MSc Human Resource Management and Development

12 Months On Campus Masters Program

University of Central Lancashire

Program Overview

Lancaster’s MSc Human Resource Management is a CIPD-accredited program designed for graduates from diverse disciplines or HR practitioners seeking advanced expertise. It suits those aiming to become strategic HR leaders, combining theory with applied practice, and offers a comprehensive study of recruitment, employee relations, organisational change, and ethical leadership.

Curriculum Structure

Term 1:
Students begin with Human Resource Management – Concepts, Theories and Practices, gaining a foundation in recruitment, selection, career development, and employee wellbeing. Alongside this, Understanding Organisations – Contexts, Dynamics and Methods introduces organisational behaviour and workplace dynamics, preparing students to analyse HR issues in context.

Term 2:
The focus shifts to International HRM and Employee Relations, where students explore global HR practices, employee voice, and engagement across diverse cultural and legal environments. In Organisations, Management and Change, students examine how organisations adapt to technological developments and workforce diversity, learning to lead transformation responsibly.

Term 3:
Students undertake the Advanced Professional Development module, which uses interactive learning methods such as negotiation role plays and performance appraisal simulations. This leads into the Dissertation, where students conduct independent research on a real HR challenge, applying both theoretical and practical insights.

Focus Areas

Recruitment and selection, employee wellbeing, international HRM, employee relations, organisational change, ethical leadership, HR analytics, applied HR research.

Learning Outcomes

Graduates will be able to design HR strategies aligned with organisational goals, manage diverse teams, implement global HR practices, lead organisational change, and conduct applied HR research with integrity.

Professional Alignment (Accreditation)

The program is accredited by the Chartered Institute of Personnel and Development (CIPD). Students can gain immediate CIPD membership during the program and graduate as Associate Members (Level 7), enhancing employability worldwide.

Reputation (Employability Rankings)

Lancaster University Management School is ranked 13th in the UK and joint 99th globally for Business and Management (QS World Rankings by Subject 2025).
The program includes networking opportunities with HR professionals from organisations such as NHS, IBM, Accenture, BAE Systems, IHG Hotels & Resorts, Gartner, CIPD, Tesla (China), and Samsung (Vietnam).
Students also attend the CIPD Conference and Exhibition in Manchester, gaining direct exposure to industry debates and professional practice.

Experiential Learning (Research, Projects, Internships etc.)

Experiential Learning – MSc Human Resource Management at Lancaster University

One of the most distinctive features of Lancaster’s MSc Human Resource Management is how it integrates theory with practice. You’ll gain hands-on skills through interactive workshops, simulations, and applied projects, while also benefiting from Lancaster University Management School’s strong employer links and CIPD accreditation. The program is designed to ensure you graduate not only with academic knowledge but with the confidence to apply HR strategies in real organisational contexts.

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

Advanced Professional Development Module: Uses interactive learning methods such as negotiation role plays, performance appraisal simulations, and group projects, helping you practice HR decision-making in realistic scenarios.
Dissertation/Applied Research Project: Allows you to investigate a real HR challenge, applying both theoretical frameworks and practical research methods to produce evidence-based solutions.
International HRM and Employee Relations Module: Involves comparative case studies and applied projects, preparing you to manage HR across diverse cultural and legal environments.
Organisations, Management and Change Module: Includes group projects where you design organisational change strategies and evaluate their impact, linking HR practice to wider business transformation.
Industry Engagement: Students attend the CIPD Annual Conference and Exhibition in Manchester, gaining direct exposure to professional debates, networking opportunities, and employer engagement.
Digital Tools and Resources: Access to Lancaster’s library databases, HRM journals, CIPD toolkits, and HR analytics resources, ensuring you can use digital tools to support evidence-based HR practice.
Employer Connections: Networking opportunities with HR professionals from organisations such as NHS, IBM, Accenture, BAE Systems, IHG Hotels & Resorts, Gartner, Tesla (China), and Samsung (Vietnam).
Lancaster University Management School Facilities: Modern seminar rooms, collaborative learning spaces, and access to one of the UK’s leading business schools, ranked highly for employability and industry partnerships.

This combination of interactive simulations, applied projects, CIPD accreditation, and employer engagement ensures you graduate with the practical skills and professional credibility to thrive in HR leadership roles worldwide.

Progression & Future Opportunities

Graduates of Lancaster’s MSc Human Resource Management are equipped with CIPD-accredited expertise and practical experience, making them highly employable across industries worldwide. Typical career paths include HR Business Partner, Talent Acquisition Specialist, Organisational Development Consultant, and Employee Relations Manager. With Lancaster’s strong employer links and international reputation, students graduate with both credibility and confidence to thrive in HR leadership roles.

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

University Services for Employability: Lancaster University Management School provides tailored career support through its Careers and Employability Service, offering one-to-one guidance, CV and interview workshops, and access to employer networking events. Students also benefit from direct engagement with HR professionals via guest lectures and the CIPD Annual Conference and Exhibition in Manchester.
Employment Stats and Salary Figures: Lancaster University Management School is ranked 13th in the UK and joint 99th globally for Business and Management (QS World Rankings by Subject 2025). HR graduates in the UK typically earn between £30,000–£50,000 annually, with senior HR leadership roles exceeding this range.
University–Industry Partnerships: Students gain networking opportunities with HR professionals from organisations such as NHS, IBM, Accenture, BAE Systems, IHG Hotels & Resorts, Gartner, Tesla (China), and Samsung (Vietnam). These partnerships ensure exposure to global HR practices and employer expectations.
Long-Term Accreditation Value: 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. This accreditation is globally recognised and enhances career mobility.
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 Lancaster, 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.