Continuing economic activity and growth in developed, transitional and emerging economies has created excellent career opportunities, in both the public and private sectors, for those with demonstrable HRD skills.

This programme has been designed for those with an interest in human resource development, training and personnel management who seek a recognised qualification in order to improve their workplace performance and enhance their career and employment prospects.

Course Structure

The Diploma in Human Resource Development - Part 1

1. Introduction to Business Law
   (Previously : Business Law)
2. Business Management & Administration
3. Human Resource Management Practices and Policies
   (Previously : Human Resource Development I)
4. International Business Communications

(The ICM Diploma in Human Resource Development is awarded on completion of all Part 1 subjects)

The Advanced Diploma in Human Resource Development - Part 2

5. Employee Relations
6. Human Resource Development Tools and Techniques
   (Previously : Human Resource Development II)
7. Management Theory & Practice
8. Training & Development

(The ICM Advanced Diploma in Human Resource Development is awarded on completion of all Part 1 & 2 subjects)

Programme Objectives
To provide participants with a body of knowledge which will enable them to:

a) understand and apply human resource theory in the working environment
b) understand the importance of human resource development to the success of a business
c) to make a positive contribution to the work of a human resource management department
d) to increase and enhance employment opportunities within the human resource development industry

Recommended Course Duration
It is recommended that these courses are delivered over a suitable period of time to give learners the best opportunity for success. A standard delivery structure would involve six units per academic year, although 5-8 units per year are acceptable depending on the weekly timetable used. Thus, the full Diploma and Advanced Diploma programme would normally take one and a half years full-time to complete.

Examination Grades

Status of Qualification
Professional Vocational Diploma & Advanced Diploma.

Examinations
Externally set and marked by the Institute. Examinations are held in March, June, September and December each year. Candidates must be registered and paid-up Student Members of the Institute at the time they undertake the examinations.

Examination Closing Dates
Candidates entering for examinations must ensure that their completed examination entry forms and fees reach the Institute at least eight weeks before the date of the examinations. Examination timetables indicate the closing date for receipt of entries for each sitting.

Examination Results
These are normally distributed twelve weeks after each examination date.

Subject Exemptions
Students holding relevant recognised qualifications from other professional bodies may apply for exemptions on a subject-for-subject basis.

Entry Requirements
Applicants should note that the following entrance qualifications are recommended for those wishing to undertake this programme:

1. The ICM Diploma in Business Studies at grades A, B or C (or an equivalent level qualification).
2. A first degree.
3. A higher National Diploma in Business Studies.

Applicants over the age of 21 who do not hold one of the required entrance qualifications may register for the programme providing they have been in full-time employment for a minimum of three years and hold a senior supervisory or managerial position.

Certification
On successful completion of all the examinations in Part 1 students are awarded the ICM Diploma in Human Resource Development, on successful completion of all the examinations in Part 1 & Part 2 students are awarded the ICM Advanced Diploma in Human Resource Development.

Continuing Education
The Advanced Diploma in Human Resources Development may be offered as an entrance qualification for relevant degree studies and for entry to a wide range of MBA’s (subject to examination grades, age and work experience). A number of the subjects may be accepted for subject exemption and credit purposes by other examining bodies and universities.

Study Methods
Your Teaching Centre has been provided with a detailed syllabus and reading list for each subject area. Each subject syllabus clearly defines the areas that you will be required to cover for each subject and your examination questions will be based on the areas and topics detailed for each subject. It is important to ensure that you obtain a copy of each subject syllabus from your Teaching Centre.

Each subject syllabus is linked to one main textbook and the examiners base their questions on the contents of the nominated text. The subject syllabuses also give details of ‘Alternative Texts’ and texts recommended for further reading. Where possible you should read one or more of the ‘Alternative Texts’ in order to broaden your knowledge of the subject area.