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Have questions about our HR courses?

Find out how these industry-focused courses will give you the job-ready skills and knowledge to advance your career.

How will this course help with my career?

Human resources is a dynamic area that offers a wide range of opportunities and excellent career progression. You may choose to work in a general HR role or specialise in a particular area (recruitment or training, for example). You can even focus within areas of specialisation (becoming a technical recruiter, for example) so it’s possible to tailor a career to suit both your passions and skills.

What are the benefits of a Professional Academy Specialist Diploma?

UCD Professional Academy Specialist Diplomas and Certificates are extended courses designed to give your career an advantage. Developed in conjunction with industry thought leaders our courses teach practical, applied skills to support you to achieve your career and business goals. Professional Academy Specialist Diplomas are suitable for career minded learners wishing to advance their professional skills and prospects rather than their academic credentials.

The Professional Academy is an independent wholly owned part of UCD designed to address the need for skills development in the workforce. Courses tend to be short, designed and delivered by industry practitioners, and are not part of nor do they lead to a traditional University award such as a degree or a masters. They are widely accepted by employers and many students are sponsored to study by their organisation.

For full details of UCD Professional Academy’s Certifications & Governance please visit https://www.ucd.ie/professionalacademy/governance/

What is the student experience like?

Student care is a high priority at UCD Professional Academy, which is why our Student Services team is on hand to support you throughout your time with us. They will respond to any queries you have, help you with any technical issues, and facilitate your learning experience at every point. All students are given access to our Learner Management System, where you can see your timetable, access all your study materials, and manage your account.

What payment options are available?

A place on any of our courses can be secured with a 35% deposit.

Learners undertaking this course may avail of the payment structure as follows:

  • 35% deposit to secure your place,

  • 65% payable in 2 instalments:

  • 35% - due within 30 days, and

  • 30% - due within 60 days from the course start date.

Please note that standard terms and conditions apply, which you can review here: https://www.ucd.ie/professionalacademy/terms-and-conditions/

What our alumni say about our HR courses

I decided to study for a Professional Academy Diploma in HR Management as I have always had a keen interest in this area. I would definitely recommend this course to others as it was the most enjoyable thing I have done for myself in a long time.

Eadaoin Darcy


Occupational Therapy Assistant, HSE West

I would 100% recommend this HR Management course and the UCD Professional Academy to absolutely anyone and everyone. I have tried a few online college courses and not a single one of them has come close to the quality and quantity that the UCD Professional Academy provides. I will definitely be looking into more courses that they have on offer.

Casey Price


Front of House, National Concert Hall Dublin

I really enjoyed my experience studying for a Professional Academy Diploma in HR Management. From the first session it was interesting and I enjoyed the different topics we covered. My favourite thing about attending the course was the knowledge I learned about HR and the topics we covered each week. It was a great experience. I really enjoyed it!

Eugene Brannigan


I would highly recommend this course. The course is excellent and provides a comprehensive overview of practical HR topics, learnings which have greatly expanded my HR knowledge and confidence and assisted me in my current role. Each class was very engaging, the lecturer taking a hands-on interactive approach, it was also fun!

Sandra Farrell


PA to CEO, Dublin Chamber

Studying for a Professional Academy Diploma in HR Management with UCD Professional Academy helped me to better understand how Human Resources work on an everyday basis and gave me a general overview through interesting examples on how the role should be properly fulfilled.

Alberto Marsico


Front Desk Team Leader, Hilton Dublin