Free CIPD Level 3 HR Course in Birkenhead. Evening classes run at Wirral Met College, so you can fit study around your existing work. The course runs part-time over one year. You'll study the foundations of HR and people practice, covering topics such as employment law, recruitment, and how organisations work. It's the CIPD's entry-level HR qualification, recognised by employers across the UK, and a stepping stone to the CIPD's Professional Programme at Level 5. You must be 19 or over on or before 31st August to enrol, and you'll need at least four GCSEs at grade 4 or above, including English and maths, or an equivalent qualification.
Who this course is for
Many adults can study this course for free. Check the 'Can I study for free?' section below to see if you're eligible. This course serves both as a preparatory course for entry onto the Chartered Institute's Professional Programme and as a nationally recognised personnel qualification.
Entry requirements
You must be 19 or over on or before 31st August to study on this course.A minimum of 4 GCSEs at Grade 9-4/A*- C, including GCSE English and maths, or equivalent.If English is not your first language, you may need an assessment before enrolling on this course. To discuss further, please contact the ESOL department on 0151 551 7144. This course is suitable for learners who are new to HR or people practice, looking to begin a career in the profession, or currently working in an entry-level support
What you will learn
You'll explore how organisations are structured and how HR supports business goals.
You'll study core employment law and what it means in practice.
You'll learn how to attract, recruit, and onboard new employees.
You'll examine how people learn and develop at work.
You'll look at reward, pay, and how organisations support employee wellbeing.
You'll develop skills in handling everyday HR tasks and people-related processes.
How you will learn
You'll attend evening classes at Wirral Met College. Learning is classroom based, with tutor-led sessions, group discussion, and written assignments. Assessment is through coursework and written tasks rather than formal exams. CIPD qualifications are assessed against the CIPD's own professional standards, and your work will be submitted and marked accordingly.
What you will need to bring
The centre will provide most materials. Wirral Met College will confirm anything else you need before you start.
Where next
Jobs you could do
HR Assistant, supporting recruitment, records, and day-to-day HR queries
HR Administrator, managing HR systems and employee documentation
People Support Coordinator, helping teams with HR processes
Recruitment Administrator, assisting with hiring and onboarding
Learning and Development Administrator, supporting training programmes
Payroll and HR Support Officer, handling pay queries alongside HR tasks
What you could study next
CIPD Level 5 Associate Diploma in People Management. The natural next step after this Foundation Certificate. It deepens your HR knowledge and is the qualification many employers look for in HR Advisor and HR Officer roles.
CIPD Level 5 Associate Diploma in Organisational Learning and Development. An alternative Level 5 route if you want to specialise in training, coaching, and employee development.
