Data Analytics and Human Resource Management MSc

Developed with strong engagement from employers and HR analytics professionals, this innovative course provides you with an in-depth, critical understanding of contemporary debates in strategic human resource management, the principles and concepts underpinning statistics and data analytics and practical application of these principles and concepts in the field of HR and people management.

The course focuses on developing skills of ‘data translation’ – identifying people related business problems, understanding how analytics can be applied to develop solutions for these problems and identifying and explaining actionable insights that result from analytics projects. 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 programme draws on cutting edge research into the use of data and analytics in HR being conducted in the University of Leeds at the Leeds Institute for Data Analytics (LIDA).

There are three core pillars to the taught part of the programme: the theory and practice of strategic HRM; the principles of statistics and data analytics; the application of data analytics to HR problems along with a number of optional modules that students can choose to study.

In the first semester, you will study modules in strategic HRM and data and statistics for people analytics. In strategic HRM, you will think about how organisation strategy and context (technology and industry, labour markets, product markets and national institutions) shape what might be considered ‘good HR’ in functional areas of HR activity 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 statistics and data science can be applied in HR. The teaching approach is non-technical with learning through doing; focused on teaching you to be able to understand and apply statistics and data science to solve problems and draw causal inferences in an organisational context.

In semester two, the people analytics brings together the things you will have learned in semester one to think about how analytics can be applied to address specific strategic HR problems faced by organisations. The module aims to develop your capacity to identify and HR problems using data and analytics and is organised around hands-on computer workshops and seminars where you think about how to explain and take action based on the analyses conducted in the workshop.

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

Learning and teaching

Our lecturers and professors include specialists in the field of HR analytics. Their research has shaped the CIPD’s professional standards for HR analytics in the UK and more widely, and they work with a number of organisations researching and influencing the development of their HR analytics capabilities.

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, which include exams, written assignments and essays, group and individual presentations and reports.

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).

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.

Apply

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

Leeds University Business School Taught Postgraduate Admissions Policy

Fees

• UK: £13,750 (total)
• International: £25,750 (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.

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

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.

This course provides you with the academic knowledge and professional skills needed for career in global Human Resource Management with the opportunity to specialise in the rapidly developing area of analytics in HR. 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.