Postgraduate courses in Human Resource Management

Human Resource Management (HRM) is a popular field of work worldwide and offers many opportunities to those who meet the required skills and qualifications. 

There are endless possibilities for roles and titles within the HR bracket. In fact, over 400,000 people are employed in the area of human resources, linked to learning and development, in the UK.

It’s a new year and a new start so now is a better time than ever to throw your hat at something new!

What is Human Resource Management?

Human resource management is the effective management of employees within a company or organization. Effective management will help businesses gain an advantage and is designed to maximize employee performance. HR management can involve hiring, firing, training and motivating employees. 

There are many different areas of HR management which include: recruitments and selection, performance management, learning and development, succession planning, compensation and benefits, HR information system and HR data and analytics. 

Courses

Postgraduate human resource management courses can be studied as full time or part time courses. A course in this field will help you to develop your expertise and add to your undergraduate degree to allow for the best possible opportunities coming your way. Due to current Coivd-19 restrictions, many courses begin online and may finish on campus. 

Examples of courses available in this area are include: 

Courses in this area will generally last one year and will provide students with the opportunity to develop their skills in order to attract the correct people and nurture their talents within a company or organization. Students will develop the knowledge to question, evaluate and make effective judgements on strategies and practices that deliver impact and value. Focuses include developing critical analysis, negotiation, problem solving and conflict resolution skills. 

In some courses, there is also an opportunity to gain experience through internships or volunteer roles with local and global employers. Some, if not most, courses also offer development workshops. 

Entry requirements

Entry requirements for different courses may differ from University to University. The majority of courses require a 2.1 undergraduate degree in a relevant discipline. In some cases, a 2.2 degree is accepted. However, depending on the course, applicants may be considered on a case-to-case basis if they have experience in the area. 

Job options

Many jobs in HR can depend on experience. Some job options throughout your career in HR are:

• HR Manager
  Delivers people-related processes, vision and strategy within companies.

• HR advisor
  Advises employers and clients on the recruitment of new staff and retention of existing employees.

• HR Analyst
  Identify and assist in in solving HR related matters including evaluating data and reports, giving feedback and advise on changes and improvements that could be made,

• HR Generalist
  Responsible for the day-to-day management of human resource operations including policies, procedures and relevant programmes within an organisation.
  
• Recruitment
• Talent Manager
• Recruitment consultant 
• Career Advisor

Salary expectations

There are many variables when it comes to salaries in HR. There are a broad range of jobs which may differ and also with experience may come a higher salary as well as location also possibly playing a part in some salaries. The average salary of a HR worker in the UK is around £34,900 but can be much lower starting out and higher as experience is gained. 

Career Development

There are a lot of ways to develop a career in Human Resources. It is a big industry with many job options and with experience you can work your way up in large companies to a higher role with more leadership or delve into a different side of HR altogether. From gaining experience you can also use the skills you developed and bring them forward with you into a slightly different kind of role, for example, a career advisor. 

There are many routes that can be taken but inevitably, the experience plays a high role. So, while you may have your sights on a role at the top of the management chain, starting small and building your way up can get you where you want to be. 

Skills and Requirements

• Strong communication skills – written and verbal
• Work well with others 
• Problem solver
• Good customer service skills
• Good employee relations 
• Organised and reliable 
• Time management skills
• Decision making skills