(Full time) 2022 start
Data Analytics and Human Resource Management MSc

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
Developed with employers and HR analytics professionals, this innovative course provides you with an in-depth, critical understanding of strategic human resource management alongside the principles and concepts underpinning statistics and data analytics. Critically, you will gain a practical understanding of how these principles and concepts can be applied in the field of HR and people management.
The course will develop your skills in ‘data translation’. You will learn how to identify people-related business problems, understand how analytics can provide solutions for these problems, and identify and explain actionable insights. Delivered by highly qualified teaching staff with extensive research expertise and consultancy experience in the field of HR analytics, you will gain knowledge and understanding of advanced HRM concepts.
Academic excellence
The course draws on cutting edge research into the use of data and analytics in HR being developed at the Leeds Institute for Data Analytics (LIDA).
Course content
There are three core pillars to the taught part of the course: the theory and practice of strategic HRM; the principles of statistics and data analytics; and the application of data analytics to HR problems. You will study these three core areas, as well as being able to choose from several optional modules to suit your interests.
In strategic HRM, you will think about how organisational strategy and context shape what might be considered ‘good HR’ in functional areas like workforce planning, recruitment and selection, training and development and pay and performance management.
In data and statistics for people analytics, you will study how these principles can be applied in HR. The teaching approach is non-technical with learning through doing. We focus on teaching you to understand and apply statistics and data science to solve problems in an organisational context.
In the study of people analytics, you will bring together the knowledge you have gained to think about how analytics can be applied to identify and address specific HR problems faced by organisations.
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
- Strategic Human Resource Management 30 credits
- People Analytics: Strategy and Practice 30 credits
- Data Analytics for Human Resources 30 credits
- Human Resources Analytics Project 60 credits
Optional modules (selection of typical options shown below)
- Sustainable Futures: Climate Change, the Environment and Business 15 credits
- Sustainable Futures: Climate Change, the Environment and Business 30 credits
- Employment Law 30 credits
- Global Perspectives on HRM and Employment Relations 30 credits
- Diversity Management 30 credits
- Change Management and Communication 15 credits
- Creating Effective Data Visualisations 15 credits
- Digital Information and Organisations 15 credits
Learning and teaching
We use a variety of teaching and learning methods to help you make the most of your studies. These will include lectures, seminars, workshops, online learning and tutorials. Some modules also include hands-on computer workshop sessions.
Independent study is also vital for this course allowing you to prepare for taught classes and sharpen your own research and critical skills. Our Virtual Learning Environment will help to support your studies: it’s a central place where you can find all the information and resources for the School, your course and modules.
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, which include 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) or equivalent, usually in business, management or the social sciences.
Quantitative skills are desirable but not essential. A willingness to engage with quantitative materials is required. Those with a degree in a non-business/social science subject will be considered on an individual basis.
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).
We are now offering online pre-sessionals alongside our on-campus pre-sessionals. To find out more, read Online Academic English pre-sessional (10 weeks) and Online Academic English pre-sessional (6 weeks).
Read about differences between our online and on-campus summer pre-sessionals.
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’ll 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
University of Leeds Taught Admissions Policy 2022
Fees
- UK: £14,250 (total)
- International: £25,750 (total)
Read more about paying fees and charges.
For fees information for international taught postgraduate students, read Masters fees.
Additional cost 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
Leeds University Business School is offering more than 50 half fee Excellence Scholarships to UK and international students starting one of our Masters courses in 2022. These scholarships will be awarded to particularly deserving applicants who demonstrate excellent academic, professional and personal achievements.
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 career in global human resource management with the opportunity to specialise in the rapidly developing area of HR analytics.
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.
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.
Read more about our careers and professional development support.
The University of Leeds Careers Centre also provides a range of help and advice, even after you graduate.