NQF Level 8
Duration: 12 MonthsÂ
Purpose of the Course
The Postgraduate Diploma in Labour Law (PGDip in Labour Law) is designed to equip professionals with advanced theoretical and practical competencies in labour law and dispute resolution within the South African legal framework.
Developed through a partnership between UWC’s Faculty of Law (CENTROW) and the Commission for Conciliation, Mediation and Arbitration (CCMA), the programme was first launched in 2014 as the Labour Dispute Resolution Practice (LDRP) qualification.
This qualification provides participants with a comprehensive understanding of the legal principles, institutional mechanisms, and practical procedures governing employment relations and dispute resolution in both the public and private sectors.
It aims to:
- Strengthen professional practice in labour relations, mediation, and arbitration;
- Advance the goals of social justice, fairness, and equity in the world of work;
- Promote access to higher education through Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL) for experienced practitioners who may not hold traditional law degrees; and
- Support the transformation and professionalisation of labour dispute resolution in South Africa.
Learning Outcomes
Upon completion of the PGDip in Labour Law, students will be able to:
- Demonstrate an advanced understanding of South African labour law, its constitutional foundations, and historical development.
- Interpret and apply key labour statutes such as the Labour Relations Act (LRA), Basic Conditions of Employment Act (BCEA), and Employment Equity Act (EEA).
- Critically evaluate dismissals, unfair labour practices, and collective bargaining rights.
- Apply dispute resolution mechanisms, including conciliation, mediation, and arbitration, in accordance with CCMA and Bargaining Council procedures.
- Develop and demonstrate professional dispute resolution and legal drafting skills, including the preparation of rulings and awards.
- Balance ethical, equitable, and practical considerations in the promotion of fair labour practices.
- Integrate academic, legal, and practical skills in addressing complex issues of employment relations.
Who should attend?
The PGDip in Labour Law is aimed at professionals and practitioners who work in or are preparing to enter the labour relations and employment law sector, including:
- Labour relations and HR practitioners seeking to strengthen their legal expertise.
- Trade union officials and employer association representatives.
- Legal practitioners and paralegals specialising in employment law or dispute resolution.
- CCMA commissioners, bargaining council panellists, and aspiring arbitrators/mediators.
- Public sector officials involved in employment relations, compliance, or conflict management.
- Graduates of the Advanced Diploma in Labour Law (ADLL) wishing to progress to postgraduate study.
