MSc in Human Resource Management

1 Year On Campus Masters Program

University of Hull

Program Overview

The MSc Human Resource Management at Hull prepares you to become a senior HR professional who can drive organisational success by recognising employees as the most valued asset. It suits graduates from any discipline, as well as professionals already working in HR, and focuses on developing the skills to lead people, resolve workplace issues, and influence strategic business decisions.

Curriculum Structure

Year 1
You’ll start with Leading, Managing and Developing People, exploring how HR contributes to organisational success through leadership, engagement, and flexibility. Alongside this, Human Resource Management in Context examines the internal and external environments of organisations, including labour markets, ethics, and corporate social responsibility. You’ll also study Employment Relations and Engagement, analysing conflict and consensus in the workplace and the strategies HR professionals use to manage them.

Building on these foundations, you’ll take Critical Concepts in HRM, which develops your understanding of the theories underpinning HR policy and best practice. In Learning and Development, you’ll evaluate how training and development can maximise organisational success. You’ll also study People Analytics and Working Digitally, focusing on the impact of technology and how HR professionals use data to drive effective decision-making.

Final Project (Specialisation)
The program culminates in a Dissertation, where you design and carry out original research on a topic of your choice, supported by a supervisor. You’ll also take Study Skills and Research Methods, equipping you with the academic and ethical research skills needed to succeed in postgraduate study and beyond.

Focus Areas

Leadership, employee engagement, HR strategy, workplace relations, learning and development, people analytics, digital HR.

Learning Outcomes

Graduates will be able to critically evaluate HRM theories, apply people-focused strategies, resolve complex workplace issues, and use data-driven insights to influence organisational performance.

Professional Alignment (Accreditation)

This program is accredited by the Chartered Institute of Personnel and Development (CIPD), meeting the CIPD’s Advanced Level criteria and providing access to CIPD membership — the most prestigious qualification for HR professionals.

Reputation (Employability Rankings)

Hull University Business School is a CIPD-approved centre, and the MSc HRM is recognised as a gateway to senior HR careers. The University also offers strong employability support, including mentoring and CV workshops, ensuring graduates are well-prepared for the job market.

Experiential Learning (Research, Projects, Internships etc.)

Experiential learning on the MSc Human Resource Management at Hull is designed to give you practical, hands-on skills that employers value. You’ll not only study HR theory but also apply it through real-world projects, data-driven analysis, and professional practice aligned with CIPD standards. The program makes full use of Hull University Business School’s modern facilities, digital tools, and industry connections to ensure you graduate with confidence in tackling workplace challenges.

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

CIPD-aligned practice: Every module is mapped to the Chartered Institute of Personnel and Development (CIPD) standards, meaning you’ll gain practical experience that directly supports professional accreditation.
Group projects and case studies: Work collaboratively on employment relations, engagement strategies, and HR policy design, simulating the challenges faced by HR professionals in diverse organisations.
People Analytics and Working Digitally module: Learn to use HR-related data and digital tools to make evidence-based decisions, strengthening your analytical and technological skills.
Study Skills and Research Methods training: Gain hands-on experience in designing and conducting HR research, preparing you for your dissertation and future consultancy work.
Hull University Business School facilities: Study in a CIPD-approved centre with modern teaching spaces, collaborative study areas, and access to the University’s award-winning library.
Library and research support: Access specialist HRM databases, journals, and digital resources to support your assignments and dissertation.
Industry engagement: Benefit from guest lectures and employer-linked opportunities, ensuring your learning is connected to current HR practice.
Dissertation project: Undertake an independent research project on a live HR issue, applying your skills to generate practical solutions for organisations.

This combination of CIPD accreditation, applied projects, and digital HR tools ensures you graduate with both the academic knowledge and the professional experience to succeed in senior HR roles.

Progression & Future Opportunities

Graduates of the MSc Human Resource Management at Hull are prepared to step into senior HR roles with confidence. Typical career paths include HR business partner, talent development manager, employee relations specialist, and organisational development consultant. The program’s CIPD accreditation and Hull’s strong employability support ensure you’re ready to influence workplace culture and drive organisational success:

University services for employability: Hull’s Careers and Employability Service provides tailored one-to-one guidance, CV and interview workshops, and access to employer networks. As a CIPD-approved centre, the program also supports your progression into professional membership, enhancing your career prospects.
Employment stats and salary figures: Hull graduates benefit from strong employability outcomes, with postgraduate alumni reporting competitive salaries and rapid career progression in HR and management roles.
University–industry partnerships: Hull University Business School works closely with employers and professional bodies, embedding real-world HR practice into your studies through guest lectures, case studies, and employer-linked projects.
Long-term accreditation value: The MSc is accredited by the Chartered Institute of Personnel and Development (CIPD), meeting advanced-level criteria and giving you access to CIPD membership — the most recognised professional qualification in HR.
Graduation outcomes: Alumni progress into diverse sectors including finance, healthcare, education, and multinational corporations, with many advancing quickly into leadership positions.

Further Academic Progression:
After completing the MSc Human Resource Management, you could continue into a Doctor of Business Administration (DBA) or a PhD in Human Resource Management/Business Studies at Hull University Business School. These advanced research degrees allow you to deepen your expertise, contribute to academic knowledge, and position yourself for senior roles in academia, consultancy, or executive leadership.