Professional Diploma in Human Resources

The aim of this course is to enable the students to acquire a thorough grounding in the principal subjects underlying the practice of Human Resources Management (HRM). The course consists of 10 modules, which progressively develop the students' knowledge of this complex, yet rewarding area.

This is based upon satisfactory completion of the individual modular assignments.

• This module seeks to identify exactly what we mean when we use the term HRM, making a clear distinction between the practices of HRM and Personnel Management.
• The concept is traced from its early development through to the present day.
• The two "schools" of HRM are then discussed and the differences between them identified.
• This module is concluded by a brief consideration of the European context.

This module analysis the factors surrounding the present HRM environment by considering a number of factors including:

• Globalisation
• Recent public sector developments
• The Labour market
• Vocation training and education

At the conclusion of this module the student will have acquired a sound knowledge of the underlying background and will be able to place this subject within its true context.

This is an all important topic, which is frequently given short thrift in HRM courses. This module seeks to examine a number of important areas including:

• The nature of the contract of employment
• The importance of establishing the status of the worker
• The various criteria used in order to determine this question
• The influence of European law upon this area

The module contains a number of case based exercises to enable the student to test their understanding as they progress through the module.

Having established the paramount nature of the status question, the student will now consider the contents of the contract and the relative importance of different terms. Areas covered include:

• Mutual duties of employer and employee
• Distinctions between different contractual terms
• The concept of vicarious liability

This module examines the various routes through which the contract of employment can come to an end. In addition to unfair dismissal, the module explores:

• The basic considerations affecting redundancy
• The concept of frustration
• The common law view of dismissal

This module considers not only the traditional areas of discrimination such as race and sex, but also examines more recent developments such as:

• Disability Discrimination
• Discrimination on the grounds of sexual orientation

The entire area is placed within the context of European and domestic law.

In this module, we examine the following areas:

• What exactly do we mean by the term "trade union"
• How have these bodies developed throughout the course of history
• The legal status afforded to trades unions
• An outline of the area of industrial conflict

This is very much a behavioural science topic wherein we turn our attention to:

• What do we mean when we use the term "motivation"
• A consideration of some of the barriers to motivation
• An analysis of the different "schools" of motivation i.e. content and process
• A detailed look at the work of leading theorists in this area

In a more functional module, we turn our attention to a consideration of the main HRM processes which are the daily "bread and butter" of the HRM specialist including:

• Recruitment and selection
• Learning organisations
• Performance management
• Appraisal.

In this final module, we consider two relatively new concepts in relation to this area. The student will consider the potential responses by the HRM specialist to concerns such as environmental awareness and the pressures of national and international governments. The module proposes a number of steps which a responsible HRM specialist may espouse in order to display both its "green" and ethical credentials in the 21st century.

Basic English reading and writing skills, as full tutor support is given.

Approximately 110 hours

Continuous graded assessment. Please note that from 1st April 2009 all students registering will also need to complete an online examination, in addition to the continuous graded assessment.

Diploma in Human Resources

Unlimited full tutor support for two years

£395.00

Students are able to pay course fees in monthly instalments.

Please note that this is an online course and your materials are delivered within the College web site in PDF format.

You will require to have one of the following packages to access your course online:

• Windows: Windows 98, 2000, XP, Vista - Acrobat Reader 4.0 and above
• Macintosh: Mac OS X, Mac OS 9.2 - Acrobat Reader 4.0 and above

Please note that this is an online course and your materials are delivered within the College web site in PDF format.

In the student 'Common Room' you are also able to receive the latest course updates, extra materials and information. You will also be able to take part in the student chat room and forums as part of our online student community.

After enrolling online you will receive your username and password to access your materials within 5 working days. You will also receive your personal Oxford student number via email.

Courses in paper/file format are still available at an additional fee of £45.00 and must be enrolled upon via telephone. This service is only available to those students studying within the United Kingdom. All students outside the United Kingdom will receive the online format.