With a history of teaching HR courses that stretches back more than 70 years, we don’t just teach Human Resources, we live and breathe it. We are the leading educational institution for HR in Ireland with world-class faculty and industry links.
As a proud partner of the Chartered Institute of Personnel and Development (CIPD), our students are equipped with accredited qualifications, member benefits and learning resources – ready to hit the ground running as a fully-fledged HR professional upon graduation.
Read on to find answers to our most commonly asked questions about studying Human Resource Management at National College of Ireland.
CIPD Accredited Qualifications
CIPD Ireland and National College of Ireland have partnered together to develop and deliver a number of human resource management, learning and development and people management courses. These courses lead to membership of the Chartered Institute of Personnel and Development (CIPD), a sought-after accreditation in the HRM community.
Q1. I would like to get into HR but it’s a while since I was in education; what course would you recommend?
Our Certificate in Professional Human Resource Practice is a good place to start. It provides an opportunity to receive CIPD accreditation and provides you with the skills to work in the HR function. The certificate covers Applied Employment Law, Talent Acquisition plus Organisational Performance & Culture.
Upon successful completion of the certificate, there are only two more modules to complete for achievement of the Diploma in Professional Human Resource Practice. For Graduates from the Diploma, there is an exemption from the first stage of NCI’s part-time BA (Honours) in Human Resource Management Strategy and Practice, meaning you have a direct progression path to the later stages of our HR degree.
Q2. Do you have a course in Learning & Development as I work in this area (or want to get into it) and I already have a degree in HRM or Business?
Yes, we offer both a Certificate in Professional Learning & Organisational Development and a Diploma in Professional Learning & Organisational Development. There are no specific academic requirements with applicants considered based on relevant work and other experience for both programmes.
Q3. Do you have a course in Employment Law & Practice as I run a small business with no HR unit?
Yes, our Certificate in Professional Employment Law & Practice is ideal for both learners already working in HR and those with small businesses that may not have the capacity for a HR unit.
The certificate will give you the skills and knowledge needed in managing difficult employment situations at work and changing the working climate. The course covers the key aspects of employment law and employee relations required by HR professionals, line and owner managers.
Q4. I’m working as a HR Business partner and completed my CIPD Diploma at NCI last year. I’d like to go on and do further study. What’s the next step?
The BA (Hons) HRM Strategy and Practice would be the next logical step. Because you have already completed the diploma you would go straight onto Stage 2 of this degree.
Q5. Will a CIPD programme give me an edge in the jobs market?
Yes. Many employers looking for staff in the HRM profession view CIPD as a recognised standard in terms of someone’s level of professional competence. Jobs adverts for HR roles will often state that CIPD membership is a requirement.
Undergraduate Study
Whether you're finishing secondary school and progressing to third-level education or you're working full-time and want to complete your undergraduate studies in Human Resources alongside this, there are study paths available for you here at NCI.
Q6. I'm a CAO student interested in working with people and making a difference in the lives of others, what course would you recommend?
Our BA (Honours) in Human Resource Management is a full-time course that takes place over 3 years. This is an excellent degree with a focus on the human resources function, which includes recruitment, training, employee development and industrial relations. This programme is covered under the Free Fees initiative.
Minimum entry requirements for CAO applicants are a grade H5 and above in two higher level subjects together with a minimum of O6/H7 in four other subjects. A minimum of grade O6/H7 must be obtained in English. A grade O6/H7 must be obtained in Mathematics.
"Throughout my three years with NCI, I have been able to create meaningful relationships with not only my classmates but also the lecturers. With class sizes being small, you are given the opportunity to ask lecturers any questions directly such as guidance regarding assignments. Lecturers are also always available through email and provide exceptional support." ~ Zsuzsanna Nicoli, BA (Honours) in Human Resource Management
Q7. I have a busy life but I heard you can get a degree in HRM at NCI over just 2 years instead of the usual 4. Is this true?
Yes, our BA (Honours) in HRM Strategy and Practice is run over two calendar years, in a condensed format and allows part-time learners to gain an honours degree and CIPD accreditation.
There are no specific academic requirements with applicants considered based on work and other experience. Applicants under 21 will be assessed based on Leaving Certificate or equivalent.
Postgraduate Study
For those looking to take the next step in their HR education, you can move forward to undertaking a postgraduate programme which will help you specialise even further and become a master of this evolving field. Here are the options available to you.
Q8. I already have a Level 8 degree (not in HR) but I’m now working in a HR or training role and think I should get a HR qualification; which course is right for me?
The Postgraduate Diploma in Arts in Human Resource Management is ideal for those seeking a recognised academic qualification at postgraduate level while also advancing their careers to the next level.
The diploma serves as a direct pathway into our part-time Master’s in Human Resource Management, taking place over 2 years with blended learning allowing full flexibility for learners.
Q9. Where have learners gone on to work after leaving NCI?
Recent graduates are employed in human resources, recruitment, industrial relations and training roles in organisations including Google, Comfort Keepers, IBEC, Hertz, PwC, IBM, Arvato, Ergo, Ryanair, NTMA and CPL.
Still have questions about our HR courses? Join one of our upcoming online or campus events to chat to our expert team about your options so you can find the right course for you.
