Human Resource Management MSc

What you'll study

Our Human Resource Management MSc is designed to give you an advanced understanding of the social science theory and evidence that underpins people management practice, allowing students to meet the knowledge requirements for chartered membership of the Chartered Institute for Personnel and Development.

• Semester 1
• Semester 2
• Summer

Semester 1

HRM: Theory and Practice (15 credits)

HRM: Theory and Practice (15 credits)

This module introduces the major aims and practices of people and HR management and as such introduces many of the topics that will be explored in more depth elsewhere on the course. Topics covered include contemporary perspectives on leadership, flexibility, change management and ethics in people management.

Assessment

Typically this module is assessed by 20% group coursework which includes a written report and presentation / 80% exam, although the university reserves the right to alter this.

Developing Skills for Business Leadership (15 credits)

Developing Skills for Business Leadership (15 credits)

Through problem based learning, this module aims to develop a range of skills that are pivotal to effective management practice, including thinking and decision making skills, interpreting financial information, team-working and interpersonal skills associated with personal effectiveness.

Assessment

Typically this module is assessed by 100% coursework, although the university reserves the right to alter this.

Optional modules (choose two)

Employment Relations (15 credits)

Employment Relations (15 credits)

This module provides insight and understanding into collective and individual approaches to the management of the employment relationship. It examines the role of legislation and regulation in the management of the employment relationship and considers the ethical issues involved.

Assessment

Typically this module is assessed by 30% group coursework / 70% exam, although the university reserves the right to alter this.

Leadership and Performance Management (15 credits)

Leadership and Performance Management (15 credits)

In this module students develop an understanding of key theories of leadership, and the research evidence underpinning these theories. The module also develops an awareness of the key features of the performance management process, with a focus on the application of psychological principles to the measurement and evaluation of work performance.

Assessment

Typically this module is assessed by 100% coursework, although the university reserves the right to alter this.

Work Design, Organisational Change and Development (15 credits)

Work Design, Organisational Change and Development (15 credits)

This module introduces theories and concepts that describe how the work setting activates and influences a number of important psychological processes. It examines the interactions between the wider environments within which organisations function and key issues within work psychology.

Assessment

Typically this module is assessed by 100% group coursework in the form of a presentation, although the university reserves the right to alter this.

Semester 2

Strategic HRM (15 credits)

Strategic HRM (15 credits)

This module aims to develop a strategic perspective on HRM practice, developing the students understanding of how ethical, market environment, technology and other environmental forces shape the practice of HRM.

Assessment

Typically this module is assessed by 30% group coursework / 70% exam, although the university reserves the right to alter this.

Research Methods for HRM (15 credits)

Research Methods for HRM (15 credits)

To prepare students for a dissertation this module covers different research philosophies and theories of knowledge, how to think about and develop research questions, and key quantitative and qualitative methods.

Assessment

Typically this module is assessed by 100% coursework, although the university reserves the right to alter this.

Optional modules (choose two)

Employment Law (15 credits)

Employment Law (15 credits)

This module equips students with an understanding of the principles and operation of UK employment law, with a focus on the practical application of the law in an HR management context.

Assessment

Typically this module is assessed by 20% group coursework / 80% exam, although the university reserves the right to alter this.

Career Development (15 credits)

Career Development (15 credits)

In this module students evaluate a variety of theoretical and practical approaches to understanding the forms that careers take, and the career choices that people make.

Assessment

Typically this module is assessed by 100% coursework, although the university reserves the right to alter this.

Learning, Development and Knowledge Management (15 credits)

Learning, Development and Knowledge Management (15 credits)

Students examine a range of individual-, group- and organisational-level theories of learning, development and knowledge management and consider how they can be applied in practice and how such interventions can be evaluated.

Assessment

Typically this module is assessed by 100% coursework, although the university reserves the right to alter this.

Summer

HRM Dissertation (60 credits)

HRM Dissertation (60 credits)

Students plan research project, guided by one of our expert supervisors, into an agreed topic relevant to employment relations and human resource management. This is an opportunity explore specific interests developed during the programme, or to work on the investigation and solution of a defined business issue or problem.

Assessment

Typically this module is assessed by 100% coursework, although the university reserves the right to alter this.