Showing content for section Overview
Overview
Grow your understanding of human resource development as you study while you work on this flexible, part-time postgraduate course. To apply for this course you should be working in human resources and hold an undergraduate degree or a level 5 CIPD degree.
This course is for anyone involved in HRD who wants to learn to get the most out of people.
You’ll study at your own pace, supported by your personal tutor and lecturers with professional industry experience.
This degree will underpin your practical experience with human resource development theory and develop your understanding of your role in your organisation within a wider context. You’ll network with other professionals and build your human resource and training knowledge.
This course is accredited by the Chartered Institute of Personnel and Development (CIPD) and aligns with the CIPD’s professional standards map so you'll graduate with a professionally recognised diploma.
You'll become a student CIPD member as soon as you start the course. After you graduate you could become an associate or chartered CIPD member depending on your level in the workplace.
Eligibility
This course accepts UK and EU students, and international students who don't need a Student Visa.
Course highlights
- Learn flexibly at your own pace
- Study alongside your job
- Develop your understanding of HR development and training
- Learn from and network with industry professionals
- Be supported by professional staff, including your personal tutor
- Study a CIPD accredited diploma
Accredited by
This course is accredited by the Chartered Institute of Personnel and Development (CIPD). On successful completion, providing students are in active CIPD membership, students will automatically gain Associate membership of the CIPD. They will also gain the eligibility to potentially upgrade their membership to Chartered depending on their experience.
The University of Portsmouth has earned business accreditation from the AACSB in recognition of the outstanding quality of its business and management education. Less than six percent of the world's schools offering business degree programs hold AACSB business accreditation.
Contact information
Contact AdmissionsEntry requirements
Eligibility
This course accepts UK and EU students, and international students who don't need a Student Visa.
January 2025 start
-
3 years' experience in an HR or training role
Please get in touch if you're not sure if your undergraduate subject is relevant to this degree.
Equivalent professional experience and/or qualifications will also be considered, such as previous study, employment, voluntary work and training courses, including courses and qualifications you didn't complete. Learn more about our Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL).
If you're applying as an international student with a non-UK degree, view the equivalent entry requirements we accept for your country.
- English language proficiency at a minimum of IELTS band 6.5 (or equivalent) with no component score below 6.0.
You do not need an IELTS or equivalent certification if:
- you have a UK degree
- you have a degree from a majority English speaking country (not taught by Distance Learning)
- you are a national of a majority English speaking country
Degrees taught solely in English from non-majority English speaking countries will be considered on a case by case basis. Find out more about our English language requirements.
If you do not meet the English language requirements yet, you can achieve the level you need by successfully completing a pre-sessional English programme before you start your course.
September 2025 / January 2026 start
-
Three years' experience in an HR or training role.
Please get in touch if you're not sure if your undergraduate subject is relevant to this degree.
Equivalent professional experience and/or qualifications will also be considered, such as previous study, employment, voluntary work and training courses, including courses and qualifications you didn't complete. Learn more about our Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL).
If you're applying as an international student with a non-UK degree, view the equivalent entry requirements we accept for your country.
- English language proficiency at a minimum of IELTS band 6.5 (or equivalent) with no component score below 6.0.
You do not need an IELTS or equivalent certification if:
- you have a UK degree
- you have a degree from a majority English speaking country (not taught by Distance Learning)
- you are a national of a majority English speaking country
Degrees taught solely in English from non-majority English speaking countries will be considered on a case by case basis. Find out more about our English language requirements.
If you do not meet the English language requirements yet, you can achieve the level you need by successfully completing a pre-sessional English programme before you start your course.
Course costs and funding
Tuition fees (January 2025 start)
- Part time: £4,000 per 60 credits
Subject to annual increase.
Tuition fees (September 2025 / January 2026 start)
- Part time: £4,200 per 60 credits
Subject to annual increase.
University of Portsmouth graduates may receive a 20% alumni tuition fee discount.
Fees are subject to annual increase. Read our tuition fees terms and conditions.
You'll be able to pay your fees in instalments. Find out how to pay your tuition fees.
Funding your studies
Explore how to fund your studies, including available scholarships and bursaries.
If you're a UK student, you may be eligible for a Government Postgraduate Master's Loan, which you can use to help with course fees and living costs.
Loans, scholarships and bursaries
Browse funding such as the Government Postgraduate Loan, our scholarships for new and returning students, and subject specific loans.
Funding for international students
Learn more about sponsorships, scholarships and loans for students applying from outside of the UK.
Fees and funding for Master's courses
Explore Master's funding options, including loans, scholarships, bursaries and more.
Additional costs
These course-related costs aren't included in the tuition fees, so you'll need to budget for them when you plan your spending. Additional costs could include:
- Accommodation: Accommodation options and costs can be found on our accommodation pages.
- Recommended reading: You can borrow key texts from the library and if you choose to purchase these texts they may cost up to £60 each.
- General costs: Such as photocopying, memory sticks, printing charges, binding and specialist printing. We suggest budgeting £75 per year.
