Masters Degrees (Labour)

Who is this programme for?:

The programme is for students who want to analyse and work on social change for the working poor in developing countries. It is highly relevant to anyone working or intending to work on labour and labour-related social movements in development agencies and NGOs, labour and solidarity movements, corporate social responsibility initiatives, and to activists in both developed and developing countries. We welcome students with a strong background in the social sciences in their first degree, as well as practitioners and professionals working in the areas of development, labour and employment relations, social movements and other related fields.

A unique Programme

This innovative new programme offers students the opportunity to study labour conditions and relations, social movements of labour and their contributions to development processes and changes in the South. It is the first and only MSc programme in the UK dedicated to Labour, Social Movements and Development. It provides a critical examination of the links between labour, capitalism, development and poverty. It investigates labour in contemporary social and economic development of the South as well as classic and newly emerging social movements of labour in local, national and international spaces. Students will also have the opportunity to experience labour campaigns and policy-making in practice by participating in our interactive sessions on designing and implementing international, regional and national labour campaigns and policies. The MSc draws on the expertise of Department of Development Studies staff in labour, social movements and development in Latin America, Africa and Asia, and on our contacts within such movements, as well as with NGOs and international organisations.

The MSc in Labour, Social Movements and Development explores different theories and methods for the study of the working poor in the South, and offers a critical examination of the links between labour, capitalism, development and poverty, and of the role of social movements and international initiatives for labour.

Highlights include:

- Labour process and organisations: development trajectories and divisions in the South

- A comparative history of labour and social movements in countries such as China, Korea, India, South Africa, Brazil and the Middle East

- Corporate Social Responsibility Initiatives, codes of conduct and anti-sweatshop campaigning

- The impact of neoliberalism and globalisation on workers in the South

- Informalisation of labour, casualization and precarious work

- Feminisation of labour

- The worst forms of exploitation: forced labour and child labour

- Rural labour, migrant labour and labour in Export Processing Zones

- Household and reproductive labour

- The International Labour Organisation, international labour standards and decent work

- Practices and theories of local, national and international labour campaigns.

The unique regional expertise at SOAS allows students of the MSc in Labour, Social Movements and Development to specialise in some of the most dynamic parts of the developing world. The programme’s emphasis on transferable analytical skills will be of great benefit to graduates who return to, or take up, professional careers in international organisations, government agencies and non-governmental organisations and movements. Students also benefit from the wide range of modules on offer, both within the department and across the School, allowing them to create individualised interdisciplinary programmes.

The department has a Labour, Movements and Development research cluster (http://www.soas.ac.uk/development/research/labour/) which carries out research activities linked to labour, social movements and development.

Visit the website http://www.soas.ac.uk/development/programmes/msc-labour-social-movements-and-development/

Structure

- Overview
There are four main components to this degree: three taught modules and a 10,000 word dissertation. All students take a core module, Labour, Social Movements and Development. They then select one of two further modules: Political Economy of Development or Theory, Policy and Practice of Development. Through these modules students build their analytical skills and knowledge of the main issues and debates in Development Studies.

- Specialisation
Students also take optional modules (one full unit module or two half-unit modules), allowing them to specialise in particular areas of development and potentially to develop a dissertation in a related theme. By tying these to their individual dissertation topic, students design their degree to suit their own interests and career development goals.

Students should be aware that not all optional modules may run in a given year. Modules at other institutions are not part of the approved programme structure.

Programme Specification

Programme Specification 2015/16 (pdf; 79kb) - http://www.soas.ac.uk/development/programmes/msc-labour-social-movements-and-development/file101781.pdf

Materials

- SOAS Library
SOAS Library is one of the world's most important academic libraries for the study of Africa, Asia and the Middle East, attracting scholars from all over the world. The Library houses over 1.2 million volumes, together with significant archival holdings, special collections and a growing network of electronic resources.

Teaching & Learning

Modules are taught by a combination of methods, principally lectures, tutorial classes, seminars and supervised individual study projects.

The MSc programme consists of three taught modules (corresponding to three examination papers) and a dissertation.

- Lectures

Most modules involve a two hour lecture as a key component with linked tutorial classes.

- Seminars

At Masters level there is particular emphasis on seminar work. Students make full-scale presentations for each unit that they take, and are expected to write papers that often require significant independent work.

- Dissertation

A quarter of the work for the degree is given over to the writing of an adequately researched 10,000-word dissertation. Students are encouraged to take up topics which relate the study of a particular region to a body of theory.

Employment

A postgraduate degree in Labour, Social Movements and Development from SOAS provides graduates with a portfolio of widely transferable skills sought by employers, including analytical skills, the ability to think laterally and employ critical reasoning, and knowing how to present materials and ideas effectively both orally and in writing. Equally graduates are able to continue in the field of research, continuing their studies either at SOAS or other institutions.

An MSc in Labour, Social Movements and Development is a valuable experience that provides students with a body of work and a diverse range of skills that they can use to market themselves with when they graduate.

For more information about Graduate Destinations from this department, please visit the Careers Service website (http://www.soas.ac.uk/careers/graduate-destinations/).

Find out how to apply here - http://www.soas.ac.uk/admissions/pg/howtoapply/

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Overview

This new MA programme offers students the opportunity to develop expertise in the field of work and employment studies. Students will benefit from access to leading academics in political economy and labour market analysis, a creative problem-solving approach to research, an international field trip and internship opportunities on a competitive basis.

Course Structure

Modules include Political Economy, Work: Future and Trends, Labour Market Policy and quantitative and qualitative research methods.

Career Options

This course will be of interest to people involved in or aspiring to work in a career in social or public policy making, labour market analysis, trade unionism and workers rights organisations, social entrepreneurship and local and national government programmes.

