Human resources officer

You could do a foundation degree, higher national diploma or degree in any subject. You could then apply for a graduate human resources (HR) training scheme.

You may have an advantage if you study for an HR related subject like:

• human resources management
• business management and human resources
• psychology

If you already have a degree, you could do a postgraduate qualification in human resource management, though this is not essential.

Graduate jobs

You can find graduate HR opportunities with:

• small and medium sized private sector companies in most industries
• large multi-national companies
• charities and education organisations
• public sector employers like the NHS and Civil Service

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|https://www.gov.uk/what-different-qualification-levels-mean/list-of-qualification-levels
• student finance for fees and living costs|https://www.gov.uk/student-finance
• finance for postgraduate courses|https://www.gov.uk/funding-for-postgraduate-study
• university courses and entry requirements|https://www.ucas.com/

You can study for human resources qualifications at college, such as the Foundation Certificate in People Practice, offered by the Chartered Institute of Personnel and Development (CIPD) .

Courses like these are aimed at helping people to get some of the knowledge and skills needed to find their first job and get started in the profession.

Entry requirements

Entry requirements for these courses vary.

You may be able to apply for an apprenticeship, for example:

• HR Support Level 3 Advanced Apprenticeship
• People Professional Level 5 Higher Apprenticeship

Entry requirements

Employers will set their own entry requirements.

You could start as a human resources assistant or a business administrator in a company's HR department and work your way up through training and promotion.

You can study a range of professional qualifications in human resources , either online or at a training centre approved by the CIPD.

Career Tips

Take a look at the CIPD Profession Map to find out more about the values, knowledge and behaviours needed by HR officers.

Further Information

You can learn about a career in human resources from the Chartered Institute of Personnel and Development and Personnel Today .

As a human resources (HR) officer, you could:

• help to recruit new employees
• plan staff training and development activities
• make sure employees have the right pay and benefits
• arrange employee support services like welfare and counselling
• handle complaints and disciplinary procedures
• deal with work absence and staff performance issues
• advise on pay negotiations, redundancy and employment law
• develop company HR policies and procedures
• maintain confidential employee records

You could work in an office, from home or remotely.