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.
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
Visit the
Human Resource Management MA
page on the University of Leeds website for more details!
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