Study Method Online
Provider University of Essex Online (IE)
Start Date 26 May 2026, 28 July 2026, 13 October 2026

Course overview

Interested in human resources? Wondering how HR fits into an overall organisation? Find out more in this insightful online short course.

The module provides a solid introduction to common HR terms and definitions while exploring the complexities and challenges of human resource management. You’ll also investigate global HR theories and practices, and the nature of human resources planning.

There’s a strong focus on employee management, including:

  • employee rewards and recognition
  • contractual obligations and employee rights
  • safe employment practices
  • common laws which affect HR practices

Once you’ve completed the module, you have the opportunity to study other undergraduate online short courses or progress to a full undergraduate degree.

Job outcomes

  • Entry level roles in HR

Want to see more job outcomes and how your future could change?

Study method

  • Online Online info icon
    Online delivery - online course content with the exception of assessments and work placement
  • Blended Blended info icon
    Blended delivery - both online course content and partial face to face requirements
  • In-class In-class info icon
    In class delivery - predominately face to face course content conducted at a specific location
  • Virtual Virtual info icon
    Virtual Delivery - Live and interactive classroom-style learning conducted completely online

Duration study load

  • 10 weeks, part-time

Delivery

  • Online

Entry requirements

No formal qualifications or experience is necessary.

As our online short courses are delivered in English, a high proficiency is required in this language. If English isn’t your first language, your ability should be equivalent to an IELTS (Academic) score of 6.5. Don’t worry if you don’t hold an IELTS or equivalent qualification – we offer a free online English test to assess your proficiency.

You don’t need to prove your English ability if you are a national of, or have completed a qualification equivalent to a UK degree in, any of the countries listed on our website.

Find out more about the entry requirements for this course

Assessment

We’re committed to providing frequent and transparent feedback in the following ways:

  • our assessment criteria are designed to be simple and transparent
  • you’ll always be aware of your current provisional grade, right from the start of the programme
  • you’ll be able to view your marks clearly in your grade book whenever you log onto the learning platform
  • there’s a seven-day turnaround for marking and feedback on assessed work
  • you’ll have regular contact with your Student Support team, with whom you can discuss any concerns as soon as they arise

Additional information

Career prospects

The Human Resource Management online short course offers a whole host of opportunities. Not only will you develop your understanding of core HR principles and practices, but you’ll also get a unique insight into this key area of business.

This short online course is sometimes referred to as a micro-credential. This means that unlike some others found online, the course offers academic value. Upon completion, you’ll receive a digital certificate confirming you’ve achieved 15 academic credits at the undergraduate level. This will be beneficial whether you’re looking to go into higher education or step into your first business role.

If you wish to continue your studies and boost your prospects, you could choose to study one of our CertHE Business and Management (120 credits) or the full BA (Hons) Business and Management (360 credits).

Please note, acceptance to the BA (Hons) Business and Management is subject to meeting the entry requirements of your chosen programme.

Subjects

You’ll study the following topics as part of the online short course:
contextualising HRM
human resource planning
employment law, equality and diversity
talent management
human resource development
employment contract/terms and conditions of employment
employee reward and performance management
employee voice
international HRM

Want more information about the subjects for this course?

Payment options

Full tuition fee:

£1,429 UK / £1,492 International (2025-26) Δ

£1,468 UK / £1,543 International (2026-27)

  • Our online short courses are fully inclusive – all teaching materials and required reading are included.

  • An alumni discount of 10% of the tuition fee is available if you’re a previous graduate of the University of Essex or University of Essex Online.

  • We offer a 14-day money-back guarantee, so if you decide your course isn’t for you during the first 14 days, we’ll give you a full refund. Terms and conditions apply.

Δ All tuition fees shown are net of any applicable sales tax payable by you in your country of residence. Where we are required to add sales tax at the local statutory rate, this will be added to the tuition fees shown and confirmed during the payment process.

Find out more about the payment options for this course

About University of Essex Online (IE)

University of Essex Online delivers 100% online part-time courses in business, computing, education, health, law, criminology and psychology. The qualifications we offer include CertHEs and Bachelors degrees at the undergraduate level, and PG Certs, PG Dips and Masters degrees at the postgraduate level, with study durations ranging from 8 months to 4 years. As an established provider of 100% online degrees in the UK. All our courses are specifically designed for online delivery, combining silver-standard teaching with the latest technology and enabling you to gain a degree from anywhere in the world. All our qualifications are awarded and validated by the University of Essex, an award-winning university with a 60-year heritage of teaching and research excellence. On completion of your studies, you’ll be invited to graduate at the University of Essex’s Colchester campus. You will receive the same certificate as campus-based students – your mode of study is only mentioned on your academic transcript. We're proud to be rated Gold in the Times Higher Education (THE) Online Rankings 2024. Our achievement, which is based on four pillars - resources, engagement, outcomes and environment - recognises our commitment to excellent online education.

Want to know more about this course?
Complete the form and learn about:

  • Pricing and payment options
  • Start dates
  • Subjects
  • Study method
  • How to get help and contact information
  • Everything you need to know before enrolling!

Receive a consultation from a course expert


See student testimonials below

"I found the website easy to use and the contact I received after my enquiry was good. Not too pushy but there if I needed them." - Dimity G.
"All details and info was there and my query was answered quickly." - Soula M.
"Gave me everything I needed and someone called me, pretty much straight away." - Marlon T.

Want to know more about this course?

Get your free course guide now! Complete this easy form and you'll receive a course guide and consultation from University of Essex Online (IE)

By submitting this enquiry I accept the "Privacy Policy" and "Terms of Use"
Allcourses.ie
Privacy Overview

This website uses cookies so that we can provide you with the best user experience possible. Cookie information is stored in your browser and performs functions such as recognising you when you return to our website and helping our team to understand which sections of the website you find most interesting and useful.