MA Human Resource Management

1 Years On Campus Masters Program

Middlesex University Dubai

Program Overview

The MA Human Resource Management and Development at Middlesex University Dubai is designed for students and professionals who want to become effective leaders in people strategy and organisational development. This programme blends international HR theory with applied practice, helping you understand how to shape workforce performance, manage complex employment issues, and create value through strategic human resource management.

📘 Curriculum Structure

Year 1 – HR Foundations & Organisational Context

In the first phase of the MA, students build a solid foundation in essential HRM knowledge. Courses such as Human Resource Management Practice, Employment Law, and Organisational Behaviour introduce you to the core functions and challenges of HR in a modern organisational environment. You’ll begin to connect theory with practical practice by analysing workplace case studies and developing insight into how HR policies impact people and performance.

Year 2 – Strategic HR & Professional Development

As you progress, the curriculum moves toward strategic and development-focused HR topics. Subjects such as Talent Management, Learning and Development, and Performance Management enable you to design and implement HR strategies that improve organisational capability. The programme culminates in a Research Project or Dissertation, where you investigate a real HR issue, integrate academic research with professional insight, and demonstrate your readiness for HR leadership roles.

🔍 Focus areas (in a string)

Human Resource Management Practice, Employment Law, Organisational Behaviour, Talent Management, Learning and Development, Performance Management, Strategic HRM, HR Research.

🧠 Learning outcomes (in a string)

Apply theory to HR practice, interpret employment law in context, design talent and performance programmes, lead workforce development, evaluate organisational behaviour patterns, conduct applied HR research, and integrate strategic HR solutions into business objectives.

📜 Professional alignment (accreditation)

The programme is accredited by the UAE Ministry of Education – Commission for Academic Accreditation (CAA) and the university is licensed by the Knowledge and Human Development Authority (KHDA). It also offers pathways aligned with CIPD professional standards, supporting graduates on a route toward internationally recognised HR professional membership.(mdx.ac.uk)

🌍 Reputation (employability & global standing)

Middlesex University is part of a global education network with strong emphasis on professional relevance and applied learning. The HRM programme is recognised for equipping students with the skills employers value: strategic HR capability, performance improvement, and evidence-based decision-making — enhancing graduate employability in the UAE and internationally.

Experiential Learning (Research, Projects, Internships etc.)

The MA Human Resource Management at Middlesex University Dubai is designed to ensure students develop practical, career-ready HR skills alongside strong academic foundations. Learning is highly applied, combining professional practice, real organisational scenarios, and research-informed teaching that reflects current HR challenges in the UAE and global markets. Supported by modern campus facilities and professional accreditation pathways, experiential learning is embedded throughout the programme as follows:

Practice-focused HR modules: Core subjects such as Human Resource Management Practice, Employment Law, and Organisational Behaviour use real workplace cases to help students interpret HR theory in practical organisational contexts.
Strategic HR projects and group work: Modules in Talent Management, Learning and Development, and Performance Management include group assignments where students design HR strategies, workforce plans, and development frameworks similar to those used in professional HR roles.
Research project / dissertation: The programme culminates in an independent research project or dissertation, allowing students to investigate a real HRM issue and apply evidence-based solutions to organisational practice.
CIPD-aligned learning: Teaching and assessment are aligned with CIPD professional standards, supporting students who wish to pursue CIPD membership and strengthening applied HR competence.
Digital learning platforms: Students use Middlesex University’s virtual learning environment to access materials, collaborate on projects, submit assessments, and receive academic feedback.
Business School facilities: Teaching is delivered in modern postgraduate classrooms and collaborative learning spaces designed for professional business education.
Library and research resources: Students have access to the Middlesex University Dubai Library, including HRM journals, employment law resources, e-books, and academic databases essential for coursework and research.
Industry exposure and employability focus: Guest speakers, practitioner-led insights, and employer-informed teaching help students understand real HR expectations and current professional practice in the region.

Progression & Future Opportunities

Graduates of the MA Human Resource Management at Middlesex University Dubai are well prepared for professional and strategic HR roles across private, public, and multinational organisations. The programme supports career outcomes such as HR Officer / HR Executive, HR Manager, Talent & Learning Specialist, Employee Relations Officer, and People & Culture Advisor, by combining applied HR practice with strong legal, ethical, and organisational insight. Building on this foundation, Middlesex University Dubai supports graduate progression through the following pathways:

Strong professional relevance: The curriculum is aligned with CIPD professional standards, enhancing employability and supporting graduates pursuing CIPD membership — a widely recognised credential in the HR profession.
Industry-ready HR skillset: Graduates develop practical competencies in employment law, talent management, learning and development, performance management, and organisational behaviour — skills in demand across sectors such as hospitality, healthcare, education, banking, retail, and government.
Career development support: Middlesex University Dubai offers employability support, career guidance, and professional skills development to help students transition into HR roles or progress within their organisations.
Regional and international recognition: As a UK degree delivered in Dubai, the qualification is recognised both in the UAE and internationally, supporting mobility across global HR job markets.
Graduation outcomes: Graduates leave with applied HR expertise, confidence in handling people and employment issues, and the ability to contribute strategically to organisational performance and workforce development.

Further Academic Progression:

After completing the MA Human Resource Management, graduates may progress to doctoral-level study, such as a PhD or Doctor of Business Administration (DBA) in Human Resource Management, Management, or related business disciplines at Middlesex University or other internationally recognised institutions. The programme’s research project/dissertation provides a strong foundation for advanced academic or research-oriented professional pathways.