MSc Human Resource Management

1 Year On Campus Masters Program

Robert Gordon University

Program Overview

The MSc Human Resource Management at RGU is a CIPD-accredited program designed for students who want to become effective HR professionals and people managers in a global context. It suits those aiming for careers in HR leadership, consultancy, or organisational development, offering both advanced academic study and recognised professional CIPD credentials.

Curriculum Structure

Semester 1:
Students develop a strong foundation in Organisational Behaviour and the personal, professional, and academic skills required for postgraduate study. Full-time students also explore the Employee Lifecycle and issues around Equality, Diversity and Inclusion, while part-time students begin with HR Management in a Global Context and select their first elective module.

Semester 2:

The focus shifts to Human Resource Management: Evidence and Application, where students learn how to gather and apply evidence to HR decision-making. Full-time students also study HR Management in a Global Context and two elective modules, while part-time students cover the employee lifecycle, equality and diversity, and their second elective. Successful completion of this stage makes students eligible for Associate Membership of the CIPD (Level 7).

Semester 3:
Students complete the Capstone Project, integrating master’s-level knowledge and skills by independently working on a research-focused project. This stage develops advanced research, communication, and presentation skills, preparing graduates for consultancy or leadership roles.

Focus Areas

Organisational behaviour, employee lifecycle, equality and diversity, global HRM, evidence-based HR decision-making, digitalisation and HR analytics, applied research projects.

Learning Outcomes

Graduates will be able to critically evaluate HRM theories, apply evidence-based HR strategies, manage diverse teams, conduct advanced HR research, and demonstrate professional competencies aligned with CIPD standards.

Professional Alignment (Accreditation)

The program is accredited by the Chartered Institute of Personnel and Development (CIPD). Graduates are eligible for Associate Membership (Assoc CIPD), with progression routes to Chartered Member or Chartered Fellow status depending on experience.

Reputation (Employability Rankings)

RGU is ranked Top 10 in the UK for graduate employability and has been recognised as Business School of the Year 2020 (Times Higher Education Awards).
Aberdeen Business School is accredited by AACSB International and the Small Business Charter (SBC).
Graduates have secured HR roles across industries including energy, hospitality, construction, and financial services.

Experiential Learning (Research, Projects, Internships etc.)

One of the most valuable aspects of RGU’s MSc Human Resource Management is how it blends academic study with applied practice. You won’t just learn HR theory — you’ll actively apply it through consultancy-style projects, case studies, and professional placements. The program is CIPD-accredited, ensuring every module is mapped to professional standards, while RGU’s Aberdeen Business School provides modern facilities, digital tools, and strong employer connections to help you graduate career-ready.

Here’s how experiential learning is embedded into your MSc HRM journey:

HRM Knowledge into Practice: Creating and Maintaining Engagement – A hands-on module where you apply HR theory to real organisational challenges, developing consultancy skills and evidence-based solutions.
Capstone Project (MSc Stage) – Instead of a traditional dissertation, you’ll complete a research-focused project that addresses a real HR issue, building advanced research, communication, and presentation skills.
Extended Master’s Option (24 months) – Includes a 12-month professional placement, giving you direct workplace experience in HR roles. You’ll produce a reflective e-portfolio and receive mentorship from both workplace and academic supervisors.
Group Projects and Case Studies – Modules such as Organisational Behaviour and Equality, Diversity and Inclusion involve collaborative projects where you design HR strategies and evaluate their impact on organisational performance.
Digital HR Tools and Analytics – Training in HR digitalisation and analytics ensures you can use technology to manage people and analyse workforce trends.
Aberdeen Business School Facilities – Access to modern seminar rooms, collaborative learning spaces, and employer-focused teaching environments.
Library and Digital Resources – Full access to RGU’s library, online databases, HRM journals, employment law resources, and CIPD toolkits.
Professional Accreditation (CIPD) – Paid membership provides access to CIPD’s professional toolkits, networking events, and industry-standard resources.
Industry Engagement – RGU’s strong employer links across energy, hospitality, construction, and financial services sectors provide opportunities for applied projects and placements.

This combination of placement opportunities, applied projects, CIPD accreditation, and employer engagement ensures you graduate not only with academic knowledge but with the practical skills employers demand in HR and consultancy.

Progression & Future Opportunities

Graduates of RGU’s MSc Human Resource Management are well-prepared to step into dynamic HR roles across industries, combining CIPD-accredited expertise with practical consultancy and placement experience. Typical career paths include HR Business Partner, Organisational Development Consultant, Talent Acquisition Specialist, and Employee Relations Manager. With RGU’s strong employability record and industry partnerships, students graduate with both credibility and confidence to succeed.

Here’s how RGU supports your career progression and future opportunities:

University Services for Employability: RGU’s Employability Hub and Careers team provide tailored one-to-one guidance, CV and interview workshops, and access to employer networking events. Students also benefit from the RGU Leaver Survey and Graduate Outcomes Survey, which track employment and offer career-related support after graduation.
Employment Stats and Salary Figures: RGU consistently ranks among the Top 10 UK universities for graduate employability, with many HR graduates securing roles in energy, hospitality, construction, and financial services sectors. HR professionals in the UK typically earn between £30,000–£50,000 annually, with senior HR leadership roles exceeding this range.
University–Industry Partnerships: Aberdeen Business School works closely with employers to shape its curriculum, ensuring teaching reflects workplace needs. RGU also supports placements with local, national, and international organisations, giving students direct exposure to HR practice.
Long-Term Accreditation Value: The program is accredited by the Chartered Institute of Personnel and Development (CIPD, Level 7). Graduates are eligible for Associate Membership (Assoc CIPD), with progression routes to Chartered Member or Chartered Fellow status depending on experience.
Graduation Outcomes: Alumni have progressed into HR leadership roles across multinational corporations, consultancy firms, and public sector organisations, while others have pursued doctoral research to contribute to HRM scholarship and policy development.

Further Academic Progression:
After completing the MSc Human Resource Management at RGU, students can continue their academic journey by pursuing a PhD in Human Resource Management, Organisational Behaviour, or Employment Law. This pathway allows graduates to deepen their expertise, contribute to cutting-edge HR research, and prepare for careers in academia, consultancy, or high-level organisational leadership.