are deemed not to be adequate will only be accepted into the master s programme after successfully completing a research methodology course. Such a course is made available by the Faculty of Economic and Management Sciences. Prospective students should also pass a selection process directed at the measurement of the competencies set for Human Resource and Employment Relations Practitioners by the South African Board for People Practices. The selection process includes a competency examination in Statistics. Students whose abilities in Statistics are deemed not to be adequate will only be accepted into the master s programme after successfully completing a Statistics course. Such a course is made available by the Faculty of Economic and Management Sciences. 3.2 Purpose of the degree The MCom/MA degree in Labour Relations Management is offered to: provide learners with the competence to understand and evaluate labour relations theories and research. empower learners to use a wide variety of research methods and to cultivate scientific thinking and reasoning. enable learners to demonstrate critical thinking and to assimilate new field-related knowledge. promote life-long learning inculcating a sense of wonder, curiosity and respect for the scientific method in learners. provide learners with the competence to assess people and intervene on an advanced level within work context to solve problems. This qualification will enable learners to enrol for a PhD degree as well as enable them to apply for registration as an employment relations practitioner with the South African Board for People Practices. 3.3 Qualification, curriculum and module codes The following codes are applicable to your application: As an MA application: Qualification code: 103186; Curriculum code: E827P; Module code: LARM871 As an MCom application: Qualification code: 505145; Curriculum code: E826P; Module code: LARM871 14
3.4 Financial implications The MCom/MA (Human Resource Management) degree must be completed within a period of three years. An estimate of the class fees will be available on the link to post-graduate studies provided on the NWU website. Take note that the fees escalate annually. For more information, the finances department can be contacted at 018 299 1111. 15