Institution:

National College of Ireland

How long has the course been running?

Since last year.

Why was it introduced?

"It became clear to us that there was a need for a course which would give human resources skills to people working in line management," according to course director, Sharon McGreevy. "The course provides the opportunity for people with technical or professional backgrounds to get a rounded HR education." Employers, she says, are increasingly looking for experts who also have HR skills. "HR is being devolved down the line. The line manager is now doing more of what traditionally would have been done by a HR department," she says.

How many people admitted to the course?

Up to 20.

Course duration:

One-year part-time. Lectures take place on Friday afternoons and Saturdays.

Entry requirements:

A bachelor degree or membership of an approved professional body.

Student profile:

"It's very varied," McGreevy says. "We have recent graduates, people with a lot of workplace experience, technical people and people from a HR background." However, people with workplace experience derive greater benefit from the course because they can apply that experience.

Course content:

HR management, organisational behaviour, industrial relations, employment law, HR development and strategic management. Continuous assessment is an important element of the course, which includes group work and presentations.

Cost:

£2,800Contact:

NCI's academic affairs office, Tel: (01) 406 0583.