MSc Human Resource Management and Industrial Relations

1 Year On Campus Masters Program

University of Manchester

Program Overview

The MSc Human Resource Management and Industrial Relations at Manchester is designed for students who want to understand how HRM and employment relations shape organisational performance and employee wellbeing. It suits graduates aiming for careers in HR management, industrial relations consultancy, policy-making, or organisational development, offering a curriculum that blends HRM theory, employment law, and applied practice.

Curriculum Structure

Year 1 (Semester 1)
You’ll begin with core modules such as Fundamentals of Human Resource Management, Human Resource Management: Contexts, Controversies and Critical Issues, and Employment Law. These courses provide a strong foundation in HRM theory and practice, while exploring how employment law and industrial relations impact organisations and employees.

Year 1 (Semester 2)
Your studies advance with modules like Comparative Employment Relations and Organisation Development, equipping you with the tools to critically evaluate HRM strategies across different national and institutional contexts. You’ll also choose from option courses such as Equality, Diversity and Inclusion in International Education, International Management, or Gender & Development, tailoring your degree to your career interests.

Dissertation (Summer)
The program culminates in a 12,000–15,000 word dissertation, supervised by Manchester faculty. You are encouraged to base your dissertation on topics of direct professional concern, applying HRM and industrial relations theory to real-world challenges.

Focus Areas

Human resource management, employment law, industrial relations, organisational development, equality and diversity, international management, comparative employment relations.

Learning Outcomes

Graduates will be able to:

Analyse HRM and industrial relations practices in diverse organisational and national contexts.
Apply HRM strategies to improve organisational performance and employee wellbeing.
Critically evaluate employment law and its impact on HRM and industrial relations.
Conduct independent research in HRM and industrial relations.

Professional Alignment (Accreditation)

The program is delivered by the Global Development Institute (GDI) and the Alliance Manchester Business School, which holds triple accreditation (AACSB, EQUIS, AMBA). Manchester is ranked 2nd in the UK for Development Studies (REF 2021), ensuring graduates benefit from internationally recognised expertise.

Reputation (Employability Rankings)

The University of Manchester is ranked 6th in the UK and 11th globally for Development Studies (QS World University Rankings by Subject 2025).
Manchester ranks 1st in the UK for impact on the UN Sustainable Development Goals (THE Impact Rankings 2025).
Alumni have gone on to careers with organisations such as the World Bank, United Nations, Oxfam, African Union, and UK government agencies, reflecting the program’s strong global reputation.

Experiential Learning (Research, Projects, Internships etc.)

On the MSc Human Resource Management and Industrial Relations, you’ll gain practical skills by working directly with real-world HRM and employment relations challenges. The program is taught within the Alliance Manchester Business School, a triple-accredited institution (AACSB, EQUIS, AMBA), ensuring you learn in a professional environment that mirrors the standards of global HR practice. You’ll also benefit from Manchester’s extensive facilities, including one of the UK’s largest academic libraries, advanced digital tools, and collaborative learning spaces that support both academic and professional skill-building.

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

Applied Research & Data Analysis: Training in qualitative and quantitative methods, with access to HRM and employment relations datasets to evaluate workplace policies and practices.
Group Projects & Case Studies: Modules such as Comparative Employment Relations and Organisation Development include collaborative assignments where you design HRM strategies and analyse industrial relations issues in practice.
Independent Dissertation: A 12,000–15,000 word dissertation, often linked to professional concerns, applying HRM and industrial relations theory to practical organisational challenges.
Digital Tools & Resources: Access to Manchester’s online learning environment, statistical software, and employment law databases, supporting advanced research and policy analysis.
Alliance Manchester Business School Facilities: Modern seminar rooms, collaborative learning spaces, and guest lectures from HR professionals and industrial relations experts connect classroom learning with industry practice.
Library Access: Use of the University of Manchester Library, one of the UK’s largest academic libraries, with specialist collections in HRM, employment law, and industrial relations.
Professional Networking: Integration into Manchester’s global alumni network and partnerships with organisations such as the Chartered Institute of Personnel and Development (CIPD), offering direct exposure to employers and policy institutions.

Progression & Future Opportunities

Graduates of the MSc Human Resource Management and Industrial Relations are highly sought after for roles that combine HR expertise with a deep understanding of employment relations. Typical career paths include HR manager in multinational organisations, industrial relations consultant, employment law advisor, and organisational development specialist. This program ensures you leave Manchester with both professional credibility and strong employability outcomes:

University Careers & Employability Service: You’ll benefit from Manchester’s dedicated Careers Service and Alliance Manchester Business School career support, which provide tailored workshops, employer networking events, and access to exclusive job opportunities through the CareerConnect platform.
Employment Stats & Salary Figures: The University of Manchester is consistently ranked among the Top 10 UK universities targeted by graduate employers (High Fliers 2025), with postgraduates reporting strong employment outcomes and competitive salaries within 15 months of graduation.
University–Industry Partnerships: The program is delivered within the Alliance Manchester Business School, which collaborates with organisations such as the Chartered Institute of Personnel and Development (CIPD) and leading employers, offering guest lectures, applied projects, and networking opportunities.
Long-Term Accreditation Value: Alliance Manchester Business School holds triple accreditation (AACSB, EQUIS, AMBA), ensuring your qualification is recognised globally and valued by employers.
Graduate Outcomes: Alumni have gone on to careers in HR management, consultancy, government agencies, and international organisations, reflecting the program’s strong reputation and practical relevance.

Further Academic Progression:
After completing the MSc Human Resource Management and Industrial Relations, students can continue their studies through PhD programs in Human Resource Management, Industrial Relations, or Organisational Studies. The Alliance Manchester Business School offers doctoral research opportunities, enabling graduates to contribute to cutting-edge scholarship and prepare for academic, consultancy, or policy leadership careers.