7 Top HR Qualifications in the UK for Masters, Courses & Degrees in HR

Are you an HR professional looking to advance in your career and gain credibility for your expertise in the field of HR? Or are you into people profession planning for a career change? With the role of HR expanding in today's business environment, it's no wonder that many of you are considering a HR career change.

However, with so many qualifications in human resources management, it can be overwhelming to determine which one best suits your personal goals. That's why, as one of the leading training providers, we at e-Careers curated a list of the top 7 HR qualifications available in the UK.

From CIPD courses to Masters in Human Resources, our list of HR courses covers a range of options to help you find the perfect fit for your goals. Keep reading to discover the best human resources courses in the UK and take the first step towards achieving your career goals.

CIPD Qualification Level 3

When it comes to HR courses, the Chartered Institute of Personnel and Development ( CIPD ) stands as the professional body for HR and L&D professions, offering qualifications that are globally recognised. People with CIPD credentials are perceived as industry experts in their fields.

One of their sought-after courses is the CIPD Level 3 Foundation Certificate in People Practice. This is ideal for beginners who want to get started in HR or L&D career as no prior experience is needed to enrol in this course. This is one of the best online HR courses you can take in the UK is the CIPD, which makes it convenient for you to complete at your own pace. Once you finish your Level 3, you'll be granted " Foundation CIPD " status after your name.

This HR course equips you with a solid foundation and core behaviours in four self-paced modules, opening doors to various entry-level HR jobs. After you complete this, typical roles include L&D or HR Assistant, HR Administrator, recruitment assistant, and trainer.

Organisations highly prefer employees with CIPD qualifications. If you decide to take their courses, choose a CIPD-accredited provider like e-Careers. We offer the highest quality course at the most affordable price.

CIPD Level 5 Associate Diploma in People Management

After completing the CIPD Level 3 course or if you're already in an HR or related role and want to enhance your HR skills in managing individuals while certifying your expertise, this diploma course is tailored for you. Level 5 qualifications are also self-paced online HR courses and is typically equivalent to second year of Bachelor's degree.

A key distinction of the CIPD Level 5 Associate Diploma in People Management course is that it specialises on human resources and people management. So if you want a profession in these fields, this is the right path to take. It covers performance management, HR policies, effective communication, employee engagement, and talent development.

After taking this course, you'll learn how to lead and motivate teams, handle conflicts, and foster a positive work environment. That's why you'll have the potential to get promoted to managerial roles. Once you complete any Level 5 qualifications, you can apply to become an Associate Member and earn the " Associate CIPD " status after your name.

CIPD Level 5 Associate Diploma in Organisational Learning and Development

Another Level 5 option is the Associate Diploma in Organisational Learning and Development course. If you want to establish a career specifically in L&D and related roles like in training and instructional design, this is for you. Like the other Level 5 course, this one is ideal if you already have a basic knowledge of training and development concepts or related experience and want to pursue a mid-level role but want to get certified first.

A key distinction between this course and the Level 5 People Management is that this one is more focused on assessing and enhancing employees' skills and organisational effectiveness through learning. This course explores training methodologies, coaching techniques, and adult learning principles.

After completion, you'll also develop your understanding of how L&D initiatives impact overall organisational performance. So, if you're an aspiring L&D Manager, Organisational Design Specialist, or Employee Experience Manager, this is the right Level 5 qualification.

CIPD Level 7 Advanced Diploma

For experienced HR or L&D experts ready to take on senior strategic level roles, you can further your qualifications to CIPD Level 7 Advanced Diploma in Strategic People Management or Strategic Learning and Development. As you can see, each of the courses is tailored to HR or L&D experts so choose the one where you have experienced on. Either way, Level 7 course is equivalent to a Masters degree.

This course is designed for senior HR or L&D positions and opens doors to Chartered Membership status, one of the highest recognition an HR or L&D professional can achieve. If you have over 5 years of extensive experience in either of these fields and are ready to shape the HR or L&D strategy of your company, this is your path. Once completed, you can apply and progress your status to Chartered Member or Chartered Fellow CIPD membership.

Human Resource Management Degree

An HR Management Degree is ideal for those who can commit to full-time study in various human resources courses. This degree typically takes three years to finish before gaining your HR degree qualification. A degree course in HR is also more expensive than CIPD. On an average, this can cost you around £10,000 per tear if you're enrolled in a university.

An HR degree allows you to explore various people management skills in the first two years, covering topics including recruitment, talent acquisition, and employment law.

Meanwhile, the third year will more likely offer flexibility as optional modules allow you to study what niche you want to focus on in your career goals. Some universities offer a placement year within the HR degree program or HR training courses. This provides valuable on-the-job training opportunities and a chance to earn a salary, but it can also extend the length of your overall degree.

Remember, not all HR degrees are the same. If you have specific career goals, like becoming a Chartered Member, ensure the chosen program aligns with the Chartered Institute of Personnel and Development (CIPD) standards. This ensures your HR qualification meets specific requirements for professional advancement in the field.

Master's in Human Resources

Another qualification after gaining an HR management degree or wanting to switch to an HR career is taking a master's degree in human resources. Schools typically require you to have an undergraduate bachelor's degree in any relevant field with a good grade. Work experience in HR or a related field can be beneficial, though not always required.

As people professionals, furthering your education to this level enhances your career progression and chances to land a senior role. The curriculum typically dives deep into:

• Operational and Strategic HR Roles
• Employee Retention Strategies
• Team Motivation and Leadership Skills

Meanwhile, going to a university for a Masters degree can cost you roughly £15,000 per year.

As you consider this path, we encourage you to research and understand the course specifics to ensure the Master's program is tailored to your career trajectory.

Continuing Professional Development (CPD) in HR

Throughout your career, you can keep developing your professional skills and knowledge. This is called Continuing Professional Development (CPD). It involves keeping track of everything you learn, both in planned learning settings like courses and through everyday work experiences. CPD involves engaging in learning activities such as workshops, conferences, webinars, and self-directed study to maintain and enhance your proficiency in HR.

Remember, it's not just about attending events; it's about reflecting on the learning and applying it to your professional practice. CPD ensures you remain competitive and compliant with HR practices and legislation. Engaging in CPD is a hallmark of a committed HR professional, demonstrating a dedication to personal development and excellence in the field.

Increasing Demand for CIPD-qualified professionals

The demand for CIPD-qualified professionals is on the rise. In fact, CIPD qualifications are now the 10th-most requested certification across job posts, surpassing even the demand for an MBA. Over the past year, the number of jobs requesting CIPD-qualified professionals has grown by 115% compared to a decade ago.

On average, HR employees with a CIPD qualification can earn 12% more than those without. HR roles specifically requesting CIPD qualifications pay up to £4,400 (16%) more than roles that don't require them. Even HR admin-level roles see a salary boost of up to £5,600 with a CIPD qualification.

Key Takeaways

If you want to invest or switch your career to human resources, it's crucial to find the right qualification that matches your career aspirations and equips you with the latest knowledge and skills.

At e-Careers, we pride ourselves on providing CIPD-accredited courses that combine premium quality with affordability. We believe everyone deserves access to affordable, high-quality education. That's why we are recognised for having affordable courses with an industry-leading eLearning platform and full expert tutor support so you can successfully earn your certificate.

Visit our CIPD courses to learn more about the benefits of partnering with e-Careers if you choose us as your education partner. If you want more information about CIPD courses, you can contact us at +44 (0) 20 3198 7700.