- Final project transport or accommodation: where necessary, which related to your research activities. The amount will depend on the project you choose.
Read more about tuition fees and living costs, including what your tuition fees cover.
Modules
What you'll study
When you complete this module successfully, you'll be able to:
-
Demonstrate a critical awareness of different theories and practices of coaching and mentoring and their applicability to different contexts
-
Demonstrate and apply an informed and critical understanding of psychological theories and concepts informing the design and use of coaching and mentoring
-
Critically evaluate the issues and problems as well as the features of effective coaching and mentoring for development in practice
-
Demonstrate an awareness of good practice in coaching and mentoring situations that embrace the principles of equality, diversity and inclusion, value people, giving them a voice and involving them in decisions that affect their development
When you complete this module successfully, you'll be able to:
-
Identify and justify an organisational issue that has strategic relevance to HRD professionals
-
Critically review academic and other literature pertinent to your chosen investigation
-
Compare and contrast the theory and practice relevant to your investigation
-
Draw conclusions and make recommendations for future practice
When you complete this module successfully, you'll be able to:
-
Critically evaluate, apply and adapt different consulting models in a range of different contexts
-
Compare and critically evaluate the applicability and impact of different change management models on organisational culture
-
Critically evaluate the philosophies and theories of organisational culture
-
Demonstrate a critical awareness of individual and groups' psychological responses to change, and its impact on organisational culture
-
Understand the impact of organisational change management levers on organisational culture and align this to the impact on current and future organisation needs and effectiveness
When you complete this module successfully, you'll be able to:
-
Critically evaluate the influence of the external (macro) context of HRD on the implementation of HRD policy and practice within organisations
-
Critically evaluate both trends and policies in HRD at National and International level
-
Identify both strengths and conflicts arising from various stakeholder relationships and their impact on learning at work
-
Critically evaluate the contribution of HRD to the attraction, development and retention of talent
When you complete this module successfully, you'll be able to:
-
Critically evaluate the impact of the micro (internal) environment on HRD policies and practice
-
Critically evaluate a range of traditional and contemporary learning theories and their relevance to learning at work
-
Critically assess how adults learn in practice in the work place
-
Critically evaluate systematic approaches to the implementation of HRD in organisations
When you complete this module successfully, you'll be able to:
-
Analyse the impact of the external environment on organisational and HR strategy
-
Evaluate how relevant national and global contexts impact organisational and HR strategy
-
Assess managerial and HR responses to the dynamic environmental context
-
Critically evaluate the strategic contribution of HRD to organisations and to wider society
When you complete this module successfully, you'll be able to:
-
Critically evaluate leadership theories and models and how HRD can contribute to the development of effective leaders in organisation
-
Assess how Organisational Behaviour theories such as motivation, job satisfaction, employee commitment and engagement are operationalised in practice in work organisations
-
Identify and critically assess a range of people management practices and polices relevant to HRD practice that promote fairness, equality, diversity and inclusion
-
Critically evaluate the opportunities and challenges of ethical and sustainable business practices for the benefit of the organisation and the wider society
When you complete this module successfully, you'll be able to:
-
Demonstrate a critical awareness of yourself and your impact on others in a professional context
-
Critically evaluate the people management skill-set needed to operate effectively at work
-
Critically assess the need for professional courage to challenge and influence the decisions and actions of others
-
Critically evaluate sound and justifiable evidence-based situational decision making and problem-solving skills
-
Demonstrate a commitment to reflective practice, critical thinking and a passion for continuing professional development
Changes to course content
We use the best and most current research and professional practice alongside feedback from our students to make sure course content is relevant to your future career or further studies.
Therefore, some course content may change over time to reflect changes in the discipline or industry. If a module doesn't run, we'll let you know as soon as possible and help you choose an alternative module.
How you'll spend your time
We recognise that you'll probably be juggling more demands when you do your Master's degree, as you may be working or you may have family responsibilities.
We'll give you as much indication here as we can of how much time you'll need to be on campus and how many hours you can expect to spend in self-directed study, but please note that these indications are always subject to change. You should receive your full timetable several weeks before you start with us.
Course structure
This PgDip degree will take:
- Up to 5 years, where you choose how quickly you progress
You can expect:
- Most learning to take place online
- To attend on campus for 2 days per module, so 8 days in total
- To start this course in September
Master's study is deeper and more specialised than an undergraduate degree. This means you'll focus on something that really matters to you and your career as you work closely with academics committed to the subject.
You'll spend more time in independent study and research than you did for your undergraduate degree, but the majority of your teaching time will be in-person and face-to-face.
Assessment
You'll be assessed through:
- Work-based learning
- A 4000 word workplace portfolio for each module
Term dates
September start
The Master's academic year runs from September to the following September. There are breaks at Christmas and Easter. Over the summer you'll be writing your project/dissertation.
Career development
After you graduate you’ll be ready to advance your career with your CIPD status and your solid understanding of the theories behind human resource development and training.
During the course you’ll speak to and work with other professionals and fellow students, building on your professional relationships and expanding your network.
