Human Resource Management (MSc )

1 Years On Campus Masters Program

Lancaster University

Program Overview

The MSc Human Resource Management at Lancaster University is perfect for graduates or HR practitioners who want to deepen their expertise in managing people and organisations. It combines strategic and operational HR knowledge with practical, interactive learning, preparing you to lead responsibly in diverse workplaces.

Curriculum Structure

Year 1 (Full-time MSc)

In the first stage, you’ll study Human Resource Management – Concepts, Theories and Practices, where you’ll explore recruitment, selection, career development, employee wellbeing, and employment relations. This foundation helps you critically evaluate HR practices and understand their impact on staff retention, workload, and organisational outcomes.

You’ll then move into International HRM and Employee Relations, examining how organisations manage people across borders, with a strong emphasis on employee voice, engagement, and diversity. Alongside this, Understanding Organisations – Contexts, Dynamics and Methods provides insight into how organisations function internally and externally, equipping you to align HR strategies with broader business goals.

Later in the year, Organisations, Management and Change focuses on leading transformation and fostering resilience in teams. Ethical reflections are embedded throughout, ensuring you graduate with the ability to lead responsibly. Finally, you’ll complete a Dissertation, applying your learning to a major HR research project, supported by Lancaster’s academic experts and industry connections.

Focus Areas

Learning Outcomes

Professional Alignment (Accreditation)

The MSc is accredited by the Chartered Institute of Personnel and Development (CIPD). Students can gain immediate CIPD membership during the program and, upon successful completion, achieve Associate Membership (Level 7). This internationally recognised accreditation strengthens your professional credibility and employability in HR and people management.

Reputation (Employability Rankings)

Lancaster University Management School is ranked 13th in the UK and joint 99th globally for Business and Management (QS World Rankings by Subject 2025).
The program includes networking opportunities with HR professionals from organisations such as NHS, IBM, Accenture, BAE Systems, IHG Hotels & Resorts, Gartner, Tesla (China), Samsung (Vietnam), and more.
Graduates have secured roles such as HR Advisor at Hisense UK, HR Business Partner at Unilever, and Organisation & Workforce Development Consultant at Tameside Council.

Experiential Learning (Research, Projects, Internships etc.)

Students on the MSc Human Resource Management at Lancaster University gain practical skills by working with real-world case studies, applied projects, and professional engagement activities. The program is designed to ensure you don’t just learn HR theories—you actively apply them to contemporary workplace challenges. With CIPD accreditation, interactive teaching, and access to Lancaster’s specialist facilities, you’ll graduate with both academic knowledge and hands-on HR expertise.

Here’s how experiential learning is embedded into the MSc Human Resource Management at Lancaster:

Real-world Case Studies: You’ll engage with scenarios that mirror HR challenges such as staff development, retention, workload management, and employee wellbeing, allowing you to critically evaluate and propose solutions.
Group Projects & Interactive Learning: Modules encourage collaborative work, where you’ll debate HR policies, design interventions, and present findings—building teamwork and communication skills essential for HR practice.
Professional Accreditation (CIPD): As part of the program, you’ll complete assignments aligned with CIPD standards, gaining immediate membership and graduating with Associate Membership (Level 7), a globally recognised credential.
Employer Engagement: The program includes networking opportunities with HR professionals from organisations such as NHS, IBM, Accenture, BAE Systems, IHG Hotels & Resorts, Gartner, Tesla (China), and Samsung (Vietnam), ensuring you gain insights from industry leaders.
Digital Tools & Resources: You’ll have access to Lancaster’s online learning platforms and specialist HRM databases, supporting your research and dissertation work.
Library & Study Facilities: The Lancaster University Library provides extensive HRM and management collections, alongside digital resources and collaborative study spaces.
Dissertation & Applied Research: You’ll complete a major research project, applying HR theories to a practical issue, supported by Lancaster’s academic experts and industry connections.

Progression & Future Opportunities

Graduates of the MSc Human Resource Management at Lancaster University are well-prepared to step into strategic HR and people management roles across industries. Many progress into careers such as HR Advisor, HR Business Partner, Organisation & Workforce Development Consultant, or Talent Acquisition Specialist. With CIPD accreditation and Lancaster’s strong employer links, you’ll be equipped to thrive in both UK and international contexts:

University Services: Lancaster University Management School provides tailored career support through its Careers and Employability Service, offering CV workshops, interview coaching, and employer networking events. Students also benefit from direct engagement with HR professionals through guest lectures and mentoring opportunities.
Employment Stats: Lancaster University Management School is ranked 13th in the UK and joint 99th globally for Business and Management (QS World Rankings by Subject 2025), reflecting strong graduate employability outcomes.
Industry Partnerships: The program includes networking opportunities with HR professionals from organisations such as NHS, IBM, Accenture, BAE Systems, IHG Hotels & Resorts, Gartner, Tesla (China), and Samsung (Vietnam), ensuring you gain insights from global leaders.
Accreditation Value: Accredited by the Chartered Institute of Personnel and Development (CIPD), graduates achieve Associate Membership (Level 7), a globally recognised credential that strengthens long-term career prospects.
Graduate Outcomes: Alumni have secured roles such as HR Advisor at Hisense UK, HR Business Partner at Unilever, and Organisation & Workforce Development Consultant at Tameside Council, demonstrating the program’s strong career progression.

Further Academic Progression:
After completing this MSc, students may continue into doctoral study, such as a PhD in Human Resource Management or Organisational Behaviour at Lancaster University, or pursue advanced research in international HRM, employee relations, and organisational change. This pathway allows you to deepen your expertise and contribute to cutting-edge HR scholarship.