Clare Allen
Senior Lecturer in Human Resource Mgmt & OB
level:PG;top_up:false;international:false;foundation:false;clearing:false;full_time:false;part_time:true;start_month:September;location:Waterside
Human Resource Management PGDip
Key Facts
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Duration
Part Time: 2 Years
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Level
PostgraduatePG PGDip
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Starting
September
SEP
-
£2,915 (per 60 credits) Year 1
£2,915 (per 60 credits) Year 2 -
Waterside
Updated 12/02/2026
Overview
In today’s global, fast-moving business environment it is often people that determine organisational success. Human Resources Management (HRM) is a strategic, business-focused approach to managing people.The aim of this course is to develop you as an HR professional.
HR specialists help organisations to achieve success by providing knowledge and insight into a wide range of HRM activities including talent resourcing and selection, performance management, learning and development, change management and employee engagement.
HR can be an exciting, rewarding and challenging career that can take you anywhere in the world.
Highlights
- CIPD accreditation and membership on completion of the course.
- On successful completion of the PG Diploma in HRM, you are eligible to continue your studies on the MA HRM (top-up).
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Entry Requirements
You will normally need to hold a recognised and relevant qualification at Level 5 or 6 for example BA (Hons) Human Resource Management or CIPD Intermediate level qualifications.
It would be an advantage for applicants to have experience of working in a HR or general management role for at least a year.
If you have extensive HR experience but lack qualifications, you may be invited to an interview with the Programme Leader to assess your suitability for entry to the course.
For more more information on how to make an application, please visit our How to Apply page.
All International and EU students applying for a course with us must meet the following minimum English language requirements:
- Minimum standard – IELTS 6.5 (or equivalent) for study at postgraduate level.
For information regarding English language requirements at the University, please see our IELTS page.
What You'll Learn
You will be introduced to specialised knowledge and research evidence giving you an in depth understanding of successful people management in organisations. Perhaps more importantly, you will practice the tools and techniques of strategic and operational HRM giving you practical, insight-driven experience which will help further your career.
The course modules are designed to provide you with expert knowledge of distinct HR subject areas combined with exposure to contemporary debates, policies and practices, keeping you at the forefront of developments in your field. You will develop an understanding of HRM within a range of organisational contexts, and you will be equipped with the analytical and diagnostic skills required of HR professionals in the workplace.
Compulsory Modules
The purpose of this module is to enable learners to analyse the environmental forces impacting upon organisations and the effect on the management of people and organisational strategy. Learners will develop an understanding of the ways that organisations respond to environmental forces and the constraints and challenges facing HR professionals.
The purpose of this module is to enable learners to diagnose, analyse and identify solutions for problems associated with the leadership, management and development of people within a variety of organisational contexts.
The purpose of this module is to enable learners to investigate a live business issue from an HR perspective, locating this within current debates. Learners will collect and analyse data to inform recommendations for current and future practice.
The purpose of this module is to enable learners to develop a critical understanding of practical, strategic and theoretical aspects of resourcing and developing employees. Learning activities will equip students to design, deliver and evaluate resourcing and development practices which contribute to organisational effectiveness and align with relevant contextual factors.
The purpose of this module is to enable learners to develop a critical understanding of employment law and employee relations responses to mitigate organisational risk and support organisational performance. Learning activities will equip students with the skills needed to develop these processes and practically handle employee relations issues.
Please note the modules shown here relate to the academic year 25/26. The modules relating to the academic year 26/27 will be available from June 2026.
If you are seeking a role in HR and professional membership of the Chartered Institute of Personnel and Development (CIPD) then this course is right for you. Our Human Resource Management Postgraduate Diploma is accredited by the CIPD and has been specifically designed to allow HR professionals to enhance their career options and progress into senior roles. Studying this course will give you an advantage with employers, who often look for employees that have professional qualifications and membership. As a HRM student you will become part of this professional body and on completion of the programme will be become an Associate Member CIPD with the potential to upgrade your status to Chartered Member CIPD.
Please note: you will need to enrol as a CIPD student member and will need to remain a member throughout the duration of your course. The CIPD subscription fee is payable directly to CIPD and is not included in your course fee. For more information on the fees please refer to the CIPD website. Student membership of CIPD gives you access to top quality research, factsheets and other resources that will help you with your studies.
You will be encouraged to join, support and participate in local CIPD branch activities. These are the Northampton and Milton Keynes/Bedfordshire groups. Although you will, officially, be a member of only one CIPD group, you are welcome to attend any of the group meetings, some of which will be delivered by Northants branch as part of the programme.
For more information on the local branch see the Northamptonshire or Milton Keynes/Bedfordshire websites.
How will I learn?
The learning and teaching style on this course is designed to enable you to take responsibility for your own learning and skills development within a caring environment facilitated by high quality academic support from tutors. You will be introduced to the core course content through activities that can be taken in your own time, off campus. These activities will usually be facilitated through the University’s Virtual Learning Environment – a web-based portal where you will be able to participate in learning activities, online discussions, reading and reflection. During your sessions on campus, the emphasis will be on participative and interactive activities designed to develop your understanding through debate, discussion, role-play and participation in events such as guest speakers and a mock employment tribunal.
This course usually has a diverse student group which provides a rich basis for sharing different experiences and thinking on organisational and people issues. Peer networking is encouraged so you can maximise your learning from the different student experiences that are shared throughout the course.
How will I be assessed?
The course uses a carefully balanced combination of in-course assignments designed to enrich your learning including business projects, practical HR activities, reflective activities, group work, presentations and examinations.
What is the schedule like for this course?
The PG Diploma HRM is offered as a two-year part-time course. In the first year, you will take two modules in Semester 1 and one module in Semester 2. In the second year you will take one module in Semester 1 and one module in Semester 2.
Most modules will require you to attend a two or three hour workshop per week or equivalent scheduled online activity. Class sessions will normally be on one afternoon/evening per week.
To maximise your success on this course, we recommend that you spend approximately 12 hours a week per module in self-directed study to prepare for your sessions and complete your assignments.
Fees and Funding
2026/27 Tuition Fees
Fees quoted relate to study in the Academic Year 26/27 only and may be subject to inflationary increases in future years.
- Part Time*: £2,915 in Year One (60 Credits), £2,915 in Year Two (60 Credits)
*Year two fee may be subject to an inflationary increase for 27/28.
You are required to join the CIPD as a student member (currently a one-off joining fee of £40 and membership fee of £141 for 18 months). Please see the CIPD website for further details.
Please see our scholarships page for more information on the funding that may be available to you.
Please note that this course is not eligible for Master’s Loan funding. For more information about possible funding options, please visit our Fees and Funding pages.
Fees quoted relate to study in the Academic Year 25/26 only and may be subject to inflationary increases in future years.
- Part Time*: £2,830 in Year One (60 Credits), £2,830 in Year Two (60 Credits)
*Year two fee may be subject to an inflationary increase for 26/27.
Staff
Careers and Employability
The PG Diploma in HRM opens the way for a career in HRM/HRD. The programme provides opportunities for you to develop enhanced, specialist, higher level knowledge, skills and leadership capabilities and equips you with enhanced career pathways in the HRM/HRD field within different organisational contexts.
Master’s Opportunities
Take advantage of our postgraduate courses and top up your Human Resource Management Postgraduate Diploma qualification to a full HRM Masters degree.
Campus Facilities
As a Human Resource Management Postgraduate Diploma student at the University of Northampton, you will be able to use our on-campus facilities, study areas, and services to help enhance your studies.
Learning Hub
The Learning Hub is at the heart of the campus and home to the student information desk.
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