Human Resource Management - MSc

The financial performance of an organisation is highly dependent on strong human resource management. Ever-increasing global competition means activities such as recruitment, selection, retention, and training and development are really coming to the fore. Our MSc is for graduates from a range of backgrounds who are looking for a career in this exciting, challenging and influential arena.

Our internationally oriented programme offers a global focus on a range of issues surrounding HRM theory, policy and practice, giving you a comprehensive insight into the practical application of theory. You will leave with a high standard of knowledge and clear understanding of current practical, intellectual and policy changes you are likely to face in your career in HRM.

Course details

The MSc HRM pathway offers a suite of core and elective modules that explore and critically assess relevant and contemporary HRM-related theories and research, giving insight into their practical applications. 

By the end of the programme you will have a high standard of knowledge and understanding of the current practical, intellectual and policy challenges facing practitioners in the field of human resource management. These include:

• The relationship between HRM and business strategy
• The impact of HRM on company performance
• The challenge of developing HRM strategies in an international context
• The implications of new individual and collective employment rights
• Managing change and introducing new forms of work organisation
• Ensuring that employees are equipped with the necessary skills and knowledge.

The programme begins in September and runs for 12 months. Students are required to undertake 120 credits of taught elements and a 60 credit dissertation. You will receive training in research methods so as to enable you to carry out the dissertation, undertaken between June and September. The training will also prepare you for doctoral research, should you choose to continue your studies.

Dissertation

During the course of the year you will undertake a research dissertation on an appropriate topic, to be submitted in September. You'll choose your own topic in consultation with academic staff, usually building on a particular area of interest from one of the taught modules. You'll also work with the guidance of a supervisor in carrying out the research and submitting the final dissertation.

Learning and teaching

The programme begins in September and runs for twelve months on a full-time basis. The first nine months of the programme are spent developing knowledge through taught modules.

In addition, you will receive research training. This will form the basis for your final dissertation, which will be your focus during the last three months of the programme.

The programme is led by Dr Andy Hodder and includes members of staff who are internationally recognised in their fields of expertise. These include:

• Dr Holly Birkett (Admissions Tutor)
• Dr Rory Donnelly
• Dr Geraint Harvey
• Dr Etlyn Kenny

Employability

Strong industry links

We enjoy active and close links with industry and the financial community. Many of our programmes have input from organisations such as GE, Biersdorf and Accenture. Companies such as HSBC, BP, Unilever and Deloitte visit the School to run workshops and business games, ensuring that you have the opportunity to put the theory you have learned into practice.

Particular programmes also offer the ability to obtain first-hand experience in the form of either work placements abroad or UK based consultancy projects with companies such as Jaguar, Aston Villa Football Club and Cadbury.

Careers in Business

Careers in Business is a dedicated service for postgraduate Business School students. We’ll help you in all aspects of your career management, from planning your job-seeking strategies, applying for jobs, preparing for interviews and assessment centres and developing your essential employability skills. At the start of your programme you will receive an email from our team, giving details of how you can access Careers in Business Online. Please get in touch to find out how our Careers in Business team can support you.

Visit the Human Resource Management - MSc page on the University of Birmingham website for more details!