How To Apply

Online application only http://www.pac.ie/maynoothuniversity

PAC Code
MHY52 MA Sociology (Work, Labour Markets and Employment)

The following information should be forwarded to PAC, 1 Courthouse Square, Galway or uploaded to your online application form:
Certified copies of all official transcripts of results for all non-Maynooth University qualifications listed MUST accompany the application. Failure to do so will delay your application being processed. Non-Maynooth University students are asked to provide a copy of their birth certificate or valid passport, two academic references and official transcripts. A personal statement is required. This should include any information that you consider relevant to your interest and ability in the MA in Sociology.

Find information on Scholarships here https://www.maynoothuniversity.ie/study-maynooth/postgraduate-studies/fees-funding-scholarships

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The University of Bristol LLM offers a variety of possibilities to study law at an advanced level and the opportunity to specialise in particular areas. There are a number of specialist programmes enabling you to study a set of related units that, together, provide a more in-depth knowledge and understanding of those themes. Alternatively, you can opt for a broader and more general set of unit choices. In all cases, you are encouraged to explore at a deeper level your chosen areas of law and to see how those legal fields operate in different contexts, considering the relevant issues theoretically and practically and from a range of perspectives.

We offer an exciting and stimulating set of degree programmes, each of which prepares you for many different possible careers. If you have an interest in studying law at a level beyond your undergraduate degree and are seeking to enhance your analytical, research and legal writing skills, you will find Bristol’s LLM to be a challenging and rewarding experience.

We have a large and vibrant international community and University of Bristol LLM students benefit from small class sizes taught by world-leading experts.

The Labour Law and Corporate Governance LLM offers a range of units for those wishing to specialise in employment and company law matters. It provides an opportunity to study both employment and company law aspects of modern business comprehensively.

Programme structure

Part one - You may study four units from the following list, or three units from the following list with a further unit chosen from any of the other LLM programmes:
-Company Law
-Corporate Governance in the UK and US
-Global Perspectives on Corporate Governance
-Individual Employment Rights
-International Corporate Finance
-International Law of Labour and Welfare Rights
-Legal Perspectives on Sustainability
-Migration and Work
-The Law and Policy of Mergers and Acquisitions

Assessment is by examination and/or essay. Please view our programme catalogue for further information on the course structure and units available. Please note that unit choices are subject to change depending on staff availability.

Part two - In the spring term, you will choose a dissertation topic within the field of labour law for approval by the Law School. After passing part one, you start work on your dissertation for submission by September. You must pass both parts to obtain an LLM and may not proceed to part two until you have passed part one.

Careers

The LLM programme provides a solid foundation for a wide variety of legal careers. Graduates from this programme may go on to careers ranging from commercial lawyers to human resources specialists.

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Master of Science (Management) Human Resource Management & Labour Relations Major

Learn the science behind successfully managing people in organizations. The field as a whole uses rigorous qualitative and quantitative methods to examine the employment relationship from beginning to end. You can choose to study what motivates and inspires, or what can go wrong and why. As you develop your project you will work one-on-one with our faculty who have research expertise in areas such as leadership, human behaviour, employee engagement, work attitudes, ethics, social justice, social influence, labour law, and workplace health.

Why study at the University of Lethbridge?

As a graduate student at the University of Lethbridge, you’ll find yourself at the centre of a student-focused environment that nurtures innovation, critical thinking and creativity.

The University of Lethbridge is one of Canada’s top-ranked universities and leading research institutions.

At the foundation of our graduate programs is a multidisciplinary and personalized experience. A collaborative environment is encouraged between faculty and students. This means you have flexibility in decisions regarding the research and learning path you take.

At the U of L, we are committed to helping every one of our students thrive. From aiding with financial support to one-on-one mentorship to individualized career advice, you’ll find support every step of the way.

When you graduate, you will have the confidence you need to succeed in whatever you do, whether that means pursuing further education, teaching in an academic setting or establishing a professional career.

We’re here to help as you find the answers to your questions. As Alberta’s Destination University, the U of L gives you room to think, create and explore, providing a university experience unlike any other.

How to apply

In order to apply, you will need to provide the following documentation:

• Academic Transcripts
• Curriculum Vitae
• Three Letters of Reference
• Letter of Intent
• English Language Proficiency (ELP)

All applications and supporting documents must be provided through the online portal: https://www.uleth.ca/future-student/graduate-studies/apply

Funding

Find information on Scholarships here http://www.uleth.ca/graduate-studies/award-opportunities

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The Master of Labour Law & Relations (MLLR) equips candidates with fundamental knowledge in areas such as the principles governing the employment relationship, collective bargaining, industrial conflict, and statutory regulation of wages and conditions.

The course is highly sought-after and merges the expertise of the Sydney Law School with the Discipline of Work & Organisational Studies (part of the Sydney Business School). The MLLR is open to candidates with relevant degrees in other disciplines who wish to specialise in employment and industrial law. The course attracts accountants and human resources professionals as well as legal practitioners and related professionals working in workplace relations.

To ask a question about this course, visit http://sydney.edu.au/internationaloffice/

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This intensive one-year programme provides a flexible and attractive set of units to those interested in applied research. Exit degrees, based on optional units taken, provide a distinct choice of academic route for those who are interested in a research career, as well as those who want further training at postgraduate level but do not intend to become academic researchers.

The School of Economics, Finance and Management has an international reputation for research excellence. Faculty members in the school regularly publish in top international journals and the school is expanding following substantial recent success in research funding applications.

Programme structure

Core units - The programme starts with four compulsory units in the first term:
-Microeconomics
-Macroeconomics
-Econometrics
-Applied Economics

Optional units - Four units are taken in the second term. This is where you shape your exit degree based on choices from the 11 available units. The four available exit degree titles are:
-MSc Economics
-MSc Economics (Macroeconomics)
-MSc Economics (Microeconomics)
-MSc Economics (Economic Policy)

Each exit degree has a unique structure as follows:
-MSc Economics
You can choose any of the option units from the listing.
-MSc Economics (Macroeconomics)
You must take Further Macroeconomics plus three units from: Further Econometrics, Banking, Derivatives, Behavioural Finance.
-MSc Economics (Microeconomics)
You can take four units from: Labour Economics, Health Economics, Education Economics, Development Economics, Further Econometrics, Banking.
-MSc Economics (Economic Policy)
You must take Programme Evaluation and Policy Experiments plus two units from: Labour Economics, Health Economics, Economics of Education, Development Economics.

