Why a Postgraduate Diploma in Labour Law?

This Postgraduate Diploma in Labour Law (PGDLL) programme is designed to enable people to specialise in the general field of Labour Law. In addition, the Commission for Conciliation, Mediation and Arbitration (CCMA) and Bargaining Councils have partnered with the University of the Free State and other universities to deliver a programme in Labour Dispute Resolution Practice, which forms an integral part of the PGDLL qualification.

For whom?

The qualification is targeted at legal practitioners, human resources officers, trade unionists, aspirant CCMA Commissioners and Bargaining Council Panellists and individuals who wish to enhance their dispute resolution and conflict management skills in industrial relations.

The programme

The Postgraduate Diploma in Labour Law is on an NQF level 8 and comprises 120 credits, spread over six, 20-credit modules (five compulsory and one elective). The graduate must be able to understand, evaluate and critically explain selected topics from each of the respective modules. The PGDLL is offered only in English and on a full-time (online) basis.

Those wishing to become Commissioners either in the CCMA or Industry Bargaining Councils must complete the Labour Dispute Resolution Elective, which is delivered through a 1-week compulsory in-person practical workshop, conducted and facilitated by local CCMA commissioners. A summary of each module is given below.

LLAA5815: Introduction to Labour Law

• History of the South African Labour law, the impact of the Constitution on Labour law; the contract of employment and the Basic Conditions of Employment Act, 1999; International Labour Organisation (ILO).

 
LLAB5815: Collective Labour Law

• The relevant provisions of the Labour Relations Act, 1995 regarding Collective Labour Law: freedom of association, trade unions and employer organisations, bargaining councils and dismissal.

LLAC5815: Industrial Action and Unfair Labour Practices

• The relevant provisions of the Labour Relations Act, 1995, regarding strikes, lockouts and other forms of industrial action, the transfer of business, and unfair labour practices.

LLAA5825: Dispute Resolution

• The relevant provisions of the Labour Relations Act, 1995, regarding dispute resolution, dispute resolution forums, jurisdiction and representation.

LLAB5825: Employment Equity

• The relevant provisions of the Employment Equity Act, 1998, regarding discrimination, affirmative action, preparation of an employment equity plan, and skills development.

LLAC5825: Social Legislation (ELECTIVE)

• Social legislation, inter alia, the relevant provisions of the Skills Development Act, 1998; the Unemployment Insurance Act, 1996; the Compensation for Occupational Injuries and Diseases Act, 1993 and the Occupational Health and Safety Act, 1993.

LDRP5825: Dispute Resolution Practice (ELECTIVE)

• Practical module aimed at producing graduates who possess the knowledge and skills required to conduct entry-level conciliation hearings, in limine processes and arbitration hearings, including the drafting of competent arbitration awards, rulings and settlement agreements.

Assessment

The continuous assessment method is used in the form of an assignment and additional tests/quizzes.

Application

The qualification has one intake per year, and applications are to be completed online between April and September in the year preceding the year of intended study (see the University’s official communications regarding applications in this regard).

Admission Requirements

For admission to the Postgraduate Diploma in Labour Law, one of the following is required:

A.      An applicable Bachelor’s Degree (NQF Level 7 or 8), or

B.      An applicable Advanced Diploma (NQF Level 7).

C.      An applicable diploma (NQF Level 6), and the candidate –

1. has at least 5 (five) years’ relevant labour-related (not administrative) work experience;
2. has successfully completed the following 3 (three) short learning programmes presented by the UFS Centre for Labour Law: Short Learning Programme in Basic Principles of Labour Law (Learning Level 5), Short Learning Programme in Advanced Principles of Labour Law (Learning Level 7), and another short learning programme presented by the Centre for Labour Law; and
3. has successfully completed the recognition of prior learning (RPL) process; or

D.      A National Senior Certificate (as from 2008) or a School-leaving Certificate (prior to 2008), and the candidate –

1. has at least seven (7) years’ relevant labour-related (not administrative) work experience;
2. has successfully completed the following 4 (four) short learning programmes presented by the UFS Centre for Labour Law: Short Learning Programme in Basic Principles of Labour Law (Learning Level 5), Short Learning Programme in Advanced Principles of Labour Law (Learning Level 7), Short Learning Programme in Alternative Dispute Resolution (Learning Level 6), and Short Learning Programme in Basic Principles of Social Security Law (Learning Level 6); and
3. has successfully completed the recognition of prior learning (RPL) process. 
   

Contact Information

Cronette Nel
T: +27 51 401 2433
E: nelc1@ufs.ac.za

Simbarashe Tavuyanago
T: +27 51 401 7333
E: TavuyanagoS@ufs.ac.za