Program Overview

Introduction to the MA Human Resource Management Programme

The Middlesex University Dubai MA Human Resource Management degree is delivered within the Business School. It is designed for recent graduates and working professionals who aim to deepen their expertise and accelerate career progression. The programme focuses on key areas such as managing talent across the employee life cycle, performance management, expatriate management, corporate social responsibility and ethics, and strategy and leadership. Grounded in the Chartered Institute of Personnel and Development (CIPD) professional standards, the course addresses highly relevant topics in people management and development.

Advantages of Studying MA HRM

• Paid CIPD membership throughout the course, offering access to professional resources, networks, and learning tools.
• Study key HRM areas including Talent Management, Global Mobility, HR Analytics, Performance, Rewards, and Organisational Change.
• Learn from experienced academics and practitioners with strong CIPD links and active research expertise in HRM.
• Develop critical thinking, strategic HR capabilities, and research skills through a hands-on, research-informed curriculum.
• Gain insights into both UAE/GCC-specific and global HRM practices to navigate diverse organisational environments.
• Engage in interactive learning via case studies, live projects, industry guest lectures, and professional skills workshops.
• Graduate with eligibility for Associate CIPD membership (Assoc CIPD), boosting regional and international career prospects.
• Prepare for strategic roles in HR consultancy, talent management, employee engagement, L&D, and organisational transformation.

Programme Modules

Compulsory Modules

• Managing Talent through the Employee Life Cycle (30 Credits)
• Performance Management (15 Credits)
• Strategy and Leadership (30 Credits)
• Reward Management (15 Credits)
• HR Data, Metrics and Analytics (15 Credits)
• HR Professional Development (0 Credits)
• Applied Dissertation (60 Credits)

Module Descriptions

Managing Talent through the Employee Life Cycle

This module aims to enable students to critically evaluate the key stages of the employee life cycle within an organisation, including recruitment, selection, onboarding, development (L&D), retention, and exit.

Performance Management

This module aims to give students a critical understanding of contemporary theories, processes, and practices in performance management.

Strategy and Leadership

This module will provide students with a comprehensive understanding of contemporary strategic and management challenges, equipping them with the skills to formulate, implement, and evaluate business strategies in diverse organisational contexts.

Reward Management

This module aims to give students critical insight into reward management practices and their strategic alignment with business and HR objectives.

HR Data, Metrics and Analytics

This module aims to develop students' ability to apply insight-driven people management and development strategies by equipping them with the skills to critically analyse and utilise organisational data effectively.

HR Professional Development

This module will support students in developing self-awareness, interpersonal effectiveness, and key professional competencies essential for successful people management and leadership.

Applied Dissertation

This module aims to develop students' ability to identify and undertake research from a people management and development perspective that will inform current theory and practice.

Programme Content

The MA Human Resource Management programme will prepare students to assess organisations critically, design effective people management strategies, and apply research-driven insights to solve complex business challenges. Through deeply exploring contemporary HR theories, organisational design, and strategic people management practices, students will develop the expertise needed to drive business success.

Course Overview

• Intake: January (PT), September
• Duration: 1 year full time, 2 years part-time
• Course Leader: Dr Nitin Simha Vihari Poluru
• Fees (January - Part-Time): 102,796 (all tuition fees inclusive of VAT)
• Fees (September - Full-Time): 105,878 (all tuition fees inclusive of VAT)

Entry Requirements

• Academic Requirements: A second class honours degree 2:2 or above in an appropriate subject with an applied quantitative element.
• English Language Requirements:
  • IELTS Academic: 6.0 (with 6 in Reading & Writing, min 5.5 in other components)
  • TOEFL Internet-based: 72 (Reading min 18, Writing min 21, Listening min 17, Speaking min 20)
  • Pearson PTE Academic: 59 (with 59 in all components)
  • Dubai Campus MDX Internal English Test: 6.0 (with 6 in Reading & Writing, min 5.5 in other components)

Teaching

Classes are held at the Dubai Knowledge Park campus on weekdays (Monday to Friday) from 6:30pm to 9:30pm. The programme involves a mix of lectures, seminars, and workshops, with an emphasis on interactive and experiential learning.

Work While You Study

Evening classes are designed to fit around a busy lifestyle, making it possible to work during the day while pursuing studies. This flexible schedule allows students to gain valuable professional experience or manage personal commitments alongside academic goals.

Faculty

• Dr Nitin Simha Vihari Poluru: Senior Lecturer in HRM, Campus Programme Coordinator - MA Human Resource Management and Development
• Dr Supriya Kunnath Kaitheri: Associate Professor, Campus Programme Leader - MSc Global Business Management
• Claudia L. Maher: Senior Lecturer in HRM, Head - CIPD Study Centre
• Dr Sheldon Carvalho: Senior Lecturer in HRM & Organizational Behavior
• Michael Cardoso: Senior Lecturer in Leadership Management

Future Career and Employment

The MA Human Resource Management programme equips students with the skills and knowledge to excel across various HR roles. Graduates are well-prepared for careers as HR consultants, managers, advisors, and specialists in rewards, learning and development, and data-driven HRM, across public and private sectors. The programme also provides a strong foundation for further postgraduate study, including doctoral research.