MA Human Resource Management

1 Year On Campus Masters Program

University of Plymouth

Program Overview

The MA Human Resource Management at the University of Plymouth is designed for graduates and professionals who want to move into strategic HR roles. It combines academic depth with applied practice, preparing you to lead people, manage change, and align HR strategies with organisational goals.

Curriculum Structure

Year 1

Core HR Foundations
You’ll begin with Ethical Resourcing (HRL7001), which equips you with the skills to recruit, select, and retain talent ethically and strategically. Alongside this, People Management Strategies in Context (HRL7002) explores how HR policies can create value and enhance employee experience, linking practice directly to organisational objectives.

Employment Relations and Change Management
You’ll study Employment Relations and Employment Law (HRL7003), gaining both theoretical and practical knowledge of workplace relations and the legal standards underpinning them. This is complemented by Delivering Change in a Contemporary Workplace (HRL7004), where you’ll develop collaborative and communication skills to manage organisational change effectively.

Capstone Project (Professional Application)
The program culminates in the Capstone Project (PBS7000), where you synthesise your learning into a consultancy, business analysis, or applied research project. This project allows you to tailor your studies to your career ambitions, whether in HR leadership, consultancy, or academic research.

Focus Areas

Ethical resourcing, people management strategies, employment law, employment relations, organisational change, consultancy projects.

Learning Outcomes

Graduates will be able to design ethical HR policies, manage complex employment relations, lead organisational change, and apply evidence-based HR strategies in diverse contexts.

Professional Alignment (Accreditation)

The program meets the requirements of the Chartered Institute of Personnel and Development (CIPD). Successful completion provides the knowledge criteria for upgrading to Chartered or Fellow membership, depending on your level of work experience.

Reputation (Employability Rankings)

Plymouth Business School is accredited by the International Accreditation Council for Business Education (IACBE).
The University of Plymouth is committed to sustainability and social responsibility, embedding these values into HR practice.
Alumni have progressed into HR leadership roles across public, private, and third-sector organisations.

Experiential Learning (Research, Projects, Internships etc.)

Experiential learning on the MA Human Resource Management at the University of Plymouth is designed to immerse you in real-world HR practice. You’ll not only study HR theory but actively apply it through consultancy projects, applied research, and modules that focus on ethical resourcing, employment law, and organisational change. Plymouth Business School provides modern facilities, digital tools, and professional accreditation pathways to ensure you graduate with both academic knowledge and practical expertise.

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

Capstone Project (PBS7000): You’ll undertake a consultancy, business analysis, or applied research project, working on live HR issues and applying evidence-based solutions directly to organisational challenges.
Group projects and case studies: Modules such as Delivering Change in a Contemporary Workplace (HRL7004) and People Management Strategies in Context (HRL7002) include collaborative projects where you’ll design HR policies and change strategies in simulated workplace scenarios.
Employment Relations and Employment Law (HRL7003): Gain hands-on experience in analysing workplace disputes and applying legal frameworks, preparing you for HR roles that demand strong problem-solving and compliance skills.
Ethical Resourcing (HRL7001): Learn to use HR tools and digital recruitment platforms to design ethical and effective talent management strategies.
Library and research facilities: Access Plymouth’s extensive library, HRM databases, and digital resources to support your dissertation and applied projects.
Plymouth Business School environment: Study in a school accredited by the International Accreditation Council for Business Education (IACBE), with modern teaching spaces, collaborative study areas, and strong links to industry.
CIPD alignment: The program meets the requirements of the Chartered Institute of Personnel and Development (CIPD), giving you access to professional membership and resources throughout your studies.

This blend of consultancy projects, applied modules, digital HR tools, and CIPD accreditation ensures you graduate with the confidence to lead HR functions in diverse organisations.

Progression & Future Opportunities

Graduates of the MA Human Resource Management at the University of Plymouth are prepared to step into strategic HR roles across diverse industries. Typical career paths include HR business partner, employee relations specialist, talent acquisition manager, and organisational development consultant. With CIPD accreditation and Plymouth’s strong employability support, you’ll be equipped to influence workplace culture and drive organisational success:

University services for employability: Plymouth offers dedicated support through its Careers Service, providing one-to-one guidance, CV and interview workshops, and access to employer networks. The program also embeds employability through the Capstone Project, where you work on live HR issues with consultancy-style outcomes.
Employment stats and salary figures: The University of Plymouth consistently highlights strong graduate employability, with HRM graduates reporting competitive salaries and rapid progression into management roles.
University–industry partnerships: Plymouth Business School collaborates with employers through applied projects, guest lectures, and consultancy experiences, ensuring your learning is aligned with current HR practice.
Long-term accreditation value: The program meets the requirements of the Chartered Institute of Personnel and Development (CIPD), providing the knowledge criteria for upgrading to Chartered or Fellow membership, a globally recognised qualification that enhances career longevity.
Graduation outcomes: Alumni progress into HR leadership roles across public, private, and third-sector organisations, with many advancing quickly into positions that shape organisational strategy.

Further Academic Progression:
After completing the MA Human Resource Management, you could continue into a Doctor of Business Administration (DBA) or a PhD in Human Resource Management/Business Studies at the University of Plymouth. 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.