MA in Human Resource Management

Program Overview

The MA Human Resource Management program is designed to elevate postgraduate diploma holders to a full MA, preparing them for senior HR leadership roles. It offers flexible learning options, with both on-campus and online modes available. Taught by experienced practitioners and researchers, the program emphasizes research skills and culminates in a dissertation-based Research Project. Graduates are well-prepared for a wide range of career opportunities in HR management, consulting, and strategy.

Program Outline

Degree Overview:

The MA Human Resource Management program is designed for working HR professionals who hold a postgraduate diploma (Level 7, 120 credits). It allows students to top up their qualification to a full MA and prepares them for strategic or senior management roles. The course provides a comprehensive understanding of organizational behavior and design, with a focus on specific areas of HRM research. The program offers flexibility with both on-campus (UK students only) and online study options, allowing students to learn at their own pace and fit the degree into their existing work and home commitments. The program boasts highly experienced HR practitioners and researchers as teaching staff, who are dedicated to supporting students throughout their studies.

Outline:

The program consists of a single module and a dissertation to top up the PG Diploma to a full MA HRM award.

• Taught Modules:
• Critical Investigation Skills:
This module introduces students to organizational theory and research methods, covering research design, data collection and analysis methods, research ethics, and the stages of research. It provides a framework for understanding and researching organizations, equipping students with valuable research skills.
• Research Project: This module involves a self-managed process of systematic inquiry within the domain of the Masters programme.
It focuses on generating high-quality, rigorous, and systematic applied research, with an emphasis on critical reflection on the theoretical and philosophical assumptions underpinning the process alongside the ethics of conducting management research. Students have the flexibility to address a broad issue in HRM or research a specific issue within an organization.

Assessment:

The assessment methods for the program are as follows:

• Critical Investigation Skills: Assessment is through an individual written assignment (3,000 words) and an individual portfolio.
• Research Project: Assessment is through a 15,000-word individual project and a 750-word individual reflective statement.

Teaching:

The program is delivered primarily through a blend of online and on-campus (for UK students) learning.

Teaching Methods:

• Highly structured and user-friendly written lecture and course materials.
• Audio and video podcast materials recorded by course tutors.
• Virtual tutorials, including real-time sessions.
• Discussion forums - student and tutor led.
• Up-to-date web technology for delivery methods.
• Access to the online library.
• Faculty:
• The teaching staff is drawn from the Department of Business and Management within the Business School.
• The program also benefits from guest speakers from business and industry, local government, consultancies, and research bodies.

Careers:

The MA Human Resource Management program prepares students for a range of career opportunities in the HR field, including:

• Management roles
• Consultancy roles
• Strategic HR positions
The program has a high completion rate and is guided by a tutorial team comprising research-active and experienced HR practitioners, providing strong career support and guidance.

Other:

• The program enjoys strong connections with graduates, their employers, and local CIPD (Chartered Institute of Personnel and Development) branch activities, providing networking opportunities.
• An Annual Postgraduate HR Research Conference brings together all these groups, fostering collaboration and knowledge sharing.
• The University keeps in touch with its graduates, monitoring career progression and gathering feedback to continually improve the program.
• The MA Human Resource Management program provides a strong foundation for students to continue their studies with a PhD or further research opportunities.
• The program is reviewed regularly as part of the University's quality assurance framework, ensuring ongoing relevance and high standards.

Tuition fees 2023 / 24 Home (UK) part time £2,600 Home (UK) distance learning £2,600 International distance learning £2,600 2024 / 25 Home (UK) part time £2,750 Home (UK) distance learning £2,750 International distance learning £2,750