NCI Course Details

Core business modules including Business Law, Finance & Accounting for HR Professionals, Management Theory and Practice are covered as well as modules which are essential for HR practitioners e.g.: Resourcing and Talent Planning, Employment Law, Employee Relations, Learning and Development, Diversity & Inclusion and Change & Organisational Development. The programme also covers modules which explore new and evolving HR practices such as HR Analytics, Strategic HRM, and Contemporary Issues in HRM.

Our experienced faculty and the block delivery nature of the programme enables the course to offer you an interesting range of HRM and business assignments that will see you undertake a variety of activities from critically assessing approaches to HRM taken in real organisations to conducting recruitment and selection activities. This emphasis on practical and academic skills development together with industry experienced expert lecturers will make for a fulfilling learning experience.

Upon successful completion of the degree, you will become CIPD qualified and achieve Professional Membership of CIPD at the Associate Member level. CIPD qualifications and membership are often required by employers seeking to hire Human Resources / Learning & Development professionals.

Upcoming Open Events

Join us at one of our upcoming information events, where you will have the opportunity to chat to our lecturers and Admissions Team about the range of Business, Computing, Psychology and Education courses starting at NCI in September 2026.

• Saturday 22nd August, 11am-1pm, On-Campus
• Wednesday 2nd September, 5-7pm, Online

The programme is designed to suit the needs of part-time students requiring a professional CIPD recognised qualification and is aimed at people already working in HRM or intending to move into the area.

The Bachelor of Arts (Honours) in Human Resource Management Strategy and Practice is awarded by QQI at level 8 on the National Framework of Qualifications. This award will allow progression to level 9 courses on the NFQ such as NCI’s MA in Human Resource Management.

Note that students may exit after completing stage 1 (60 credits) and receive a Diploma in HRM Strategy and Practice awarded by QQI at level 7 on the NFQ. Students who leave after successful completion of Stage 1 are eligible for Associate membership of CIPD.

Stage 1

• Academic Writing
• HR Professional Practice
• Resourcing and Talent Planning
• Employment Law
• HRM in the Corporate Framework
• Reward Management
• Introduction to Employee Relations

Stage 2

• Finance & Accounting for the HR Professional
• Management Theory and Practice
• Organisational Behaviour
• Diversity and Inclusion
• Learning and Development
• Ethics & Corporate Governance
• Essentials of Business Law

Stage 3

• Strategic HRM
• Contemporary Issues in HRM
• Change and Organisational Development
• Economic and Social Policy
• Contemporary Issues in IR
• HR Analytics

This course is delivered with online lectures and online learning materials and, subject to guidelines, supported by classroom-based learning events. This gives students the opportunity to meet up in the college and speak directly with lecturers and fellow learners.

For more information on the modules taught on this course view our module descriptors.

The course is delivered over three stages with each stage consisting of two intensive blocks with a short break built-in after completion of each block and over the summer period.

Submission deadlines and exams may fall within the break period.

This course is supported with online materials that supplement classroom-based lectures.

Typically the schedule would be:

Stage 1

Block One
September to mid-December 2025
Break
 

Block Two
Mid-January to mid-late April 2026
Break

Stage 2

Block Three
Mid-May to early August 2026
Break

Block Four
Mid-September to mid-December 2026
Break

Stage 3

Block Five
Mid-January to mid-April 2027
Break

Block Six
May to August 2027

Blended (Online with some face-to-face classes).

Evening weekdays online and Saturdays on campus.

The course is designed to appeal to those at work or seeking to re-enter the workforce. 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.

For applicants whose first language is not English, please note the English language entry requirements.

Note that applicants with a CIPD Diploma in People Management (HRM) from NCI may apply to enter directly at stage 2 of this degree programme.

Any applicant with substantial experience may be eligible for module exemptions from Stage 2 only. You can apply by showing evidence of prior learning based on your employment/relevant academic experience. 

National College of Ireland has implemented a Bring Your Own Device policy for all courses. Specifically, students are expected to successfully participate in lectures, laboratories and projects using a portable computer (laptop/notebook) with a substantial hardware configuration.

The recommended configuration is as follows:

Processor:

• Intel 11th Gen or newer, Core i3 / i5 /i7 or Ultra 3 / 5 /7
  Or
• AMD 5000 Series or newer, Rzyen 3 / 5 /7

Random Access Memory (RAM):
16GB or greater

Storage:
SSD (Solid State Drive) 256GB or greater

Wireless Card:
802.11 n/ac/ax capability

Recommended Operating Systems:
Windows 11
Later Version of MAC OS should also be fine.
Chromebook’s are not recommended.

It is the responsibility of the student to ensure their computer is functioning correctly and that they have full administrator rights. NCI cannot provide support for these personal devices.

Student Laptop Loan Scheme

A Laptop Loan Scheme is available for eligible students to assist them in completing their chosen course.

Two evenings per week 18.00-22.00 plus some Saturdays 09.00-18.00. Approximately 1 Saturday per month.

Please note that exams can be scheduled during the morning, afternoon or evening Monday to Saturday. Exams may take the form of online or in person.

Three stages over 2 years.

The cost of this course is €4,250 per stage.

Full degree encompasses 3 stages, total fee is €12,750.

(Fees revised annually)

You can spread the cost of this course with our direct debit plan.

Scholarships and Discounts

We offer a range of scholarship opportunities and discount offers available to both NCI and non-NCI graduates that will help you access this course.