MSc Human Resource Management

1 Year On Campus Masters Program

Loughborough University

Program Overview

This professionally accredited master’s equips you with advanced expertise in people management, employee relations, and organisational development, preparing you for strategic HR leadership roles. It suits graduates from business, management, psychology, sociology, or related fields who want to build a career in HR, employment relations, or allied management areas.

Curriculum Structure

Year 1 (Semester 1)
You’ll begin by exploring the foundations of HR practice and organisational behaviour. Work Design, Organisational Change and Development introduces theories of work psychology and change management, while Human Resource Management: Theory and Practice develops your ability to critically evaluate HR strategies. Alongside these, Developing Skills for Business Leadership builds practical skills in decision-making, teamwork, and financial interpretation.

Year 1 (Semester 2)
The focus shifts to employment relations and strategic HR. In Employment Relations, you’ll examine collective bargaining, legislation, and ethical issues in managing the employment relationship. Learning, Development and Knowledge Management explores organisational learning and interventions, while Strategic Human Resource Management develops your ability to align HR practices with market and technological forces. You’ll also study Research Methods for HRM and Employment Law, gaining the tools to conduct professional-level research and apply legal frameworks in HR contexts.

Summer Project
You’ll choose between a Dissertation in Human Resource Management, an Employment Relations Dissertation, or a Consultancy Project. The consultancy option allows you to work in a group on a real organisational problem, applying HR theories and delivering solutions to a client company — a powerful way to showcase your skills to employers.

Focus Areas

Human resource management | Employment relations | Organisational change | Learning and development | Employment law

Learning Outcomes

Graduates gain the ability to critically evaluate HR theory and practice, manage employment relations, apply legal and ethical frameworks, and conduct independent research to influence organisational policy and practice.

Professional Alignment (Accreditation)

The MSc is accredited by the Chartered Institute of Personnel and Development (CIPD). With appropriate module choices and membership, you’ll meet the knowledge requirements for Chartered Membership of the CIPD — the UK’s leading professional body for HR and employment relations.

Reputation (Employability Rankings)

Top 10 in the UK for career after 15 months in Business and Management (Guardian University Guide 2026)
Top 10 in the UK for graduate prospects in Business and Management Studies (Complete University Guide 2026)
2nd for job prospects in the UK (StudentCrowd Best UK Universities 2025)
Top 200 worldwide for Business and Management Studies (QS World University Rankings by Subject 2025)
Delivered by a triple-accredited Business School (AACSB, EQUIS, AMBA)

Experiential Learning (Research, Projects, Internships etc.)

This program is designed to immerse you in real-world HR practice, combining academic study with practical experiences that prepare you for leadership roles. You’ll gain hands-on skills through consultancy projects, access to specialist resources, and opportunities to apply HR theory directly to organisational challenges. The emphasis is on experiential learning, ensuring you graduate with both knowledge and confidence:

Consultancy Project Option: Work in a group to solve a real organisational problem, applying HRM theories and delivering professional solutions to a client company.
Specialist Software & Tools: Training in HR analytics, employment law case databases, and research tools such as SPSS to support evidence-based HR practice.
Industry Engagement: Opportunities to collaborate with employers through live projects, guest lectures, and case studies, linking theory to practice.
Triple-Accredited Business School Facilities: Study within Loughborough’s AACSB, EQUIS, and AMBA accredited Business School, giving you access to advanced learning environments and employer networks.
Library & Digital Resources: Full access to the Pilkington Library and online HRM databases, supporting research and professional development.
Professional Accreditation Pathways: Accredited by the Chartered Institute of Personnel and Development (CIPD), ensuring your experiential learning aligns with chartership requirements.

Progression & Future Opportunities

Graduates of this program are well-prepared for strategic HR and employment relations roles across industries. Many move into positions such as HR Business Partner, Talent Development Specialist, Employee Relations Manager, or Organisational Development Consultant, applying their expertise in both private and public sector organisations.

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

University Services: The Careers Network offers tailored employability support, including one-to-one guidance, employer connections, and workshops specifically designed for Business School students.
Employment Stats: Loughborough is ranked Top 10 in the UK for graduate prospects in Business and Management Studies (Complete University Guide 2026) and 2nd for job prospects in the UK (StudentCrowd Best UK Universities 2025).
University–Industry Partnerships: Delivered by a triple-accredited Business School (AACSB, EQUIS, AMBA), the program connects students with employers through live projects, guest lectures, and consultancy opportunities.
Long-Term Accreditation Value: Accredited by the Chartered Institute of Personnel and Development (CIPD), the MSc provides a direct pathway to Chartered Membership, ensuring long-term professional recognition.
Graduate Outcomes: Alumni progress into HR leadership roles in multinational corporations, consultancy firms, government agencies, and NGOs, with many advancing quickly into senior positions thanks to the program’s professional alignment.

Further Academic Progression:
After completing the MSc, students may continue into doctoral research (PhD) within Loughborough’s School of Business and Economics. Areas of further study include advanced human resource management, organisational behaviour, employment relations, and leadership, opening pathways to academic careers or specialist research leadership roles.