HR courses

What human resources (HR) courses are available?

HR degrees

If you're thinking about a career in HR, a three year degree in human resource management (HRM) is a great way to get started. It gives you a solid grounding in the principles and practice of HR, covering core topics such as:

• employment law
• organisational behaviour
• people management
• recruitment and retention
• strategy and training and development

In the first two years, you'll cover the basics of business and HR, while your final year usually allows you to pick optional modules that match your career goals. Most courses also include a research project or dissertation, giving you the chance to explore a topic in depth.

An HRM degree can help you move into roles like:

• HR coordinator
• HR officer
• recruitment consultant
• reward specialist
• training and development officer.

Some courses include a paid placement year between the second and final year. This extends your degree to four years but gives you valuable work experience. If you don't meet standard entry requirements, foundation years are often available, and mature students may be considered through recognition of prior learning.

Modern HR degrees also reflect today's workplace, focusing on areas such as:

• data and analytics
• responsible business practice
• technology.

For example, the BSc Human Resource Management & Development at the University of Greenwich highlights:

• diversity and inclusion (EDI),
• ethics
• sustainability
• wellbeing and equality.

Similarly, the BSc Human Resource Management with Foundation Year at the University of West London includes digital HR and people analytics skills.

Discover what you can do with a degree in HRM.

Many HR degrees are accredited by the Chartered Institute of Personnel and Development (CIPD). If you graduate from an accredited course, you can apply for Associate membership, which gives you professional recognition and helps with career progression.

Entry requirements vary, but universities accept students from a range of subjects. Studying a related subject can be helpful, such as:

• business
• English
• sociology

Typical offers range from ABB to BBB at A-level. Some universities, like University of Bradford and Anglia Ruskin University, also consider work experience, CIPD Level 3 qualifications, or other Level 3 routes.

Fees depend on whether you're a UK or international student. For example, Brunel University charges £9,535 per year for UK students and £19,320 for international students. Always check the university's website for the most up-to-date fees.

Explore our guide to student loans.

Masters in HR

If you want to deepen your HR knowledge and progress into senior or specialist roles, an MSc degree in HRM can give you a significant advantage. Employers value postgraduate study because it provides professional recognition and equips you with the advanced skills needed for leadership and specialist positions in the profession.

Many Masters programmes are accredited by the Chartered Institute of Personnel and Development (CIPD), which helps you meet the requirements for professional membership. You can explore options by searching CIPD-accredited Masters courses.

Full-time HR Masters programmes usually last one year, with part-time options available over two to four years. Modules often cover:

• employee relations
• leadership
• organisational development
• research methods
• strategic HR management

Increasingly, courses also include people analytics, HR technology, and artificial intelligence, reflecting the growing importance of data-driven decision-making. For example, University College London's MSc in People Analytics and Human Centric Management focuses on people analytics and data-informed HR strategies and requires a 2:1 undergraduate degree.

Some programmes, such as the MSc Global Human Resource Management at Kingston University London, include a placement year. Distance learning options are also available through providers like The Open University.

Most Masters programmes require a 2:1 in any subject, although relevant work experience may also be considered.

Fees vary widely. For example, King's College London lists full-time fees of £18,150 for UK students and £32,100 for international students, with the optional CIPD-accredited module costing an extra £1,500.

More broadly, UK MSc fees typically range from £10,000 to £20,000 per year, with international fees between £15,000 and £31,000. Always check course pages for up-to-date fees and explore funding options before applying.

For guidance, see funding postgraduate study.

CIPD courses

The CIPD is the professional body for HR and people management. Completing a CIPD-accredited course is often essential for many HR roles and is recognised internationally, helping you demonstrate professional competence to employers and universities worldwide.

CIPD qualifications are offered at three levels, roughly equivalent to A-level, undergraduate, and postgraduate study.

You can study CIPD courses full-time or part-time, online, via block learning, or through your workplace evidence if you're studying while working. Fees vary depending on the learning centre and study format:

• Level 3 Foundation - suitable for entry-level roles, leads to CIPD Foundation membership, and costs around £1,300 to £2,300 depending on membership status.
• Level 5 Associate (Intermediate) - develops practical HR knowledge and qualifies you for Associate CIPD membership, costing approximately £1,600 to £3,600.
• Level 7 Advanced - provides advanced, strategic-level knowledge and allows Associate members with at least one year of HR experience to upgrade to Chartered CIPD membership. Fees range from £3,000 to £7,000.