The full list of units:
-Banking
-Behavioural Finance
-Derivatives
-Development Economics
-Economics of Education
-Further Econometrics
-Further Macroeconomics
-Health Economics
-Labour Economics
-Policy Experiments
-Programme Evaluation

Unit availability is subject to staffing and timetable constraints. Please note: the number of available places on some units may be capped.

Dissertation
There will be a dissertation element for all of the above programmes. You will apply appropriate technical, methodological and intellectual skills that have been developed over the programme to a piece of applied research devised in consultation with a supervisor.

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The SOAS LLM degree is a postgraduate qualification for those who hold an undergraduate degree in law.

A specialist LLM in International Economic Law will be of interest to those who wish to focus on legal aspects of international economic activity.

Students following the SOAS International Economic Law LLM are immersed in one of the youngest and most dynamic fields of international legal theory and practice.

The questions they confront are difficult, urgent and compelling:
- When we regulate international trade, do we sometimes do more harm than good?
- What impact do bureaucracy and corruption have on foreign investment levels?
- What might international institutions do to prevent a future global economic crisis?
- What changes are China and India bringing to international economic law?
- What is the impact of economic liberalization on labour law and social welfare ?

Visit the website http://www.soas.ac.uk/law/programmes/llm/llminteconlaw/

Duration: One calendar year (full-time)
Two, three of fours years (part-time, daytime only)
We recommend that part-time students have between two-and-a-half and three days a week free to pursue their course of study.

Structure

Every student will be required to take modules equivalent to four (4.0) full units. Students who wish to graduate with a specialised LLM are required to take at least three (3.0) of the four (4.0) units within their chosen specialism, including the dissertation. The assessment of one of the chosen full units (within the LLM specialism) will be by means of a 15,000 word dissertation. The fourth unit can be chosen from either the general Law Postgraduate Modules or the following modules associated with the International Economic Law specialisation:

Please note: Not all modules listed will be available every year. Please see the individual module page for information

Full Module Units (1.0):
Banking Law - 15PLAC105 (1 Unit)
Comparative Commercial Law - 15PLAC175 (1 Unit)
International and Comparative Copyright Law: Copyright in the global village - 15PLAC115 (1 Unit)
International and Comparative Corporate Law - 15PLAC116 (1 Unit)
International Commercial and Investment Arbitration - 15PLAC153 (1 Unit)
International Labour Law and Equality Rights - 15PLAC169 (1 Unit)
International Trade Law - 15PLAC120 (1 Unit)
Law and International Inequality: Critical legal analysis of political economy from colonialism to globalisation - 15PLAC131 (1 Unit)
Law of International Finance - 15PLAC135 (1 Unit)
Law of Islamic Finance - 15PLAC159 (1 Unit)
Multinational Enterprises and the Law - 15PLAC140 (1 Unit)
Law and Natural Resources - 15PLAC126 (1 Unit)

Half Module Units (0.5):
EU Law in Global Context - 15PLAH051 (0.5 Unit)
Foundations of Comparative Law - 15PLAH031 (0.5 Unit)
Foundations of International Corporate Law - 15PLAH059 (0.5 Unit)

Dissertation (1.0):
The dissertation module unit forms part of the required three (3.0) units within the chosen LLM specialism. Please see the dissertation module units below. You will need to attend the teaching on the module and then submit a dissertation in place of the module method of assessment.

Banking Law - 15PLAD105 (1 Unit)
Comparative Commercial Law - 15PLAD175 (1 Unit)
International and Comparative Copyright Law: Copyright in the global village - 15PLAD115 (1 Unit)
International and Comparative Corporate Law - 15PLAD116 (1 Unit)
International Commercial and Investment Arbitration - 15PLAD153 (1 Unit)
International Labour Law and Equality Rights - 15PLAD169 (1 Unit)
International Trade Law - 15PLAD120 (1 Unit)
Law and International Inequality: Critical legal analysis of political economy from colonialism to globalisation - 15PLAD131 (1 Unit)
Law of International Finance - 15PLAD135 (1 Unit)
Law of Islamic Finance - 15PLAD159 (1 Unit)
Multinational Enterprises and the Law - 15PLAD140 (1 Unit)
Law and Natural Resources - 15PLAD126 (1 Unit)

Faculty of Law and Social Sciences (L&SS)

Welcome to the Faculty of Law and Social Sciences at SOAS. The faculty is the largest in the School in terms of student and staff numbers and consists of the departments of Development Studies, Economics, Financial and Management Studies, Politics and International Studies and the School of Law, as well as the Asia-Pacific Centre for Social Sciences, the Centre for Gender Studies, the Centre for International Studies and Diplomacy, the Centre of Taiwan Studies and a number of department-specific centres. All five departments offer undergraduate programmes, and all but Finance and International Management offer joint undergraduate degrees which can be combined with other disciplines from across the School. Each department also offers a range of masters-level programmes with a regional or disciplinary specialism, as well as a postgraduate research programme. The range of course options and combinations is one of the most distinctive characteristics of studying at SOAS and all students are given the option of studying an Asian or African language, either as part of or on top of their degree.

Staff in the faculty come from all over the world and combine regional knowledge with disciplinary specialisms. Teaching draws heavily on academic staff’s individual research which allows the faculty to maintain a large portfolio of courses, often exploring cutting-edge issues. Many faculty members have played a significant part in public debates and policy-making in relation to Asia and Africa. Academics in the faculty are regularly consulted by governments, public bodies and multilateral organisations including the United Nations and the World Bank, the Asian Development Bank, European Commission, DFID and other country-specific organisations and NGOs.

