Program Overview

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MSc Human Resource Management

Overview

The MSc Human Resource Management is a postgraduate course that prepares students for advanced study and a career in HR management. The course is approved by the Chartered Institute of Personnel and Development (CIPD) and is designed to provide students with the knowledge, skills, and professional standing required to succeed in HR management roles.

Course Description

The course is made up of three stages: Postgraduate Certificate, Postgraduate Diploma, and MSc. Students will study modules such as Developing Professional Practice, Human Resource Management in an International Context, Leading, Managing and Developing People, International Resourcing and Talent Development, Advanced Diversity and Inclusion, and Strategic Employment Relations.

Study Options

• Full-time: 1 year (Masters only)
• Part-time: 2 years (Masters and top-up)

Fees

• UK fee: £9,720 for the full course (2025/26)
• International fee: £16,900 for the full course (2025/26)

Start Dates

• September
• January

Location

• Derby Campus

Course Highlights

• Gain vital career development skills and improve professional status
• Gain specialist knowledge, confidence, and professional standing
• Build confidence and skills in developing HRM strategies, policies, procedures, and change programs
• Tailor assignments and reports to own workplace for immediate value and impact
• Gain either a Postgraduate Diploma or a full Masters qualification
• Top up existing qualifications in HRM or HRD to a full Masters degree with just one year of flexible part-time study

Accelerate Your Career Development

The course puts students on the fast track to a qualification that raises professional standing and improves career prospects. It fully prepares students to meet the CPD requirements of the HR profession.

HRM from a Business Perspective

The course emphasizes how HR strategies and decisions have an important and lasting impact on the performance of organizations. It sets the HRM specialism firmly within the broader field of business, management, and corporate strategy.

Professionally Approved

The course is a stepping stone towards Chartered Membership of the CIPD. This can advance career further, opening doors to promotion, a higher salary, and an increased range of job opportunities.

Deliver Genuine Business Impact

All assignments and reports reflect real-world scenarios and are usually based on own workplace practice and experiences. By investigating current business issues from a HRM perspective, students can add substantial value to their organization as they work towards their qualifications.

Build Your Networks

The course invites figures from industry to share their knowledge with students. Students will also be invited to masterclasses and guest lectures delivered by influential thinkers.

Chart Your Career Path

Career development planning is at the heart of the course. Students will be fully prepared to meet the continuing professional development (CPD) requirements of their profession.

Diverse and Supportive

The course attracts a diverse mix of students, including established and aspiring HR practitioners from different age groups and from different roles across the public, private, and charitable sectors.

What You Will Study

The course is made up of three stages: Postgraduate Certificate, Postgraduate Diploma, and MSc.

Postgraduate Certificate

• Developing Professional Practice
• Human Resource Management in an International Context
• Leading, Managing and Developing People

Postgraduate Diploma

• International Resourcing and Talent Development
• Advanced Diversity and Inclusion
• Strategic Employment Relations

MSc

• Independent Study: Research Methods (20 credits)
• Independent Study: Dissertation (40 credits)

How You Will Learn

Students will develop their knowledge through:

• Taught lectures
• Case studies
• Role play
• Debating
• Student presentations
• Enquiry-based learning
• Problem-solving activities
• A significant research project (independent study/dissertation)

How You Are Assessed

For each module, students will be assessed by coursework, scenario, or work-based assignments. At stage three (masters), students will be assessed by their independent study.

Careers

The course can help students progress towards the higher levels of HR management, but because people are a vital component of any organization, it can also help students excel in more general management roles.

Entry Requirements

• A degree of at least a 2:2, or equivalent
• If English is not the first language, students will also need IELTS 6.5 with 5.5 in each skill area
• Relevant work experience

Fees and Funding

• UK full-time fees paid within one academic year are rounded down to the nearest £50 if applicable
• Additional costs and optional extras may apply

Alumni Discount for Derby Graduates

The University of Derby offers a discount on postgraduate course fees for all Derby alumni.

International Student Scholarships

The University of Derby has a range of scholarships and discounts available to international students which can be used together to offer a reduction in tuition fees.

How to Apply

Students can apply directly to the University. Please look at the application deadlines before applying.