MSc in Human Resource Management

1 Year On Campus Masters Program

Queens University Belfast

Program Overview

Queen’s MSc Human Resource Management is designed to help you become a confident HR leader with the skills to manage people effectively in today’s complex organisations. It suits both graduates and professionals seeking to advance in HR careers, offering a blend of academic expertise, practitioner insight, and full CIPD accreditation.

Curriculum Structure

Semster 1:

In the taught stage, you’ll gain a strong foundation in HRM theory and practice. Modules such as Human Resource Management in Context and Leading, Managing and Developing People introduce you to the strategic role of HR and the challenges of managing people in diverse organisations. You’ll also study Employee Relations and Reward Management, equipping you with practical knowledge of workplace relations and compensation systems.

Further modules like Employment Law and Research Methods for Business help you understand the legal frameworks governing employment and develop analytical skills for evidence-based HR practice. The HRM in Practice module ensures you connect theory directly to applied HR scenarios, preparing you for real-world challenges.

Semster 2:

The program culminates in the Dissertation in Human Resource Management, where you’ll independently research a contemporary HR issue. This project allows you to apply the knowledge and skills gained throughout the program, demonstrating both academic rigour and professional relevance. With supervision from experienced academics, you’ll design and conduct research that reflects the realities of HR practice.

Focus Areas

Human resource management, employee relations, reward systems, employment law, leadership, HR strategy, research methods.

Learning Outcomes

Graduates will be able to critically evaluate HR strategies, apply employment law and reward systems, lead organisational change, and design evidence-based HR solutions.

Professional Alignment (Accreditation)

The MSc is fully accredited to the advanced level by the Chartered Institute of Personnel and Development (CIPD), providing the knowledge and understanding required for professional membership at Associate level.

Reputation (Employability Rankings)

Queen’s University Belfast is a member of the Russell Group, recognised for research excellence and graduate employability.
The new Queen’s Business School facilities include a 250-seat tiered lecture space, Harvard-style theatre, 150-seat computer lab, FinTrU Trading Room, and a Business Engagement & Employability Hub.
The MSc HRM is recognised by employers as a specialist qualification that provides direct pathways into HR careers.

Experiential Learning (Research, Projects, Internships etc.)

Queen’s MSc Human Resource Management is built to give you more than just theory — it immerses you in the real-world practice of HRM. You’ll work with case studies, industry speakers, and applied projects that mirror the challenges faced by HR professionals. The program is delivered within the new Queen’s Business School facilities, which provide modern learning spaces, digital tools, and dedicated employability support to help you gain practical skills.

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

HRM in Practice module: Connects classroom learning with applied HR scenarios, ensuring you develop skills directly relevant to the workplace.
Dissertation in Human Resource Management: An independent research project where you investigate a contemporary HR issue, applying theory to practice with academic supervision.
Group projects and workshops: Modules such as Leading, Managing and Developing People and Employee Relations involve collaborative work, case studies, and problem-solving exercises.
Employment Law and Reward Management: Practical modules that train you to apply legal frameworks and design compensation systems in real organisational contexts.
Queen’s Business School facilities: Access to a 250-seat tiered lecture theatre, Harvard-style lecture theatre, 150-seat computer lab, and the FinTrU Trading Room.
Business Engagement & Employability Hub: A dedicated space for employer networking, career coaching, and skills development workshops.
Queen’s University Library: Extensive HRM, business, and management resources, including international case studies and journals.
Russell Group research environment: Benefit from Queen’s reputation for research excellence, with opportunities to engage in evidence-based HRM projects.

Progression & Future Opportunities

Graduates of Queen’s MSc Human Resource Management are equipped to step into impactful HR careers across diverse industries. Typical roles include HR Business Partner, Employee Relations Specialist, Talent Acquisition Manager, and HR Consultant. With CIPD accreditation and Queen’s strong employer links, you’ll be positioned to thrive in both UK and international HR markets.

Here’s how Queen’s supports your progression and future opportunities:

University services for employability: Queen’s Business School offers a dedicated Business Engagement & Employability Hub, providing tailored career coaching, employer networking events, and skills workshops to help you secure HR roles.
Employment stats and salary figures: Queen’s University Belfast consistently ranks highly for graduate employability, with strong outcomes for HRM graduates entering professional roles soon after completion.
University–industry partnerships: The program connects you with HR leaders and organisations through guest lectures, case studies, and employer-led projects, supported by Queen’s Business School’s extensive industry network.
Long-term accreditation value: The MSc is fully accredited to the advanced level by the Chartered Institute of Personnel and Development (CIPD), providing the knowledge required for professional membership at Associate level.
Graduation outcomes: Alumni progress into HR leadership, consultancy, and specialist HRM roles, leveraging Queen’s Russell Group reputation and state-of-the-art Business School facilities to stand out in competitive job markets.

Further Academic Progression:
After completing the MSc Human Resource Management, you could continue your academic journey by pursuing a PhD in Management, Employment Relations, or Organisational Studies at Queen’s. This pathway allows you to deepen expertise in HRM research, preparing you for advanced consultancy, academic careers, or leadership in global HR practice.