MSc Human Resource Management

1 Year On Campus Masters Program

Oxford Brookes University

Program Overview

Program Overview – MSc Human Resource Management, Oxford Brookes University
The MSc Human Resource Management at Oxford Brookes University equips you with the confidence and skills to manage and lead in today’s complex world of work. It’s perfect for graduates from any discipline or HR professionals seeking career progression, offering a CIPD‑accredited pathway that blends theory, practice, and professional recognition.

Curriculum Structure

Year 1
You’ll begin with core modules such as People Resourcing and Talent Management and Employee Engagement, Performance and Reward. These courses give you practical insight into workforce planning, recruitment, and performance management, while critically examining how organizations engage employees and manage reward systems.

The focus shifts to advanced HR practice and organizational change. Modules like Learning, Development and Coaching and Employment Law provide you with both practical skills and legal knowledge essential for HR professionals. You’ll also study Understanding Organisations and Managing Change, analyzing leadership, cultural dynamics, and ethical approaches to organizational transformation.

Final Stage (Research Project)
You’ll complete Critical Investigation Skills and a capstone Research Project, applying research methods to a real HR issue. MSc students present their findings at the Annual HRM Research and Alumni Conference, showcasing their work to peers, academics, and industry professionals.

Focus Areas

Talent management, employee engagement, workplace learning, coaching, employment law, organizational change, contemporary HR challenges.

Learning Outcomes

Graduates will be able to design HR strategies, apply employment law, lead organizational change, and critically evaluate contemporary HR challenges in diverse contexts.

Professional Alignment (Accreditation)

The program is accredited by the Chartered Institute of Personnel and Development (CIPD). Completion confers automatic Associate Membership of CIPD, with progression toward Chartered Membership.

Reputation (Employability Rankings)

Oxford Brookes University is ranked among the top 50 UK universities in The Guardian University Guide 2025.
The Business School is known for strong industry links, hosting guest speakers and an annual HR conference.
Graduates benefit from CIPD accreditation and Oxford Brookes’ reputation for innovative, experiential learning.

Experiential Learning (Research, Projects, Internships etc.)

One of the most exciting aspects of the MSc Human Resource Management at Oxford Brookes is how it blends academic study with hands‑on practice. You’ll not only explore HR theories but also apply them through group projects, professional accreditation, and real engagement with industry. The program is taught by research‑active and professionally experienced tutors, ensuring that every assignment and project is grounded in current HR practice. You’ll also benefit from Oxford Brookes’ modern Business School facilities and specialist resources that prepare you for the workplace.

Here’s how you’ll gain practical skills and make use of the university’s facilities and tools:

CIPD Accreditation: The program is fully accredited by the Chartered Institute of Personnel and Development (CIPD). Completing the MSc gives you automatic Associate Membership of CIPD, with progression toward Chartered Membership, a globally recognized professional credential.
Annual HRM Research and Alumni Conference: MSc students present their research projects at this conference, gaining experience in professional presentation and networking with HR practitioners and alumni.
Group projects and case studies: Modules such as Employee Engagement, Performance and Reward and Understanding Organisations and Managing Change involve collaborative assignments where you work in teams to solve HR challenges, simulating consultancy practice.
Digital learning tools: You’ll use Oxford Brookes’ online learning platform and access HRM‑specific databases, journals, and case law resources through the university library.
Specialist facilities: The Oxford Brookes Business School provides modern teaching spaces, computer labs, and collaborative learning environments designed for postgraduate students.
Library and research support: The Headington Campus library offers extensive HRM collections, including electronic journals, e‑books, and specialist databases to support your dissertation and applied projects.
Professional networking: Guest lectures and employer events hosted by the Business School connect you directly with HR professionals and industry leaders.

Progression & Future Opportunities

Graduates of the MSc Human Resource Management at Oxford Brookes are equipped with both academic expertise and professional recognition, making them highly employable in diverse sectors. Typical career paths include HR Business Partner, Talent Acquisition Specialist, Learning and Development Consultant, and Organisational Change Manager. With CIPD accreditation and strong industry connections, the program ensures you graduate ready to step into leadership roles:

University employability services: Oxford Brookes’ Careers Service provides tailored postgraduate support, including one‑to‑one career coaching, CV and interview workshops, and access to the Brookes Connections mentoring scheme, linking students with alumni in HR and management.
Employment stats and salary figures: Oxford Brookes consistently reports strong postgraduate employability, with graduates achieving higher salaries and faster progression compared to undergraduate peers.
University–industry partnerships: The Business School hosts the Annual HRM Research and Alumni Conference, where students present projects and network with HR professionals, alongside guest lectures from industry leaders.
Long‑term accreditation value: The program is accredited by the Chartered Institute of Personnel and Development (CIPD). Graduates gain automatic Associate Membership and can progress toward Chartered Membership, a globally recognized credential.
Graduation outcomes: Alumni have gone on to HR leadership roles in multinational companies, consultancy firms, and public sector organizations, benefiting from Oxford Brookes’ reputation for practical, industry‑aligned learning.

Further Academic Progression:
After completing this MSc, students can continue their academic journey with a PhD in Human Resource Management, Organisational Behaviour, or Business Studies at Oxford Brookes or other leading universities. Alternatively, graduates may pursue advanced CIPD qualifications or professional doctorates, deepening their expertise in employment law, strategic HR leadership, or workforce development.