Human Resource Management MA

1 Year On Campus Masters Program

University of Leeds

Program Overview

The MA Human Resource Management at the University of Leeds is a professionally focused program that blends academic excellence with practical HR skills. It suits students aiming for careers in HR leadership, consultancy, or organizational development, and offers both UK and international perspectives shaped by the research expertise of the Centre for Employment Relations, Innovation and Change (CERIC).

Curriculum Structure

Year 1 (Full-time, 12 months)

In the first semester, you’ll build a strong foundation in HRM through modules such as Human Resource Management, Employment Relations, and Organisational Behaviour, which explore how people are managed within complex organizational and cultural contexts. These courses provide the theoretical grounding needed to understand HR’s role in shaping workplace dynamics.

The second semester focuses on applied HR practice. You’ll study Human Resource Development and International Human Resource Management, which prepare you to design training strategies and manage HR across global organizations. Alongside this, Research Methods in HRM equips you with the analytical skills to investigate workplace challenges and apply evidence-based solutions.

In the summer, you’ll complete a dissertation or applied project, often in partnership with an organization, giving you hands-on experience in solving real HR problems while benefiting from academic supervision and industry input.

Focus Areas

Human resource management, employment relations, organizational behaviour, diversity and inclusion, international HRM.

Learning Outcomes

Graduates will be able to:

Apply HRM theory to organizational and international contexts.
Design inclusive HR policies and training strategies.
Conduct applied research to address workplace challenges.
Lead and manage people effectively across diverse environments.

Professional Alignment (Accreditation)

The program offers a CIPD pathway, combining academic excellence with professional development and giving graduates access to Chartered Institute of Personnel and Development membership.

Reputation (Employability Rankings)

Leeds University Business School is triple-accredited (AACSB, AMBA, EQUIS), placing it among the top business schools worldwide. The University of Leeds ranks in the top 100 globally for graduate employability (QS Graduate Employability Rankings 2025), with HRM graduates progressing into roles such as HR Advisor, Business Partner, Talent Specialist, and Employee Relations Consultant.

Experiential Learning (Research, Projects, Internships etc.)

Experiential learning in the MA Human Resource Management at the University of Leeds is designed to give you hands-on skills that employers value. You’ll not only study HR theory but also apply it through projects, professional development activities, and access to world-class facilities. The program is closely linked to the Chartered Institute of Personnel and Development (CIPD), ensuring you gain practical exposure to HR tools and practices while benefiting from Leeds University Business School’s triple accreditation (AACSB, AMBA, EQUIS).

Here’s how these opportunities translate into your learning experience:

CIPD pathway: As part of the program, you’ll engage with CIPD-accredited learning resources, giving you access to professional HR tools and networks while you study.
Group projects and case studies: Modules such as Human Resource Management and Employment Relations use applied case studies and collaborative projects, helping you practice problem-solving in real organizational scenarios.
Research training: The Research Methods in HRM module equips you with advanced analytical skills, including digital tools for organizational research and HR data analysis.
Industry engagement: The program is taught by staff from the Centre for Employment Relations, Innovation and Change (CERIC), which has strong links with employers and policymakers, ensuring your learning is informed by current practice.
Career support: Leeds University Business School offers tailored employability workshops, employer networking events, and one-to-one career coaching to prepare you for HR leadership roles.
Facilities: You’ll have access to the University of Leeds Library (one of the UK’s largest), modern teaching spaces, and the Business School’s dedicated postgraduate facilities, including study hubs and digital learning tools.

Progression & Future Opportunities

Graduates of the MA Human Resource Management at the University of Leeds are well-prepared to step into impactful HR roles worldwide. Typical career paths include HR Advisor, Talent Acquisition Specialist, Employee Relations Consultant, and HR Business Partner, with many alumni progressing into leadership positions across multinational corporations, consultancy firms, and public sector organizations. This program combines academic depth with professional accreditation, ensuring you leave with both knowledge and credibility:

University services: Leeds University Business School offers tailored employability workshops, one-to-one career coaching, and access to the Careers Centre, alongside the CIPD pathway which connects you to the Chartered Institute of Personnel and Development’s professional network.
Employment stats & salary figures: According to UK government Longitudinal Education Outcomes data, graduates of this program report an average salary of £32,000 fifteen months after graduation, with a strong employment rate and only 10% unemployment.
University–industry partnerships: Teaching is informed by the Centre for Employment Relations, Innovation and Change (CERIC), which collaborates with employers and policymakers, ensuring your learning reflects current HR practice.
Long-term accreditation value: The program offers a CIPD-accredited pathway, giving you access to professional membership and recognition that strengthens your career progression across industries.
Graduation outcomes: Alumni have advanced into HR leadership roles in multinational corporations, consultancy firms, and NGOs, supported by Leeds University Business School’s triple accreditation (AACSB, AMBA, EQUIS) and the University of Leeds’ global reputation.

Further Academic Progression:
After completing this MA, students can continue their academic journey by pursuing a PhD in Human Resource Management, Employment Relations, or Organizational Behaviour at the University of Leeds. This pathway allows you to deepen your expertise, contribute to cutting-edge HR research through CERIC, and prepare for careers in academia or high-level consultancy.