Find out how to apply here - http://www.soas.ac.uk/admissions/pg/howtoapply/

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Our MA in International Slavery Studies is one of the few programmes in the world to offer students the chance to study forced labour and slavery in a wide variety of past and present contexts. Your seminars, research and tutorials will range broadly, challenging you to analyse historical forms of slavery, to critique modern responses to human trafficking, to evaluate the legacies and memorialisation of slavery in contemporary society, and to apply critical and literary theories to surviving representations of slavery.

Drawing expertise from researchers across the University of Liverpool, students will benefit from our unique relationship with the International Slavery Museum. You will work with the Museum’s staff to study the commemoration and memorialisation of slavery, while the broader MA programme is a flagship activity for the Centre for the Study of International Slavery – a successful venture between the Museum and the University. As members of the Centre, students will meet the international cast of visitors who speak in our seminar series, presenting cutting edge research for criticism and debate.

Probing “slavery” as a category of cultural, legal, political and social analysis, students will confront the realities of un-free labour and asserted human ownership in ancient, modern and contemporary societies. However, there is plenty of potential to specialise in the areas and approaches that grab your interest. Besides the four modules concerning slavery, students will select their disciplinary training modules from a wide variety offered by historians, political scientists, literary scholars and other specialists, enabling you to select the right training for your own interests and aspirations.

All teaching takes place in small-group workshops, seminars and tutorials. Assessment tests students’ abilities through research essays, oral presentations and a 15,000 word dissertation, which is intended to be an original work of scholarship and research.

The course will appeal to you whether you want to develop the skills to work in a range of research careers, within the NGO, public and private sectors, to develop your experience in museum, political or campaigning work, or prepare for further academic research with a PhD. The distinctive choice of disciplinary training modules from across those offered in University departments provides the ideal opportunity for students to change direction from their undergraduate specialism or further their existing strengths. In approaching the topic of slavery and forced labour through a comparative, multidisciplinary perspective, this programme provides both variety and the opportunity to specialise in students’ chosen areas.

Why study International Slavery at Liverpool?

Our regular research seminars offer unparalleled opportunities to debate fresh approaches with a programme of renowned international speakers.

The unique partnership between the University and the International Slavery Museum offers students the opportunity to work with the curators of the Museum as they consider how to develop its galleries in the future.

Our library boasts a wide range of resources, many available online, with a particularly strong collection for the study of slavery, abolition and resistance.

This programme is a pioneering opportunity to choose your disciplinary skills training to suit your interests and aspirations, permitting you to pick from a wide variety of literary, historical and social science modules.

Students study two 30-credit core modules and four 15-credit research training modules, culminating in a 60-credit dissertation.

Why History?

Breadth of expertise

The interests of our staff and PhD students are extremely diverse and span the medieval, early modern and modern periods.

Their work encompasses political, social, cultural, economic, military and diplomatic history, across Europe, Africa, Asia, Australia and the Americas.

Active seminar programmes, linked to our research centres and MA programmes, enable staff and postgraduates to present their work and listen to eminent visiting speakers.

These are our on-going seminar series:

Medieval and Renaissance Studies
Eighteenth-Century Worlds
Contemporary Cultural and Social
History
International Slavery
Contemporary History and Policy
New Research (run by our postgraduate students)
Recent conferences and workshops have addressed ‘Religion in the Spanish Baroque’, ‘Text and Place in Medieval and Early Modern Europe’, ‘Re-thinking Post- Slavery’ and ‘British Nuclear Culture’.

Taught programmes that prepare you for future research

By pursuing our programmes you’ll gain the skills and knowledge you need to carry out further research towards a PhD.

Our MA programmes are taught by research-active experts who bring their knowledge of, and passion for, their subjects into the seminar room.

Teaching takes place in small-group seminars or workshops and through one-to-one tutorials, as we believe this leads to the best collaboration between students and staff.

We offer programmes in:-

Cultural History
Eighteenth-Century Worlds
International Slavery Studies
Medieval and Renaissance Studies
Twentieth-Century History
You can also pursue an MRes in History or a vocational Masters in Archives and Records Management.

Support and skills training for PhD students

As a postgraduate research student you’ll receive comprehensive skills from the Graduate School, the Faculty of Humanities and Social Sciences and History Department.

This will equip you with the research skills you need to successfully complete your PhD.

Our PhD programmes place a strong emphasis on independent research and study, culminating in a 100,000-word dissertation. Two supervisors (normally experts in your chosen field) who will advise and support you through the process.

Our commitment to postgraduate students

We welcome enquiries from all postgraduate students interested in studying here and will give you all the academic, practical and pastoral support we can.

Students have a voice here and are represented on the School Postgraduate Committee. There’s also a dedicated staff – student liaison committee to oversee our MA and PhD programmes.

Postgraduate studentships and bursaries are often available.

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The creative industries play a vital role in economic growth worldwide, accounting for some 7% of gross domestic product across Europe, over 11% in the US and up to 17-20% elsewhere. This phenomenal rate of growth provides excellent opportunities for individuals with the skills and background to take up executive roles within the sector. Bringing together three outstanding Schools at Bangor University (Business; Law; Creative Studies and Media), the International Media Management MSc provides students with the intellectual development and training to develop a senior management career in this area. Postgraduate students on this International Media Management MSc will study topics such as Strategic Management, Marketing Strategy, Finance for Managers, Organisations and People, Intellectual Property, Comparative Corporate Law, Labour Law, International Law, Research Methods and Creative Industries, and will undertake a media-focused dissertation designed to investigate and interrogate theory and practice in the creative economies locally and/or globally.

Gold and silver scholarships are available for outstanding applicants to this degree.

Modules you might take include:

Creative Industries: In this module, students will analyse the development of the creative industries globally, whilst also examining more specific case studies within this wider international context. There will be a particular emphasis on the media, and the relevant social, economic and political contexts of the main developments within these industries will also be considered.

