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

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

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

Find advice on how to check if a course is accredited by the Chartered Institute of Personnel and Development (CIPD). Accredited courses will give you automatic entry to CIPD membership.

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

Some employers may expect you to have, or be working towards Chartered Institute of Personnel and Development (CIPD) qualifications.

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
• finance for postgraduate courses
• university courses and entry requirements

You can study Chartered Institute of Personnel and Development (CIPD) qualifications like:

• Level 3 Foundation Certificate in People Practice
• Level 5 Associate Diploma in People Management
• Level 7 Advanced Diploma in Strategic People Management

Entry requirements

Entry requirements for these courses vary.

More Information

• funding advice
• search for courses

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 Chartered Institute of Personnel and Development.