| Program start date | Application deadline |
| 2025-06-01 | - |
| 2025-09-01 | - |
| 2026-01-01 | - |
| 2026-06-01 | - |
| 2026-09-01 | - |
Program Overview
MSc Human Resource Management
Overview
The MSc Human Resource Management programme is designed to help students develop their understanding of human resource management practices across various organisational settings, considering how national and international contexts impact people management.
Attendance
- Full-time
- Part-time
Course Duration
- One year
- Two year
Next Enrolment
- June 2025
Introduction
This programme is also available with part-time, evening delivery. See MSc Human Resource Management (part-time, evening) for more details.
Develop your understanding of human resource management practices across a variety of organisational settings, considering how national and international contexts impact people management. Our MSc Human Resource Management programme is highly industry-focussed, designed to help you apply ideas to practice.
- Prepare to become a strategic leader in managing and developing people in international organisations
- Learn to apply theoretical ideas to help solve practical problems in organisational development
- Develop an understanding of the core principles of UK employment law and how to advise your organisation when legal action is anticipated
- Analyse trends in national and international employment
- Evaluate recruitment, selection and induction processes for long term organisational performance
Placement Options
- Options available
- International students accepted
Accreditation
This programme is accredited by the CIPD, the professional body for HR.
Course Details
All About the Course
This programme is worth 180 credits and is block delivered across three trimesters. There will be a mix of 30 credit and 15 credit modules. You will study one module at a time. Teaching is delivered face-to-face with a mix of interactive lectures, workshops, discussions and activities.
During each module, you will be required to complete independent study in your own time. You will have access to online support through the University’s virtual learning environment, Blackboard.
For the final piece of work, you will complete a research-based ‘mini’ project.
"Our Human Resources Management programme has been designed to be current, practically relevant and engaging. This programme will enable students to develop knowledge and enhance professional skills whilst stimulating and developing thinking. Feedback to date suggests that the programme is challenging and enables students to focus on their career goals to become their best future selves." - Vicki Harvey, Programme Lead
Trimester One
- HR Strategy & Practices
- Employment Law
- Leadership & Development
Trimester Two
- Equality, Diversity and Inclusion for HR Practitioners
- Organisational Design & Development
- Technology, Data & Future of Work
Trimester Three
- Research Methods
- Organisational Project
You will choose to complete one of the following options:
- An applied mini dissertation
- An organisational case analysis (secondary data)
- A work-based project (placement)
Please note that it may not be possible to deliver the full list of options every year as this will depend on factors such as how many students choose a particular option. Exact modules may also vary in order to keep content current.
What Will I Be Doing?
Teaching
Our teaching is designed to support your career goals. You will practice global thinking and ethical, responsible and sustainable practices, helping you become a competent leader or manager.
We use various methods to support your learning. Typically, a module includes a mix of activities, such as interactive lectures on specific topics. Your tutor introduces and explains key concepts, which are reinforced through class discussions and case study analysis to help you understand and prepare for assessments. You will be encouraged to share examples from your own work experience. At the start of each module, you will receive an outline of the syllabus and a reading list, which will guide your self-directed study.
Assessment
Your studies will benefit from a range of assessment techniques, giving you and your tutor the opportunity to assess your progress and optimise your learning. Each module will normally include two assessments which will contribute to your final marks. These assessments may be essays, assignments, multiple-choice tests, online tests, group reports or portfolio work. The weighting between exams and coursework varies between modules.
Student Support
Taking the leap from undergraduate study? Returning after a study break? Or joining us as an international student? Whatever your situation, we’re committed to supporting you throughout your studies.
Programme Leader
Vicki Harvey
Vicki is a former training and operations manager in the forensic science sector. Having worked in HR for nearly 15 years, she is an Associate of the CIPD and Fellow of Advance HE. Her areas of academic interest focus on student employability and work-based learning that operate alongside supporting pedagogy, teaching and learning support for Business and Management/HRM within HE.
Employment and Stats
Previous graduates have taken up roles in various private and public sector organisations, including Burberry, Hilti, Morsons, NHS, Peninsula and many more.
If you choose the CIPD pathway, you will have the opportunity to graduate with Associate Member status of the CIPD and become part of the CIPD community.
A human resources officer A senior HR advisor A training and development officer A recruitment manager An office manager And more...
Career Links
You will be encouraged to attend CIPD Manchester Branch events and join meetings of the Manchester Industrial Relations Society. Our course team also maintains excellent relations with local, national and international organisations, commentators and employers.
Our teaching is industry-led, inspired by contemporary practice and developed in partnership with business leaders. Our academics are experts in their field and work closely with industry to ensure that our courses reflect the needs of business and provide our students with that extra edge when it comes to securing a job.
Salford Business School also operates a guest lecture course which allows you the chance to mix with professionals from industry, make connections, set up placements and conduct research.
Requirements
Applicant Profile
This course is designed for graduates with a background of studying business or social sciences, who want to specialise in HRM. You may wish to pursue a career as a human resources practitioner or take on a people-focused position with significant people management responsibilities. You'll develop as a manager of people by learning specialist knowledge and will learn to apply theory to practice.
You'll become a reflective practitioner, capable of furthering your ongoing development to continue to motivate, manage and reward employees to maximise their potential and the support your organisation's success.
