(Full time / Part time) 2021 start
Human Resource Management MA
Coronavirus information for applicants and offer holders
We hope that by the time you’re ready to start your studies with us the situation with COVID-19 will have eased. However, please be aware, we will continue to review our courses and other elements of the student experience in response to COVID-19 and we may need to adapt our provision to ensure students remain safe. For the most up-to-date information on COVID-19, regularly visit our website, which we will continue to update as the situation changes www.leeds.ac.uk/covid19faqs
Overview
This cutting-edge course provides you with an in-depth, critical understanding of contemporary and historical debates in human resource management (HRM). It is designed for those who may want to pursue a career in HRM and includes essential skills for your professional development. It is also relevant to anyone concerned broadly with the management of people in organisations.
With an international focus, the course draws on the leading research of our teaching team and our Centre for Employment Relations, Innovation and Change (CERIC).
You’ll gain essential knowledge to become a HR professional, covering advanced HRM concepts and topics including employment law, employment relations, gender and equality, training and development, and global perspectives on employment relations. There is a strong emphasis on applying this knowledge in practical business environments, with opportunities to work with HR practitioners and companies on case studies, live projects and challenges.
Accreditation
Our MA Human Resource Management is fully accredited by the Chartered Institute of Personnel and Development (CIPD), the only HR institution in the world to recognise HR professionals through chartered membership.
Exemptions
<p>This course will allow you to satisfy the entry requirements for <a href="http://www.cipd.co.uk/membership/" title="Associate membership">associate CIPD membership</a> and <a href="http://www.cipd.co.uk/membership/professional/chartered-member.aspx" title="Chartered membership">chartered CIPD membership</a> (if you have relevant work experience) if you take certain modules and complete an additional chapter in your dissertation.</p>Course content
Across the two taught semesters you’ll study core modules introducing you to the principles and concepts of HRM in different contexts. You’ll think about the economic labour market, social and cultural contexts of HRM and different patterns of people management.
At the same time, you’ll build an understanding of research methodologies to prepare you for your dissertation – an independent research project on a topic of your choice that you’ll submit by the end of the year.
Beyond this, you’ll choose optional modules that allow you to focus on your interests and career intentions. You could gain specialist knowledge in topics such as employment relations, training and development, employment law, occupational psychology, diversity management and many others.
If you choose to study part-time, you’ll study over a longer period and take fewer modules in each year.
The course also provides the opportunity to become an associate or chartered member of the CIPD.
CIPD Pathway
You can choose to enhance your studies by taking an additional professional pathway, which enables you to gain Associate Membership of the Chartered Institute of Personnel and Development alongside your degree. You’ll take specific elements as part of your studies, and also have the opportunity to attend our optional HRM in Practice skills development sessions.
Part of your regular timetable, these practical sessions are taught by professionals with first-hand experience of HRM in the workplace. You’ll gain insight into the challenges you’ll face as a practitioner, whilst learning the behaviours and skills needed to manage them. There’s also the opportunity to practise your skills in a supportive environment, working in small teams with support from an external HR practitioner.
If you choose to gain Associate Membership of the CIPD, your optional modules must include Employment Relations. The other options are your choice.
Course structure
The list shown below represents typical modules/components studied and may change from time to time. Read more in our Terms and conditions.
Modules
Year 1
Compulsory modules
You'll study two compulsory modules and complete your dissertation, as well as another three optional modules. If you choose the CIPD pathway you must choose Employment Relations and EITHER Training and Development OR Gender and Equality at Work in Comparative Perspective, as well as one other option of your choice.
- Human Resource Management Research Methods and Practice 15 credits
- Human Resource Management 30 credits
- Human Resource Management Dissertation 45 credits
Optional modules (selection of typical options shown below)
You'll choose three optional modules. If you take the CIPD pathway, you must choose Employment Relations and EITHER Training and Development OR Gender and Equality at Work in Comparative Perspective, as well as one other option of your choice.
- Occupational Psychology 30 credits
- Training and Development 30 credits
- Employment Law 30 credits
- Employment Relations 30 credits
- People Analytics: Strategy and Practice 30 credits
- Gender and Equality at Work in Comparative Perspective 30 credits
- Diversity Management 30 credits
- Digitalization, Automation and the Future of Work 30 credits
- Sustainable Futures: Climate Change, the Environment and Business 30 credits
Learning and teaching
Our tutors are specialists in their fields. Many are involved in high-profile national and global projects and their work is well-known among policy makers in the UK and overseas.
