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HR Management (Short Course)

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Free HR Management Course Online

Build a clear introduction to human resource management with this free, self-paced online course from Oxford Home Study Centre. Designed for beginners, the course introduces the purpose of HR, recruitment and selection, and staff training and development. You can study online at your own pace with no course fee, then decide separately whether you want to purchase an optional certificate after successful completion.

This short course is one of several routes available through our online HR courses. If you want to compare subjects beyond human resources, browse the full OHSC course catalogue. Learners specifically looking for no-cost introductory study can also compare the wider collection of free online HR courses.

About This Free HR Management Course

Human resource management concerns the policies and processes organisations use to recruit, support, develop and manage people at work. This introductory course focuses on three core areas: the role and scope of HR management, recruitment and selection, and staff training and development.

The course is listed as Level 1, is delivered online and has an estimated duration of 20 hours. Entry is open to all, making it suitable for learners who are new to HR, employees who want a basic understanding of people-management functions, and anyone considering more detailed HR study later.

Who Is This Course For?

This course is intended as introductory study rather than advanced professional training. It may be useful if you are exploring HR for the first time, supporting people-related tasks at work, considering a future HR course or simply want a basic understanding of recruitment and employee development.

If you already understand the fundamentals and want a longer structured programme, compare the HR Management QLS Level 3 Certificate. Learners looking for broader, more advanced study can review the HR Management QLS Level 5 Advanced Diploma. These are separate paid study routes with different depth, hours and certification arrangements.

Study Online at Your Own Pace

The course is delivered online and is self-paced, so you can organise study around your existing commitments. Course access and learning materials are provided without a course fee. There is no requirement to attend a physical classroom, and the current course record lists a 20-hour duration with open entry.

For other free subjects, see the free online course collection. If you are still comparing HR options, the main human resource management course category shows introductory, QLS-endorsed and regulated routes side by side.

How This Course Differs from Other HR Study Routes

This free 20-hour course is designed for introductory learning. It is not the same product as OHSC's longer paid HR certificate and diploma programmes. The HR course comparison page distinguishes free short courses from QLS Level 3 and Level 5 programmes and from the regulated Level 7 qualification.

Choosing between these routes should depend on your current knowledge, the depth of study you want, the time you can commit and the exact certificate or qualification you require. A course title alone is not enough to establish equivalence.

Further HR Reading

If you want background before starting, read our guide to human resources roles, responsibilities and benefits. It provides additional context on what HR covers and can help you decide whether this introductory course matches your learning goals.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is this HR management course really free?

Yes. The course itself is free to study. Course access and learning materials do not carry a course fee. Optional certificates are separate paid products.

Do I receive a free certificate?

No. Certification is optional and is not automatically included with free study. After successful completion, you may choose to purchase an available CPD-accredited or QLS-endorsed certificate.

How long does the course take?

The current course record lists a duration of 20 hours. Because study is self-paced, the calendar time needed to complete those hours will depend on your own schedule.

Do I need previous HR experience?

No prior HR experience is listed as an entry requirement. The course is open to all and is designed as an introductory route.

Is this an Ofqual-regulated HR qualification?

No. This free short course is not presented as an Ofqual-regulated qualification. OHSC also offers other HR routes with different endorsement or regulated status, so always check the exact course record before enrolling.

Can this course guarantee an HR job?

No course can guarantee employment, promotion or professional status. This course provides introductory HR learning that may support further study or skills development.

Ready to begin? Review the course details, start your free study and use the syllabus above to decide whether this introductory HR route matches your current learning goal.

What You Will Learn

By the end of the course, you should be able to explain the main objectives and scope of human resource management, identify common HR functions and describe the basic purpose of strategic human resource management. The course also introduces recruitment, selection and employee development as practical parts of the HR function.

Understand the objectives of human resource management.
Discuss the scope and main functions of HRM.
Recognise the basic purpose of strategic human resource management.
Describe introductory recruitment and selection concepts.
Understand why staff training and development matter within HR practice.

Free Study and Optional Certification

You can enrol on our HR Management (Short Course), access all online learning materials and complete the course without paying a course fee. Certification is separate and optional.

After successfully completing the course, you may choose to purchase:

QLS-endorsed Certificate of Achievement
CPD-accredited certificate issued by the CPD Standards Office as a record of continuing professional development

You may order either certificate individually or both certificates for the same completed course. Purchasing one does not require you to purchase the other.

Each certificate option has its own price. The total payable may vary according to the certificates selected, course level, format and delivery option. View our current certificate options and prices before ordering.

Certification is entirely optional and is not required to access or complete the course.

Course Content

Topics Covered in the Course

Course Content

Topic 1: Introduction to HR Management

Begin with the role, objectives and scope of human resource management. This topic establishes how HR supports the management of people within an organisation and introduces the main functions associated with the HR department.

Topic 2: Recruitment and Selection

Explore the purpose of recruitment and selection as organisations identify staffing needs and choose suitable candidates. The topic provides an introductory view of how recruitment fits within the wider HR function.

Topic 3: Staff Training and Development

Consider why organisations invest in employee learning and development. This topic introduces training as a way to support capability, role performance and continuing development within the workplace.

How It Works

Build your knowledge through clear and accessible online learning.

Complete the assignments and achieve the required marks.

Choose an optional certificate after completing the course.

Why Choose a Certificate?

An optional certificate provides a clear record of successful course completion. Add it to your learning portfolio and share it where relevant.

Completing the course and its assessments shows your commitment to developing subject knowledge through focused, independent learning.

Use your new knowledge to support further study, workplace development or personal goals. A certificate records completion but does not guarantee employment or professional status.