MA Human Resource Management

1 Year On Campus Masters Program

Keele University

Program Overview

The MSc Human Resource Management at Keele University is designed for students who want to develop advanced expertise in HR practice while gaining Chartered Institute of Personnel and Development (CIPD) accreditation. It suits graduates from any discipline who aspire to careers in HR, people management, or organisational development, offering a curriculum that blends strategic HR knowledge with applied professional skills.

Curriculum Structure

Year 1 (Taught Modules)

You’ll begin with core modules such as Human Resource Management in Context, Leading, Managing and Developing People, and Employee Relations. These courses provide a strong foundation in understanding the external environment of HR, the principles of leadership and people development, and the complexities of managing employee relations in diverse organisations.

You’ll then progress into advanced topics including Performance and Reward Management and Learning and Development. These modules challenge you to critically evaluate how organisations measure performance, design reward systems, and foster continuous learning cultures.

Finally, you’ll complete a Research Methods module and a substantial Dissertation or Applied Research Project, where you investigate a contemporary HR issue and deliver practical recommendations.

Focus Areas

HRM in context, employee relations, leadership and people development, performance and reward management, learning and development

Learning Outcomes

Develop CIPD-accredited HR skills, apply HR theory in organisational contexts, design reward and performance systems, lead organisational change, conduct applied HR research

Professional Alignment (Accreditation)

The program is accredited by the Chartered Institute of Personnel and Development (CIPD). Students gain Associate Membership of the CIPD upon graduation, a globally recognised credential valued by employers.

Reputation (Employability Rankings)

Keele University is ranked Top 10 in England for student satisfaction (NSS 2023).
Keele graduates are highly employable, with 96% of postgraduates in work or further study within 15 months of graduation (Graduate Outcomes Survey).
Keele has strong links with professional bodies and employers, ensuring the MSc HRM is aligned with industry needs.

Experiential Learning (Research, Projects, Internships etc.)

On the MSc Human Resource Management at Keele University, you’ll gain practical, career-ready skills by combining academic study with CIPD accreditation and real-world projects. The program is designed to immerse you in applied HR practice, with opportunities to work on live case studies, group projects, and applied research. You’ll also benefit from Keele Business School’s specialist facilities and the university’s strong links with professional bodies, ensuring your learning is both academically rigorous and industry-focused.

Here’s how experiential learning is embedded into the program:

CIPD Accreditation and Membership: As part of the course, you’ll work towards Associate Membership of the Chartered Institute of Personnel and Development (CIPD), giving you access to professional resources, HR networks, and industry events.
Applied Research Project: Instead of a purely theoretical dissertation, you’ll complete a substantial research project on a contemporary HR issue, often linked to industry practice, allowing you to deliver practical recommendations.
Group Projects and Case Studies: Collaborative assignments simulate consultancy work, requiring you to design HR strategies for employee relations, performance management, and reward systems.
Professional Placement Option (24-month pathway): Students can undertake a professional placement, applying HR theory directly in the workplace and strengthening employability before graduation.
Specialist Facilities: Study within Keele Business School, with access to modern seminar rooms, collaborative learning spaces, and Keele’s extensive library, which includes HR journals, employment law databases, and international case studies.
Digital Learning Tools: Access Keele’s online learning environment and HRM-specific resources to support your coursework and applied projects.
Professional Networks: Keele has over 50 years of experience in HR education and strong links with employers and professional bodies, ensuring your learning is aligned with industry needs.

Progression & Future Opportunities

Graduates of the MSc Human Resource Management at Keele University are prepared to step into strategic HR and people management roles across diverse industries, combining academic expertise with CIPD-accredited professional practice. Alumni typically progress into positions such as HR Business Partner, Employee Relations Manager, Talent Development Specialist, and Organisational Development Consultant, applying their skills in both domestic and international contexts.

Here’s how Keele University supports your career journey and long-term progression:

University Employability Services: Keele’s dedicated Careers and Employability team offers tailored career coaching, CV and interview workshops, employer networking events, and access to internships. Students also benefit from Keele Business School’s strong links with employers and professional bodies.
Employment Stats and Salary Figures: Keele University reports that 96% of postgraduates are in work or further study within 15 months of graduation (Graduate Outcomes Survey). HR professionals in the UK typically earn £35,000–£50,000 annually, with senior HR managers exceeding this range.
University–Industry Partnerships: The program is closely aligned with the Chartered Institute of Personnel and Development (CIPD), ensuring strong industry relevance. Keele also collaborates with employers through live projects and placements, embedding real-world practice into the curriculum.
Long-term Accreditation Value: The MSc HRM is CIPD accredited, meaning graduates gain Associate Membership of the CIPD upon completion, a globally recognised credential valued by employers.
Graduation Outcomes: Alumni have progressed into HR consultancy, talent management, and leadership roles in both private and public sectors, with many leveraging the program’s international focus to work abroad.

Further Academic Progression:
After completing this MSc, you could continue your academic journey by pursuing a PhD in Human Resource Management, Organisational Behaviour, or Business Management at Keele University or other leading institutions. Alternatively, you may choose to specialise further with professional development courses in HR analytics, employment law, or strategic leadership, enhancing your expertise and positioning yourself for senior global roles.