Courses vary by depth of study:

• Award - a short, focused qualification covering a specific HR topic in depth.
• Certificate - a broader qualification providing a foundation across key HR areas.
• Diploma - the most comprehensive option, equipping you with advanced knowledge and skills to lead HR strategy and make a significant organisational impact.

Labour market data from Lightcast indicates that HR professionals with a CIPD qualification earn around 12% more on average than those without. Roles that specifically request a CIPD qualification can offer salaries up to £4,400 higher, with the impact particularly strong at entry-level - for example, HR administrator positions can see potential salary increases of up to £5,600.

Other globally recognised HR bodies offering professional certifications include:

• the HR Certification Institute (HRCI)
• the Society for Human Resource Management (SHRM).

Some programmes, such as the University of Portsmouth's MSc in HRM, align with both frameworks, while short courses - like London School of Economics and Political Science's Digital Transformation in HR - offer SHRM professional development credits.

Search for postgraduate HRM courses to explore your options and find the course that suits your career goals.

HR continuing professional development (CPD)

If full-time study or attending a campus isn't practical, there are plenty of flexible options for HR CPD. Online courses, such as CIPD programmes offered through providers like ICS Learn, let you study up to Level 7 Advanced Diploma from anywhere.

CPD can also be gained through shorter, focused learning. For example, Peninsula runs free weekly HR webinars on topics like annual leave entitlements, employment law updates, and statutory sick pay. These sessions are CPD-accredited and often feature interactive panels with HR experts.

Similarly, CIPD short courses - available in-house or as residential programmes - usually run for one to three days. One example, HR in Practice, is a self-directed 60–90 minute course exploring the evolving role of HR and key HR models.

It's worth talking to your employer about CPD opportunities, as many organisations are happy to fund training or allow time off to attend courses.

Recruitment training

The Recruitment and Employment Confederation (REC) is the professional body for recruitment in the UK. Its qualifications range from Level 2 (GCSE equivalent) up to Level 5 (foundation degree equivalent).

If you're aiming for senior roles in recruitment, diplomas at Levels 4 and 5 provide advanced knowledge and practical skills. Level 4 programmes offer flexible, on-the-job learning, while Level 5 courses allow on-demand enrolment, making it easier to balance training with work commitments.

For example, the REC's Level 4 Diploma in Recruitment Management charges £495 per teaching unit (typically one-day sessions), and the Level 5 Diploma in Recruitment Leadership costs £745 per unit. Since diplomas comprise several units, total costs can run into the thousands, but learners can spread study over time.

Recruitment apprenticeships are another route, allowing you to earn a wage while studying towards a recognised qualification.

Membership of a professional body such as The British Institute of Recruiters (BIOR) is not essential but can help you to build industry networks, access CPD opportunities, and establish a professional identity, demonstrating your:

• commitment to best practice
• high-quality client service
• ongoing personal development

To get started, see the REC list of approved training providers.

What do human resource management graduates do?

Around 47% of human resource management (HRM) graduates are employed in HR-related roles 15 months after graduation, including:

• human resources and industrial relations officers - 31%
• human resources administrative occupations - 12%
• HR managers and directors - 3%.

HRM graduates can work across a range of organisations, from multinational corporations to public sector bodies. Popular sectors include:

• business, HR and finance
• clerical, secretarial and administrative
• retail, catering and customer service
• marketing, public relations (PR) and sales.

Over time, entry-level roles can lead to management or trainee leadership positions, with 11% of HRM graduates working in management 15 months after graduation. You may also have opportunities to specialise in areas such as:

• employee relations
• learning and development
• reward.

For a more detailed overview of potential career paths, see what can I do with my degree in HRM?

What will I earn after completing a course?

Salaries for HR roles in the UK vary depending on:

• experience
• job level
• location.

Here are some average salaries according to the Ashdown Group's HR Salary Guide:

London-based roles typically pay more than elsewhere in the UK. For example, in 2025, HR business partners earned on average:

• £47,926 in London
• £42,537 in Manchester
• £42,366 in Liverpool
• £41,958 in Leicester.

Gaining professional qualifications, such as a CIPD Level 5 Associate Diploma or Level 7 Advanced Diploma, can boost both your earning potential and career prospects. According to the CIPD, HR manager-level Chartered Members earn on average £9,900 more than professionals without CIPD membership.

Professional accreditation can also accelerate progression into senior or specialist roles, such as management consulting, where salaries are typically higher. Keep in mind that pay varies by sector, region, and organisation size, so research local salary benchmarks and compare roles carefully when planning your next move.

See our recruitment and HR job profiles for further salary details and job prospects.

Find out more

• Take a look at the recruitment and HR sector.
• Explore HR graduate schemes.