MRes International Human Resource Management

1 Year On Campus Masters Program

Queen Mary University of London

Program Overview

The International Human Resource Management MRes at Queen Mary University of London is a research-focused program designed for students aiming to pursue doctoral study or careers in HR and management research. It suits those who want to combine advanced training in qualitative and quantitative methods with specialist modules in HRM and organisational behaviour, while benefiting from Queen Mary’s strong research environment and Russell Group reputation.

Curriculum Structure

Year 1 (Full-time, 12 months)

You’ll begin with compulsory modules such as Introduction to Social Science 1: Epistemology, Research Design, and Qualitative Methods and Introduction to Social Science 2: Quantitative Methods and Data, which provide rigorous training in research design and methodology. Alongside these, you’ll take optional modules tailored to your research interests, including Managing Diversity, International Reward Management, and Evidence-based Human Resource Management.

The program culminates in a 10,000–15,000 word dissertation, where you design and conduct independent research on a topic of your choice. You’ll also participate in the School’s PhD research seminar series and annual symposium, giving you direct exposure to current debates and networking opportunities with academics and peers.

Focus Areas

Research methods, international HRM, diversity and inclusion, organisational behaviour, corporate governance, evidence-based HRM.

Learning Outcomes

Graduates will be able to:

Design and conduct independent HRM and organisational research.
Apply advanced qualitative and quantitative methods to workplace issues.
Critically evaluate HRM practices in international and diverse contexts.
Prepare for doctoral study or research careers in academia, business, and policy.

Professional Alignment (Accreditation)

The program is developed and led by the Centre for Research in Equality and Diversity (CRED) and is part of the London Interdisciplinary Social Science Doctoral Training Partnership (LISS-DTP), shared with King’s College London and Imperial College London. This ensures access to high-quality doctoral training and professional networks.

Reputation (Employability Rankings)

Queen Mary University of London is a Russell Group university and its School of Business and Management is accredited by AACSB. In the REF 2021, the School ranked 22nd for overall research quality and 12th for research impact among UK business schools, highlighting its strength in socially engaged, internationally relevant research.

Experiential Learning (Research, Projects, Internships etc.)

Experiential learning in the International Human Resource Management MRes at Queen Mary University of London is designed to immerse you in advanced research practice while connecting you to real academic and professional networks. This program isn’t just about classroom theory — you’ll gain hands-on experience in designing your own research agenda, using advanced qualitative and quantitative methods, and engaging with leading institutes and doctoral training partnerships. You’ll also benefit from Queen Mary’s strong research culture, with access to seminars, symposia, and collaborative projects across London universities.

Here’s how those opportunities translate into your learning experience:

Centre for Research in Equality and Diversity (CRED): The program is developed and led by CRED, giving you direct exposure to cutting-edge research on workplace diversity, equality, and HRM.
Doctoral Training Partnership (LISS-DTP): As part of the London Interdisciplinary Social Science Doctoral Training Partnership with King’s College London and Imperial College London, you’ll share modules and research training, expanding your network and gaining access to cross-institutional resources.
Research seminars and symposiums: You’ll participate in the School’s PhD seminar series and annual symposium, presenting your work and engaging with academics and peers in a professional research environment.
Independent dissertation project: A 10,000–15,000 word dissertation allows you to design and conduct your own research, applying advanced methods to a topic of your choice in international HRM.
Digital tools and methods training: Core modules such as Introduction to Social Science 1 & 2 train you in qualitative software tools, quantitative data analysis, and research design, ensuring you graduate with technical expertise.
Library and facilities: You’ll have full access to Queen Mary’s extensive library system, including specialist HRM and management resources, as well as dedicated postgraduate study spaces at the Mile End campus.
Collaborative learning: Optional modules like Managing Diversity and Evidence-based Human Resource Management involve group discussions and applied case studies, helping you practice collaborative research and critical analysis.

Progression & Future Opportunities

Graduates of the International Human Resource Management MRes at Queen Mary University of London are uniquely positioned for careers in academic research, consultancy, and policy development. Many progress into roles such as HR Research Analyst, Diversity and Inclusion Consultant, Organisational Development Specialist, or Policy Advisor, while others use the program as a direct pathway into doctoral study. This degree combines advanced research training with professional networks, ensuring you leave with both methodological expertise and global HR insights:

University services: Queen Mary’s Careers and Enterprise team supports students with tailored one-to-one coaching, employer networking events, and access to the QMentoring scheme, which connects you with professionals in HR, academia, and consultancy.
Employment stats & salary figures: Queen Mary postgraduates report strong employability, with average salaries of £33,000 fifteen months after graduation (Graduate Outcomes Survey), reflecting the value of advanced research training.
University–industry partnerships: The program is developed and led by the Centre for Research in Equality and Diversity (CRED), and is part of the London Interdisciplinary Social Science Doctoral Training Partnership (LISS-DTP) with King’s College London and Imperial College London, giving you access to cross-institutional resources and employer-linked research projects.
Long-term accreditation value: While the MRes is research-focused rather than professional accreditation-based, its alignment with CRED and LISS-DTP ensures recognition within academic and policy-making circles, strengthening your career progression.
Graduation outcomes: Alumni have advanced into doctoral study, academic careers, and research-focused roles in the commercial, public, and voluntary sectors, supported by Queen Mary’s Russell Group reputation and strong REF 2021 research rankings (22nd for overall research quality, 12th for research impact among UK business schools).

Further Academic Progression:
After completing this MRes, students are well-prepared to continue into a PhD in Human Resource Management, Employment Relations, or Organisational Behaviour at Queen Mary University of London. This pathway allows you to deepen your expertise, contribute to cutting-edge HR research, and prepare for long-term careers in academia, consultancy, or policy leadership.