Human resources manager

You'll need a a foundation degree, higher national diploma or degree course in:

• human resources management
• business management and human resources
• psychology
• business with languages

You could also do a postgraduate course in human resource management if you have a first degree.

Entry requirements

You'll usually need:

• 1 or 2 A levels, or equivalent, for a foundation degree or higher national diploma
• 2 to 3 A levels, or equivalent, for a degree
• a degree in any subject for a postgraduate course

More Information

• equivalent entry requirements
• student finance for fees and living costs
• university courses and entry requirements

You could do a college course like:

• Level 5 Diploma in Business Management and Human Resources
• Level 5 Diploma In Applied Human Resources
• Level 5 Diploma In Human Resource Management

Entry requirements

Entry requirements for these courses vary.

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• funding advice for higher education courses in college
• search for courses

You can get into this role through a HR consultant or partner higher apprenticeship.

Entry requirements

Employers will set their own entry requirements.

More Information

• guide to apprenticeships

You could start as an assistant in a human resources department and work your way up through training and promotion.

You can do professional qualifications in human resources, either online or at a training centre, approved by The Chartered Institute of Personnel and Development.

Some companies also have general management or human resources graduate training schemes.

Professional and industry bodies

You can join The Chartered Institute of Personnel and Development for professional recognition, training opportunities and to make industry contacts.

Further information

You'll find more advice about careers in HR through The Chartered Institute of Personnel and Development.

You'll need:

• knowledge of human resources and employment law
• the ability to accept criticism and work well under pressure
• leadership skills
• the ability to use your initiative
• business management skills
• patience and the ability to remain calm in stressful situations
• the ability to work well with others
• the ability to motivate and manage staff
• to be able to use a computer and the main software packages competently

Your day-to-day tasks may include:

• leading an organisation’s HR team
• supporting managers in getting the best out of their staff
• planning staff policies
• designing and advising on company benefits packages
• training and developing staff
• handling complicated HR issues
• working to improve employee relations
• managing budgets

You could work in an office or from home.