MSc Human Resource Management and Organisation

1 Year On Campus Masters Program

University of Nottingham

Program Overview

The MSc Human Resource Management and Organisation at the University of Nottingham is a CIPD-accredited program that blends advanced HR knowledge with organisational leadership and analytics. It suits students who want to shape workplace culture, manage global HR challenges, and develop evidence-based strategies for talent management and organisational change.

Curriculum Structure

Year 1 (Full-time, 12 months)

In the autumn semester, you’ll build a strong foundation in HRM and organisational studies. Modules such as Employment Relations, Managing and Developing Organisations, and Strategic Human Resource Management introduce you to employment regulation, organisational design, leadership, and HR strategy. You’ll explore topics like recruitment, training, performance management, and wellbeing at work, while also engaging in case studies and workshops that simulate real HR scenarios.

In the spring semester, the focus shifts to advanced HR practice and global perspectives. You’ll study Contemporary Developments in HRM/OB, which covers issues such as wellness, coaching, and HR metrics, and International Human Resource Management, which examines HR in multinational companies and emerging economies. Alongside this, Research and Professional Skills in OB/HRM trains you in qualitative and quantitative analysis, preparing you for applied research and professional reflection.

In the summer, you’ll complete a Human Resource Management and Organisation Dissertation (60 credits). This project involves primary data collection and analysis, allowing you to investigate a current HR issue and apply your learning in a practical, evidence-based way.

Focus Areas

Strategic HRM, international HRM, employment relations, organisational development, ethics and equality, diversity and inclusion.

Learning Outcomes

Graduates will be able to:

Apply HRM and organisational theory to global business contexts.
Design and evaluate HR strategies that enhance workplace culture and employee engagement.
Use qualitative and quantitative research methods to address HR challenges.
Lead organisational change with a focus on ethics, diversity, and inclusion.

Professional Alignment (Accreditation)

The program is accredited by the Chartered Institute of Personnel and Development (CIPD), offering full exemption from the CIPD Advanced Diploma and access to professional networking opportunities through local CIPD branches.

Reputation (Employability Rankings)

The University of Nottingham is ranked 21st in the UK for Business and Management Studies (Complete University Guide 2026) and is a world top 100 university (QS World University Rankings 2026). Nottingham University Business School holds triple crown accreditation (AACSB, AMBA, EQUIS), placing it among the elite group of business schools worldwide. Graduates have gone on to work at leading employers such as Amazon, Deloitte, Boots, and the UK Civil Service, with Business School postgraduates reporting an average starting salary of £38,931 (HESA Graduate Outcomes 2022/23).

Experiential Learning (Research, Projects, Internships etc.)

Experiential learning in the MSc Human Resource Management and Organisation at the University of Nottingham is designed to ensure you graduate with both academic knowledge and practical, career-ready skills. You’ll gain hands-on experience through applied projects, CIPD-accredited training, and access to Nottingham University Business School’s specialist facilities. The program emphasizes evidence-based HR practice, giving you opportunities to work with real-world case studies, professional networks, and advanced research tools.

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

CIPD accreditation and membership: As part of the program, you’ll gain access to the Chartered Institute of Personnel and Development, including professional resources, networking events, and local branch activities that connect you directly to HR practitioners.
Applied dissertation/project: The final stage involves a substantial dissertation where you conduct primary research on a current HR issue, applying both qualitative and quantitative methods learned in the Research and Professional Skills in OB/HRM module.
Group projects and case studies: Modules such as Strategic Human Resource Management and Contemporary Developments in HRM/OB use collaborative assignments and applied case studies to simulate workplace problem-solving.
Digital tools and analytics: Training in HR metrics and organisational analysis equips you to use data-driven insights in HR decision-making, preparing you for roles in people analytics and organisational development.
International HR exposure: The International Human Resource Management module compares HR practices across multinational companies and emerging economies, giving you a global perspective on employment relations.
Facilities: You’ll study at Nottingham University Business School on Jubilee Campus, with access to modern teaching spaces, dedicated postgraduate study hubs, and the University of Nottingham’s extensive library system.
Professional development support: The Business School’s Careers and Employability Service provides tailored workshops, employer networking events, and one-to-one coaching to help you secure HR roles after graduation.

Progression & Future Opportunities

Graduates of the MSc Human Resource Management and Organisation at the University of Nottingham are prepared to take on leadership roles in HR and organisational development across global industries. Typical career paths include HR Manager, Talent Development Specialist, Employee Relations Consultant, and People Analytics Professional, with alumni progressing into multinational corporations, consultancy firms, and public sector organisations. This program ensures you leave with both academic depth and professional accreditation:

University services: Nottingham University Business School provides tailored career support through its Careers and Employability Service, offering one-to-one coaching, employer networking events, and access to the Career Mentoring scheme, which connects students with industry professionals.
Employment stats & salary figures: Business School postgraduates report an average starting salary of £38,931 (HESA Graduate Outcomes 2022/23), reflecting strong employability and competitive earnings.
University–industry partnerships: Teaching is informed by Nottingham’s collaboration with the Chartered Institute of Personnel and Development (CIPD) and employer engagement events, ensuring your learning reflects current HR practice and connects you to professional networks.
Long-term accreditation value: The program is fully accredited by the CIPD, granting graduates Associate Membership and exemption from the CIPD Advanced Diploma — a credential that strengthens career progression across industries.
Graduation outcomes: Alumni have advanced into HR leadership positions at employers such as Amazon, Deloitte, Boots, and the UK Civil Service, supported by Nottingham University Business School’s triple crown accreditation (AACSB, AMBA, EQUIS) and the University’s global reputation.

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