We use a range of teaching methods so you can benefit from their expertise such as group learning, lectures, seminars and tutorial among others. Independent study is also crucial, allowing you to develop your skills and prepare for taught sessions.
On this course you’ll be taught by our expert academics, from lecturers through to professors. You may also be taught by industry professionals with years of experience, as well as trained postgraduate researchers, connecting you to some of the brightest minds on campus.
Assessment
You’ll be assessed by various methods that allow you to build a broad base of skills, including reflective logs, exams, written assignments and essays, group and individual presentations and reports.
Applying, fees and funding
Entry requirements
A bachelor degree with a 2:1 (hons) usually in a social science subject. Applicants with a degree in another subject will also be considered.
International qualifications
We accept a range of international equivalent qualifications.
English language requirements
IELTS 6.5 overall, with no less than 6.0 in any component. For other English qualifications, read English language equivalent qualifications.
Improve your English
International students who do not meet the English language requirements for this programme may be able to study our postgraduate pre-sessional English course, to help improve your English language level.
This pre-sessional course is designed with a progression route to your degree programme and you’ll learn academic English in the context of your subject area. To find out more, read Language for Human Resource Management (6 weeks) and Language for Business: Human Resource Management (10 weeks).
If you need to study for longer than 10 weeks, read more about our postgraduate pre-sessional English course.
How to apply
Application deadline:
We operate a staged admissions process for this course with selection deadlines throughout the year.
If you do not receive an offer in a particular round, you will either be notified that your application has been unsuccessful, or we will carry your application forward to be considered in the next round.
Please see our How to Apply page for full details and the application deadlines for each stage.
Documents and information you need
- A copy of your degree certificate and transcript, or a partial transcript if you’re still studying
- Two academic references
- A personal statement
- An up-to-date CV
- Your approved English Language test* (if applicable)
- A letter of sponsorship, if you need one.
* Applicants who have not yet completed an approved English language test may apply for a Masters course prior to taking a test.
Read about visas, immigration and other information in International students. We recommend that international students apply as early as possible to ensure that they have time to apply for their visa.
Admissions policy
Leeds University Business School Taught Postgraduate Admissions Policy
Fees
- UK: £12,750 (total)
- International: £24,750 (total)
Read more about paying fees and charges.
Brexit
Visit our Brexit page for the latest information on the effect of the UK's exit from the EU on current students and applicants to the University.
For fees information for international taught postgraduate students, read Masters fees.
Part-time fees
Fees for part-time courses are normally calculated based on the number of credits you study in a year compared to the equivalent full-time course. For example, if you study half the course credits in a year, you will pay half the full-time course fees for that year.
Additional cost information
An additional fee is payable for the CIPD Pathway. This pathway is optional and should you choose to take it you will need to pay an additional fee of £500.
If you choose to become a CIPD member you will also pay a CIPD admission and membership fee. Please visit the CIPD website for the most up-to-date fee information.
There may be additional costs related to your course or programme of study, or related to being a student at the University of Leeds. Read more about additional costs
Scholarships and financial support
We award a range of scholarships to UK, EU and international students. Scholarships are available to candidates who can demonstrate an excellent academic record and show excellent professional and personal skills.
Read more about scholarships awarded by the Business School.
Read more about scholarships available across the University of Leeds.
Career opportunities
This course provides you with the academic knowledge and professional skills needed for a senior-level career in global Human Resource Management. You will develop strong analytical and problem-solving skills, and become a reflective HR professional. The course also offers opportunities if you want to progress to further research studies.
Recent graduates are now working for a range of organisations, including blue-chip multinationals such as Canon, Honeywell, Rolls-Royce and BAE Systems.
As part of the course there is also an opportunity to apply for the HRM Project where you will work closely with a business on a live HRM issue.
Careers support
Our dedicated Professional Development Tutor provides bespoke academic and careers support, helping you develop the skills to successfully progress through your course as well as the employability skills you need for your career.
You can expect guidance on career choices, identifying and applying for jobs, coaching on interpersonal skills and contact with professionals working in HR.
The University's Careers Centre provides help and advice, even after you graduate.
Read more about our careers and professional development support.