MSc in Human Resource Management

This MSc is built to fit real working lives, with a clear weekly study rhythm, predictable pacing, assessments you can plan around and built in continuous support. This programme is built for progress you can sustain. You’ll work with real cases, practise applying HR thinking to your own professional context, and be asked to engage with tasks that mirror what HR practitioners do every day. You’ll develop the specialist capabilities, skills and knowledge needed for professional practice and the opportunity to gain CIPD membership whether you’re already working in HR or considering a career move. We recognise that completing a master’s while working is a significant commitment. That’s why this qualification is deliberately designed to integrate learning with your life rather than compete with it and to give you the confidence that you can succeed.

Globally endorsed

Our triple-accredited status puts us in an elite group of just one per cent of business schools worldwide.

Professional recognition

This qualification provides a route to professional membership of the Chartered Institute of Personnel and Development (CIPD) if you wish to develop a career in HR management.

If you're committed to changing your life by doing something you love, then study with the OU Business School. It's not just a qualification, it's a way of life. The skills you learn will be with you forever.

Melanie Robinson
MSc in Human Resource Management Dissertation of the Year 2019 Read Melanie's story

Course content

In this MSc, you’ll work with real examples of HR professionalism, practise navigating ethical dilemmas, and be asked to engage with contemporary challenges in sustainable people management and EDI. You’ll work through realistic HR tasks such as selection and appraisal interviewing, delivering training, managing performance conversations, shaping organisational development activities, and using people analytics to inform decisions. You’ll also be asked to take a strategic view of HR by working with cases on employee relations, talent management, learning and development, employee engagement, stakeholder communication and change management—mirroring the work HR practitioners do every day.

Qualification structure

The minimum time to complete this qualification is three years by studying 60 credits a year. You should allow 12–13 hours of study per week for each 30 credit module. The maximum time to complete is seven years.

Descriptions of all modules are available on the MSc in Human Resource Management qualification page.

Career development

This MSc develops the understanding and skills needed for HR management roles in an increasingly diverse global economy. The large and diverse community of learners (both in the UK and internationally) spans cultural, professional and role boundaries – providing you with a wide range of learning and networking experiences as you interact with one another face-to-face and online. More generally, by studying for a postgraduate business qualification, you can expect a positive impact on your career progression.

For employers, the MSc in Human Resource Management will further develop their employees’ skill set and support improvements to working practices in the organisation.