MA Human Resource Management

1 Year On Campus Masters Program

University of Hertfordshire

Program Overview

The MSc Human Resource Management at Hertfordshire is designed for graduates and professionals who want to build advanced expertise in managing people, employment law, and organizational development. It suits those aiming for careers in HR leadership, consultancy, or talent management, combining academic knowledge with CIPD-accredited professional practice.

Curriculum Structure

Year 1 (Taught Modules):

Students begin with Human Resource Management in Context, exploring how HR policies and practices are shaped by economic, social, and legal environments.
In Leading, Managing and Developing People, they focus on leadership, motivation, and employee engagement, applying theory to practical HR scenarios.
Employment Law provides a detailed understanding of statutory and common law rights, equipping students to handle compliance and workplace disputes.
Employee Resourcing and Talent Management covers recruitment, workforce planning, diversity, and reward strategies, preparing students to design effective HR policies.

Focus Areas

HRM in context, leadership and people development, employment law, employee resourcing, talent management, learning and development, performance and reward management, HR research methods.

Learning Outcomes

Graduates will be able to critically evaluate HRM theories, design and implement HR strategies, apply employment law in practice, and demonstrate professional competencies aligned with CIPD standards.

Professional Alignment (Accreditation)

The program is fully accredited by the Chartered Institute of Personnel and Development (CIPD). Successful graduates gain eligibility for Associate Membership (Assoc CIPD), with the potential to progress to Chartered Member or Chartered Fellow status depending on experience.

Reputation (Employability Rankings)

The University of Hertfordshire is ranked among the top 25% of UK universities for employability (Graduate Outcomes Survey, 2025).
The university is also recognized as a top modern university for graduate prospects (The Guardian University Guide 2025).
MSc HRM graduates have progressed into HR leadership roles across industries including healthcare, finance, consultancy, and public administration.

Experiential Learning (Research, Projects, Internships etc.)

One of the strongest features of Hertfordshire’s MSc Human Resource Management is how it blends academic study with real-world practice. You won’t just learn HR theory — you’ll actively apply it through case studies, group projects, and practice-based research that mirror the challenges faced by HR professionals today. The program is CIPD-accredited, meaning every assignment is designed to meet professional standards, while Hertfordshire’s modern facilities and digital resources ensure you graduate with both knowledge and confidence.

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

Group Projects and Case Studies: Modules such as Employee Resourcing and Talent Management and Performance and Reward Management use applied projects where you design HR strategies and evaluate their impact on organizational success.
Employment Law Module: Delivered through practical case studies and tribunal scenarios, giving you hands-on experience in compliance and dispute resolution.
Learning and Development Module: Involves applied workshops where you design training and career development programs, preparing you to manage employee growth in real organizations.
Research Methods and Dissertation: Provides hands-on training in both qualitative and quantitative techniques, including digital data analysis tools, ensuring you can conduct rigorous HR research.
Practice-Based Dissertation: Often linked to workplace challenges, allowing you to apply research directly to professional contexts and add tangible value to organizations.
Library and Digital Resources: Full access to the Hertfordshire Business School library and online databases, including HRM journals, employment law resources, and CIPD toolkits.
Professional Accreditation (CIPD): Paid membership gives you access to CIPD’s professional toolkits, networking events, and industry-standard resources.
Business School Facilities: Modern seminar rooms, collaborative learning spaces, and access to Hertfordshire’s strong employer connections, ensuring your learning is industry-focused.

This combination of group projects, practice-based research, CIPD accreditation, and industry engagement ensures you graduate not only with academic knowledge but with the practical skills employers demand in HR.

Progression & Future Opportunities

Graduates of Hertfordshire’s MSc Human Resource Management are equipped to step into strategic HR roles across industries. Typical career paths include HR Business Partner, Talent Acquisition Specialist, Employee Relations Manager, and Organisational Development Consultant. With CIPD accreditation and Hertfordshire’s strong employability record, students graduate with both the credibility and practical skills to thrive in competitive HR careers.

Here’s how the University of Hertfordshire supports your career progression and future opportunities:

University Services for Employability: Hertfordshire’s Careers and Employment Service provides tailored one-to-one guidance, CV and interview workshops, and access to employer networking events. The program also embeds career development skills directly into modules, ensuring you graduate career-ready.
Employment Stats and Salary Figures: The University of Hertfordshire is ranked among the top 25% of UK universities for employability (Graduate Outcomes Survey, 2025). HR graduates in the UK typically earn between £28,000–£45,000 annually, with senior HR leadership roles exceeding this range.
University–Industry Partnerships: The MSc HRM is closely aligned with the Chartered Institute of Personnel and Development (CIPD), and Hertfordshire collaborates with employers on applied HR practice, ensuring students gain exposure to current industry challenges and professional networks.
Long-Term Accreditation Value: The program is fully accredited by the CIPD, meaning graduates are eligible for Associate Membership (Assoc CIPD), with the potential to progress to Chartered Member or Chartered Fellow status depending on experience. This accreditation is globally recognized and enhances career mobility.
Graduation Outcomes: Alumni have progressed into HR leadership roles across sectors including healthcare, finance, consultancy, and public administration. Others have pursued doctoral research to contribute to HRM scholarship and policy development.

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