The CIPD Approved Postgraduate Diploma in Human Resource Management shares modules with the MSc Human Resource Management programme.
The effective management of people, and the relationship of this to the strategy and direction of an organisation, are key elements in any business situation. This programme sets the HRM specialism within the context of the broader field of business and management so that you can demonstrate relevant knowledge and understanding of organisations, the external context in which they operate, and how they are managed through the modules: Managing the Dynamic Organisation and Managing Organisational Information.
You will cover core HRM elements in the modules including: Leading, Managing and Developing People; Developing Professional Practice; HRM in an International Context; and Strategic Talent Development. These modules focus on the areas where HRM can add competitive advantage to an organisation in the future, and so are ideal for both specialist HR practitioners and generalist managers.
You will be provided with opportunities to create and develop a personal skill set which will be vital for your future HRM career, and for maintaining your professional status through Continuing Professional Development (CPD). This will be evidenced through all modules and in particular the module - Developing Skills for Business Leadership.
Finally, you will prepare a business report in the Investigating a Business Issue from a HR Perspective, module.
On completion of this diploma you will have acquired an understanding of HRM specialist, professional and generalist functions and their roles and be able to appraise their influence and impact throughout an organisation. You will recognise and evaluate the relevant knowledge and skills necessary for successful leadership and management within a diverse cultural context and ethical framework. You will be able to contribute to the development of appropriate HRM strategies, policies, procedures and change programmes within a dynamic business context.
You can study the programme part time over two years, taking one year to complete each stage - Postgraduate Certificate then Postgraduate Diploma.
Skills development
As well as developing your subject knowledge, we also concentrate on the development of your personal and transferable skills, which are vital wherever you work, and in whatever role you perform.
You will challenge your ways of thinking, behaving and problem solving in seeking solutions to complex business problems. We will also encourage your commitment to life-long learning and personal growth, and your development of a reflective self-aware and self-critical approach. You'll be able to present and justify intellectually-rigorous argument and will develop and continuously improve your leadership, team working, partnership, networking and communication skills.
Personal Development Planning
You will be provided with the opportunity to develop your personal development planning skills within the Developing Skills for Business Leadership module. This module will assist you with the development of critical self-analysis and reflective practice skills which underpin robust learning analysis and development planning to support life-long learning and personal growth and development. This will enable you to prepare to meet the Continuing Professional Development (CPD) requirements of the HR profession.
Class times
- Postgraduate Certificate - Thursday 2pm - 9pm
- Postgraduate Diploma - Wednesday 2pm - 9pm
CIPD
While studying on the programme you have the option to pay an additional admission and subscription fee to register at 'studying' grade with the CIPD (visit www.cipd.co.uk/studentregistrationonline to review the current rates).
This will provide you with full access to restricted member information sources on the website and to local branch network events to support your studies. On completion of the programme, and on demonstration of the activity and behaviour criteria, registered students can apply for the appropriate level of CIPD membership.
Please note: if you don't register at 'studying' grade during your studies, but then decide you wish to obtain membership status at the end of the programme, the CIPD will charge you a 'penalty' non-registration fee, as well as the admission and subscription fees in respect of unpaid student subscriptions.
Continued membership of the CIPD is subject to ongoing payments of an annual subscription and demonstration of Continuing Professional Development (CPD).

The residential
At an early stage of the programme you'll take part in a residential activity with students on all of the management masters programmes. This is a great way to get to know your fellow students and the lecturers and tutors you'll be working with throughout your programme.