Why this course?

The MSc Human Resource Management is for those who aim to pursue a career in the field of human resource management.

The aim of this course is to develop an advanced level of knowledge and understanding related to the human resource management function in organisations.

Mixing theory and practice, this programme offers you the opportunity for in-depth study of organisations and the management of work.

By the end of this programme, you'll have an understanding of, and be able to critically evaluate how organisational and HR strategies are shaped and developed in response to internal and external environmental factors. You will display a critical understanding of professional practice in human resource management, informed by an international outlook and strong social awareness.

You'll have the opportunity to regularly engage with senior HR professionals through departmental and external networking opportunities. Throughout the course of your study there will be a number of guest lectures and tailored seminars delivered by leading HR and business managers, focusing on the practical challenges of managing people in organisations. Additionally, there will be opportunities to attend high profile conferences for HR professionals.

The programme is delivered by the Department of Work, Employment & Organisation, winner of the HR Network Award 2018 for Outstanding Contribution to Scottish HR. The department is also home to the highly regarded Scottish Centre for Employment Research.

What you'll study

You'll take a mix of core and elective classes. Core classes will address topics including understanding the business contexts facing HR Managers and the organisation of HR functions in response to internal and external business factors; current developments in employee relations in the UK; reward management; people resourcing issues; well-being; ethical practice and professionalism in HRM and critical engagement with emerging issues within HRM.

These classes will help you to understand the significance of the management process within organisations; appreciate the importance of human resources in enabling an organisation to meet its corporate objectives; develop a detailed knowledge and understanding relating to the human resource management function and to understand the social, economic, legal, political and commercial environment in which human resource management takes place.

Business Skills will help you develop and improve a range of definable skills that are pivotal to successful management practice and to effective leadership. The module also seeks to develop further more-specialised skills that are of particular significance to effective higher-level people management and provides opportunities for applied learning and continuous professional development.

Course content

Core modules

• Business Skills
• Contemporary Employment Relations
• Critical Issues in HRM
• Employee Reward
• HRM in a Business Context
• Leading, Managing and Developing People
• People Resourcing
• Research Methods

Triple-accredited business school
Accreditation: Professional Membership of the Chartered Institute of Personnel & Development at Associate Member, Chartered Member or Chartered Fellow level.

*Scholarships available for international students.