Program Overview

BA (Honours) in Human Resource Management

Course Description

The BA (Honours) in Human Resource Management at National College of Ireland (NCI) offers a comprehensive overview of the human resource function within a business context. With a strong educational foundation built over 75 years, the program emphasizes key HR areas such as recruitment, training, employee development, and industrial relations.

Course Details

• Duration: 3 years (4 years with option of work placement)
• NFQ Level: Level 8
• Location: IFSC Campus
• Start Date: 14/09/2026
• CAO Course Code: NC005

About the Course

Graduates will possess a robust understanding of human resource management and its integration with business operations, complemented by skills in teamwork, communication, and research. A notable feature of the program is a year-long, accredited work placement option between years two and three, which is competitive and offers credit towards the degree.

Course Content

Year 1

• HR in a Corporate Framework
• Organisational Behaviour
• Academic Management Skills
• Business Law
• Management Theory and Practice
• Resourcing and Talent Planning
• Ethics and Corporate Governance
• Employee Relations

Year 2

• Finance and Accounting for the HR Professional
• Performance and Reward Management
• Employment Law 1
• Professional Development Skills
• HR Analytics and Quantitative Methods
• Learning and Development
• Employment Law 2
• Career Management Skills

Year 3

• Strategic Human Resource Management
• Contemporary Issues in Human Resource Management
• Sustainability
• Change and Organisation Development
• Contemporary Issues in Industrial Relations
• Additional HRM elective modules
• Two electives of choice (subject to availability)

Elective Modules

• Capstone (Research) Project Preparation
• Capstone Project
• Health and Safety
• International HRM
• Economic and Social Policy
• HR and Professional Practice
• Equality, Diversity, and Inclusion

Course Structure and Award

The program comprises six semesters with continuous assessment throughout and examinations at the end of each semester. Students achieving an overall average of 70% or higher will be recognized with a Dean's Award. Upon successful completion, graduates will be awarded a QQI BA (Honours) Degree in Human Resource Management at level 8.

Work Placement

The work placement opportunity enhances employability, providing valuable industry contacts, practical experience, and skills development. High-achieving students may opt for a year-long work placement between years two and three, or a capstone project in their final year.

Career Prospects

NCI graduates are well-regarded in the job market, with alumni successfully employed in various HR roles at prestigious organizations such as Google, PwC, and Ryanair.

Further Study Options

Graduates may advance to postgraduate courses at level 9 on the National Framework of Qualifications, including postgraduate diplomas and master's programs in HRM or Management at NCI.

Professional Recognition

This degree serves as a strong foundation toward obtaining Membership in the Chartered Institute of Personnel and Development (CIPD) and/or the Irish Institute of Training and Development (IITD).

Minimum Entry Requirements

• Minimum of two higher-level subjects with a grade H5 or above
• A minimum of four other subjects at O6/H7 level
• Minimum O6/H7 in English and Mathematics

Laptop Requirements

Students must adhere to a Bring Your Own Device policy, with recommended specifications including:

• Processor: Intel 11th Gen or AMD 5000 Series
• RAM: 16GB or greater
• Storage: SSD (256GB or greater)

Tuition Fees

• International Student Fees: €12,000 per year (effective from September 2026)
• Free Fees Initiative: Applicable for domestic students

QQI Level 5/6 Requirements

Applicants from QQI level 5/6 must achieve a minimum of 3 distinctions and a full award, also meeting CAO point requirements for entry into this Level 8 course.

Note

This program operates within the framework of departmental and institutional regulations, and all details are subject to change as per academic policies.