PDA HUMAN RESOURCE MANAGEMENT

Intro to the course:

A human resources department is a vital part of any business, handling a vast array of tasks from recruiting new employees, conducting interviews, dealing with conflict resolution, and managing the holiday allowance, and benefits for existing employees.  

This course offers a gateway to people currently working in HRM or those with an interest in it. Due to its compact nature, it may provide an opportunity for people to undertake a small course which may be appealing to learners with jobs or other commitments.

Managing people and client relations is an important skill to acquire in business, and this is just one aspect of HR that you can apply to any job. Other useful skills you will learn include organisation, administration, multitasking, presentations, reporting and communication.

The specific aims of the PDA Human Resource Management are an Introduction to: 

• enable learners to develop knowledge and understanding of the operational areas of HRM
• develop learners’ skills, knowledge and understanding of practical and administrative areas of HRM as preparation for employment at an appropriate level
• develop a range of core and transferable skills essential within HRM
• prepare learners for progression to further studies in HRM or related disciplines

This course may be offered as a part-time day course, or an evening course depending on demand. 

Who is the course for?

Whether you are interested in a career in HR, or if you have some industry experience and would like to broaden your understanding of Human Resource Management, this PDA is designed to act as a stepping-stone for learners who are unable to commit to full-time study in the HNC or HND courses. This PDA provides a stepping-stone towards an HNC Human Resource Management or a HNC Business.

The PDA is aimed at those who are currently in employment and who may be working in HR, carrying out HR functions or those with a general interest in the area. The PDA may also suit learners who have recently completed an academic course and are looking to enhance their understanding of HR or those who seek to find out what HR entails with a view to making a career in the area. 

The course is also suitable for those learners who may wish to gain a holistic view of how human resource management can add value to an organisation as well as develop an understanding of the factors of change that have shaped and continue to influence the discipline of human resource management.

What will I study?

This qualification is to provide learners with an introduction to issues relevant to an HR discipline. It is designed to develop knowledge of the role of human resources management as a key function within organisations. There are three mandatory units:

• human resource management - an introduction
• interviewing - skills and practice
• recruitment, selection and induction

Next Step Course Options

Successful completion of the award will provide a foundation for further human resource management units at more advanced SCQF levels. The PDA may suit learners hoping to progress to the HNC in HRM or Business.

How will I be assessed?

Ongoing assessment through a range of practical activities, candidate folios, self-evaluation, roleplay, planning and review using secure SQA assessment support packs.

Why should I choose this course?

Human resources management is a very important function in every organization. Without human resources management, companies would not be able to effectively recruit and retain employees, improve and enhance the organization, and they wouldn't be able to maintain a healthy, accepting workplace culture and environment.  The HR department performs a wide variety of duties and is responsible for helping employees feel safe, valued and properly supported.

Do you want to make a difference?  

This course allows you to study an area where you can make a positive difference and influence the working lives of many people.  You can study while working, enabling you to make changes in your own working life, be it a change of career or progression in your current role. 

Where can this course lead?

The PDA is aimed at those who are currently in employment and who may be working in HR, carrying out HR functions or those with a general interest in the area. 

What are the entry requirements?

Any of the following:

• relevant work experience 
• one Higher 
• equivalent qualification from other awarding bodies
• if English is not your first language, ESOL at an appropriate level, IELTS or equivalent with an entry score of 5.5 or above is advised

What are the interview arrangements?

Your offer of a place will be based on your application. If you do not meet the minimum entry requirements, you will be invited for an individual interview. 

Other information:

You may be able to get a 'Part-Time Fee Grant' to help pay for your tuition fees.  More information can be found at Part-time funding - SAAS

Alternatively, you may be eligible to receive up to £200 towards the cost of this course by applying for an SDS Individual Training Account (ITA). https://www.myworldofwork.co.uk/learn-and-train/sds-individual-training-accounts-ita

Payment by instalments of equal monthly payments may be agreed with full payment required prior to the exam or on withdrawal from the course. A minimum of 20% is payable at enrolment. Some students get help with funding their studies. Take a look at our fees and funding pages for advice and to see if you'd qualify for student support.