CIPD Certificate in Human Resources Practice (HR) - Level 3

The CIPD has been championing better work and working lives for over 100 years. It helps organisations thrive by focusing on their people, supporting our economies and societies. It’s the professional body for HR, L&D, OD and all people professionals – experts in people, work and change. With almost 160,000 members globally – and a growing community using its research, insights and learning – it gives trusted advice and offers independent thought leadership. It’s a leading voice in the call for good work that creates value for everyone.

The CIPD Level 3 Foundation Certificate in People Practice at Yeovil College is an industry-recognised qualification designed for those looking to develop their understanding of people management, workplace relationships, and professional practice. Whether you are new to HR, an aspiring manager, or currently responsible for leading people within your organisation, this course provides practical knowledge that can be applied immediately in the workplace.

Delivered through engaging, face-to-face sessions at our Yeovil campus, the programme provides a supportive and interactive learning environment that encourages discussion, collaboration and the sharing of professional experiences. The course is typically delivered over one academic year, with classes scheduled on a part-time basis to support those balancing study alongside work commitments.

Throughout the programme, learners explore key areas of people practice, including supporting recruitment and selection, understanding employment relationships, promoting inclusive workplaces, and developing professional behaviours. The qualification also provides valuable insight into how organisations manage and support their people, helping learners build confidence when dealing with everyday management challenges.

This qualification is ideal for those beginning a career in HR, team leaders and managers / supervisors with people management responsibilities, business support professionals, and anyone looking to develop their understanding of how effective people management contributes to organisational success. On successful completion, learners can progress to the CIPD Level 5 Associate Diploma in People Management and begin working towards professional CIPD membership.

Successful completion of the course leads to Foundation Membership of the Chartered Institute of Personnel and Development (Foundation CIPD).

The CIPD Level 3 Foundation Certificate in People Practice provides a strong foundation for a career in people management, human resources, learning and development, and wider management roles.

Whether you are looking to begin a career in HR, develop your confidence as a line manager, or gain a recognised professional qualification, this course equips you with the knowledge and practical skills needed to support people effectively within the workplace.

Successful completion can support progression into roles such as:

• HR Administrator
• HR Assistant
• Recruitment Coordinator
• Learning and Development Assistant
• Team Leader
• Supervisor
• People Coordinator

The qualification is particularly valuable for those with responsibility for managing people, helping learners develop a better understanding of recruitment, employee wellbeing, workplace relationships, professional behaviours, and employment practices.

As a CIPD-recognised qualification, the course also provides a clear pathway to further professional development. Many learners choose to progress to the CIPD Level 5 Associate Diploma in People Management, where they develop more advanced knowledge in areas such as organisational performance, employment relations, workforce planning, reward management, and strategic people practice.

By completing Level 3, learners gain both a recognised professional qualification and the confidence to take the next step in their career, whether that means progressing into a people-focused role, taking on greater management responsibility, or continuing their studies at Level 5.

The CIPD Level 3 Foundation Certificate in People Practice develops the knowledge, skills and behaviours required to support people effectively within modern organisations. Suitable for aspiring HR professionals, line managers, team leaders and those with people responsibilities, the qualification provides a practical introduction to the people profession and the principles that underpin successful workplaces.

The course is delivered face-to-face in a supportive classroom environment, combining professional discussion, practical activities and applied learning to help learners connect theory to real workplace situations.

Modules currently offered include:

• Business, Culture and Change in context
• Core Behaviours for People Professionals
• Essentials of People Practice
• Principles of Analytics

Through these units, you will develop an understanding of how organisations operate, how people practices contribute to business success, and how to support colleagues and teams effectively. You will build confidence in areas such as recruitment, employee wellbeing, workplace communication, professional behaviours, and using data to support decision-making.

The course is taught by highly qualified lectures who are dedicated to ensuring student success through effective curriculum delivery and high-quality pastoral support. The team includes staff with relevant academic qualifications and sector expertise - and are Academic Associate CIPD Members. This professional background ensures that teaching is grounded in current industry standards and practical application. The Programme Leader is committed to high-quality curriculum design, inclusive learning, and preparing students not just to pass assessments, but to thrive as confident, ethical, People Practitioners.

We believe the best way to learn is face-to-face which is why we deliver this course on a part-time basis with classes each week providing regular opportunity to discuss HR issues and approaches in a safe environment to apply the learning and develop your practitioner skills.

Our course offers the following teaching and learning:

• Weekly classroom tuition from an experienced industry expert (up to 3 hours per week)
• Access to a comprehensive virtual learning environment – providing additional learning materials and reading for each unit
• Regular 121 feedback with course tutor
• Includes one textbook – provided as a paperback

Our offering provides everything you need for success on this professional programme.
This course is assessed through written assignments and a practical mock interview exercise.

Our course fee is £2,245 - Student CIPD Membership until July 1st of the academic year and an aligned course textbook is included.

Assessment is through written assignments and coursework that apply learning to real organisational contexts, allowing you to demonstrate analytical thinking, professional judgement, and strategic understanding. Feedback will be provided to you in writing, along with information reflecting your performance and recommendations for improvement.

There is also an assessed mock interview element which is done as a group and is great for those with little or no interviewing experience.

Business experience and a keen interest in a career in Human Resources / People Management would be beneficial. Ideally learners will have Functional Skills English Level 2 (or equivalent GCSE Grade 4/C or above) however this is not essential, and individual suitability will be assessed at interview.

Prospective students will be invited to a short, informal telephone interview to gauge their readiness and suitability for the course.

You will be required to become a student member of the CIPD, the fees for which are included in the course fee.

Apply online by clicking the button below. If you have any questions about your application, please don't hesitate to contact our friendly iZone team via 01935423921 or email izone@yeovil.ac.uk or contact the Study Programme Manager, Tristan Hague, by email - Tristan.Hague@yeovil.ac.uk