Not sure which course to choose? Let us recommend the best courses to suit you!
Not sure which course to choose? Let us recommend the best courses to suit you!
Browse Human Resources Results
MSc Human Resource Management
Brunel’s online MSc Human Resource Management prepares you to build happier, more productive workplaces through evidence-based HR strategies. You’ll gain the skills to lead inclusive, flexible teams and manage change in today’s evolving world of work....
MSc Global Human Resource Management
Revolutionise the way you – and the world – approach HR with our CIPD-accredited Online MSc in Global Human Resource Management. This degree goes beyond simply managing people; it transforms how people are managed. You’ll gain advanced skills in areas...
Online MSc Global Business Management and Human Resource Management
Navigate the complexities of global business and people management with a programme designed for today’s dynamic and fast-paced environment. Build the strategic leadership skills needed to excel in managing diverse teams and fostering inclusive culture...
MSc International Business
Brunel’s online MSc International Business prepares you to lead in global strategy, international trade, and cross-cultural management. You’ll develop the skills to navigate complex markets, design adaptive solutions, and make ethical decisions with re...
MSc International Human Resource Management
Develop as an HR practitioner, effectively operating in a globalised environment and adapting professional and organisational knowledge to new needs and contexts with this fully online, part-time International Human Resource Management MSc from the Uni...
MSc International Human Resource Management
In a world with an increasingly global workforce, human resources (HR) professionals need to have a firm understanding of the transnational nature of employees and how to adapt their approach according to the individual employee. This 100% online, part...
What is human resources?
Human resources professionals manage a wide range of activities across the employee lifecycle: recruitment, onboarding, performance management, and the fair and consistent handling of disciplinary procedures. They also sit at the centre of legal compliance, monitoring the organisation’s HR policies and ensuring they’re aligned with current employment law.
HR roles exist across every sector and at every organisation size, from a single employee supporting a small business to a specialist team split across recruitment, reward and staff relations in a large corporation. Good HR is central to organisational success: engaged, well-supported employees are consistently linked to stronger retention and performance, which is why staff engagement and wellbeing feature so often in HR job descriptions.
Why should I study a human resources course?
Human resources is a highly valued skill set with strong employment prospects, competitive salaries and clear career progression. An HR qualification prepares you for a successful career, covering everything you need to know, from recruitment and employee development to disciplinary procedures and legal compliance. Moreover, these courses build confidence in using digital HR tools and data metrics. These skills come in handy whether you’re working in-house for a single company or building towards a strategic HR role.
What qualifications do I need to study a human resources course in the UK?
No formal qualifications are required to start most entry-level human resources courses. The CIPD Level 3 Foundation Certification in People Practice is designed for beginners and is the most common starting point for a career in HR. Strong communication skills and an interest in people and workplace culture will help you progress through each level.
What jobs can I get after completing an HR course?
A career in human resources can lead to a role in a small business, where you manage HR as part of a broader operational role. You could also work at a large organisation specialising in a specific area of HR management. Here are some of the roles a course in human resources can lead to:
- Human resources officer
- Human resources assistant
- People and culture coordinator
- Human resources analyst
- HR business partner
- Learning and development manager
- Recruitment team leader
- HR manager or HR director
How much does a job in human resources pay?
According to the Office for National Statistics Annual Survey of Hours and Earnings, a full-time human resource manager or director in the UK earns a basic salary of £57,529 a year, while the middle half of the profession earns between £26,851 and £35,194, depending on experience, sector and location. Pay tends to rise significantly with seniority, which is one reason many HR professionals pursue a recognised HR qualification early in their careers.
What types of human resources courses are available?
A range of human resources courses is available at all levels, from short foundation courses to postgraduate qualifications, and can be studied in a number of ways to suit different schedules and starting points. Here are some of the courses you can expect to study:
How long does it take to become CIPD qualified?
Timelines vary by qualification level. The CIPD Level 3 Foundation Certificate typically takes 8-12 months part-time; the Level 5 Associate Diploma, about 12 to 16 months; and the Level 7 Advanced Diploma, up to 20 months. Many HR professionals progress through the levels over several years, studying alongside their work.
Do I need to be a CIPD member to work in human resources?
No, CIPD membership isn’t a legal requirement to work in human resources, but it is widely recognised by UK employers and often preferred or required for management and strategic roles.
Can I study a human resources course online?
The full range of CIPD qualifications and most other human resources courses are available online. This makes them ideal for HR professionals balancing full-time work or other commitments. Online study gives you the flexibility to work through course content at your own pace, with dedicated tutor support throughout. Many providers also offer free courses or introductory modules if you want to try a topic such as employment law or performance management before enrolling in a full qualification.
What skills will I develop after learning a human resources course?
A career in human resources can help you draw on a specific set of skills, as the field is designed to encourage you to develop them alongside technical expertise. Here are the key skills you’ll gain:
- Effective communication – explaining policies clearly and handling sensitive conversations, from disciplinary procedures to performance reviews
- Emotional intelligence – accurately reading people and situations, which is central to employee engagement and conflict resolution
- Leadership skills – supporting managers and, in senior roles, shaping HR strategy across an organisation
- Change management – helping a workforce adapt to new systems, restructures, or shifts in company culture
- Problem-solving and critical thinking – applying legislation and HR policies consistently to real-world workplace situations
Ready to start your human resources career?
Browse our full range of accredited human resources courses to find the right qualification for your career goals. Whether you’re new to the industry or aiming to move into a senior HR role, there’s a course to suit your career path, budget, and schedule.
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