Whether you are already working in human resource management or learning and development and want to validate the expertise you have gained, or you are starting out and want to get your first role in HR or L&D, a CIPD accredited qualification from National College of Ireland will be valuable to you in your career.
What is a CIPD qualification?
The Chartered Institute of Personnel and Development (CIPD) is the professional body for HR and people development in Ireland.
CIPD programmes in Human Resource Management and Learning and Development are delivered by National College of Ireland, the country’s largest provider of CIPD graduates. These courses are in line with the CIPD Profession Map allowing automatic eligibility for Membership of CIPD.
What CIPD courses are available at National College of Ireland?
CIPD qualifications and membership are often required by employers seeking to hire HR professionals.
The NCI courses listed below are CIPD accredited:
- (CIPD) Diploma in Professional Human Resource Practice
- (CIPD) Certificate in Professional Human Resource Practice
- (CIPD) Diploma in Professional Learning & Organisational Development
- (CIPD) Certificate in Professional Learning & Organisational Development
Note that you can choose to complete the Certificate in Professional Employment Law and Practice and continue on to the (CIPD) Diploma in Professional Human Resource Practice to gain CIPD accreditation.
Below are some important reasons to gain a CIPD qualification from NCI:
1. Enhanced Career Opportunities
CIPD qualifications are recognised globally for providing the highest standards in HR education. Students develop expertise throughout their studies in areas such as Talent Acquisition, Employment Law, Employment Relations, Reward and Performance and Organisational Culture.
Gaining a high level of knowledge in these areas ensures that graduates become highly sought-after candidates in industry. Adding a CIPD qualification to your CV can help you transition into a role in HR or secure a senior position in this field.
2. Reputation for HR Education
NCI has a long-established track record in human resource management education and our graduates are highly regarded by employers.
Formerly the College of Industrial Relations (1966) and National College of Industrial Relations (1983), this was the only educational establishment offering a degree in industrial relations at one point. This history is reflected in the high quality of education that is delivered through the CIPD programmes.
3. Provides an Opportunity to Specialise
Gaining in-depth knowledge of a specific topic within human resource management by studying modules such as Reward Management and Talent Acquisition can allow graduates to apply for roles solely focusing on these areas within a larger team.
With many organisations diversifying their HR functions, those who choose to study a CIPD programme in Professional Learning and Organisational Development can choose to specialise in this area as they will gain knowledge in Learning and Development Design and Evaluation, Facilitation of Learning and Development, Digital Learning & Development, Coaching and Organisation Culture and Development. Likewise, if you are working in L&D but wish to gain knowledge of the HR field, a CIPD programme will help you accomplish that goal.
“I decided to do the Human Resource Practice course at NCI which I am currently completing. I find it brilliant because my role is Learning and Development which sits within the HR function in my company and now, I understand the broader spectrum of activities and how L&D contributes to those wider goals.”
Monica Hayes, (CIPD) Diploma in Professional Human Resource Practice
4. Classes Delivered Online with Some Campus Sessions
A big advantage with choosing to study a CIPD programme at NCI is that the majority of your classes will be livestreamed online meaning you can join from anywhere in the country.
It’s important to note that you will be required to visit our campus for in-person sessions a couple of times each semester. Also, applicants need an Irish address to successfully join one of these courses.
5. Expands Your Professional Network
Joining a CIPD class means you are joining a group of like-minded individuals who are not only interested in gaining knowledge of human resource management theory and practices but can also share examples from their own workplaces allowing for a collective learning experience. This means that students have the added benefit of being able to draw from the experience of their classmates, ensuring they become well-rounded professionals by the end of the course.
Once students become CIPD members, they then have access to a further network of industry experts which can provide advice and support and lead to new career opportunities.
“The classes are very interactive. You’re not just learning from the lecturer; you’re learning from everyone in the room. I loved hearing about the experiences of others who were working across a range of different industries as it helped me see things from a broader perspective.”
Georgina Penny, (CIPD) Diploma in Professional Learning and Organisational Development
6. Improves Professional Credibility
Those working in human resources and people management are key decision-makers in many organisations. When you hold a CIPD qualification from NCI, you gain credibility from peers who recognise your commitment to professional standards as well as your high level of knowledge of human resource management or learning and development that can support you when making decisions and finding solutions in areas such as upskilling, staff retention and salary negotiations.
Employers and colleagues will understand the value of undertaking a CIPD programme, especially at National College of Ireland which is known for excellence in HR education. The knowledge and skills gained will give you a competitive edge and enhance your professional reputation.
7. Access to Industry Knowledge and Resources
Becoming a CIPD member means you have access to up-to-date knowledge and resources including Factsheets, Guides, Reports, Podcasts, Case Studies and Webinars. Topics covered include employee benefits, data protection, coaching and mentoring, employee engagement and motivation, ethical practice and equality, diversity and inclusion in the workplace.
Access to these resources means you can reliably convey best practices and industry trends to support people management in your organisation. Taking the time to keep up with the latest research also ensures you are engaging in continuous professional development which will help you progress to the next stage of your career.
8. Develop Practical Skills and Abilities
A key aim of the CIPD courses delivered at NCI is to provide well-rounded individuals who can perform a range of HR-related functions which can help them succeed in their role. Students develop practical skills through assignments such as conducting interviews and case studies which will help them handle real-world scenarios.
“On the practical side, HR students will be given the skills to conduct a recruitment interview, for example. Another practical element you will learn and be assessed on is your ability to investigate an employee issue while L&D students will learn the skills necessary to facilitate an organisational learning session and design a piece of e-learning.”
Rachel Doherty, CIPD Programme Director at National College of Ireland
9. Recognised by Both CIPD and QQI
Our CIPD-accredited certificate and diploma courses in Professional Human Resource Practice and in Professional Learning and Organisational Development have the added benefit of being recognised by Quality and Qualifications Ireland at Level 7 on the National Framework of Qualifications. QQI is the Awarding Body for programmes offered at NCI. This means that your CIPD qualification can be suitably recognised for training, education and employment opportunities both nationally and internationally.
Given these reasons, are you ready to start your journey towards gaining a CIPD qualification with National College of Ireland?
NCI has partnered with CIPD for a number of years. Visit our CIPD Hub to see our full range of programmes which lead to accreditation in human resources and learning and development.
