Human Resource Management

Accreditation: National University of Ireland

Place on NFQ: Level 9 (Special Purpose Award).

Award: Postgraduate Certificate.



The Programme

Postgraduate Certificates are one-year programmes in which students take the second year of IPA MA programmes. They are stand-alone qualifications that focus on subjects relevant to a particular sector or function in public management. There is no progression from these programmes to the Master of Arts programme.



Postgraduate Certificate in Human Resource Management



Students take three or four subjects and complete a minor dissertation. Students must successfully complete the taught courses before moving to the dissertation phase.



Is This Programme For You?

Many graduate students are interested in a number of the fields in which the IPA offers qualifications. Students who wish to focus exclusively on HRM, Financial Management or any other of the specialisms listed above may do so by studying the second year of the MA programme. On completion, they will receive a Postgraduate Certificate in the specialism of their choice. New responsibilities at work or changes in career very often mean that instruction in a new field and an extra qualification are necessary. These one-year certificates are designed to meet such needs.

Semester One

Human Resource Strategy

This module will appeal to anyone interested in the theory and practice of human resource management from a strategic perspective. It explores a wide range of issues around the strategic development of human resources, including recruitment and selection, training and development, performance and competencies appraisal, industrial and employee relations, reward management, evolving organisational environment, and contemporary employment trends in the Irish context.



Managing People

The effective management of people – ensuring that they both enjoy their work and contribute to organisational success — is a central concern for all managers. This course considers, among other things, individual diversity, attitudes and behaviour, perceptions, values and ethics, managing motivation and rewards, leadership and group dynamics, inter-group effectiveness, stress and conflict management, and work-life balance.



Employment Law

There is a very significant body of legislation and case law governing employment. Managers should have a solid understanding of the central legal requirements that employers and employees must meet, including the contract of employment, individual protection, discrimination and harassment, health and safety, unfair and wrongful dismissal, redundancies, trade union legislation, arbitration and tribunals.



Semester Two

In the second semester of year two, students write a dissertation on a specific HRM issue. Students must successfully complete the taught courses before moving to the dissertation phase.

Admission Requirements

Applicants must have a primary degree or equivalent qualification.

Go to www.ipa.ie.



Download the programme application form and complete it in full.



Email that form, along with all the items below, to postgrad@ipa.ie, with the subject heading: Application for: Name of Programme. The items below must be scanned and included as attachments in the email:



A passport-type photograph.

A scan of your degree or relevant qualification.

The semester fee OR a letter from your employer confirming that fees will be paid directly to the IPA.



Places on the programmes are limited and demand for places is likely to exceed the number available. Consequently, you are strongly advised to apply as early as possible.

Students are generally assessed by means of assignments, final exams and a minor dissertation.

One academic year.



Delivery Method

Students attend weekend seminars/webinars in relevant modules and prepare a minor dissertation. They are supported in their studies by a range of resources, including online course material and essential textbooks.

The cost of the programme is €5,000 per annum (includes all matriculation and examination fees, all seminars, textbooks and course material), payable in two instalments.

Commences: September 2024