1 Year Full-time or
2 Years Part-Time
The Centre for Extended Legal Studies (CELS) in the School of Law, UKZN, invites applications from candidates wishing to pursue a Postgraduate Diploma in Industrial Relations. This Diploma offers an NQF level 8 qualification and is endorsed by the Labour Relations Industry, which comprises the Bargaining Councils and the Commission for Conciliation, Mediation and Arbitration (CCMA). It equips students with labour dispute resolution skills and serves as an advantage should they wish to become Bargaining Council Panellists or CCMA Commissioners.
The minimum requirements are an appropriate Bachelor’s degree or one-year Advanced Diploma (NQF level 7). Places are limited, so meeting the minimum requirements does not guarantee admission. Selection will be based primarily on academic merit, taking all previous qualifications into account, but relevant working experience may also be considered where appropriate.
The Postgraduate Diploma in Industrial Relations Programme consists of eight modules and is offered part-time over 2 years (two modules per semester) or, for students who are not in full-time employment, full-time over 1 year (four modules per semester). All modules will be delivered primarily by means of online teaching, with minimal on-campus activity. Students will require a stable internet connection and a suitable device, such as a desktop or laptop, and sufficient data, provided at their own cost. Students will also need to be computer literate.
Collective Employment Law (16 CREDITS)
Aim: The module is designed to ensure that candidates are trained in aspects of collective labour relations, strikes and lock-outs, collective bargaining and interest disputes.
Content: This module will be comprised of the following topics: collective labour relations, strikes and lock-outs, collective bargaining and interest disputes.
Contemporary Issues in Labour Law (16 CREDITS)
Aim: The module is designed to ensure that candidates are trained in aspects of social justice, ethics and diversity of Labour Law
Content: This module will be comprised of the following topics: social justice, ethics and diversity in Labour Law. Students will be provided with the knowledge, skills and competencies necessary to advance social justice in the Labour Law context. An introduction to the labour market and relevant labour economics will be given.
Individual Labour Law (16 CREDITS)
Aim: The module is designed to ensure that candidates are trained in aspects of individual and substantive labour law, unfair dismissal and unfair labour practice.
Content: This module will be comprised of the following topics: individual and substantive labour law and unfair dismissal and unfair labour practice.
Principles of Legal Practice (16 CREDITS)
Aim: The module is designed to ensure that candidates are trained in aspects of the law of evidence; legal drafting skills and drafting of settlement agreements
Content: This module will be comprised of the following topics: this module will be comprised of the following topics: the law of evidence; legal drafting skills and drafting of settlement agreements.
Labour Dispute Resolution (16 CREDITS)
Aim: The module is designed to ensure that candidates are trained in aspects of labour dispute resolution; conflict management, negotiation skills conciliation and mediation.
Content: This module will be comprised of the following topics: labour dispute resolution; conflict management, negotiation skills conciliation and mediation.
Procedural Labour Law 1 (16 CREDITS)
Aim: The course is designed to ensure that candidates are trained in aspects of applications and reviews; advocacy and court skills relevant to labour law.
Content: This module will be comprised of the following topics: this module will be comprised of the following topics: applications and reviews; advocacy and court skills.
Procedural Labour Law 2 (16 CREDITS)
Aim: The module is designed to ensure that candidates are trained in aspects of applications and reviews; advocacy and court skills.
Content: This module will be comprised of the following topics: applications and reviews; advocacy and court skills.
Management of Conflict (16 CREDITS)
Aim: The module is designed to ensure that candidates are trained in aspects of labour dispute resolution; conflict management, negotiation skills conciliation and mediation.
Content: This module will be comprised of the following topics: labour dispute resolution; conflict management, negotiation skills conciliation and mediation.
All modules will be delivered primarily by means of online teaching. For this purpose, students will require a stable internet connection and a suitable computer (desktop or laptop – not just a smartphone) and sufficient data, provided at their own cost. Students will also need to be fully computer literate.
Assessments during the semester (tests/assignments) will take place online, however the final examinations for the first four modules must be written on campus. Students undertaking these modules will therefore need to travel to the Howard College campus, Durban, for examination purposes.
The module fees for 2026 have not yet been determined. The fee for 2025 was R5520 per module. Please expect a 5% to 10% increase in fees for 2026. Please note that a registration fee of R7180 is required prior to registration.
Please email any queries or requests for assistance to the Programme Administrator email address PDIR@ukzn.ac.za .
Please note: The PDIR is a Self-funded Programme and, as such, students are not eligible for NSFAS funding, university residence, or any financial concessions or arrangements. Students will be required to obtain financial clearance each year before registration. This will require the settlement IN FULL and IN CASH of any outstanding fees (an AOD or sponsor’s letter will not suffice).