Marketing Strategy: This module introduces students to the "fundamentals" of marketing, by illustrating strategies in a wide range of situations, and covering the various schools of thought in marketing, together with relevant analytical models and management practices.

International Strategic Management: This class introduces the language of strategy; exploring the link between strategic and operational management. It discusses strategic management as a core management process, and outlines the dangers of strategic drift; ensuring familiarity with the work of key writers and placing strategic decision making in a culturally defined, dynamic environment.

Organisations and People: This modules provides an integrated analysis of management, organisations and people, developing the conceptual, strategic and practical skills necessary for managers in complex, global organisational contexts, drawing on key issues arising from contemporary research in organisational behaviour (OB) and human resource management (HRM).

Intellectual Property Law: This class equips students with an understanding of the fundamentals of intellectual property law, the definition and scope of copyright; the authorship, ownership, duration and qualification for copyright protection; and the rights of copyright owners and actions for infringement of copyright and the defences to an infringement action.

Comparative Corporate Governance: This module focuses on the law relating to corporate governance including the rights, powers and duties of directors, managers and auditors and the position of stakeholders including employees and the communities in which Companies operate. The initial focus will be on the law as developed in the UK but thereafter a comparative approach will be adopted with consideration of materials from the US, other European Union Member states, East Asia, and China.

Employment Law: This module will discuss fundamental areas of employment and labour law including the employment relationship, contracts of employment, discrimination in employment, health and safety at work, termination of employment, Trade Union recognition, and employee collective action. Thereafter the module will address issues associated with globalization, harmonization, and the facilitation of a flexible Labour market. The initial focus will be on the law as developed in the UK but thereafter a comparative approach will be adopted with consideration of materials from European Union Member states, other common law jurisdictions, and China.

Research Methods: The module equips students with an understanding and critical overview of key methodological issues associated with various types of research enquiry in the Media, Cultural and Creative Industries, in preparation for the dissertation. It addresses conceptual and practical issues in designing research projects, including constructing research questions, choosing appropriate methods, ethics, collecting and analysing data, and writing up.

Masters Dissertation: The dissertation provides students with the opportunity to work with a specialist supervisor in the production of an extended piece of writing. The work will, of necessity, go through a number of stages, and the supervisor will support the student in the effective revision of their work. As well as developing high levels skills in research and presentation, students will also develop important skills of self-management.

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Master's specialisation in Economic Geography

In this Master's specialisation you will study the role of regions as locations for economic activities. Especially with increased competition an optimal interaction between economic activities and the local environment is essential. Think of flows of knowledge, the recruitment and training of employees, relations with suppliers, local governments and the role of environmental and social organisations. In this specialisation you will learn to analyse and understand local developments from a global perspective, focussing on both mainstream and alternative economic practices.

See the website http://www.ru.nl/masters/eg

Career prospects

The Master's specialisation in Economic Geography prepares students for a professional career in government, semi-government, and business. It also provides a stepping stone towards a research career in academia or consultancy. You will be able to apply the scientific insights and the practical skills you have acquired to topics including the development of regions and cities, the marketing of regions and cities, the locational choice of (multinational) companies, and innovation and learning in regions and firms.

Imagine yourself working at the Spatial or Economic Development department of a municipality or a larger city. You could become responsible for labour market policies, the planning of industrial zones, the upgrading of city centres, the attraction of new firms and investments, or for getting European Union funds. Provincial governments and new spatial-governmental entities such as city-regions are also happy to employ economic geographers. The same goes for Ministries: in the Dutch context, you can think of ‘Economische Zaken’, ‘VROM’, ‘Verkeer en Waterstaat’, ‘Binnenlandse Zaken’ and ‘LNV’.

A range of job opportunities is further offered by Chambers of Commerce, Regional Development Agencies, and Innovation Platforms. These institutions provide (starting) entrepreneurs with a wealth of information about rules, subsidies, regional labour markets and innovation policies. Often, they are the nodes in formal as well as informal networks of key actors in a region. It is important to add that governments, employers’ organisations, labour unions and housing corporations are increasingly interested in themes such as immigrant entrepreneurship, the ‘Creative Economy’, and sustainability. Economic geographers are well equipped to work on these socially engaged themes.

Currently, a majority of economic geographers works for consultancy and advisory firms. As a consultant or advisor, you may find yourself writing Strategic Plans for the sustainable development of regions and cities, you may help foreign firms and investors to find a suitable location, or you may assist regional and city governments in getting and managing EU funds (project and process management).

See the website http://www.ru.nl/masters/eg

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IN BRIEF:

• Develop an understanding and critical awareness of key issues in the workplace
• Build on existing management skills to strengthen your personal performance
• Develop a 'career management portfolio'

COURSE SUMMARY

This course is designed for graduates who are new to the labour market. The programme will develop your employability, enterprise skills and professional development. The programme will be focused around practical and real life experience and will enable students to undertake work experience around their chosen career path.

On successful completion of this course, you will be able to:

• Systematically understand the potential challenges and barriers within the labour market, and to adapt problem solving and decision making methods to take account of these unpredictable issues.
• Engage in and take responsibility for critical reflection of their own professional development and to review creatively their approach to managing their career path and progression.
• Apply a range of existing and established career progression techniques or entrepreneurial capabilities through evaluation of current practice and changing labour market requirements to develop a range of advanced techniques that are applicable to their employment circumstances.
• Locate, synthesise and critically evaluate recent / current information from a range of published literature and electronic sources and present this effectively in both oral and written form. Collect and gain a comprehensive understanding of the data, draw conclusions and present findings in the context of published research and primary research to a specialist and non-specialist audience
• Work in partnership with other stakeholders to develop a systematic understanding of the processes which will enhance the effectiveness of managing and leading an organisation.

EMPLOYABILITY

You will gain a highly regarded formal qualification, as well as personal and organisational management skills that will enhance your career prospects. 

