Is it worth having an HR degree?

If you want a prosperous career in HR, it can be difficult to understand which educational path to take.

There are various options open to you, however you’re wondering about which route to take, we’re here to help you understand which option is best for you.

What qualifications do you need to get a HR job?

A degree is typically the most common route people take to kick start their career in the HR industry, but there are other ways of getting your foot in the door.

Some individuals may work at a low position within a company and develop their experience in HR, where others may opt for an apprenticeship. Although this does technically give you access to a HR role, if you’re wanting to progress onto higher positions then you may need more qualifications.

ACIPD (Chartered Institute of Personnel and Development) is a fantastic route to take when pursuing a HR career. This an independent body committed to improving working lives.

A CIPD course covers everything HR and Learning & Development (L&D) professionals need to know to advance their careers in the industry, including employment law, people management and social responsibility.

While a degree is certainly a valuable qualification, many employers hold CIPD in high regard, and won’t hire any candidates who aren’t CIPD accredited.

What are the fees for a HR degree?

In the UK, an undergraduate course typically costs around £27,000 for a total of 3 years. This doesn’t include any maintenance loans you will need to cover your materials and living costs.

However, you can still acquire valuable HR accreditations without the sky-high fees of a degree! A CIPD course, like the one provided by MOL, typically starts from around £1,620, and can be completed in 6-24 months.

Not only are you receiving a qualification that is in demand by HR employers in a short amount of time, but you are only paying a small fraction of the price.

The career opportunities of a HR degree

It’s undeniable that prestigious HR courses like degrees and CIPDs, open many doors for those looking to succeed in the industry. However, a significant proportion of HR employers prefer to hire candidates who are CIPD accredited.

Employers don’t have to face the concern of upskilling employees if they are CIPD accredited, because they already possess the gold standard of HR qualifications.

Unlike degrees, CIPD courses have many stages depending on your previous qualifications and experience.

If you are looking for an entry level role, a CIPD Level 3 course is the right course for you.

If you want to take your career to the next steps after your Level 3 course, consider doing a CIPD Level 5 course, so next time you want that promotion, you have the qualifications to back up your expertise.

If you’re wanting to become an expert in your field and hit the highest wage band in your industry, consider a CIPD Level 7 Advanced Diploma.

Is a HR degree course flexible?

Due to the largely young demographic of university students, degree courses typically cater to those who are studying full time and don’t have very many other commitments, such as work, childcare or family.

Although universities may try their best to accommodate the needs of mature students, it can still be a difficult, lengthy and expensive process acquiring a HR degree in adulthood.

Degrees can also be a lengthy process to acquire, with HR courses typically lasting around 3-4 years depending on if you choose to do a placement year. If you have a working life, family or other adult commitments, a degree may be too much of a commitment.

MOL provides a CIPD HR online course, which opens a window of flexibility that can allow you to study while working[DK1]  and focusing on other commitments that adult life brings.

You will be able to acquire an internationally recognised CIPD qualification with flexible, online learning, so you can study, work, and commit to your responsibilities, so you can develop your HR career.

A CIPD Level 7 Advanced Diploma qualification is the equivalent of a degree, except the course can be completed in a much shorter time. Not only is the course flexible, but typically only lasts between 2-3 years depending on which study mode you take.

Due to the flexibility of a CIPD course, you will be able to work alongside your studies, so you can build your experience in the field. Once you have completed your CIPD course, you will have the qualifications AND experience to succeed in the industry. 

HR degree course content

A HR degree course will allow you to study the basics of HR management, from strategy, training and managing, staff recruitment and staff retention, including employment law.

Typically, courses are structured around learning the basics of HR during the first and second year, while the final year allows for optional specialist modules that you can take to align with your future career goals.

If your university allows for it, you may also be able to take an optional placement year so you can gain experience working in the field, which is good for your CV, but also means you will graduate a year later than expected, taking your course to 4 years in length rather than 3.

Some courses are CIPD accredited, so it is best to double check with your HR degree provider. However, if you are looking to get a qualification that is equivalent to a degree, is CIPD accredited and is a fraction of the cost of degree tuition fees, a CIPD Level 7 Advanced Diploma may be better suited for you.

The CIPD Level 7 Advanced Diploma can teach you about resourcing and talent management, business ethics, employee relations, employment law and more.

With the CIPD accredited qualification and the knowledge acquired from the course, you will have access to a wide range of roles in the field of HR, including head of diversity and inclusion, head of HR, director of people and many more roles in the industry.

Student life

The university experience can be appealing to the younger generation of students who want a taste of independent life amongst peers their own age.

University bringsmany aspects for socialising and networking, from student nightlife to the library study sessions, university can be a fun experience.

University can also be a great way for students to develop a sense of personal identity as they develop into adulthood.

However, it is worth considering if the costly tuition fees of university are worth the student life experience. For many the cost may be worth it, however, if you are solely wanting a qualification and are not interested in the social aspect of studying, a CIPD course may be better suited for you.

Although by studying a CIPD course, you may not be getting the experience of moving out and living with peers, you will still have a social aspect to your course.

Whether you choose online or classroom learning, you will have the opportunity to meet and interact with likeminded people in your course, who are all aiming for the same qualification and career as you.

You will be able to network with each other and strengthen your knowledge of the industry by learning from your peers and develop a support network to make your learning experience a pleasurable one.

Should you do a HR degree or CIPD course?

For most learners who are looking to get into the HR industry, we recommended a CIPD course. Here are a few reasons why:

• CIPD courses are cheaper, resulting in a greater return in investment when you get that much desired promotion or role
• CIPD courses are CIPD accredited, which is what many employers are looking for. Not all HR degrees are CIPD accredited
• CIPD courses are shorter and more flexible than degree courses, so you can learn while you work and fulfil any adult responsibilities
• CIPD courses have an online study option, so you can learn from anywhere!
• You get regular 1-1 tutor support
• You can gain industry experience while you study.

MOL understands the HR profession like no other training provider - that’s what makes our courses great. Our tutors are industry experts and use a wealth of HR experience to bring your learning to life.

If you’re looking to develop your HR career, view our CIPD HR courses, and enrol today.