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If you work in administrative/clerical roles, in team lead/management/supervisory/HR roles across any industry, in sales/customer service roles, own or run a business, are involved in a union role, work in a recruitment consultancy, or want to develop skills in people management, then this course may be perfect for you. Students who successfully complete the programme are eligible to undertake the part-time BA in HRM and the Future of Work.

This is a unique course that aims to equip students with the knowledge and skills required to operate as effective HR and people management practitioners within an increasingly digitalised working environment. The programme was developed with input from employer representatives from large and small companies.  The course is delivered by lecturers who are leaders in the study of people management and digitalisation, and they have been commissioned by government bodies, companies, charitable organisations, unions, and the HR professional body, the HR professional body (CIPD), to undertake workplace and national level studies.

On successful completion of this programme, students will be able to:

• Demonstrate an understanding of the key processes of human resource management and employment relations.
• Explore the role of digitalisation in the processes of human resource management.
• Explore fundamental professional and interpersonal skills required for the people management function.
• Appreciate the value of evidence-based approaches to decision making in people management.
• Develop the ability to exercise substantial personal autonomy to work in a people management capacity.
• Understand the role and importance of reflection on learning and competence development.
• Formulate a view of the role of HR in a business context based on evidence and theory.

The Higher Certificate in HRM and the Digital Workplace is a Level 6 (Major Award,120 credit) programme offered on a blended basis with a mixture of online and on-campus delivery. The programme has a strong practical emphasis and provides an introductory qualification in people management.

Delivery

The programme is delivered on a blended learning basis in the following two ways:

1. Lecture material for each module is provided to students through recorded videos and posted online for students to engage with at any time.
2. Contact time with lecturers is through four in-person on campus sessions each semester and attendance is required. All on campus days take place from 9am-6pm in the Kemmy Business School. The on-campus days involve discussions and practical exercises and are not recorded.

Autumn Semester 2025/26: on-campus days

Wednesday 17th September 2025
Wednesday 1st October 2025
Wednesday 22nd October 2025
Wednesday 12th November 2025

Spring Semester 2025/26: on-campus days

Wednesday 28th January 2026
Wednesday 18th February 2026
Wednesday 11th March 2026
Wednesday 8th April 2026

Assessment

Students are assessed through continuous assessment throughout the semester. Each module has 2 assessments which can be a mixture of written assignments, presentations and role plays.

For further information on specific modules, please search by module code in  .

Applicants are required to complete a Recognition of prior learning (RPL) form where they give details of their work experience, previous courses and informal learning experiences. RPL is a process which seeks to acknowledge all forms of learning. Successful applicants are then awarded 60 ECTS credits upon entry and another 60 ECTS credits on successful completion of the one year programme.

Applicants are required to hold five passes in the Leaving Certificate (or an approved equivalent). Five passes means Five O6 (Ordinary Level) grades or five H7 (Higher Level) grades. Note: Grade F6 in Foundation Mathematics and Irish also satisfies the minimum entry requirements.

For those not possessing a pass in five subjects, relevant experience and/or evidence of other part-time courses may also be considered.

Applicants are also required to have a minimum of two years work experience with at least six months supervisory experience. The University's Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL) policy applies and Applicants are required to complete a form outlining details of their previous work experience and any evidence of previous courses.

Delays in receiving the documents below will affect the progress of your application.

WHAT TO INCLUDE WITH YOUR APPLICATION:

• Qualification transcripts and certificates
• A copy of your birth certificate or passport
• A copy of your CV
• Recognition of Prior Learning Form (RPL). See here: Form
• If your qualifications have been obtained in a country where English is an official language this will suffice.
• If this is not available, the following additional documents must be provided:
• English translation of your qualification(s)/transcripts AND
• English language competency certificate
• Please click here for Further Information on English Language Requirements

Guidelines on Completing your Application

• To ensure a speedy assessment of your application, please upload the above documents with your application form – your application cannot be assessed until relevant documentation is uploaded
• Please title appropriately any documents you are uploading with the application form, for example "Supporting Statement", "ºÚÁÏÉç Transcript", "Postgraduate Transcript", "English Language Certificate" etc.

International students can find more information on eligibility requirements here. ​

EU - €2,110

Non - EU - €5,150

Once registered, students can apply to pay their fees in instalments. A request for a payment plan should be emailed to student.fees.office@ul.ie.

Further information on fees and payment of fees is available from the  website. All fee related queries should be directed to the Student Fees Office (Phone: +353 61 213 007 or email student.fees.office@ul.ie.)