MSc Human Resource Management

2 Years On Campus Masters Program

Manchester Metropolitan University

Program Overview

The MSc Human Resource Management at Manchester Metropolitan University is designed to help you develop advanced HR expertise while gaining Chartered Institute of Personnel and Development (CIPD) accreditation, preparing you for impactful careers in people management and organisational development. It suits graduates from any discipline who want to move into HR leadership, offering a curriculum that blends strategic HRM, employment law, and international perspectives.

Curriculum Structure

Year 1 (Taught Modules)

You’ll begin with modules such as Human Resource Management in Context, Leading, Managing and Developing People, and Employment Law. These courses give you a strong foundation in understanding HR’s role within organisations, developing leadership skills, and applying employment legislation in practice.

You’ll then progress into advanced topics including Employee Relations, Resourcing and Talent Management, and Learning and Development. These modules challenge you to critically evaluate how organisations attract, retain, and develop talent, while exploring strategies for building positive employee relations.

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

Optional Internship Route

If you choose the two-year pathway, you’ll undertake a minimum 36-week internship in a relevant HR role. This placement allows you to apply your academic knowledge in practice, develop professional networks, and gain extensive industry experience before graduation.

Focus Areas

Strategic HRM
Employment law and employee relations
Talent management and learning development
Leadership and organisational behaviour

Learning Outcomes

Apply HR theory and practice in organisational and international contexts
Critically evaluate employment law and employee relations strategies
Demonstrate leadership and people management skills for diverse workforces
Conduct independent research into strategic HRM issues

Professional Alignment (Accreditation)

This MSc is accredited by the Chartered Institute of Personnel and Development (CIPD). Graduates gain Associate CIPD membership and eligibility to upgrade to Chartered status with relevant experience, ensuring global recognition of your qualification.

Reputation (Employability Rankings)

Manchester Met’s Business School is triple accredited (EQUIS, AACSB, AMBA), placing it among the world’s leading business schools.
92.7% of UK-domiciled, full-time postgraduate taught graduates are employed or in further study within 15 months of graduation.
Strong industry links with employers such as Ernst & Young, BNY Mellon, and Vantage, where graduates have secured HR and management roles.

Experiential Learning (Research, Projects, Internships etc.)

On the MSc Human Resource Management at Manchester Metropolitan University, you’ll gain hands-on experience that mirrors real HR practice, ensuring you graduate with both academic knowledge and workplace-ready skills. The program is designed around practical application, with opportunities to work on live projects, engage in group assignments, and use professional HR frameworks and digital tools. You’ll also benefit from Manchester Met’s triple-accredited Business School facilities and CIPD alignment, making your learning immersive and career-focused.

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

CIPD-Aligned Assessments: All modules are mapped to the Chartered Institute of Personnel and Development (CIPD) Advanced Level 7 standards, meaning you’ll work directly with the CIPD HR Professional Map and gain Associate Membership upon graduation.
Group Projects & Case Studies: Collaborative assignments simulate HR consultancy work, requiring you to tackle issues such as employee relations, resourcing, and leadership development.
Optional Paid Internship (36–48 weeks): Students on the two-year pathway can undertake a full-time placement in a human resources role, supported by Manchester Met’s Placement Office, giving you extensive industry exposure before graduation.
Employment Law & HRM Simulations: Modules such as Employment Law and Employee Relations include applied case studies, preparing you to handle workplace disputes and compliance challenges in practice.
Digital Learning Tools: You’ll use Manchester Met’s online learning environment, HRM-specific databases, and employment law resources to support your coursework and dissertation.
Library & Research Facilities: The All Saints Library provides access to HRM journals, employment law databases, and international HRM case studies, supporting your applied research projects.
Faculty of Business and Law Facilities: Study within a triple-accredited business school (EQUIS, AACSB, AMBA), with modern seminar rooms, collaborative learning spaces, and access to professional development programmes.
Professional Networking Events: Regular guest lectures and employer engagement sessions connect you with HR leaders from organisations such as Ernst & Young, BNY Mellon, and Vantage, helping you build valuable industry contacts.

Progression & Future Opportunities

Graduates of the MSc Human Resource Management at Manchester Metropolitan University are equipped to step into strategic HR roles across industries, combining CIPD-accredited expertise with leadership and employment law knowledge. Typical career paths include HR Business Partner, Talent Acquisition Specialist, Employee Relations Manager, and Learning & Development Consultant, with many alumni progressing into senior positions in both private and public organisations.

Here’s how Manchester Met supports your career journey and long-term progression:

University Careers and Employability Service: You’ll benefit from tailored support including CV workshops, interview coaching, and employer networking events. The service continues for up to five years after graduation, ensuring you remain supported as you advance in your career.
Employment Stats and Salary Figures: Manchester Met reports that 92.7% of UK-domiciled, full-time postgraduate taught graduates are in work or further study within 15 months of graduation. HR professionals in the UK typically earn £35,000–£50,000 annually, with senior HR managers exceeding this range.
University–Industry Partnerships: The Business School maintains strong links with employers such as Ernst & Young, BNY Mellon, and Vantage, where graduates have secured HR and consultancy roles.
Long-term Accreditation Value: The program is accredited by the Chartered Institute of Personnel and Development (CIPD), granting you Associate Membership upon graduation. This accreditation is globally recognised and provides a pathway to Chartered CIPD status with experience.
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 HR 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 Employment Law at Manchester Met or other leading universities. Alternatively, you may choose to specialise further with professional development courses through CIPD, enhancing your expertise in areas such as strategic leadership, global HR practice, or employment relations.