English Language Requirements
International applicants will be required to show a proficiency in English. An IELTS score of 6.0 (with no element below 5.5) is proof of this. If you need to improve your written and spoken English, you might be interested in our English language courses.
Standard Entry Requirements
- Undergraduate degree: Normally a minimum 2:2 honours degree or equivalent. A wide range of professional qualifications are also accepted, either in partial or complete fulfilment of entry requirements.
- International students: We accept qualifications from all around the world. Find your country to see a full list of entry requirements.
Alternative Entry Requirements
- Accreditation of Prior Learning (APL): We welcome applications from students who may not have formal/traditional entry criteria but who have relevant experience or the ability to pursue the course successfully.
Fees
| Type of study | Year | Fees |
|---|---|---|
| Full-time home | 2024/25 | £8,550 per year |
| Full-time international | 2024/25 | £16,560 per year |
| Full-time home | 2025/26 | £8,550 per year |
| Full-time international | 2025/26 | £16,560 per year |
| Part-time | 2025/26 | Part-time fees will be calculated on a pro rata basis |
Additional Costs
You should also consider further costs which may include books, stationery, printing, binding and general subsistence on trips and visits. For more information, see our funding section.
International Applicants
If you are applying from overseas and are accepted onto the programme with placement, there will be additional costs associated with visa extensions. These include:
- Extending your student visa fee (visit gov.uk for more information). Please note, this is in addition to your original student visa fee.
- Tier 4 biometrics enrolment fee.
- Immigration Health Surcharge 12 month fee (visit gov.uk for more information).
Visit Immigration and Visa FAQ and read the section on extending your Tier 4 visa for further information.
International Scholarships
If you are a high-achieving international student, you may be eligible for one of our international scholarships.
Program Outline
Degree Overview:
Overview:
This postgraduate program equips graduates with a deep understanding of human resource management (HRM) practices in various organizational settings, considering the global and national contexts impacting people management. The program emphasizes research skills, culminating in a final project focusing on a real-world industry issue and proposing evidence-based solutions. Students can opt for either full-time or part-time studies, with the latter designed for working professionals seeking professional accreditation.
Objectives:
- Prepare graduates to strategically manage and develop people in international organizations.
- Enhance critical thinking and problem-solving skills in an organizational development context.
- Foster understanding of UK employment law and advise organizations facing legal action.
- Analyze trends in national and international employment.
- Evaluate the effectiveness of recruitment, selection, and induction processes for optimal organizational performance.
Program Description:
This program focuses on developing graduates' knowledge and skills in various HR specializations, including talent management, performance management, and reward management. The program prepares graduates to effectively select, motivate, manage, and reward employees to maximize their potential and the organization's potential. Additionally, graduates gain the skills to become reflective practitioners, capable of continuous learning and development.
Outline:
Course Structure:
The program comprises modules totaling 180 credits, delivered across three trimesters. Students focus on one module at a time, with each module involving:
- Eight hours of face-to-face classroom teaching per week for full-time students (six weeks duration).
- Four hours of face-to-face classroom teaching per week for part-time evening students (twelve weeks duration).
- Independent study with online support through the University's virtual learning environment, Blackboard.
Modules:
Semester One:
- HR Strategy & Practices: This module explores the organizational context, macro environment, and development of organizational purpose, goals, and strategies. It focuses on aligning workforce (people management) strategy and approaches with the overall organizational strategy.
- Employment Law: This module provides a comprehensive understanding of employment relations and law, analyzing perspectives from theoretical and behavioral competency viewpoints. It equips students with knowledge and strategies to develop and implement EDI (equality, diversity, and inclusion) interventions in the organizational context. It enables students to develop and utilize such behaviors at personal and organizational levels.
Semester Two:
- Equality, Diversity and Inclusion for HR Practitioners: This module explores the core concepts of equality, diversity, and inclusion from theoretical and practical perspectives.
- Organisational Design & Development: This module focuses on the key factors shaping organizational design and development, exploring historical perspectives and modern trends in re-designing work and workplaces.
Semester Three:
- Research Methods: This module guides students through the research process, focusing on developing skills in research design, literature review, and ethical considerations.
- Organisational Project: This module offers three options:
- Applied mini dissertation
- Organizational case analysis (secondary data)
- Work-based project (placement)
Assessment:
The program utilizes various assessment methods, including:
- Essays
- Assignments
- Multiple-choice tests
- Online tests
- Group reports
- Portfolio work The weighting between exams and coursework varies between modules.
Teaching:
The program employs a blend of teaching methods, including:
- Interactive lectures
- Case study analysis
- Class discussions
- Group work
- Independent study The program is delivered by expert staff, including:
- Dr. Kathy Hartley, Programme Leader
- Dr. Jonathan Lord, Senior Lecturer in HRM&D
Careers:
Graduates of this program can pursue various career paths in HRM, including:
- Human resources officer
- Senior HR advisor
- Training and development officer
- Recruitment manager
- And more...
Other:
- The program is accredited by the CIPD, the professional body for HR.
- The program features a dedicated module on the legal and academic language skills required for HR professionals.
Full-time home 2023/24 £8,550.00per year Full-time international 2023/24 £15,750.00per year Full-time home 2024/25 £8,550.00per year Full-time international 2024/25 £16,560.00per year
