| Program start date | Application deadline |
| 2026-09-07 | - |
| 2027-09-07 | - |
Program Overview
Human Resource Management
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.
Course Outline
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)
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
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.
Fees and Costs
The EU fee for this course is Part-time: 5,000.
Postgraduate EU and International Fees 2026/2027
See our Postgraduate EU and Non-EU (International) Fee Schedule for the latest information.
Deposits
If your course requires a deposit, please note that booking fees and deposits are non-refundable in all cases.
How can I pay?
See different options on our How Do I Pay My Fees? page.
How To Apply
- Check dates: Check the opening and closing dates for the application process.
- 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.
- Apply online: Apply online by clicking the application portal. Note most of our courses have a non-refundable 50 application fee.
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 15 June. Early application is advised.