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 a 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.
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.
To start your application, ensure you have documents
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).
