Program Overview

Program Overview

The MSc Human Resource Management course at the University of Birmingham emphasizes responsible business, decent work, and exemplary people management. It prepares students to lead with integrity and impact, engaging them in critical thinking and equipping them to promote good people management ideas and practices in workplaces and wider society.

Accreditation

The MSc HRM programme is accredited by the Chartered Institute of Personnel and Development (CIPD) and offers CIPD student membership and access to extensive resources.

Course Highlights

• Gain critical insights into people management and employment relationships within a comprehensive national and global context.
• Birmingham Business School hosts a leading research-led HRM teaching group and the Work Inclusivity Research Centre (WIRC).
• Modules cover theory and practice with guest speakers and practical exercises, as well as research-led academic insights and perspectives.

Course Delivery

The Human Resource Management Masters degree includes a wide variety of learning and teaching methods, such as:

• Taught modules, including lectures, seminars, class discussions, readings, case studies, media, and invited guest speakers.
• Assessments, including formal exams, essays, group work, and oral presentations.
• Dissertation Project, where students have the opportunity to work with industry partners using real data to address a problem or opportunity facing a real company or to undertake a standard academic dissertation.

Module Information

The course comprises 180 credits, taught through a series of 20 credit modules and a 60 credit Dissertation. Students will study five core modules and choose one optional module.

Core Modules

• Human Resource Development (20 credits, Semester 1)
• Human Resource Management and Ethics at Work (20 credits, Semester 1)
• International Perspectives on Employment Relations (20 credits, Semester 1)
• International Human Resource Management (20 credits, Semester 2)
• Managing Equality and Diversity (20 credits, Semester 2)
• HRM Dissertation incorporating Research Methods (60 credits, Full Term)

Optional Modules

Students must choose one of the following options available in semester 2:

• Leadership Development (20 credits, Semester 2)
• Managing Work and Organisation (20 credits, Semester 2)
• The Future of Work (20 credits, Semester 2)

Teaching Staff

The Programme Director is Dr. Michel Goyer, a Senior Lecturer at Birmingham Business School, University of Birmingham.

Entry Requirements

To gain a place at Birmingham, students will need to meet the general entry requirements, as well as those specific to the course. The application will be reviewed by the course’s Admissions Tutor.

• 2:1 Honours degree or postgraduate diploma from a UK university (or overseas equivalent).
• English language requirements: IELTS 6.5 with no less than 6.0 in any band.

Fees and Scholarships

• The tuition fee for 2026 entry is £17,460 for full-time students.
• The University offers a range of scholarships, including the Birmingham Business School Masters Scholarships and the Birmingham Masters Scholarships.

Application Process

The application deadline for UK and non-visa requiring applicants is 28 August 2026. Students can apply online and will need to submit their application and supporting documents.

Career Opportunities

Graduates will be well-placed to take up key HRM and employment relations positions. Employers have included TotalEnergies, BP, Tiktok, Ramboll, Novartis, Randstad, Siemens, Deloitte, Honeywell, and Shakespeare Martineau LLP.

Related Courses

• Management MSc
• Human Resource Management (Dubai) MSc
• Master of Business Administration (Full-time, UK)

Student Experience

At Birmingham, students will have the opportunity to discover new experiences, develop different skills, and make friends for life. The University offers a range of accommodation options, exciting activities to get involved in outside of studies, and all the support and advice needed.