EQF/MQF Level 5 UNDERGRADUATE HIGHER DIPLOMA IN HUMAN RESOURCE MANAGEMENT AND DEVELOPMENT (120 ECTS)
Overall learning objectives:
- Have better knowledge on the human resources function
- Work effectively within the role of the HR person
- Communicate effectively between individuals within the organization structure
- Gain knowledge on organizational skills and organizational behavior
- Carry out problem solving with complex situations within a company
- Uphold ethics in the organization in terms of company culture
Next Intake: October 2026
Duration: 2 years
Frequency: 3 times weekly
Target audience: 18+; HR professionals
Mode of attendance: full time
Mode of delivery: hybrid / blended learning
Fee: 4200 Eur (exc. VAT)
Course modules include*:
The modules include*:
1. The Evolution of HR: Where it all started and where it’s going – 9 ECTS
2. Recruitment and Selection – 5 ECTS
3. HR Administration: Policies, Procedures, Onboarding, Induction and Payroll – 11 ECTS
4. Employment Law and Discipline in Malta for the HR Manager – 3 ECTS
5. Performance Management and Appraisals – 5 ECTS
6. Understanding and Managing Training and Development – 5 ECTS
7. Training the Trainer – 5 ECTS
8. Job Evaluation Strategies, Employee Rewards, Benefits and Collective Bargaining – 8 ECTS
9. Employee Wellness and Engagement: Organisational Behavior, Leadership and Group Dynamics – 10 ECTS
10. Job Coaching Persons with Disabilities – 5 ECTS
11. Employer Branding – 5 ECTS
12. The Maltese Economy and Malta’s Labour Market – 5 ECTS
13. Research Process for Human Resources – 5 ECTS
14. Health and Safety for the HR Manager – 3 ECTS
15. Project Management – 8 ECTS
16. HR Management Practices – 28 ECTS
*All modules are available as Exit Awards.
*One can also obtain an Undergraduate Certificate in Human Resource Management and Development (MQF Level 5, 30 ECTS) as an Exit Award.
Module specific learning objectives:
1. The Evolution of HR: Where it all started and where it’s going
a) Undertake further studies on HRM
b) Understand the different views of SHRM models
c) Create and maintain an organisational culture
d) Consider communication, metric, legal, technology and global issues pertaining to organisation culture\
e) Create a culture change and manage change as part of the HR role
Total contact hours: 45 | Self-study hours: 115 | Assessment hours: 65
Assessment method: multiple choice test, written assignment
2. Recruitment and Selection – 5 ECTS
a) Examine the necessary background checks on the chosen candidate
b) Assess the utility of psychological testing, biodata and other instruments used in the selection process
c) Undertake further studies on the whole recruitment process
d) Study the best ways and methods on how to select the right candidate
Total contact hours: 25 | Self-study hours: 70 | Assessment hours: 30
Assessment method: course work, written assignment
3. HR Administration: Policies, Procedures, Onboarding, Induction and Payroll – 11 ECTS
a) Measure the effectiveness of procedures
b) Develop the right writing techniques for policies and procedures
c) Use the right channels to communicate policies and procedures within the organisation
d) Guide managers in properly integrating an employee within the team
e) Compose an induction programme
f) Advise the necessary stakeholders on compliance issues in relation to payroll
g) Complete FSS form
h) Develop, analyse and report fundamental KPIs from the payroll system
Total contact hours: 55 | Self-study hours: 160 | Assessment hours: 60
Assessment method: presentation, written assignment
4. Employment Law and Discipline in Malta for the HR Manager – 3 ECTS
a) Assess the legal implications on HR matters and learn how to interpret the law relating to HR matters
b) Use the basic legal vocabulary of employment law
c) Communicate and explain HR related matters from a legal point of view
Total contact hours: 15 | Self-study hours: 45 | Assessment hours: 15
Assessment method: short answer questions, case study
5. Performance Management and Appraisals – 5 ECTS
a) Study the mearning of performance management and evaluate its scope
b) Undertake further research based on the findings generated in the implemented performance appraisal systems
c) Study the role of motivation, teamwork and effective communication in beneficial performance management
Total contact hours: 25 | Self-study hours: 70 | Assessment hours: 30
Assessment method: presentation, written assignment
6. Understanding and Managing Training and Development – 5 ECTS
a) Demonstrate effective communication strategies
b) Explore key principles underlying different teaching methods in adult learning
Total contact hours: 25 | Self-study hours: 70 | Assessment hours: 30
Assessment method: multiple choice test
7. Training the Trainer – 5 ECTS
a) Explore key principles underlying different methods
b) Design course material
c) Involve learner in a practical session which they plan and deliver in a micro-teach session
Total contact hours: 25 | Self-study hours: 70 | Assessment hours: 30
Assessment method: presentation, written assignment, multiple choice test
8. Job Evaluation Strategies, Employee Rewards, Benefits and Collective Bargaining – 8 ECTS
a) Study the improvement possibilities after a job evaluation exercise
b) Undertake further studies on how to manage progression, promotions and upgrades through grade structures
c) Evaluate the ethics of reconciliation and mediation in social dialogue
