Course Summary
The programme aims to develop an in-depth understanding of the core disciplines in the area of human resources (HR). It recognises that HR must operate in challenging and dynamic business environments that are constantly changing and seeks to enable students to deliver effective business solutions that optimise the people resources of their organisation.
College Link
Career Sectors
This course prepares you for working in the Career Sectors below. Follow the links to get a fuller understanding of the sectors you are preparing for.
Entry Requirements
Applicants are required to hold a minimum of a 2.2 honours degree in either a cognate or non-cognate area at level 8 on the National Framework of Qualifications. The College operates a Recognition of Prior Experiential Learning (RPEL) scheme meaning non-graduates with extensive professional experience and other prior qualifications may also be considered for the course.
Laptop Requirement
All students applying to NCI must have access to a laptop that will allow them to attend classes online and, where relevant, to participate in on-campus learning. Some students may be able to avail of the Student Laptop Loan Scheme, subject to eligibility.
Application Details
Application: Apply online at www.ncirl.ie
Part-time
Start Date: September 2025
Full-time
Start Date: September 2025 and January 2026.
Fees
Part-Time:
Year 1: €7,750
Year 2: €2,100
(€9,850 total fee)
(Fees revised annually)
Full-Time:
€8,500 total fee (EU/Ireland applicants) (Fees revised annually)
The Student
Career Interests
This course is typically suited for people with the following Career Interests. If these interests do not describe you, this course may prepare you for work you may not find satisfying.
Enterprising
Enterprising people like situations that involve using resources for personal or corporate economic gain. Such people may have an opportunistic frame of mind, and are drawn to commerce, trade and making deals. Some pursue sales and marketing occupations. Many will eventually end up owning their own business, or in management roles in larger organisations. They tend to be very goal-oriented and work best when focused on a target. Some have an entrepreneurial inclination.
Administrative
Administrative people are interested in work that offers security and a sense of being part of a larger process. They may be at their most productive under supervisors who give clear guidelines and while performing routine tasks in a methodical and reliable way.
They tend to enjoy clerical and most forms of office work, where they perform essential administrative duties. They often form the backbone of large and small organisations alike. They may enjoy being in charge of office filing systems, and using computers and other office equipment to keep things running smoothly. They usually like routine work hours and prefer comfortable indoor workplaces.
Social
The Social person's interests focus on interacting with the people in their environment. In all cases, the Social person enjoys the personal contact with other people in preference to the impersonal dealings with things, data and ideas found in other groups.
Many will seek out positions where there is direct contact with the public in some advisory role, whether a receptionist or a counsellor. Social people are motivated by an interest in different types of people and like diversity in their work environments. Many are drawn towards careers in the caring professions and social welfare area, whilst others prefer teaching and other 'informing' roles.
Career Progression
The Master of Arts in Human Resource Management is awarded by QQI at level 9 on the National Framework of Qualifications. Graduates with relevant work experience will be eligible to apply for Chartered Membership of the Chartered Institute of Personnel and Development (CIPD) after successful completion of the first 3 semesters. A membership fee will be payable directly to CIPD. This award will allow transfer to level 9 research degrees and in some cases progression to taught doctoral courses at level 10 on the NFQ.
Duration
Duration 2 years: 5 semesters; 3 semesters in year 1 and 2 semesters in year 2.
Delivery
Blended - Livestream (online) classes with some in-person (on campus) delivery. Exams may take the form
of online or in person.
Indicative Timetable
Tuesday and Thursday evenings 18.00 - 21.00 and some Saturdays (on campus).
Full-time Schedule
Duration
September Starts
1 year taught plus a final dissertation: 2 semesters (Sep-Dec and Jan-May). Dissertation due in August.
January Starts
(where available and subject to numbers) 1 year taught plus a final dissertation: 2 semesters (Jan-May and Sep-Dec) Dissertation due in May the following year.
Delivery
On-campus face-to-face classes.
Indicative Timetable
Students need to be available 09.00- 17.00 Monday – Friday. Class days and times vary. Occasional evening/ weekend classes will also be scheduled.