Career planning
During your course you'll have expert career support from our Careers and Employability Centre, your tutors and your lecturers. We'll support you for 5 years after you graduate, whether you want to boost your current career path or move to a different role in human resources.
You'll benefit from:
- Networking events
- Workshops to enhance your employability skills
- 1-to-1 appointments
- CV and cover letter advice
- Interview preparation and practice
Supporting you
Master's study is more focused on independent learning than undergraduate study, but you'll get lots of support via video, phone and face-to-face from teaching and support staff to enhance your learning experience and help you succeed. You can build your personalised network of support from the following people and services:
Types of support
Your personal tutor helps you make the transition to independent study and gives you academic and personal support throughout your time at university.
As well as regular scheduled meetings with your personal tutor, they're also available at set times during the week if you want to chat with them about anything that can't wait until your next meeting.
In addition to the support you get from your personal tutor, you'll also have access to our student engagement officers. They can give you confidential, impartial advice on anything to do with your studies and personal wellbeing, and refer you to specialist support services if you need extra help or support.
The Maths Cafe offers free advice and help with maths skills in a friendly, informal environment. You can come to our daily drop-in sessions, develop your maths skills at a workshop, or use our online resources.
You'll have help from a team of study support tutors. Based within the Faculty of Business and Law, these tutors are familiar with the specific requirements your assignments and work closely with faculty academics. This means they can give you focused support with the specific study skills you need to be successful on your course. They're available face-to-face, by phone, email, and by video call.
They can help with:
- academic writing (for example, essays, reports, dissertations, projects and literature reviews)
- reflective writing skills
- critical thinking skills
- delivering presentations (including observing and filming presentations)
- understanding and using assignment feedback
- managing your time and workload
- revision and exam techniques
If you're a mature student, specialist support to help you return to learning is available.
During term time, Faculty Academic Skills Tutors (AST) are available for bookable 1-to-1 sessions, small group sessions and online sessions. These sessions are tailored to your needs.
Support is available for skills including:
- University study
- Getting into the right study mindset
- Note-taking and note-making skills
- Referencing
- Presentation skills
- Time management, planning, and goal setting
- Critical thinking
- Avoiding plagiarism
If you have a disability or need extra support, the Additional Support and Disability Centre (ASDAC) will give you help, support and advice.
Library staff are available in person or by email, phone, or online chat to help you make the most of the University’s library resources. You can also request one-to-one appointments and get support from a librarian who specialises in your subject area.
The library is open 24 hours a day, every day, in term time.
Our online Learning Well mini-course will help you plan for managing the challenges of learning and student life, so you can fulfil your potential and have a great student experience.
You can get personal, emotional and mental health support from our Student Wellbeing Service, in person and online. This includes 1–2–1 support as well as courses and workshops that help you better manage stress, anxiety or depression.
If you require extra support because of a disability or additional learning need our specialist team can help you.
They'll help you to
- discuss and agree on reasonable adjustments
- liaise with other University services and facilities, such as the library
- access specialist study skills and strategies tutors, and assistive technology tutors, on a 1-to-1 basis or in groups
- liaise with external services
If English isn't your first language, you can do one of our English language courses to improve your written and spoken English language skills before starting your degree. Once you're here, you can take part in our free In-Sessional English (ISE) programme to improve your English further.
Business and management studies at the University of Portsmouth is ranked 2nd of the modern universities by research power
Research Excellence Framework (REF) 2021
Joining us as an international student
You'll feel at home in our international community and our diverse city. You'll be joining over 5,000 international students from more than 150 countries who are studying with us.
Learn more about international student life and how we can help you with visas, applications, arrival and settling in.
How to apply
Unlike undergraduate applications, which go through UCAS, applications for this Master's course are made directly to us.
There's no deadline for applications to this course. We accept applications right up until the start dates in September and January, as long as there are places available. If you wait until your start month to apply, you may find that the course is full.
If you're applying as an international student, remember that you'll need to leave plenty of time to get your visa organised.
You can find more advice about applying in our Master's application checklist. International students and current students and recent graduates of the University of Portsmouth also have some different application options, which are detailed below.
Extra information for international students
If you're an international student, you can apply directly to us using the same application form as UK students.
You could also get an agent to help with your application. Check your country page for details of agents in your region. To find out what to include in your application, head to the how to apply page of our international students section.
If you don’t meet the English language requirements for this course yet, you can achieve the level you need by successfully completing a pre-sessional English programme before you start your course.
Ready to apply?
Start this course in January 2025
Start this course in September 2025
Start this course in January 2026
After you apply
Once we receive your application, we may ask you for further information. We will then either make you an offer or suggest alternatives if your application is unsuccessful.
You'll usually get a decision within 10 working days, so you shouldn't have to wait too long. Some courses have an interview stage – we'll let you know if you need to prepare for one.
Learn more about how we assess your application.
Admissions terms and conditions
When you accept an offer to study at the University of Portsmouth, you also agree to abide by our Student Contract (which includes the University's relevant policies, rules and regulations). You should read and consider these before you apply.