MSc Human Resources Management

1 Year On Campus Masters Program

Royal Holloway University of London

Program Overview

The MSc Human Resource Management at Royal Holloway, University of London is a CIPD-approved program that equips you with both strategic insight and practical skills to lead in HR. It’s designed for graduates and professionals aiming to build careers in HR management, consultancy, or related fields, with a strong focus on international perspectives and organisational change.

Curriculum Structure

Year 1 (Full-time MSc)

You’ll begin with Foundations of Human Resource Management, where you’ll explore the employment relationship, regulation of work, and how HR policies interact with economic and political environments. Alongside this, Employment Law for HR Experts introduces you to key legal frameworks, including contracts, discrimination, and collective bargaining, preparing you to navigate complex workplace regulations.

In the second term, modules such as Human Resource Management and Global Sustainability and Strategic International Human Resource Management broaden your perspective, examining HR practices across borders, global mobility, and cross-cultural leadership. You’ll engage in case study workshops, simulations, and group projects that mirror real-world HR challenges.

Later in the year, Organisational Learning, Knowledge and Innovation and Well-being at Work help you critically assess how organisations adapt, innovate, and support employee well-being. These modules combine theory with applied practice, ensuring you can evaluate HR strategies in diverse contexts.

Finally, you’ll undertake a Dissertation Project, where you apply advanced research methods to investigate a contemporary HR issue, supported by training in both qualitative and quantitative approaches.

Focus Areas

Learning Outcomes

Strategic HR leadership | Legal and ethical awareness | Research and analysis | Cross-cultural management | Innovation in HR practice

Professional Alignment (Accreditation)

The program is approved by the Chartered Institute of Personnel and Development (CIPD) and accredited by the Association to Advance Collegiate Schools of Business (AACSB), giving your qualification global recognition.

Reputation (Employability Rankings)

Royal Holloway is ranked in the top 25% of UK universities for research rated “world-leading” or “internationally excellent” (REF 2021).
The Business School’s international community includes students from over 130 countries, enhancing your global HR perspective.
Graduates are highly employable, moving into careers in HR management, consultancy, government advisory, and public policy research.

Experiential Learning (Research, Projects, Internships etc.)

Students on the MSc Human Resource Management at Royal Holloway, University of London gain far more than classroom knowledge — the program is built around applied learning, professional accreditation, and access to outstanding facilities. You’ll work on live case studies, group projects, and research assignments that mirror the challenges HR professionals face in global organisations. With CIPD approval and AACSB accreditation, every aspect of the course is designed to give you practical skills that employers value.

Here’s how experiential learning is embedded into your Royal Holloway journey:

Applied Dissertation Project: Instead of a purely theoretical thesis, you’ll investigate a real HR issue, applying advanced research methods to deliver practical recommendations.
Group Projects & Case Studies: Modules such as Strategic International Human Resource Management and Human Resource Management and Global Sustainability include collaborative assignments and simulations that replicate workplace problem-solving.
Employment Law Workshops: In Employment Law for HR Experts, you’ll engage with real-world case scenarios, learning how to apply legal frameworks to organisational contexts.
Digital & Research Tools: Training in both qualitative and quantitative methods equips you to use HR analytics and digital research platforms effectively.
Well-being & Innovation Labs: Through modules like Well-being at Work and Organisational Learning, Knowledge and Innovation, you’ll explore practical strategies for employee support and organisational adaptability.
Library & Learning Resources: Access to the Emily Wilding Davison Library and Royal Holloway’s modern study spaces ensures you have world-class resources for research and collaboration.
Professional Networks: As part of the Business School, you’ll benefit from employer engagement events, alumni connections, and CIPD-linked opportunities that enhance your career readiness.

Progression & Future Opportunities

Graduates of the MSc Human Resource Management at Royal Holloway, University of London are equipped with both strategic insight and professional accreditation, making them highly employable worldwide. Many progress into roles such as HR Business Partner, Talent Acquisition Manager, Diversity and Inclusion Specialist, or Organisational Development Consultant. With CIPD approval and AACSB accreditation, your qualification carries long-term recognition and global credibility:

University Services: Royal Holloway’s Careers Service provides tailored support including CV reviews, interview coaching, and employer networking events. Students also benefit from the Royal Holloway Alumni Network, connecting you with HR professionals across industries.
Employment Stats: Royal Holloway is ranked in the top 25% of UK universities for research rated “world-leading” or “internationally excellent” (REF 2021), reinforcing the employability of its graduates.
Industry Partnerships: The Business School integrates employer engagement through live case studies, applied projects, and guest lectures, ensuring students gain direct exposure to HR practice.
Accreditation Value: The program is approved by the Chartered Institute of Personnel and Development (CIPD) and accredited by the AACSB, giving your degree global recognition and professional credibility.
Graduate Outcomes: Alumni move into HR leadership roles across corporate, public, and non-profit sectors, with many advancing into consultancy and policy advisory positions.

Further Academic Progression:
After completing this MSc, students may continue into doctoral study, such as a PhD in Management or Human Resource Management at Royal Holloway, or pursue advanced research in organisational behaviour, employment relations, and workplace diversity. This pathway allows you to deepen your expertise and contribute to cutting-edge HR scholarship.