Human Resources Leadership Diploma
3 Certificates
336 Hours
Online
Diploma Description
Across Canada, demand for skilled HR professionals is accelerating, with roles such as HR Managers, Recruiters, and Learning & Development Managers ranking among the top 30% of in-demand positions (Robert Half, 2025). Employers are actively seeking leaders who can navigate complex workforce challenges and shape the employee experience in meaningful ways.
This diploma equips you with the knowledge and skills to meet that demand. You’ll learn how HR processes influence core management decisions, how organizational structures affect people and teams, and how to respond to the shifting values and needs of today’s workforce. Practical training in employee benefits, compensation administration, labour relations, and grievance arbitration ensures you can address critical issues in recruitment, retention, and workplace culture.
The program also prepares you to write the CPHR National Knowledge Exam (NKE), providing a pathway to a professional designation. Whether you are advancing in your career or entering the HR field, this diploma offers a clear advantage, aligning your expertise with the skills Canadian employers value most.
Best of all, you can build your diploma without paying additional program admission fees. Complete certificates fully online, in any order that fits your goals and schedule, giving you the flexibility to learn your way while working toward a recognized credential.
Designation Pathway
Courses in this program are approved in alignment with the Chartered Professionals in Human Resources of Alberta (CPHR Alberta) Competency Framework. Successful completion of this certificate fulfills the coursework requirements for the CPHR Alberta coursework path.
Questions? Please contact our program team: busprog@ualberta.ca
Who Will Benefit?
This program is designed for individuals who want to build a rewarding career in human resources or strengthen their ability to lead people and organizations effectively.
- 🗸 Early-career professionals starting out in HR or transitioning from another field, looking for practical skills and a recognized credential to establish themselves in a competitive job market.
- 🗸 Experienced HR practitioners already working in HR who want to deepen their expertise, gain advanced knowledge in labour relations and compensation, and prepare for the CPHR designation to move into leadership roles.
- 🗸 Managers and team leaders who want to understand HR processes more fully and apply people-focused strategies to improve team performance and workplace culture.
- 🗸 Career changers seeking a shift into HR, looking for flexible, online learning that allows them to build relevant skills while continuing to work.
- 🗸 Lifelong learners who value professional growth and want the freedom to complete stackable certificates at their own pace without additional program admission fees.
What You'll Learn
- 🗸Understand why human resources are integral to your core management team and how HR processes work.
- 🗸Explore the connections between the environment and structure of organizations and how people and groups behave within them.
- 🗸Stay up-to-date on the modern needs and shifting values of employees
- 🗸Build your skills in key areas, including employee benefits, compensation administration, labour relations, and grievance arbitration
- 🗸Prepare yourself for success in writing the CPHR National Knowledge Exam (NKE)
What You'll Earn
- Earn a digital badge for each course, a digital certificate for completing a program, and stack certificates to work toward a diploma.
- It’s designed for part-time study and can generally be completed within one to two years.
- You have the flexibility to schedule courses around your availability. Most students complete 1–3 courses per semester.
- Courses are graded through assessments, which may include quizzes, class participation, exams, discussion forums, papers, and presentations.
- Courses are facilitated by an instructor and/or on-demand (if applicable).
- It’s a flexible online experience, with courses offered asynchronously and/or bichronously. More info about online delivery formats can be found here.
- Course materials are shared in ConEd Canvas. Some courses may require additional resources, such as textbooks.
- Please note that continuing education classes are not eligible for student loans.
- If you're seeking financial assistance for these courses, please explore the scholarship, bursaries and funding opportunities specifically designated for continuing education students.
- Approximate cost of the full program: $7,290 CAD
- Flexible payment options: register and pay for all courses at once or pay course-by-course as you go.
- Courses are GST-exempt.
- Some courses may require additional resources, such as textbooks.
- To earn this diploma, students must complete all required certificates in the program pathway. Please visit the program map for more information.
- Transfer credit will be reviewed only after program enrollment and submission of a transfer credit request. To learn more about transferability from other institutions, see our Transfer Credit information.
- International Students are welcome to enroll and pay the same course fees as local students.
- Proficiency in English and a stable internet connection are needed to participate and succeed in our courses.
- Please note that non-credit programming does not qualify for a study permit, therefore, this program cannot be used for immigration to Canada. For more information, please contact University of Alberta International Student Services.
Additional Details
Application
Register for Individual Courses
HR Leadership: People Management Certificate
3 Course(s)
HR Leadership: Talent Strategy and Labour Relations Certificate
3 Course(s)
HR Leadership: Performance, Finance, and Safety Certificate
3 Course(s)