Programme Overview

The most important part of any organisation is the people within it. Human resource professionals help to shape and develop winning teams. Human resource professionals oversee such diverse areas as recruitment, training and development, employee development and industrial relations. If you enjoy working with people, studying human resource management opens up a wide variety of exciting career possibilities.

As a graduate of this course you will:

• Have a thorough understanding of human resource management.
• Appreciate the strategic impact of human resources on the business.
• Understand the linkages and integration required both within human resource management and between human resources and the rest of the business.
• Develop your personal skills in teamwork, communication and research.

Course Structure and Award

This course is a three year honours degree programme. The course is run over 6 semesters with continuous assessment held throughout the course and examinations at the end of each semester. The course has a common first year with most BA (Honours) Degrees in the School of Business. On completion you will receive a HETAC BA (Honours) Degree in Human Resource Management at level 8 on the National Framework of Qualifications.

Professional Recognition

This programme is an excellent foundation towards Membership of the Chartered Institute of Personnel and Development (CIPD) and/or the Irish Institute of Training and Development (IITD).

Further Study Options

Upon successful completion of the BA (Honours) Degree in Human Resource Management, graduates who have acquired the appropriate entry requirements can progress to postgraduate programmes at level 9 on the National Framework of Qualifications such as the Postgraduate Diploma or MA in HRM at National Collegeof Ireland.

Career Prospects

Human resource professionals may operate in a generalist role or may specialise in areas like recruitment, training and development, employee relations or organisational development. National College of Ireland has a long established track record in human resource management and graduates are much sought after. Typical entry positions for graduates include HR officer, recruitment consultant, HR business partner and learning and development specialist.

Course Fees

This course qualifies under the Free Fees Initiative, the Higher Education Grants Scheme and the VEC Scholarship Scheme.

Entry Requirements

Minimum entry requirements are a grade C3 or above in two Higher level subjects, together with a D3 (Higher or Ordinary level) in four subjects. A minimum of grade D3 (Higher or Ordinary level) must be obtained in English & Mathematics. Mature applicants, applicants with a disability or those applying through the DARE or HEAR access schemes should consult our DARE and HEAR webpage

Who is the course for?

The course is for school leavers, mature students and graduates of FETAC level 5/6 programmes.

Programme Modules

View our Module Descriptor for more information on the modules in this course.