On completion of the PG Cert, a number of internships will be available for the students to apply for. These will complement your skills and chosen career path. With many employers increasingly looking for experience as well as academic achievement in candidates for their positions, internships have an increasing importance in gaining a good job.

FACILITIES

Salford Business School is located at the heart of the University’s Peel campus in the newly refurbished Lady Hale Building, and the Chapman Building, offering state-of-the-art facilities for the Business School’s student learning community and just minutes from Manchester city centre. Chapman is a stylish modern space with six lecture theatres equipped with the very latest technology and large screen displays, a series of communal learning and breakout spaces, plus a Fairtrade café with panoramic views across the campus. Lady Hale is the home to all dedicated business school student support including the school office, an employability hub, a base for the Business School society, and several open study spaces. MediaCityUK is a vibrant place in which to live, work, socialise and study. Home to major BBC and ITV departments, the University of Salford and over 80 businesses across the creative and digital sectors, MediaCityUK is recognised as one of the most innovative developments in Britain.

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Economic Policy

The MSc in Economic Policy deals with complex societal issues, with a focus on the role of government policies, ranging from the organisation of care and the provision of social insurance to policies of sustainable growth. You will learn to apply modern economics to questions relating to labour market reform, inequality, the future of education and health care, energy transition and sustainable economic growth.
You will take courses that combine economic theory with socio-economic policy-making in a small group of students representing diverse academic and cultural backgrounds. This diversity helps to create a learning environment that encourages intense discussion and interaction.

Characteristics:
*Analyse topical issues in depth
In order to prepare you fully for the job market, you will explore important topics such as the key concepts of public finance, active labour market policies and sustainable economic growth.

*Pay special attention to questions around sustainable growth and development in public policy
One of the main challenges for the future is how to make the transition to sustainability, not only in terms of use of natural resources, but also with respect to the institutional framework of society, e.g. the tax-and-transfer system and the issue of sustainable finance. The insights of behavioural economics are used to improve public policy decision-making.

*Be part of a small, international community
The high staff-to-student ratio in tutorials encourages close interaction between you, your peers, and your professors and lecturers in this highly international programme.

*Learn from active and experienced professionals
Our tutors and academics have significant professional experience as researchers, advisors and consultants.

"The initial core modules are challenging, but covered important economic theories and techniques. This is built on with constant reference to real-world situations and implications throughout the year, making it all the more engaging. The teaching staff, who are open and extremely proficient in English, have extensive professional experience. Courses didn't just cover economic measurement and analysis, but also policy design, implementation and review."-John Appleton (MSc graduate United Kingdom)

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In today’s global, fast-moving business environment it is often people that determine organisational success. Human Resources Management (HRM) is a strategic, business-focused approach to managing people. HR specialists help organisations achieve success by providing knowledge, expertise and insight into a wide range of HRM activities from talent resourcing and selection, performance management, learning and development, change management and employee engagement. HR can be an exciting, rewarding and challenging career that can take you anywhere in the world.

If you are seeking roles within HR, you may find that employers require a qualification that leads to membership of the Chartered Institute of Personnel and Development (CIPD). This programme is accredited by the CIPD and has been specifically designed to meet the needs of HR professionals wishing to further their career and progress into senior roles.

If you have some experience within the working environment and want to develop your HRM knowledge or have completed an HRM (or related) degree, find out more about the opportunities on offer through the MA in Human Resource Management.

CIPD Membership

The CIPD (Chartered Institute of Personnel and Development) is the professional body for HR and people development which aims to champion better work and better working lives. As a HRM student you will become part of this professional body and on completion of the programme will be able to upgrade your status to a chartered member of the CIPD.

All students are required to enrol as CIPD student members and to remain in membership throughout the duration of the programme.

Subscription fee is payable direct to CIPD and excluded from the course fee. For more information on the fees please refer to the CIPD Website: http://www.cipd.co.uk/

Students will be encouraged to join, support and participate in local CIPD branch activities. These are the Northampton and Milton Keynes/Bedfordshire groups. Although you will, officially, be a member of only one CIPD group, you are welcome to attend any of the group meetings some of which will be delivered by Northants branch as part of the programme.

For more information on the local branch see the Northampton (http://www.cipd.co.uk/local/midlands-area-partnership/northamptonshire/default.aspx) or Milton Keynes/Bedfordshire (http://www.cipd.co.uk/local/bedfordshire-milton-keynes/) websites.

Course content

The aim of this course is to develop you as an HR professional. You will be introduced to specialised knowledge and research evidence giving you an in depth understanding of successful people management in organisations. Perhaps more importantly, you will practice the tools and techniques of strategic and operational HRM giving you practical, insight-driven experience which will help further your career.

The modules on this course are designed to provide you with expert knowledge of distinct HR subject areas together with exposure to contemporary debates, policies and practices, keeping you at the forefront of developments in your field.

You will develop an understanding of HRM within a range of organisational contexts, and you will be equipped with the analytical and diagnostic skills required of HR professionals.

In addition to the modules making up this course you will attend a two day off-site residential at the end of the taught programme focusing specifically on skills development activities. Attendance at the residential is a course requirement and the cost is included in the course fees.

Semester 1

HRM in Context – You will explore HRM in a business context to develop your understanding of the increasingly complex environments HR must work within both inside and external to organisations. This module allows learners to develop analysis skills to facilitate informed choices on which strategies may be most and least appropriate.

Investigating a Business Issue – You will diagnose and investigate a live business issue from a HR perspective, locate the issue within the body of contemporary knowledge, collect and analyse data, derive supportable conclusions and make practical and actionable recommendations for change and enhancement of current practice.

Resourcing and Talent Management – You will evaluate strategies for resourcing and managing talent within the organisation. There is a focus on activities concerned with resourcing the organisation; the practical aspects of recruitment, selection, employee retention and dismissal, and also on the strategic aspects of planning an organisation’s long and short term human resource requirements. This requires analysis of external labour markets and considerations of flexibility, as well as consideration of how internal labour markets may be made more productive and effective.

