Human Resource ManagementBainistíocht Acmhainní Daonna

Human Resource Management (HRM) is the strategic and coherent approach to managing an organisation’s most valued assets: the people working there who individually and collectively contribute to the achievement of the objectives of the business.

This four-year, full-time course will develop in you the knowledge, competencies and skills necessary to function effectively as a HRM professional in a business environment. The course covers the breadth and depth of the HR profession, from small to large organisations in the private, public, and not-for-profit sectors; from the fundamental to sophisticated, and local to global.

The course covers the key professional areas for the HRM professional stipulated by the Chartered Institute of Personnel and Development, and is accredited by the institute.

Course Philosophy

The philosophy of our programme is to provide students with a contemporary perspective of HRM through the lens of a highly practical, reflective approach to the discipline and the current needs of employers in national and international contexts. HRM is changing with an increased emphasis on proactivity, innovation, criticality and multi-disciplinarity accelerated by organisational and societal trends in flexible work patterns, digitisation, sustainability, and staff mobility. The programme will provide a solid basis for understanding existing and changing functions in HRM and an opportunity to develop business acumen using analytical, technical and transferable skills as a path to personal and professional lifelong development. Participants will learn to be curious, agile, transparent and confident, industry-ready to meet the digital, ethical and sustainability challenges of the 21st century HRM professional. The BSc in human resource management (full- and part-time modes) is positioned in the borderland space where scholarship meets practice. It brings together the distinct, yet interrelated, communities of theory and real-life, to teach how evidence-based, outcomes-drive research can be applied in practice.

Aims of the course

The overall aim of the HRM programme is to develop a high level of intellectual awareness and professional practical competence in the discipline of Human Resource Management. The programme is aimed at learners seeking to initiate or develop their careers as specialist human resource management professionals, and line managers with devolved people management responsibilities, as part of their role.

The specific aims of the BSc Degree in Human Resource Management are to:

Apply concepts, theories and practices of the HRM function to be enabled to perform effectively and responsibly in a variety of contexts.
Provide participants with strategic, sustainable and contemporary strategies and applications of HRM in reducing inequality; promoting wellbeing and developing Inclusive, safe, resilient and sustainable workplaces.
Use a range of engaging and blended learning approaches in a supportive environment throughout the programme to enable Human Resource Management professionals to enhance their interpersonal and leadership qualities, underpinned by evidence-based knowledge and abilities, which can be directed to the analysis and solution of HRM and management issues with integrity, creativity and innovation.
Produce a Human Resource Management professional capable of contributing in a sustainable, progressive, responsible, professional and creative way to the economy and to society, while ensuring decent work, productive employment and sustainable economic growth.

Study Abroad Opportunities

In Year 3, Semester 2, you can select either work placement (see above) or study in one of our partner universities in Europe, where modules are delivered in the English language.

Work Placement

You can avail of a work placement in Year 3, which will enable you to acquire real-world experience in a business setting. Placement partners include leading companies in all the key business sectors. This placement is usually paid. 

Leaving Certificate Requirements

QQI/FET Requirements

In addition to the QQI minimum entry requirements, QQI quotas and QQI points apply. The max QQI points awarded is 390. Further details at www.tudublin.ie/qqi

Mature Applicants

Applications from mature students (23+) are welcome. Further details at www.tudublin.ie/mature

English Language Requirements

If English is not your first language you will need to provide evidence of your English language proficiency as detailed on our website. Applicants for this course should have a minimum IELTS (Academic Version) English Proficiency of 6 overall (or equivalent) with nothing less than 6 in each component.

Click on the link below to view an indicative timetable for this course. Timetables are subject to change and up to date timetables will be provided to students on commencement.

View Sample Timetable

A career in human resources can put you at the heart of just about any organisation. 

HR offers a wealth of opportunities within every business sector. It is a competitive industry and an integral part of any successful organisation. Often involved in the execution of significant business change, HR professionals liaise with senior management on a daily basis to coordinate their organisation’s running.

"Opportunities now exist to explore HR in every sector imaginable and at many different levels. Responsible for all the functions associated with the staff side of an organisation, HR covers everything from training and recruitment, pensions, compensation, benefits, and payroll and redundancy to implementing employment law and relocation packages. Large recruiters usually have large HR departments where responsibilities will be split across several positions. Whether you work as a generalist or a specialist with particular expertise in one area of HR, you’ll be making a real contribution to the success of the business.

Specialisations could include recruitment or training and development. In a smaller organisation there may just be a personnel officer who deals with all HR-related tasks. HR is also increasingly outsourced to independent consultants who work on a freelance basis for a variety of companies as and when they are required. This offers increased flexibility if you like to live on the edge." (Grad Ireland, 2023)

Typical positions secured by graduates include; 

• Human Resource/People/Talent Manager
• Human Resources Officer
• HR recruitment Executive
• Learning & Development manager
• Human resource development manager
• Talent Acquisition Specialist
• Talent Development Specialist
• HR Operations Associate
• HR Business Partner

Ahead of the Curve Podcast

Ahead of the Curve is a HRM podcast from the School of Management, People and Organisations at TU Dublin. Throughout this series, Ann Masterson (Head of Discipline) and Ciara Nolan (HRM Lecturer) will be joined by industry experts to talk about the landscape of human resources, our current challenges, and our future directions.... keeping you ahead of the curve in all things HR. The Ahead of the Curve podcast is available on Spotify

Mode of Delivery

Face to face

Advanced Entry applications are accepted to this course. For further information on how to make an Advanced Entry application, please visit our CAO Hub. A full list of courses open for Advanced Entry are listed on the CAO website.

To qualify for Advanced Entry applicants must be currently studying, completing, or have successfully completed, studies at Level 6, 7 or 8 in a Higher Education Institution (HEI) or an equivalent, in a related area. You must demonstrate by providing transcripts of results that you have achieved the learning outcomes for each stage you wish to advance past, for example:

• To enter Year 2 via Advanced Entry, you must demonstrate that you have met the learning outcomes for Year 1.
• For entry to Year 3, you must demonstrate that you have met the learning outcomes for Years 1 and 2.
• For entry to Year 4, you must demonstrate that you have met the learning outcomes for Years 1, 2, and 3.

If English is not your first language you will need to provide evidence of your English language proficiency as detailed on our website.

I chose to study Human Resource Management at TU Dublin because it provided students with an opportunity to participate in a work placement programme for one semester. I believe it was crucial for me a student gain some work experience and outline this on my CV. Nowadays, employers look for both: qualifications and work experience.    

The placement itself was such a great experience for me as it allowed me to gain a real insight into HR management; this included learning how to apply my knowledge regarding recruitment and selection, performance management, employment law and other specific HR aspects to real life. The placement was everything I could have asked for and more. The lecturers at TU Dublin provide students with great help regarding securing a work placement.  

I was able to secure a job straight after finishing college and I believe it was because I had the experience from my work placement.

Katarzyna Jakubiak 

On graduation, you may proceed to postgraduate studies leading to the award of MSc, MPhil or PhD at research institutes and universities worldwide.