The first ever degree in recruitment has already attracted four times the projected number of applications for a qualification that could transform the industry.

The Recruitment and Employment Confederation’s (REC’s) BA Hons in Recruitment Practice, run in conjunction with Middlesex University, has been in gestation for more than two years, and has so far attracted 80 applications.

Students must earn 360 credits, over up to three years, to gain the qualification. Holders of the old Certificate in Recruitment Practice will have already gained 120 credits at Level 1, and will be able to progress directly to the second year of the course.

Graduates who have achieved at least a Lower Second degree within the last five years will be able to do a postgraduate diploma/MA.

The course, which costs about £1,200 a year, can be started at any time of the year.

The REC had to have the degree approved by a panel of independent experts at the university.

“We were certainly put through our paces by the university,” said REC managing director Gareth Osborne. “At this stage, we would have been happy with 20 people starting the course.”

Anna Kyprianou, HR management academic chair at the university, says the course has a strong focus on work-based learning.

“It isn’t a taught programme. We would negotiate a programme with the employer, which can focus on specific work-based projects and research,” she said.

Ian Peters, group managing director of executive search and consulting firm CNA International, believes the degree is a welcome development for the industry.

“The performance and standards of the next generation of recruiters can only improve as a result, and I would be eager to recruit from such a talent pool,” he said.

“Far too many business managers lack strong decision analysis skills. Soft skills are important, but so is academic rigour.”