NCI Course Details

This intensive course has been developed in consultation with the Chartered Institute of Personnel and Development (CIPD). The programme aims to develop an in-depth understanding of the core disciplines in the area of human resources (HR). It recognises that HR must operate in challenging and dynamic business environments that are constantly changing and seeks to enable students to deliver effective business solutions that optimise the people resources of their organisation.

Combined with a practitioner-recognised qualification in the area of HRM, namely CIPD, this course is geared towards people wishing to continue or progress in their professional development in HR or wider roles in the organisation.

Block teaching is used to provide the opportunity for more in-depth development of knowledge within modules. An applied approach to teaching is used within the programme with lectures interspersed with exercises, use of case study analysis, group activities in class, debate on contemporary issues as well as independent learning.

This course is aimed primarily at individuals seeking an academic qualification at postgraduate level while also wishing to advance their career to assume positions at a senior management level with a specific focus on human resource management.

Core Modules

• Leading and Managing
• Human Resource Management in a Strategic Business Context
• People Resourcing
• Employment Law
• Employee Relations
• Managing and Developing Talent

Elective Modules

• Strategic Reward Management (10 credits)
• Organisational Design and Development (10 credits)
• Mediation and Conflict Management (10 credits)
• International HRM (5 credits)
• HR Analytics (5 credits)
• The Science of Decision Making (5 credits)

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

Learners are required to choose one 10-credit and one 5-credit elective from the suite of electives offered above. Those students wishing to exit with a Postgraduate Diploma in HRM with no intention of progressing to complete the MA in HRM award, should choose the Investigating a Business Issue to fulfil CIPD requirements.

Those students who transfer onto the MA in HRM course will be required to complete an additional semester consisting of a research methods module and a minor dissertation. This award will allow transfer to level 9 research degrees and in some cases progression to taught doctoral courses at level 10 on the NFQ.

The course content as shown here is for indicative purposes. The College reserves the right to re-order the schedule of modules offered.

Note that all modules count towards the final award classification. Elective modules are subject to availability and a minimum number of students required to run a module.

The Postgraduate Diploma in Arts in Human Resource Management is awarded by QQI at level 9 on the National Framework of Qualifications. Graduates with relevant work experience will be eligible to apply for Chartered Membership of the Chartered Institute of Personnel and Development (CIPD) for which a membership fee will be payable directly to CIPD.

Students who successfully complete the Postgraduate Diploma in Arts in HRM have the option of continuing their studies to receive the award of Master of Arts in HRM.

Applicants are required to hold a minimum of a 2.2 honours degree in either a cognate or non-cognate area at level 8 on the National Framework of Qualifications.

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

The college operates a Recognition of Prior Experiential Learning (RPEL) scheme meaning non-graduates with extensive professional experience and other prior qualifications may also be considered for the course.

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.

Tuesday and Thursday 18.00 - 21.00 plus some Saturday workshops.

Please note that exams can be scheduled during the morning, afternoon or evening Monday to Saturday.

The Postgraduate Diploma in Arts in HRM comprises 3 semesters of study:

• Semester 1 (Sept to the end of Dec)
• Semester 2 (Jan to early May)
• Semester 3 (May to August)

Blended - Livestream (online) classes with some in-person (on campus) delivery. Exams may take the form of online or in person.

1 calendar year; 39 weeks, 3 taught semesters September to end of July.

€7,750 per annum.

(Fees revised annually)

You can spread the cost of this course with a 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.