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UCC Postgraduate courses

Human Resource Management

Course Fact File
CodeHDHRM
Duration1 Year Part-time
Teaching ModePart-Time
QualificationsHDip
NFQ LevelLevel 8
Closing DateRolling deadline. Open until all places have been filled. Early application is advised.
Non-EU Closing DateOpen until all places have been filled or no later than 30 June. Early application is advised.
Start Date8 September 2025

Course Outline

The Higher Diploma in Human Resource Management (HRM) provides a structured educational opportunity for early-career human resource professionals or those seeking to enter into the human resources profession.
 
Our HRM Higher Diploma provides comprehensive coverage of the main role span of the human resource (HR) professional in contemporary organisations and is accredited by the Chartered Institute of Personnel and Development (CIPD).
 
On this course you will gain a broad understanding of the factors to be considered when developing, implementing, and evaluating HR systems; approaches to recruitment and selection, learning and development, and performance and rewards management; the impact of labour legislation; and managing employment relations within different organisational contexts.
Modules

The Higher Diploma in Human Resource Management is a 12-month part-time course comprising 60 credits:

LW5844 Labour Law (5 credits)
MG5806 Performance and Rewards Management (5 credits)
MG5817 Learning and Development (5 credits)
MG5842 Managing the Human Resource Function (10 credits)
MG5843 Employment Relations (10 credits)
MG5845 Recruiting and Selecting Global Talent (5 credits)
MG5846 Business Issues and the Context of Human Resource Management (5 credits)
MG5847 Research Methods in Human Resources (5 credits)
MG5848 Professional and Ethical Human Resources in Practice (10 credits)

Academic Programme Catalogue

See the Academic Programme Catalogue where you can search for the complete and up-to-date content for this course. Note that the modules for all courses are subject to change from year to year. For complete descriptions of individual modules, see the Book of Modules.

Course Practicalities

This course runs from September to August and modules are timetabled on Monday and Wednesday evenings from 6.30 pm to 9.30 pm along with a small number of Saturdays. We also use online tutorials and activities.

Assessment

We use a hybrid approach to assessment. Assessment methods include, for example, online discussion forums, presentations, essays, a research proposal, case studies, and a continuous professional development plan. During the course, our students will work individually and in groups.

Why Choose This Course

I have no hesitation in recommending this course ... It helped to change my life for the better.

Pat Moore, Graduate

Find Out More

On successful completion of this programme, students should be able to:

• Critically discuss the spectrum of HR activity and the role of the HR function in organisations in a national and international context;
• Demonstrate a sound understanding of the knowledge, skills, and behaviours required by responsible, ethical, and effective HR professionals;
• Apply appropriate conceptual frameworks to address HR challenges;
• Analyse data using the appropriate procedures, formulas, principles from the HR discipline;
• Identify a problem or issue appropriate for investigation through the HR discipline's way of thinking;
• Generate well-supported, justified conclusions for effective and responsible people management;
• Demonstrate written and oral communication capacity to a professional standard;
• Demonstrate an ability to collaborate effectively to achieve a goal;
• Demonstrate a growth mindset and ownership of learning.

Skills and Careers Information

On commencement of the HDip, our students receive student membership of the internationally recognised CIPD. Upon completion, graduates can apply for professional membership of CIPD.

Our graduates have gone on to work in HR roles nationally and internationally across domestic and multinational companies, as well as in the public sector.

Requirements

Applicants must have at least an NFQ Level 7 qualification in any discipline and at least 2 years of professional work experience.

Consideration under Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL) may be given to applicants who do not fully meet the above criteria but who have significant professional experience in a related field such as human resource management, training and development, employment relations, coaching, supervisory and management roles and at least an NFQ Level 6 qualification. In these circumstances, an interview may form part of the application decision.

For Applicants with Qualifications Completed Outside of Ireland

Applicants must meet the required entry academic grade, equivalent to Irish requirements. For more information see our Qualification Comparison page.

International/Non-EU Applicants

For full details of the non-EU application procedure visit our how to apply pages for international students.

  • In UCC, we use the term programme and course interchangeably to describe what a person has registered to study in UCC and its constituent colleges, schools, and departments.
  • Note that not all courses are open to international/non-EU applicants, please check the fact file above. For more information contact the International Office.
English Language Requirements

Applicants who are non-native speakers of the English language must meet the university-approved English language requirements. Visit our PG English Language Requirements page for more information.

Fees and Costs

Postgraduate EU and International Fees 2024/2025

See our Postgraduate EU and Non-EU (International) Fee Schedule for the latest information.

Deposits 

If your course requires a deposit, that figure will be deducted from your second-semester fee payment in January.

Fee payment 

Fees are payable in two equal instalments. First payment is at registration and the balance usually by the end of January.

How can I pay? 

See different options on our How Do I Pay My Fees? page.

Any questions? See the 'Contact Us' section on the Fees Office page.

How To Apply

1. Check dates

Check the opening and closing dates for the application process in the yellow fact file boxes at the top of this webpage. The UCC online application portal usually opens around mid October.

2. Gather documents

Scanned copies of supporting documents have to be uploaded to the UCC online application portal and include:

  • Original qualification documents listed on your application, including transcripts of results from institutions other than UCC.
  • Any supplementary items requested for your course, if required.

3. Apply online

Apply online by clicking the red 'Apply Now' button below. Note most of our courses have a non-refundable €50 application fee.

Any questions? Use our web enquiry form to contact us.

Additional Requirements (All Applicants)

Please note you will be required to provide additional information as part of the online application process for this programme. This will include the following:

  • You may enter the details of professional or voluntary positions held. We strongly encourage you to complete this section with all relevant work experiences that will support your application.

The closing date for non-EU applications is Open until all places have been filled or no later than 30 June. Early application is advised.

Apply Now

For queries regarding course content or timetables please contact

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