Human Resource Management MSc



Develop valuable skills in Human Resource Management at a time, place and pace that fits around your personal and work circumstances

Overview

Effective Human Resource Management (HRM) is now recognised as being a vital area of business and key to organisational performance. Exploring areas of employee engagement and motivation, organisational development, learning and development, labour relations and the strategic environment organisations compete within allows you to gain an understanding of the complex world of HRM.

This online (part-time) programme is designed to enable you to gain a comprehensive knowledge and understanding of HRM theory and practice that will enhance your development of professional competencies in this evolving field. 

Together with a strong focus on reflective practice, this will enable you to make a significant contribution to management practice within your organisational role.

Please note this programme is not accredited by the Chartered Institute of Personnel and Development (CIPD).

MSc Marketing and Events Management student Casandra Alvarez working on a laptop at home

Mode of Study:

Online learning (available as Part-time | Full-time)

Duration:

21-33 months

Start date:

May

Course details

Acknowledging the strategic role of HRM within organisations, the programme focuses on how the HR function can develop high quality leaders and practitioners who make a positive and enduring difference to the wellbeing of individuals, organisations and society.

It emphasises HRM as an integral part of corporate strategy and demonstrates its links with other managerial activities.

You’ll have access to specialist knowledge in core areas of HRM and business, grounded in the latest research. You’ll learn from, reflect upon and apply this knowledge and understanding to your own professional practice in order to increase your credibility and add value to your organisation.

You’ll acquire the skills and expertise to confront complex issues in HRM, make informed judgements in the absence of complete data and communicate effectively with peers and senior managers.

You’ll develop skills of self-direction and originality in tackling and solving problems and act autonomously in planning and implementing tasks in the professional management of yourself and the people you work with.

The relevance of our online MSc HRM programme content, focus to HR professionals, and the high level of academic rigour, is demonstrated in our successful alignment with The Society for Human Resource Management’s (SHRM) HR Curriculum Guidebook and Templates. SHRM is an international HR membership organisation devoted to human resource management. Students can also elect to join the Society as student members for a nominal fee in order to enjoy access to the many resources and benefits offered through membership. The HR Curriculum Guidebook and Templates were developed by SHRM to define the minimum HR content areas that should be studied by HR students at graduate levels. The guidelines - created in 2006 and revalidated in 2010, 2013 and 2017 -  are part of SHRM’s Academic Initiative to define HR education standards taught in university business schools. Due to the global cohort we have studying our programme, we have opted for this alignment therefore the online iteration of the programme is NOT accredited by the Chartered Institute of Personnel and Development.

Modules

  • People and Organisational Development
  • Labour Relations
  • The Organisational Context of Human Resources
  • Learning and Development
  • Employee Resourcing
  • Human Resource Management in an International Context
  • Research Methods
  • Dissertation (40 credits)

For the award of MSc Human Resource Management you must successfully pass all eight modules, giving a total of 180 credits. All modules are 20 credits, except where indicated.

You can pay for this programme flexibly on a module-by-module basis. This means that you don't have to pay the full programme cost upfront.


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    How you’ll be taught

    This programme is delivered fully online. You can choose from three start dates (September, January, May) and typically takes between 21-33 months to complete, subject to your pace of study and module availability. You'll study eight modules in total, with a maximum of two modules each trimester where available.

    Our virtual learning environment provides you with access to an extensive range of online resources, including interactive learning opportunities throughout each module, combining academic rigour with real-life examples and practical elements. This will be enriched through online discussions with your tutors and peers.

    We believe that learning is a partnership between teaching staff and you as and Edinburgh Napier University student. Each has specific responsibilities. As subject experts the module leader has prepared up to date and relevant online materials for you to work through and will provide you with direct tutor support throughout the trimester.

    It is also essential for you to recognise your role as a student in an online environment as an independent and autonomous learner. It is your responsibility to ensure that you plan and manage your studies whilst taking responsibility for your learning through reflecting on your progress and responding to advice and feedback from module lecturers.

