MSc Human Resource Management

1 Years On Campus Masters Program

University of Exeter

Program Overview

The MSc Human Resource Management at the University of Exeter equips you with advanced knowledge of HR practice, leadership, and international people management, while preparing you for CIPD accreditation. It’s ideal for graduates or professionals who want to build a career in HR, consultancy, or people-focused leadership roles, combining academic depth with practical skill development.

Curriculum Structure

Year 1 (PgDip stage – taught modules)

In the first stage, you’ll gain a strong foundation in HRM practice. Modules such as Recruitment and Selection, Leadership and Performance Management, and International HRM Approaches introduce you to the essentials of managing people across diverse contexts. You’ll also take part in two intensive residential programmes, where you’ll practice negotiation, team-building, and HR decision-making in real-world scenarios.

Year 2 (MSc stage – dissertation)

Building on the taught modules, the MSc culminates in a dissertation where you conduct independent research on a specialist HR topic of your choice. This allows you to explore areas such as employee engagement, diversity and inclusion, or global HR strategies, applying theory to practice. You’ll be supported by Exeter’s research-active faculty, ensuring your project is both academically rigorous and professionally relevant.

Focus Areas

Recruitment and selection, leadership and performance management, international HRM, employee relations, and strategic HR practice.

Learning Outcomes

Graduates will develop advanced HR knowledge, practical skills aligned with CIPD standards, and the ability to critically evaluate HR strategies in global contexts.

Professional Alignment (Accreditation)

The program is accredited by the Chartered Institute of Personnel and Development (CIPD), meaning successful graduates can achieve professional membership. Exeter Business School also holds triple accreditation (AMBA, AACSB, EQUIS), a mark of global quality.

Reputation (Employability Rankings)

Top 10 in the UK for Business and Management (9th in The Times and The Sunday Times Good University Guide 2025; The Complete University Guide 2026)
Strong employer links across public, private, and non-profit sectors, with graduates progressing into HR Director roles, consultancy, and global HR positions.

Experiential Learning (Research, Projects, Internships etc.)

One of the most distinctive aspects of Exeter’s MSc Human Resource Management is how it blends academic study with hands-on practice. You won’t just learn HR theory — you’ll actively apply it through residential programmes, group projects, and professional simulations that mirror the challenges HR leaders face in the workplace. The program is designed to give you practical skills in negotiation, recruitment, and performance management, while also preparing you for CIPD accreditation. You’ll benefit from Exeter’s world-class facilities, including access to the Business School’s dedicated learning spaces, digital tools, and the University’s renowned library system.

To give you a clearer picture of how experiential learning is embedded into the program, here are some highlights:

Two intensive three-day residential programmes where you’ll collaborate with peers, practice HR decision-making, and develop negotiation and leadership skills in a dynamic, real-world environment.
Group projects and case studies integrated into modules such as Recruitment and Selection and Leadership and Performance Management, ensuring you learn to work collaboratively while tackling authentic HR challenges.
Access to CIPD-aligned digital resources and HRM tools, supporting your professional development and preparing you for membership upon graduation.
Specialist support from Exeter Business School, which is triple-accredited (AMBA, AACSB, EQUIS), giving you exposure to international standards of management education.
University of Exeter Library and online databases, providing extensive HRM, business, and management resources to support your dissertation and research projects.
Career-focused workshops and employer engagement activities, connecting you with HR professionals and helping you build networks that translate into real career opportunities.

Progression & Future Opportunities

Graduates of Exeter’s MSc Human Resource Management are highly sought after for roles in HR leadership, consultancy, and people management. Typical career paths include HR Manager, Talent Acquisition Specialist, Employee Relations Consultant, and Learning & Development Advisor. With CIPD accreditation and Exeter’s strong employer links, you’ll be positioned to step confidently into senior HR roles across industries.

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

Dedicated Career Zone and Business School Employability Team: From day one, you’ll have access to tailored career guidance, CV workshops, interview coaching, and employer networking events.
Employment stats and salary figures: According to the Graduate Outcomes survey, Exeter ranks among the UK’s top universities for employability, with many Business School graduates securing professional roles within 15 months of graduation.
University–industry partnerships: Exeter Business School collaborates with leading employers across sectors, offering opportunities to engage with HR professionals through guest lectures, case studies, and employer-led projects.
Long-term accreditation value: The program is accredited by the Chartered Institute of Personnel and Development (CIPD), giving you a globally recognized professional qualification that enhances career mobility and credibility.
Graduation outcomes: Alumni progress into HR Director positions, consultancy roles, and international HRM careers, leveraging Exeter’s triple accreditation (AMBA, AACSB, EQUIS) 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 or Human Resource Studies at Exeter, deepening your expertise in organizational behavior, employment relations, or international HRM. This pathway is ideal if you aspire to an academic career, advanced consultancy, or research leadership in global HR practice.