Suitable for graduates, experienced organisational development and HR practitioners, our MSc Human Resource Development and Consultancy takes a strategic approach to people management and organisational development, designed to enhance learning, skills, personal development and performance in the workplace, as well as a range of other topical issues.

This programme is intellectually challenging. It integrates learning on training, organisational development, lifelong learning principles and consultancy practice, as well as offering a systematic approach to the design, management and evaluation of programmes to improve personal effectiveness and organisational performance. A substantial aspect of the programme is a management research project that combines the academic rigour of more traditional research dissertations with focus on activities which make a difference to practice in organisations.

All modules taught on this programme place emphasis on bridging cutting-edge academic thinking with direct application to practice, integrating academic perspectives with practice-based approaches to HRD. Considerable emphasis is placed on developing the knowledge and skills required in more senior HRD roles. You will gain an understanding of relevant organisational, psychological and management theory, while examining contemporary developments within the HRD field.

Dedicated sessions will also equip you with skills in consultancy framework and paradigms, including practical methods for applying these. There is a particular focus on ensuring you are aware of the importance of acting ethically and professionally with a demonstrated commitment to equality of opportunity and diversity, and appreciate the importance of continuous personal and professional development.

• This degree has been approved by the Chartered Institute of Personnel and Development (CIPD). As one of our students, you will be eligible to join the CIPD as a student member. On successful completion of the programme, you will be eligible for consideration for chartered membership of the CIPD.
• This course is one of two Master's degrees offered by the Department of Organizational Psychology specialising in the discipline of human resources (find out which HR degree to take).
• Birkbeck provides a diverse range of library and learning resources designed to facilitate your studies and research. Programme- and module-specific materials are also made available to support your learning.

The programme comprises eight compulsory modules. You must complete all eight modules and a supervised independent applied research project.

You need to be aware that successful completion of the programme is contingent on a good attendance record and in particular practical engagement in the weekend workshops: dates are published in advance of programme commencement. This is necessary to embed the relevant learning and also to gain CIPD membership.

Graduates go in to careers in HRD and HR roles in a variety of settings, including government, the financial sector, services, manufacturing and charitable organisations. Possible professions include human resources officer or management consultant. This degree may also be useful in becoming a banker or retail manager.

We offer a comprehensive Careers Service to help you advance your career, while our in-house, professional recruitment consultancy, Birkbeck Talent, works with London’s top employers to help you gain work experience that fits in with your evening studies.