    You’re not alone while studying online. Our support team are available by email and phone to answer your administrative queries, our academics host weekly academic support sessions and are available on email, and you can access our virtual database of frequently asked questions 24 hours a day. You’ll also have access to our online library resources and IT support.
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    Assessments

     Throughout your studies you will complete a number of assessments which could include:
    • Case studies
    • Essays
    • Reports
    • Portfolios
    • Digital exams

    Within each trimester, whilst there is flexibility to work through the material at your own pace you need to be aware of the assessment dates as there is no flexibility in these.

    If there is any question regarding the authorship of any submitted assessments, we reserve the right to require students to undertake an online viva.

Disclaimer

Study modules mentioned above are indicative only. Some changes may occur between now and the time that you study.

Full information is available in our disclaimer.

Entry requirements

What are the entry requirements for Human Resource Management?

The entry requirement for this course is a Bachelor (Honours) Degree at 2:2 or above. We look for applicants to have a background in any discipline in order to be eligible for the programme.

We may also consider lesser qualifications if you have sufficient professional work experience within the industry.

To succeed on our Global Online degrees you must have access via computer or laptop to view and download written and video content. You will also need basic IT skills that enable you to write and edit document, send and receive email, find your way around our online learning environment and search for and access online learning resources, download files and use online forums.

Can I get admission into Human Resource Management based on my working experience in this sector?

This course has academic entry requirements which are assessed alongside relevant work experience. Full details of any relevant work experience, including references should be submitted with your application and may be considered for entry where the minimum academic entry requirements are below those required.

Usually, unrelated work experience is not considered sufficient for entry without meeting the minimum academic entry requirements. Please contact us with your specific circumstances by submitting an enquiry form above and we will be happy to discuss your options.

Can I make an appointment with an advisor to discuss further about the admission process?

If you want to get more information on the admission process, please get in touch with the postgraduate admissions team by submitting an enquiry form above.

If your first language isn't English, you'll normally need to undertake an approved English language test and our minimum English language requirements will apply.

This may not apply if you have completed all your school qualifications in English, or your undergraduate degree was taught and examined in English. Check our country pages to find out if this applies to you.

We welcome applications from students studying a wide range of international qualifications.
Entry requirements by country

Please note that international students are unable to enrol onto the following courses:
  • BM Midwifery/MM Midwifery
  • All Graduate Apprenticeship courses.

See who can apply for more information on Graduate Apprenticeship courses.

We’re committed to admitting students who have the potential to succeed and benefit from our programmes of study. 

Our admissions policies will help you understand our admissions procedures, and how we use the information you provide us in your application to inform the decisions we make.

Undergraduate admissions policies
Postgraduate admissions policies

Get in touch with your local representative

We have trusted representatives in key locations who offer guidance and advice about our Global Online programmes.

Fees & funding

The course fees you'll pay and the funding available to you will depend on a number of factors including your nationality, location, personal circumstances and the course you are studying. We also have a number of bursaries and scholarships available to our students.

Tuition fees
All Students 2023/24 2024/25
All students *£885 *£tba
Modules are purchased via our online store and paid for in full at time of enrollment. Rate shown above is for 20 credits*; as course comprises 180 credits, the total cost is currently £7,965.
Please note tuition fees are subject to an annual review and may increase from one year to the next. For more information on this and other Tuition Fee matters please see Frequently Asked Questions about Fees Click this link for Information of Bursaries and Scholarships


Please note:

The discount for Edinburgh Napier alumni can only be applied to year one of a full-time Postgraduate degree, any additional years are exempt from the discount.

For part time Postgraduate degrees the discount will apply to years one, two and three only and any additional years will be exempt from the discount.

Please read our full T&C here

Careers

This programme will provide you with a multitude of skills that can be utilised within a dedicated HR function or any management role within an organisation. Roles that students would aim to achieve after graduation with experience would be;

• Human resource advisor
• Human resource manager
• HR Business partner
• People and organisation development manager
• Training and development manager or consultant

You can engage with SHRM to undertake membership and receive SHRM Certification if you meet their criteria, particularly useful if you are seeking employment in countries where the SHRM is the preferred qualification.  


Three people talking
Laura Gerard

Lecturer in HRM and is currently the programme leader for the MSc HRM Global Online Programme. Laura is an Academic Associate Member of the CIPD and fellow of the Higher Education Academy.