University of Leicester

What you'll study

The Diploma provides a concise, practice-focused curriculum organised into core units that reflect day-to-day HR responsibilities. Teaching is delivered entirely online and combines taught materials, case studies and applied assignments to build both knowledge and practical capability.

• Employment Law and Practice – essential legal concepts that affect recruitment, contracts, dismissals, disciplinary procedures and workplace rights.
• Resourcing and Talent Planning – recruitment and selection methods, workforce planning, employer branding and onboarding.
• Performance Management and Reward – appraisal systems, performance improvement, pay structures and non-financial rewards.
• Learning, Development and People Practice – designing and evaluating training, learning needs analysis and career development approaches.
• Employee Relations and Wellbeing – managing workplace relations, consultation, grievance handling and health, safety and wellbeing practice.
• Organisational Behaviour and Change – basics of organisational design, culture, team working and supporting change initiatives.

Modules are typically taught through a mix of recorded lectures, reading packs, discussion forums and assessed coursework. The emphasis is on applied assignments and workplace-relevant projects so you can directly translate learning into your role. Students often study part-time over several months, with the flexibility to manage study around work and personal commitments.

Entry requirements

Applicants are normally expected to hold a first degree or an equivalent qualification. The programme is also suitable for experienced HR practitioners without a degree who can demonstrate relevant professional experience; in such cases, applicants may be required to submit a CV and a personal statement outlining their experience and motivations for study. Proficiency in English is required for applicants whose prior education was not in English; appropriate evidence of language ability will be requested.

As this is a distance-learning programme, applicants should have reliable internet access and basic IT skills, and be able to commit time for independent study and online participation.

Career prospects

The Diploma prepares graduates for a range of roles in HR and people management. Typical entry-level and early-career destinations include:

• HR assistant / HR administrator
• Resourcing or recruitment coordinator
• Learning and development support roles
• Employee relations or wellbeing support officer

For those already working in HR, the qualification can support progression to specialist or senior generalist roles. The programme also serves as a foundation for further study, for example progressing to an advanced diploma or a master’s degree in HR, organisational behaviour or related subjects.

Why study at University of Leicester

The University of Leicester has a long-established reputation for high-quality distance and part-time learning, combining academic rigour with practical relevance. Students on this programme benefit from access to the university’s online learning environment, library resources and academic tutors who are experienced in HR teaching and research.

Distance learners are supported by dedicated student services for part-time and remote students, including study skills guidance, careers advice and technical support. The programme is designed to be workplace-relevant, enabling students to apply learning directly to their current roles and to build a professional network with peers across sectors and locations.

Graduates gain a recognised university credential that employers value and which can form part of a continuing professional development pathway in human resource management.