d) Make use of case studies in relation to collective bargaining
e) Measure the scope of collective bargaining locally and abroad
Total contact hours: 40 | Self-study hours: 115 | Assessment hours: 45
Assessment method: case study, written assignment
9. Employee Wellness and Engagement: Organisational Behavior, Leadership and Group Dynamics – 10 ECTS
a) Report well-being state at the workplace to management
b) Discuss development of proactive programmes in the workplace
c) Link the role of motivation and teamwork to overall engagement
d) Undertake further research based on the findings generated from the engagement survey
e) Study the mearning of employee engagement and evaluate its scope
f) Understand how to operate effectively within group settings
g) Identify characteristics of effective leadership
h) Proceed to analyse and determine current approaches adopted in order to evaluate organisation behaviour
Total contact hours: 50 | Self-study hours: 135 | Assessment hours: 65
Assessment method: presentation, survey
10. Job Coaching Persons with Disabilities – 5 ECTS
a) Assess the legal implications of an inclusive environment
b) Prepare for using the right coaching method with the assigned individual
c) Enhance any unique skills and abilities of the coachee
Total contact hours: 25 | Self-study hours: 70 | Assessment hours: 30
Assessment method: case study
11. Employer Branding – 5 ECTS
a) Communicate the EVP to internal and external stakeholders
b) Link human resources to branding influence and perceptions of people about the company
c) Create candidate personas to attract the right talent towards the organisation
d) Understand modern candidate behaviours
Total contact hours: 25 | Self-study hours: 70 | Assessment hours: 30
Assessment method: case study
12. The Maltese Economy and Malta’s Labour Market – 5 ECTS
a) Understand the economic cycle, national income, GDP and index number formats
b) Understand aggregate supply and aggregate demand
c) Understand consumer saving and spending
d) Discuss capital investment and spending
e) Discuss multiplier and accelerator process
f) Understand fiscal policy and trade
Total contact hours: 25 | Self-study hours: 70 | Assessment hours: 30
Assessment method: written assignment
13. Research Process for Human Resources – 5 ECTS
a) Undertake applied research in the field of HR
b) Proceed with compiling a research process
c) Formulate an appropriate data collection tool
Total contact hours: 25 | Self-study hours: 70 | Assessment hours: 30
Assessment method: case study
14. Health and Safety for the HR Manager – 3 ECTS
a) Evaluate a risk assessment rool
b) Study the different types of hazards found in the workplace
c) Carry out risk assessments continuously
Total contact hours: 15 | Self-study hours: 45 | Assessment hours: 15
Assessment method: case study
15. Project Management – 8 ECTS
a) Create a budget plan
b) Compose a project management eam
c) Design the project management strategy to be taken
d) Collaborate with all stakeholders involved
e) Create a report of the project
Total contact hours: 40 | Self-study hours: 120 | Assessment hours: 40
Assessment method: case study
16. HR Management Practices – 28 ECTS
a) Apply theories to practical situations
b) Assemble a research project and all steps involved
Total contact hours: 140 | Self-study hours: 510 | Assessment hours: 50
Assessment method: presentation, written assignment, panel discussion
General Information
Entry requirements
A minimum of one of the following:
- A qualification in Human Resources or similar at minimum Level 4, as well as an O level standard of English
- Level 4 Certificate of Education, as well as an O level standard of English
- MATSEC Certificate, as well as an O level standard of English
- International applicants are to have an O Level standard of English or equivalent. A proficiency test of the same standard would suffice
This list is the minimum required qualifications and it does note exclude any qualification of a higher level.
misco Business Academy will also consider RPL (Recognition Prior Learning). Any applicant that already has some form of qualifications, at the same level or higher, can apply for RPL and be exempt from certain units (terms and conditions apply).
Address/es of delivery
misco, Fino Buildings, Level 1, Mdina Road, Zone 4, Central Business District, Birkirkara CBD 4010
Zoom & Google Classroom - hybrid delivery with blended learning
Language of instruction
English Language
Hours of total learning
Total contact hours: 600 | Self-study hours: 1790 | Assessment hours: 610
Structure of programme
The course will run through the 12 calendar months of the year, excluding Christmas shutdown, Easter break and Summer break
Teaching, Learning and Assessment Procedures
General pedagogical methods include:
- Lectures
- Self-directed study
- Tasks during lectures
- Group discussions
- Case studies
General assessment methods include:
- Summative methods
- Formative methods
Grading system
Grade A: 100-80
Grade B: 70-79
Grade C: 60-69
Grade D: 50-59
Grade E: 46-50
Grade F: Below 45
Success rates
100%
Fee
4200 Eur (exc. VAT)
A 500 Eur deposit is required upon registration
Payments can be done in instalments
Funding can be applied for using the Get Qualified scheme upon completion of the course
Contact details
Telephone: 22054314
Email: [email protected]
Programme leader: Ilaria Spiteri Axiak