HR courses

The most valuable asset of any organisation is its people. Increasing focus on employee wellbeing has driven a growing demand for skilled HR professionals, making human resource management (HRM) a vital field

Why should I study human resources management?

Organisations thrive on their people, and HRM puts you at the centre of building a strong workforce. HRM programmes equip you with the skills to manage talent.

Here's why you should study HRM:

• Jobs are in high demand - Businesses everywhere recognise the importance of HR, leading to a growing job market for HRM professionals.
• You can make a difference - HR guides employees, fosters a positive work environment, and helps them develop their skills. You'll play a key role in an organisation's success.
• You'll gain broad skills - From recruitment and training to performance evaluation and conflict resolution, HRM offers a diverse and challenging skillset. These skills are valuable in any career path.

HR degrees

During the three-year HRM degree, you will learn the fundamentals of working in human resources, such as:

• staff recruitment and retention
• strategy
• training
• people management.

The first and second years will cover general topics, while in the third year, you can choose optional modules related to your career goals. Additionally, you may be required to complete a research project or dissertation.

An HRM degree will prepare you for roles such as:

• HR manager
• adviser, assistant
• systems administrator
• coordinator
• recruitment coordinator
• reward manager.

Some programmes offer a placement year after the second year, providing practical experience and a salary. However, this will extend the degree to four years.

Certain courses are accredited by the Chartered Institute of Personnel and Development (CIPD). As a result, upon graduation, you will qualify for a professional level of membership after paying the membership fees.

You can explore this further at what can I do with my degree in HRM?

Masters in HR

Organisations are increasingly looking for candidates with a postgraduate degree in HRM because of the knowledge they offer about different HR topics and the critical thinking skills they develop. When combined with accreditation by the CIPD, those with a Masters in human resource management are well-prepared for the professional world.

There are several CIPD-accredited courses available at the postgraduate level, including:

• MSc Human Resource Management at the University of Edinburgh or the University of Liverpool
• MA Human Resource Management at the University of Leeds
• MSc Human Resources and Organisations (HRM stream) at The London School of Economics and Political Science (LSE).

Full-time HR Masters programmes typically take one year, with the option of part-time study over two to four years available at many institutions.

The specific modules you take will depend on the course, but generally, you will study:

• the role of HR in organisations
• improving employee relations
• skills development in relevant areas such as organisation, motivational techniques, and team retention.

For a two-year CIPD-accredited course that includes a placement year, you could consider the MSc Global Human Resource Management at Kingston University London. Other part-time options include the two-year MSc Human Resource Management with CIPD at Manchester Metropolitan University Business School, which is suitable for those already working in HR and seeking qualified status.

If you prefer distance learning, The Open University's MSc in Human Resource Management can be completed over a period of up to seven years.

All of these options have excellent industry connections and provide opportunities to apply your learning in real-world settings. A 2:1 in any discipline is required for most Masters programmes.

Course fees vary. For instance, the LSE charges £30,480 for entry onto its MSc Human Resources and Organisations, while Southampton Business School offers the MSc in Human Resource Management for £15,000.

Read more about funding postgraduate study.

CIPD courses

The CIPD is the professional body for HR management professionals. To apply for many HR roles, you'll need to complete a CIPD-accredited course.

The courses are offered at three levels, which are recognised by the Regulated Qualifications Framework (RQF):

• Foundation - A-level (Level 3) equivalent qualification for those starting out in their career or already working in support roles.
• Intermediate - Undergraduate standard (Level 5) qualification is suitable for those already working in HR to enhance their skills and knowledge.
• Advanced - Postgraduate standard (Level 7) qualification is for experienced professionals looking to move up to strategic level and become a chartered member.

In addition, CIPD courses come in a range of sizes:

• Award - a focused qualification providing in-depth knowledge of a specific HR area.
• Certificate - the foundational qualification offering a broad overview of HR essentials.
• Diploma - the most comprehensive qualification, equipping you with advanced knowledge and skills to lead and shape HR strategy, making significant contributions to organisational success.

CIPD offers full and part-time courses taught online, through block learning, or by incorporating workplace evidence, if you're taking the course while working.

If you study for an Intermediate or Advanced Certificate or Diploma, you'll be able to apply for associate CIPD membership upon obtaining your qualification. If you successfully complete the Advanced Diploma, you'll be eligible to upgrade to Chartered membership with the right experience and skills.

The individual centres that provide the courses set the entry requirements and course fees. They'll also be able to advise you on application deadlines and start dates. To see what's available, search CIPD-accredited Masters courses.

HR continuing professional development (CPD)

If you cannot commit to full-time learning or attending a physical college or university, there are numerous online HR courses available. For instance, you can enrol in an online course with ICS Learn, which offers HR courses up to the Level 7 Advanced Diploma.

Alternatively, you can opt for shorter courses that focus on specific topics. Peninsula's HR training includes weekly webinars covering subjects such as annual leave entitlements and statutory sick pay. By attending these webinars, you can earn CPD credits and engage in discussions with the webinar leader.

Learn more about CPD opportunities.

CIPD also offer short courses, which can be attended residentially or in-house and are typically completed in one to three days. One example is 'HR in Practice, Essential Insights', a self-directed 60-90 minute course that examines the evolving role of HR and various HR models.

It's advisable to discuss your options with your employer, as they may be willing to cover the cost of your HR training and can assist you in finding additional training opportunities.

Search for postgraduate HRM courses.

Recruitment training

The Recruitment and Employment Confederation (REC) is the professional body for recruitment in the UK. They offer qualifications ranging from GCSE (Level 2) to degree standard (Level 5) on the RQF.

Diplomas at Levels 4 and 5 are available for individuals aiming for or currently working in senior roles within recruitment. These qualifications can be completed on the job, with flexible learning opportunities at Level 4 and on-demand enrolment at Level 5.

Another option is to undertake a recruitment apprenticeship, enabling you to earn a wage while gaining a recruitment qualification. To get started, you can consult the REC list of approved providers.

While joining a professional body, like The British Institute of Recruiters (BIOR), is not mandatory in recruitment, it can be beneficial for building networks and CPD. Membership also provides a professional identity within the industry, demonstrating your commitment to best practices, the delivery of a quality service to clients, and your dedication to personal development.

What do human resource management graduates do?

When pursuing a degree in HR management, it is important to gain work experience to enhance your skills. It is preferable to seek experience in an HR department, but any office or administrative work can be beneficial.

After graduating and gaining relevant work experience, you can pursue management or trainee positions in a variety of organisations, including multinational corporations and public sector bodies. Additionally, you could transition into other areas of management or consider pursuing a PhD.

Further information on potential career paths for HR management degree holders can be found at what can I do with my degree in HRM?

What will I earn?

Entry-level positions typically offer annual salaries ranging from £15,000 to £18,000. However, as you gain experience and undertake additional CIPD qualifications, your earning potential can increase significantly. For example, an HR manager earns an average of £46,000 per year, while HR directors can earn over £80,000.

See the human resources officer job profile for further salary details and job prospects.

Find out more

• Take a look at the recruitment and HR sector.
• Explore HR graduate schemes.