Higher Diploma in Human Resource Management

Higher Diploma in Strategic Human Resource Management
The Higher Diploma in Strategic Human Resource Management is the capstone programme in PABM Campus's HRM pathway, designed for learners seeking strategic and leadership-level competency in organisation-wide people management. The programme moves beyond departmental HR administration to examine Strategic HRM as an organisational philosophy — encompassing leadership commitment, workforce planning, talent-driven competitive advantage, and continuous organisational transformation.

Learners engage in depth with internationally recognised HR and organisational excellence frameworks, including strategic talent management models and the principles underpinning the EFQM Excellence Model's people-related criteria, examining how these frameworks apply within Sri Lankan and regional organisational contexts. The programme develops advanced capability in strategic workforce planning, organisational development, change management, and HR analytics fundamentals, preparing learners to lead people strategy rather than simply administer HR processes.

A significant component addresses the human dimension of organisational excellence — organisational culture, employee empowerment, leadership behaviour, and change management. Learners undertake an applied capstone project, analysing and proposing HR strategy improvements for a real or realistic organisational case, culminating in a professional presentation. On successful completion, graduates are equipped for roles such as HR Manager, Talent Development Manager, Organisational Development Manager, or Head of Human Resources.

Entry Direct
Applicants who satisfy any ONE of the following are eligible for direct entry, without requiring the Diploma:

• G.C.E. Advanced Level (any stream) with a minimum of three passes. Applicants entering through this route without a Diploma or relevant work background will be required to complete a short Foundation Bridging Module in Human Resource Management before commencing the Higher Diploma. 
• A recognised Diploma in Human Resource Management, Business Management, or a related discipline from another institution.
• A Bachelor's degree in any discipline from a recognised university.
• No formal educational qualification, provided the applicant has a minimum of five years of managerial, supervisory, or business ownership experience in a people-management or operational capacity, subject to review by the PABM Advisory Committee.
• Entrepreneurs, business owners, or senior professionals seeking strategic-level knowledge in Human Resource Management, subject to the same review as above.
• Any other qualification deemed equivalent by the PABM Campus Academic/Advisory Committee.

Entry Completion
Students who have successfully completed the Diploma in Human Resource Management at PABM Campus, with the required minimum pass grade, are eligible for direct progression into the Higher Diploma in Strategic Human Resource Management without further entrance assessment.

Entry RPL
Applicants who have previously commenced a higher diploma, degree, or equivalent programme in Human Resource Management, Strategic HRM, Business Management, or a closely related discipline at another recognised institution, but did not complete it, may apply through Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL). On submission of academic transcripts, detailed course syllabi, and any relevant professional certifications, the PABM Advisory Committee will conduct a proper evaluation of the applicant's existing level of study and professional exposure, and determine the appropriate point of entry into the Higher Diploma programme, and the specific course units required to be completed in order to satisfy the full Higher Diploma requirements.