Human Resource Management MA

12 Months Part Time Masters Program

Middlesex University London

Program Overview

The MA Human Resource Management at Middlesex University is designed for students who want to launch or advance a career in HR and people management, combining academic study with professional accreditation. It suits both recent graduates and current HR practitioners, offering modules that cover strategic HR, talent management, employee relations, and HR analytics, while embedding CIPD professional standards throughout the program.

Curriculum Structure

Year 1 (Taught Modules)

You’ll begin with modules such as Performance Management, HR Data, Metrics and Analytics, and Reward Management. These courses provide a strong foundation in evaluating employee performance, using data-driven HR insights, and designing effective reward systems.

You’ll then progress into advanced topics including Strategy and Leadership and Managing Talent through the Employee Life Cycle. These modules challenge you to critically assess how HR strategy aligns with organisational goals, and how talent can be recruited, developed, and retained in international contexts.

Finally, you’ll complete an Applied Dissertation Project on an HR topic of your choice, guided by an academic supervisor. This project allows you to investigate a contemporary HR issue and deliver practical recommendations, often linked to industry practice.

Professional Experience Pathway (Optional, 24 months)

Students who choose the extended pathway can undertake a 12-month professional placement, gaining industry experience while applying HR theory in practice. This route is ideal for those seeking to strengthen their CV with substantial work experience before graduation.

Focus Areas

Performance management, HR analytics, reward systems, leadership strategy, talent management, organisational development

Learning Outcomes

Develop CIPD-accredited HR skills, apply data-driven insights to people management, 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, with paid membership included during the course, giving access to CIPD resources and networks.

Reputation (Employability Rankings)

Middlesex University is ranked a Top 10 UK university for employability (UniCompare Rankings 2025).
The university is also a Top 10 UK university for industry connections and funding (Times Higher Education Young University Rankings 2024).
Middlesex has over 50 years of experience in HR professional education, making it one of the longest-established providers in the UK.

Experiential Learning (Research, Projects, Internships etc.)

On the MA Human Resource Management at Middlesex University, you’ll gain practical, career-ready skills by combining academic study with professional accreditation and real-world projects. The program is designed to immerse you in applied HR practice, with opportunities to work on live case studies, access CIPD resources, and benefit from Middlesex’s specialist facilities. You’ll also have the option to extend your studies with a professional placement, ensuring you graduate with both knowledge and hands-on experience.

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

CIPD Membership Included: As part of the course, you’ll receive paid membership of the Chartered Institute of Personnel and Development (CIPD), giving you access to professional networks, HR resources, and industry events throughout your studies.
Applied Dissertation Project: Instead of a purely theoretical thesis, you’ll complete a research project on a contemporary HR issue, often linked to industry practice, allowing you to deliver practical recommendations.
Professional Placement Option (24-month pathway): Students can undertake a 12-month placement in an HR role, applying classroom learning directly in the workplace and strengthening employability before graduation.
HR Analytics and Digital Tools: Modules such as HR Data, Metrics and Analytics train you to use HR software and data-driven tools, preparing you for modern HR practice where evidence-based decision-making is essential.
Group Projects and Case Studies: Collaborative assignments simulate consultancy work, requiring you to design HR strategies for performance management, reward systems, and talent development.
Specialist Facilities: Study at Middlesex’s Hendon campus, with access to modern seminar rooms, collaborative learning spaces, and the university’s extensive library, which includes HR journals, employment law databases, and international case studies.
Professional Networks: Middlesex has over 50 years of experience in HR professional education, and students benefit from connections with the university’s People Leadership Network and employer partnerships.

Progression & Future Opportunities

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

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

University Employability & Career Services: Middlesex provides tailored career coaching, CV and interview workshops, employer networking events, and access to internships. Students also benefit from the MDXworks employability service, which continues to support graduates after completion.
Employment Stats and Salary Figures: Middlesex University is ranked a Top 10 UK university for employability (UniCompare Rankings 2025). 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. Middlesex also has over 50 years of experience in HR professional education, connecting students with employers through its People Leadership Network.
Long-term Accreditation Value: The program 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 MA, you could continue your academic journey by pursuing a PhD in Human Resource Management, Organisational Behaviour, or Business Management at Middlesex 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.