University Of The Witwatersrand Hr

University Of The Witwatersrand Hr, Human Resource Management (HRM) is the managing of people within organisations so as to optimise their performance for the greater good of the organisation

Programme overview

HRM studies focus on people-related policies and systems, and are also concerned with change in organisations and industrial relations. Talent management, employee development and motivation, and compensation are also key aspects of HRM.

What do Human Resource specialists do?

HR managers or specialists may focus on all areas relating to the workforce of an organisation, be it a business, or government or non-profit body. They oversee the recruiting, interviewing, hiring, training and motivating of staff (talent management). They consult with top executives on strategic planning, and serve as a link between an organisation’s management and its employees.

Human resource managers are advocates for both the company and the people who work for it. Consequently, a good human resource manager performs a constant balancing act to meet all parties’ needs successfully.

Careers in Brief

Human resource management graduates have many areas to choose from when it comes to careers. You can stay a generalist and climb the career ladder into a management role, or you can specialise in the aspects of the career you like best, such as

training and developing people, negotiating, or the technical aspects, thereby becoming a niche specialist. HRM specialists are employed in every industry and across all sectors including government and non-profit organisations.

Careers in HRM include human resources management, industrial relations management, training and development, recruitment and talent management, management consultant, and strategic planning.

Human Resource Management is a strong major combination with Management, Psychology, Law, Information Systems, Economics and Marketing.

Would you make a good human resources professional?

If you possess several of the following interests, qualities and talents, you might consider studying human resources management:

• Excellent interpersonal, relationship building and motivational qualities (a good listener and ‘people person’)
• Effective communication skills – verbal and written
• Good negotiating ability with the capacity to see both sides of an argument
• Critical thinking and problem solving skills
• Sound strategic and forward thinking skills

To see if this programme is offered on a part-time basis, please refer to the Wits Plus website.
 

Career Opportunities

• HR Client Support Specialist
• Human Resources Manager
• Human Resources Analyst
• Employment Specialist
• Payroll Specialist
• HR Operations Specialist

Curriculum

High Level Curriculum

Introduction to Human resources is offered at the second year level of a BCom. The concept of the organisation and the vital role of intellectual capital are explored. Other aspects include managing human resources across global and multicultural boundaries while retaining key employees in South Africa.

A labour relations component is also offered at a second year level. This course introduces the origin and history of industrial relations in South Africa and the context of labour relations, trade unions, management and government.

In third year students are exposed to theory and practice that relate to how HRM can contribute to organisational performance, with special focus on the group level of analysis. It offers a sound understanding of the theory and practice of HRM and its relationship with performance.

More about the Wits BCom

Entry Requirements

Application Process

Your application

• You may apply for three programmes (degrees).
• Applications to Wits must enclose a non-refundable application fee of R100 (for international applicants, R700).

Documentation / Checklist

• Submit your Grade 11 report which must be signed and stamped by your school principal.
• If you have already matriculated, attach a copy of your matric certificate.

Submit your application, required documentation and application fee before the closing date.
 

Course Costs

The average course costs for local students range from R34 000 to R62 000, depending on the course and the number of years of study.
Tuition fees are payable for each course for which a student is registered.

• Fees and funding

Online applications

• Complete an online application to study at Wits

Apply now