Qualification Structure

The OTHM Level 7 Diploma in Human Resource Management is an Ofqual-regulated qualification accredited on the Regulated Qualifications Framework (RQF). The qualification has a Total Qualification Time (TQT) of 1200 hours and 600 Guided Learning Hours (GLH), with a total of 120 credits.

Assessment for the OTHM Level 7 Diploma in Human Resource Management is assignment-based. Learner work is internally assessed and verified by the approved centre, with external quality assurance provided by OTHM-appointed External Quality Assurers to ensure compliance with OTHM quality standards.

To achieve the qualification, learners must successfully complete all six mandatory units.

Core Study Units

Unit 1: Strategic Human Resource Management

• Understand the strategic role of human resource management within organisations.
• Understand the principles and processes of human resource planning.
• Understand how external business-environment issues influence HR management.
• Develop and evaluate effective human resource strategies.

Unit 2: Engagement of Employees and Organisational Learning

• Understand the role of the HR function in contemporary organisations.
• Understand the goals and contribution of human resource management.
• Design and implement HR action plans that promote employee engagement and organisational performance.
• Understand the relationship between organisational performance and effective HR management

Unit 3: Leadership Development and Performance Management

• Understand key concepts and theories of leadership and management.
• Understand learning and development approaches for leadership and management.
• Understand leadership and management development programmes.
• Understand how motivation, teamwork and communication support effective leadership.

Unit 4: Global Resourcing, Talent and Reward Management

• Understand the challenges associated with global talent management.
• Understand the relationship between global talent management and organisational strategy.
• Analyse performance and reward management within organisations.
• Understand the design and implementation of performance and reward management systems.

Unit 5: Managing Employment Relations and Employment Law

• Understand key employment law concepts within a national context.
• Understand legislation governing recruitment and selection.
• Understand employment protection for different categories of workforce.
• Analyse organisational employment-relations processes, functions and procedures.

Unit 6: Business Research Methods

• Identify research problems and formulate appropriate research objectives.
• Understand how to conduct and critically evaluate a literature review.
• Design appropriate business research methodologies.
• Develop a structured research proposal.

Who Is This Qualification For?

The OTHM Level 7 Diploma in Human Resource Management is designed for professionals seeking advanced knowledge and strategic responsibility in human resource management. It is particularly suitable for:

• HR managers and senior HR professionals progressing into strategic leadership roles.
• Human resource practitioners responsible for workforce planning, talent and performance management.
• HR executives and managers seeking to strengthen strategic people-management skills.
• Professionals working in employee relations, organisational development, learning and development, or reward management.
• Managers with responsibility for recruitment, workforce strategy, employee engagement, or organisational performance.
• Graduates seeking advanced study and professional development in human resource management.
• Professionals aiming to progress towards senior HR, HR business partner, or people-management positions.
• HR professionals seeking an Ofqual-regulated RQF Level 7 qualification to support career progression and further academic development.

Career Opportunities

The OTHM Level 7 Diploma in Human Resource Management prepares learners for senior and strategic roles in human resource management across a wide range of industries. The qualification develops advanced expertise in strategic HR management, workforce planning, talent management, employee engagement, performance management, leadership development, employment relations, and organisational development. It enables graduates to align people strategies with business objectives, support organisational performance, and lead effective workforce initiatives in both national and international organisations. The qualification is highly relevant to sectors such as professional services, finance, healthcare, education, construction, manufacturing, retail, hospitality, technology, government, and consultancy.

Future Progression

The OTHM Level 7 Diploma in Human Resource Management provides learners with a strong foundation for career advancement into senior leadership and strategic human resource management roles. The qualification is internationally relevant and supports progression across industries such as finance, healthcare, education, construction, manufacturing, retail, hospitality, technology, professional services, and public sector organisations, where advanced HR expertise is highly valued.

Academically, learners may progress to relevant postgraduate qualifications, including a Master’s degree, subject to the entry requirements of the receiving institution, or pursue specialist professional development in strategic HR management, organisational development, talent management, employment relations, leadership, and people management. The Level 7 qualification also supports lifelong learning and continuous professional development (CPD).

Professionally, this diploma can support progression into roles such as HR Manager, Senior HR Manager, HR Business Partner, HR Director, Head of Human Resources, Talent Management Manager, Learning and Development Manager, Employee Relations Manager, Organisational Development Manager, and HR Consultant. The advanced knowledge and strategic skills developed through this qualification enable learners to contribute to workforce strategy, organisational performance, employee engagement, talent development, and effective people management across UK and international organisations.