UdemyHuman ResourcesPaid courseBeginner levelCertificate

Learn HR Fundamentals for a Career in Human Resources (Udemy.com)

Human Resource Management is key to developing any business or organization. Learn core HR roles and responsibilities.

4.6

9,548 reviews

Created by: Christina A. Danforth

Last updated June 2015

Our take

Based on the ratings of 9,548 students, a sample of their written reviews and the syllabus, as the course stood in June 2015. No course pays to be reviewed.

This is a short overview of the HR function, built from six sections and 17 lectures that run about 42 minutes in total. It opens with the changing role of HR, walks through the employment cycle, covers foundational topics outside it, and closes on current trends and challenges. Christina A. Danforth, who runs an HR training business, teaches it with no prior knowledge assumed. Think of it as a map of the field, not a skills course. There are no quizzes, assignments or practice tests.

Reviewers like the clarity. The words that keep coming up are clear, concise and easy to understand, and several say the teaching is nicely delivered. People praise the history of HR and the tour of its specialties as a solid base. One reviewer about to start an HR career after two decades working called it a good short course. The complaints are mild. One reviewer found it very basic, but added that the title promised exactly that. A 3-star reviewer says the content is 11 years old and, while still applicable, should be refreshed. The last update was June 2015.

More than 23,000 students have taken it, and the 4.6 rating across 9,548 ratings is mostly four and five stars. That is a strong showing for something this short. Treat it as a first step. It works for testing whether HR appeals, or for picking up the vocabulary before an interview. For legal detail or current practice, pair it with something newer.

Best forCareer changers or new hires who want a quick, plain map of HR roles before committing to a longer course.

Skip it ifYou need current employment law, hands-on tools, or practice work. There are no quizzes or exercises here.

Pros

Short enough to finish in one sitting: 17 lectures, about 42 minutes
Reviewers describe the delivery as clear, concise and easy to follow
Covers HR history, specialties and the employment cycle in a logical order
No prior knowledge needed, and first-timers say it gave them a base

Cons

Content dates from 2015, and a reviewer wants it updated for today
Very basic by design, with no quizzes, exercises or practice tests

Quite concise and detailed at the same time. I would recommend for beginners

Samuel Tamunodiepiriye, a student

Truly beginner: the audience list says new to HR or setting up a department, with no prior knowledge needed.

Featured in our guide: The Best HR Courses on Udemy in 2026

What you will learn

Develop a general understanding of the Human Resources function.
Apply key HR concepts and principles in the workplace.

Course content

6 sections · 17 lectures · 42 min of video

1Setting the Foundation 2 free previews2 lectures · 6 min
2Human Resources Management Today 1 free preview3 lectures · 9 min
3Employment Cycle - a Roadmap for HR Roles and Responsibilities2 lectures · 7 min
4Foundational HR Topics outside the Employment Cycle 1 free preview5 lectures · 11 min
5Current Trends and Challenges 1 free preview3 lectures · 7 min
6Conclusion2 lectures · 2 min

Who it is for

The instructor says it suits

This course is designed for those who are new to Human Resources or would like to establish an HR department. No prior knowledge is necessary.

What you need before you start

No prior knowledge is necessary.

How it compares

Against the other 170 rated Udemy courses in Human Resources on CourseDuck:

Rating4.6 out of 5higher than 88% of them
Reviews9,548#10 of 171 by number of reviews
Length0.7 hoursshorter than 92% of them
Last updatedJune 2015earlier than 100% of them

Course Description

Whether new to Human Resources, interested in learning about the function or need to establish a more robust HR department, this course will give you the overview necessary to meet your goal. It provides an introduction to the HR profession. Each topic serves as a building block for a holistic understanding of Human Resource Management. The course is constructed to help the student develop their knowledge, using the previous lesson as a foundation for the next one. Subscribers will learn about the changing role of HR including a historical overview, key processes and responsibilities of an HR Professional and current trends affecting the evolution of HR practices.

Beginner Level

Time: 42 mins

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Instructor Details

Christina A. Danforth

4.6 Rating
9,548 Reviews

Christina is an enthusiastic human resources professional with over a decade of experience. She specializes in Learning and Development as the owner of HR Jetpack, providing online training to HR professionals.

Christina began a career with UTC in 2006. She joined Carrier as a Leadership Rotational Program Associate moving across the country with assignments spanning from Labor Relations to Staffing. She placed off the program in Indianapolis as an HR Manager supporting over 250 employees. In 2010, Christina returned to CT as an HR Specialist in Employee Engagement and Diversity and Inclusion. She became an Achieving Competitive Excellence Associate, representing her expertise in lean processing and her passion for utilizing the Continuous Process Improvement philosophy. In 2012, she took on a role at UTC Aerospace Systems as an HR process leader in Performance Management and Diversity and Inclusion. In her most recent role, Christina served as a project manager focusing on change management.

She holds a Bachelor of Arts degree in Political Science from the University of Massachusetts, Amherst. Christina studied in Spain and spent a semester interning at the U.S. State Department. In 2006, she earned an MBA from the Isenberg School of Management at the University of Massachusetts, Amherst. She also holds a SHRM-SCP and SPHR.

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Reviews

4.6

9,548 ratings on Udemy

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By Shivpratap Singh Bhadauria on 3/24/2026

The course was very informative and provided a solid understanding of the basic fundamentals of HR. It helped me build a strong foundation. Overall, it was a valuable learning experience.

By Pranav Barar on 7/11/2024

The course is wonderful. Information is really helpful. If someone wants to change the domain and start at career at 37 years with HR role, what all are expected from that person? Will be waiting for your response.

By Anonymized User on 4/24/2023

It was an informative course but did not overwhelm you, which is helpful if you have limited HR knowledge. Topics were explained clearly and I could relate the information presented to my own employer which helped make the information relatable.

By Pedro Ferreira on 1/5/2023

Adorei o curso super explicito e associei tanto ao meu trabalho as informações ditas pela professora até o próprio workday que é um sistema que uso no meu trabalho EXCELENTE CURSO 100% de satisfação

By Confidence Adaeze Ohiri on 6/6/2022

It was just the basics as the title connotes. I did think there'll be more practical contents. Really don't know how this differs from other HR fundamental courses that costs lower than this.

By Shaik Ahamed on 12/1/2020

It is very nice and comprehensive informative course which enables to the freshers, so that they get awareness and starting their new careers. Better if you could provide us the material on this course as resources files.

By Michelle R. Smith on 11/15/2020