MSc Employment Relations and Human Resource Management

1 Year On Campus Masters Program

Loughborough University

Program Overview

This MSc is ideal if you want to become a skilled HR professional capable of managing people responsibly and strategically. It suits graduates and professionals aiming to advance in HR careers, offering a curriculum that covers psychology, work design, employment law, and learning & development, all taught by experienced HR experts.

Curriculum Structure

Semester 1

You’ll begin by building a strong foundation in HRM and organisational behaviour.

Work Design, Organisational Change and Development – explores how work settings influence psychological processes and organisational outcomes.
Human Resource Management: Theory and Practice – introduces major HR practices and debates on leadership, flexibility, and ethics.
Developing Skills for Business Leadership – problem-based learning to strengthen decision-making, teamwork, and reflective skills.

Semester 2

You’ll deepen your expertise in employment relations and strategic HRM.

Employment Relations – critical appreciation of employment relationships, legislation, and ethical issues.
Learning, Development and Knowledge Management – examines theories of learning and their application in organisations.
Strategic Human Resource Management – develops a strategic perspective on HRM shaped by market and technology forces.
Employment Law – practical application of UK employment law in HR contexts.
Research Methods for HRM – equips you with skills to design and conduct HR research.

Summer

You’ll complete a major project, choosing from:

Dissertation in Human Resource Management – independent research on a defined HR issue.
Consultancy Project – group-based project tackling a real organisational problem.
Employment Relations Dissertation – focused research on employment relations challenges.

Focus Areas

Human resource management, organisational change, employment relations, employment law, reward systems, strategic HRM, leadership, research methods.

Learning Outcomes

Graduates will be able to critically evaluate HR strategies, apply employment law, lead organisational change, design evidence-based HR solutions, and manage employee relations ethically and effectively.

Professional Alignment (Accreditation)

The MSc is accredited by the Chartered Institute of Personnel and Development (CIPD). With appropriate module choices and professional membership, you’ll meet the knowledge requirements for Chartered Membership of CIPD, a globally recognised qualification.

Reputation (Employability Rankings)

Top 10 in the UK for career outcomes after 15 months in Business & Management (Guardian University Guide 2026).
Top 10 in the UK for graduate prospects in Business & Management Studies (Complete University Guide 2026).
2nd for job prospects among UK universities (StudentCrowd 2025).
Top 200 worldwide for Business & Management Studies (QS World Rankings by Subject 2025).
Loughborough Business School is triple-accredited (AACSB, EQUIS, AMBA), placing it among the world’s elite business schools.

Experiential Learning (Research, Projects, Internships etc.)

Loughborough’s MSc Human Resource Management is designed to give you more than just classroom theory — it immerses you in the real-world practice of HRM. You’ll work on applied projects, use specialist facilities, and engage with employer-led challenges that mirror the complexities faced by HR professionals today. The program is delivered within the triple-accredited Loughborough Business School, giving you access to cutting-edge resources and a vibrant learning environment.

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

Consultancy Project option: Work in a group to tackle a real organisational HR challenge, applying theory to practice.
Dissertation in Human Resource Management: Conduct independent research on a contemporary HR issue, supervised by experienced academics.
Employment Relations Dissertation: Focused research pathway for students interested in workplace relations and negotiation.
Developing Skills for Business Leadership module: Problem-based learning that strengthens teamwork, decision-making, and reflective practice.
Digital tools and research training: Access to advanced research methods workshops and HRM-specific databases to support evidence-based projects.
Loughborough Business School facilities: Modern lecture theatres, collaborative seminar rooms, and computer labs designed for applied business learning.
Library and learning resources: Extensive HRM, employment law, and management collections, plus access to international journals and case studies.
Triple accreditation (AACSB, EQUIS, AMBA): Ensures your learning environment meets the highest global standards and connects you to employer networks worldwide.

Progression & Future Opportunities

Graduates of Loughborough’s MSc Human Resource Management step confidently into impactful HR careers across industries. Typical roles include HR Business Partner, Talent Acquisition Specialist, Employee Relations Manager, and HR Consultant. With CIPD accreditation and Loughborough’s strong employer reputation, you’ll be well-prepared to thrive in both UK and international HR markets.

Here’s how Loughborough supports your progression and future opportunities:

University services for employability: You’ll benefit from Loughborough Business School’s dedicated careers support, including employer networking events, one-to-one coaching, and access to the Business and Economics Employability Team, which connects students with internships and graduate roles.
Employment stats and salary figures: Loughborough ranks in the UK Top 10 for career outcomes after 15 months in Business & Management (Guardian University Guide 2026), with graduates securing competitive HR positions worldwide.
University–industry partnerships: The School’s triple accreditation (AACSB, EQUIS, AMBA) ensures strong employer engagement, with opportunities to work on consultancy projects and connect with HR leaders through guest lectures and case studies.
Long-term accreditation value: The MSc is accredited by the Chartered Institute of Personnel and Development (CIPD), meeting the knowledge requirements for Chartered Membership — a globally recognised qualification that enhances employability.
Graduation outcomes: Alumni progress into HR leadership, consultancy, and specialist HRM roles, leveraging Loughborough’s reputation for excellence and its strong industry links to stand out in competitive job markets.

Further Academic Progression:
After completing the MSc Human Resource Management, you could continue your academic journey by pursuing a PhD in Human Resource Management, Organisational Behaviour, or Employment Relations at Loughborough. This pathway allows you to deepen expertise in HRM research, preparing you for advanced consultancy, academic careers, or leadership in global HR practice.