Overview
The Postgraduate Diploma in Human Resource Management is the key qualification for anyone who is either currently working as an HR professional, or who wishes to pursue a career in this increasingly important management function. Many employers place great value in the advanced knowledge and skills developed in a postgraduate course, and much of the content covered will be of great benefit to professionals in other functions who are, or will be, responsible for managing people.
The course is delivered and assessed to Chartered Institute of Personnel and Development (CIPD) standards, and it can therefore lead to progression to Chartered CIPD membership, recognised globally as an important indicator of HR competence, and fundamental in the UK for anyone seeking to progress within the HR function.
The key aims of the course include:
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To develop the capacity to critically evaluate and apply appropriate HR practices and procedures into a variety of work-based settings
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To develop analytical, strategic and business skills
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To enhance professional and personal development
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To develop a range of transferable management skills
Part time students will complete the programme in two academic years. Most part time students are working in HR or a related field, and the teaching sessions focus in part on sharing the knowledge and experience within each student group. In the second year, students will undertake a research project on an HR issue in their organisation.
Full time students complete the programme in one academic year. These students benefit from working with the part time students, both in terms of learning about HR practice, and also with regard to the networking opportunities presented which can lead to work experience and job opportunities. The full time students also undertake a 5 week work placement in an HR function.
All students on the programme undertake a 3 day residential workshop at an outdoor Leadership / Development Center in North Norfolk, which focuses on developing skills relating to Personal Development, Leadership, Team Working, Motivation and Communication. The workshop includes both indoor and outdoor activities which are both challenging and fun. All activities are used to reflect on personal development and workplace issues, and the workshop is frequently mentioned by students as being one of the highlights of the programme.
Content and Modules
Developing Skills for Business Leadership
A very ‘practical’ module, focusing on developing the skills required in for example selection interviewing, making presentations, coaching, leadership, problem solving, change management, using IT, and interpreting financial information. Within this, and other modules, there will be support for students in developing their study skills.
Leading and Developing HRM in Context
This module puts HR in the wider context of national and global developments in Business / Commerce, and investigates how HRM services are delivered and evaluated in modern organisations. There is also a focus on Leadership and Professionalism in HRM.
Employment Law
A full understanding of current Employment Law is a fundamental requirement for any HR professional. This module covers the ley legislation and ‘case’ law, with a focus on the practical implications for the management of people in organisations.
Employment Relations and Engagement
This module investigates current developments in employment relations, with a focus on current debates about an increased emphasis on ‘partnership’ working, and the need for organisations to achieve the engagement of their employees with the organisation’s aims. Key practice issues covered include managing discipline and grievance cases.
Resourcing and Rewarding Talent
A key objective of an HR function is to plan, deliver and mobilise a workforce with the right skills, attitudes and experience. This module will focus on the recruitment, motivation and reward of an organisation’s talent.
Investigating a Business Issue
This module will include taught sessions on the skills and techniques needed for research at postgraduate level, and all students will then undertake a research project on an HR issue in their own organisation, or for full time students, in their work placement organisation.
Further Information
Student testimonial
'I've really enjoyed studying at UCS, the tutors have been very supportive. Now I've completed my qualification I actually miss going there! The Graduation ceremony was a wonderful experience; I felt a real sense of achievement and I had the surprise of winning an award'
Ann Swan, Graduate of part-time programme 2010
Special Features:
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Industry speakers
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Delivered and assessed to CIPD standards
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Meets the knowledge requirements for Corporate Membership of the Chartered Institute of Personnel and Development
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Leadership Skills Development residential
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Work placement (full-time students)