Performance Management – You will investigate the management of employee performance within the organisation, exploring the evidence that people are a major source of competitive advantage and the challenge of how best to develop and manage people to maximize their performance. You will assess the major systems for enhancing the performance of employees at all levels and advise organisations on the most appropriate methods for managing performance.

Semester 2

Leading Managing and Developing People – You will analyse key factors in leading, managing and developing people for organisational success. Every organisation is made up of individuals whose behaviour, individually or collectively will impact on its ability to succeed. Organisational performance can be enhanced and competitive advantage increased through the strategic management, leadership and development of people. This module enables you to gain an in-depth knowledge of HRM and HRD and to explore major themes from the growing literature and research in this subject area.

Learning and Talent Development – You will develop a critical understanding of the role and influence of a range of contextual factors associated with the design, delivery and evaluation of learning and development in a variety of organisational contexts. You will also explore and evaluate the contribution of learning and talent development strategies and practices in meeting the aspirations, ambitions and objectives of the organization and the individual. This is a seven week module.

Employment Relations – You will develop and reflect upon your knowledge and understanding of Employment Relations from a number of different perspectives. The holistic significance of employment relations within an organisation is emphasised together with the importance of aligning HR policies with business strategy, change processes, employee voice and involvement practices. Good employee relations are important for an organisation’s success in the achievement of its business objectives and for gaining employee commitment to those objectives. Increasing legislation in this area has also brought pressure to develop appropriate managerial strategies to ensure employee commitment to organisational success. This is a seven week module.

Semester 3

Research Methods and Dissertation – In this semester you will work on completing a 16,000 word dissertation. You will undertake this as self-study and you will be allocated a supervisor who will guide and support you through this process. Meetings with your supervisor are not compulsory but are strongly recommended.

At the end of teaching you will undertake a two day residential course that will explore how to put all the skills from the course into developing good HR practices.

Course modules (16/17)

-HRM in Context
-Leading, Managing and Developing People
-Investigating a Business Issue
-Performance Management
-Dissertation and Research Methods
-Resourcing and Talent Management
-Learning and Talent Development
-Employment Relations

Methods of Learning

The learning and teaching style on this course is designed to enable you to take responsibility for your own learning and skills development within a caring environment facilitated by high quality academic support from tutors. You will be introduced to much of the core course content through activities that can be undertaken in your own time, off campus. These will usually be facilitated through the University’s Virtual Learning Environment – a web-based portal where you will be able to participate in learning activities, on-line discussions, reading and reflection. During on-campus sessions, the emphasis will be on participative and interactive activities designed to consolidate and develop your understanding through debate, discussion, role-play and participation in events such as guest speakers and a mock employment tribunal.

The course uses a carefully balanced combination of in-course assignments designed to enrich your learning which include business projects, reflective activities, group work presentation, examinations and a substantial research dissertation

This course usually has a diverse student group and this diversity provides a rich basis for sharing of different experiences and thinking on organisational and people issues. Peer networking and action learning sets will be facilitated and encouraged to maximise the learning to be gained from different student experiences.

Full-time students will take four modules in both Semester 1 and 2, part-time students will take two modules in both Semester 1 and 2.

Each module will require you to attend a three hour workshop per week.

For full-time students, taught sessions will normally be delivered over two days each week. For part-time students, it would normally be one day per week.

To maximise chances of success on this course, we recommend students spend approximately 12 hours a week per module in self-directed study time to prepare for the sessions and complete assignments.

Assessments

Assessment will be undertaken by a range of methods including written assignments, business reports, projects, reflective activities, group work, presentations and examinations.

The 16,000 word Dissertation is a major component of this course and allows students to demonstrate a range of knowledge, skills and insight in their chosen topic area.

Facilities and Special Features

This course is accredited by the Chartered Institute of Personnel and Development (CIPD), Europe’s largest professional body supporting and developing those responsible for the management and development of people within organisations. The MA HRM reflects and incorporates CIPD knowledge and competence requirements. Completing the MA HRM will provide you with the underpinning knowledge required for Chartered CIPD membership. If you have the relevant experience you can then apply for full membership based on your workplace activities and behaviours through the CIPD.

Careers

The MA HRM opens the way for a career in HRM/HRD. The programme provides opportunities for individuals to develop enhanced, specialist, higher level knowledge, skills and leadership capabilities and equips students with enhanced career pathways in the HRM/HRD field within different organisational contexts.

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This coherent, interdisciplinary and applied course examines the rapidly transforming global economy. The changing dynamics of cross-border, trade, finance and labour are fundamentally affecting how developed and developing countries relate to each other. This course will convey to you a variety of analytic perspectives on contemporary issues relating to globalisation, international trade policy, industrial development, and their development consequences.

Aims

-Provide critical insights into different theoretical and inter-disciplinary perspectives on the political economy of globalisation, trade policy dynamics, and industrial development within the wider context of global development strategies.
-Develop the analytical skills of students in critically evaluating and engaging with distinct and cutting edge theoretical frameworks that help shape understanding of global value chains and global production networks and their implications for trade dynamics, industrial and trade policies, firm strategies and labour, social and environmental outcomes.
-Provide an understanding of the relationship of globalisation to economic, political and social asymmetries of development at global, regional, national and local scales.
-Provide an appreciation of the policy issues associated with globalisation, trade and industry and their impacts including insights into the key strategies, policies and practices currently employed by leading public and private policy actors in the global South, prominent international agencies as well as private sector and civil society actors.

Special features

An overseas field visit is an integral part of the programme. The cost of the visit is covered by the course fee. Recent fieldtrip locations have included Uganda, Bulgaria, Ghana, Sri Lanka and India.

Countries to be visited may change their immigration and visa regulations at short notice. We cannot guarantee that where visas are required for the field course, they will be granted. Planning will ensure that, in the unlikely event this occurs, affected students are not academically disadvantaged.

