Human Resource Management

The qualification is designed to provide you with specialist skills, knowledge and capabilities in human resource management. You’ll begin by examining the research and theory about the work of HR professionals and develop the skills needed to work as an effective HR professional. You’ll progress to exploring the contexts within which HR strategies and policies are developed and the implications of adopting the different strategies to an organisation. You’ll also gain training in academic and research skills as preparation for further study and research in the field of human resource management.

Key features of the course
• Gain an understanding of the HR professional’s role, addressing ethical dilemmas, inclusivity, diversity and sustainable HR management.
• Develop essential people management skills such as interviewing, training, and managing performance.
• Learn to address business and change management issues and work at a strategic level in the organisation.
• Gain an understanding of organisational strategies in relation to HR issues such as employee relations and employee engagement.

This certificate is the first stage of a study programme that progresses to the postgraduate diploma and finally the MSc in Human Resource Management.

How long it takes
Most students will study this qualification in two years by studying one 30-credit module a year, based on approximately 12–13 hours of study a week for each module. The minimum time to complete is one year, the maximum time to complete is four years.

Modules
To gain this qualification, you need 60 credits and we recommend that you study the modules in the following order:
• The role of the human resource professional (B810) 30 credits
• Human resource management in context (B811) 30 credits

You should note that the University’s unique study rule applies to this qualification. This means that you must include at least 20 credits from OU modules that have not been counted in any other OU qualification that has previously been awarded to you.

If you later choose to progress to the Postgraduate Diploma in Human Resource Management (E87) or MSc in Human Resource Management (F93) you are advised to register for a higher-level award in the first instance. The MSc in Human Resource Management is the only qualification which provides a route to CIPD Membership.

For module details please see "Course Web Page".

YYou must hold a bachelors degree awarded by a recognised UK university, or equivalent. Please contact us if you hold a qualification that you believe is an equivalent level to a UK degree, to ensure that it meets the requirements for admission.

You will need to be able to draw on experience of working in or with organisations. This experience can be drawn from a wide range of situations such as employment in public and private sector organisations and in self-employed or voluntary roles.

Your spoken and written English must be of an adequate standard for postgraduate study. If English is not your first language, we recommend that you will need a minimum score of 6.5 under the International English Language Testing System (IELTS).

1 year

See Course Web Page link for next start date.

Career relevance
This qualification provides knowledge and skills relevant to HR practice in the workplace. It will also provide training in academic skills that will prepare you for future study in the field of human resource management.

More generally, by studying a postgraduate business qualification you can expect your salary to increase and for it to have a positive impact on your career progression, as well as bringing improvements to your organisation.