Teaching and learning

Part-time students complete the full-time programme over 27 months. There are NO evening or weekend course units available on the part-time programme, therefore if you are considering taking a programme on a part-time basis, you should discuss the requirements with the Programme Director and seek approval from your employer to have the relevant time off. Timetabling information is normally available from late August from the Programme Administrator and you will have the opportunity to discuss course unit choices during induction week with the Programme Director.

Coursework and assessment

The taught elements of the programme, carrying 120 credits overall is continuously assessed by a variety of methods (project based reports, essays), involving largely individual submissions, but also elements of group work.

Participants must also complete a 12,000-15,000 word dissertation on a topic of their choice approved by the Programme Directors. Students are encouraged to base their dissertations on topics of direct professional concern to themselves.

Career opportunities

This course will prepare you for employment in a range of development-related fields, including research, policy and practice. A wide range of transferable skills will be developed, including analytical and professional skills. Many of our alumni have gone onto careers in public service, the NGO/charitable and private sectors at national and international levels, as policy officers, managers, consultants or development practitioners - while others have pursued further academic study leading to a PhD and academic careers. Since its foundation, the Global Development Institute has trained over 7000 individuals from 170 different countries.

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This cutting-edge course provides you with an in-depth, critical understanding of contemporary and historical debates in human resource management (HRM). It is designed for those who may want to pursue a career in HRM and includes essential skills for your professional development. It is also relevant to anyone concerned broadly with the management of people in organisations.

With an international focus, the course draws on the leading research of our teaching team and our Centre for Employment Relations, Innovation and Change.

You’ll gain essential knowledge to become a HR professional, covering advanced HRM concepts and topics including employment law, employment relations, gender and equality, training and development, and global perspectives on employment relations. There is a strong emphasis on applying this knowledge in practical business environments, with opportunities to work with HR practitioners and companies on case studies, live projects and challenges.

Accreditation

Our MA Human Resource Management is fully accredited by the Chartered Institute of Personnel and Development (CIPD), the only HR institution in the world to recognise HR professionals through chartered membership.

Exemptions

This course will allow you to satisfy the entry requirements for associate membership and chartered membership (if you have relevant work experience) of the Chartered Institute of Personnel and Development (CIPD) if you take certain modules and complete an additional chapter in your dissertation.

Course content

Across the two taught semesters you’ll study core modules introducing you to the principles and concepts of HRM in different contexts. You’ll think about the economic labour market, social and cultural contexts of HRM and different patterns of people management.

At the same time, you’ll build an understanding of research methodologies to prepare you for your dissertation – an independent research project on a topic of your choice that you’ll submit by the end of the year.

Beyond this, you’ll choose optional modules that allow you to focus on your interests and career intentions. You could gain specialist knowledge in topics such as employment relations, training and development, employment law, occupational psychology, diversity management and many others.

If you choose to study part-time, you’ll study over a longer period and take fewer modules in each year.

The course also provides the opportunity to become an associate or chartered member of the CIPD.

CIPD Pathway

You can choose to enhance your studies by taking an additional professional pathway, which enables you to gain CIPD membership alongside your degree. You’ll take specific elements as part of your studies, and also have the opportunity to attend our HRM in Practice skills development sessions.

Part of your regular timetable, these practical sessions are taught by professionals with first-hand experience of HRM in the workplace. You’ll gain insight into the challenges you’ll face as a practitioner, whilst learning the behaviours and skills needed to manage them. There’s also the opportunity to practise your skills in a supportive environment, working in small teams with support from an external HR practitioner.

If you choose to take this pathway, your optional modules must include Employment Relations and EITHER Training and Development OR Gender and Equality at Work in Comparative Perspectives. The third option is your choice. You will also write an additional dissertation chapter about the practical implementation of your findings.

Course structure

Compulsory modules

You’ll study two compulsory modules and complete your dissertation.

• Human Resource Management Research Methods and Practice 15 credits
• Human Resource Management 30 credits
• Human Resource Management Dissertation 45 credits

Optional modules

You can choose three optional modules.

• Occupational Psychology 30 credits
• Training and Development 30 credits
• Employment Law 30 credits
• Employment Relations 30 credits
• Global Perspectives on HRM and Employment Relations 30 credits
• International Employment Policy and Labour Mobility 30 credits
• Gender and Equality at Work in Comparative Perspective 30 credits
• Diversity Management 30 credits
• People Analytics: Strategy and Practice 30 credits

For more information on typical modules, read Human Resource Management MA Full Time in the course catalogue

For more information on typical modules, read Human Resource Management MA Part Time in the course catalogue

Learning and teaching

Our tutors are experts in their fields. Many are involved in high-profile national and global projects and their work is well-known among policy makers in the UK and overseas.

We use a range of teaching methods so you can benefit from their expertise such as group learning, lectures, seminars and tutorial among others. Independent study is also crucial, allowing you to develop your skills and prepare for taught sessions.

Assessment

You’ll be assessed by various methods that allow you to build a broad base of skills, including reflective logs, exams, written assignments and essays, group and individual presentations and reports.

Career opportunities

This course provides you with the academic knowledge and professional skills needed for a senior-level career in global Human Resource Management. You will develop strong analytical and problem-solving skills, and become a reflective HR professional. The course also offers opportunities if you want to progress to further research studies.

Recent graduates are now working for a range of organisations, including blue-chip multinationals such as Canon, Honeywell, Rolls-Royce and BAE Systems.

As part of the course you will have the opportunity to work closely with businesses through a range of live projects and challenges. Read more about opportunities to work with employers.

Careers support

Our dedicated Professional Development Tutor provides bespoke academic and careers support, helping you develop the skills to successfully progress through your course as well as the employability skills you need for your career.

You can expect guidance on career choices, identifying and applying for jobs, coaching on interpersonal skills and contact with professionals working in HR.

Read more about our careers and professional development support

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