MSc Human Resource Management

1 Year On Campus Masters Program

University of Portsmouth

Program Overview

The MSc Human Resource Management at Portsmouth is designed to help you develop advanced HR expertise while strengthening leadership and management skills, preparing you for impactful roles in the UK and European HR industry. It suits graduates from business, social sciences, or even technology backgrounds who want to transition into HRM, offering a curriculum aligned with current HR practice, sustainable business, and global employment relations.

Curriculum Structure

Year of Study (Full-time, 1 year)

Teaching Block 1: You’ll begin with modules such as Responsible and Sustainable Business, Employment Relations in a Global Context, and International HRM. These courses introduce you to the ethical frameworks of modern business, the regulation and experience of work relationships, and comparative HR practices worldwide.
Teaching Block 2: You’ll progress into Strategic HRM and Organisational Strategy, Leadership and Management Skills, and Learning and Development. Here, you’ll critically examine how HR strategy aligns with business goals, explore leadership for diverse workforces, and situate learning activities within organisational contexts.
Dissertation & Professional Skills: Your final stage includes a dissertation on a strategic HRM issue and a Professional Skills module. This combination ensures you graduate with both academic depth and practical, workplace-ready capabilities.

Focus Areas

Strategic HRM
Employment relations
Leadership and organisational development
Sustainable business practices
Global HR perspectives

Learning Outcomes

Apply HR theory and practice in global and comparative contexts
Critically evaluate employment relations and organisational strategy
Demonstrate leadership and people management skills for diverse workforces
Conduct independent research into strategic HRM issues

Professional Alignment (Accreditation)

This MSc is accredited by the Chartered Institute of Personnel and Development (CIPD). Graduates gain Associate CIPD membership and eligibility to upgrade to Chartered status with relevant experience. The program is also aligned with the Society for Human Resource Management (SHRM) curriculum, confirming its global recognition.

Reputation (Employability Rankings)

The University of Portsmouth’s Faculty of Business and Law is AACSB-accredited, a distinction held by less than 6% of business schools worldwide.
Portsmouth is consistently ranked highly for graduate employability, with strong industry links including IBM, Boeing, and Hampshire County Council.
Graduates typically move into roles such as HR Business Partner, Learning & Development Specialist, Recruitment Consultant, and HR Consultant.

Experiential Learning (Research, Projects, Internships etc.)

On this MSc Human Resource Management, you’ll gain hands-on experience that mirrors real HR practice. The program is highly practical, with opportunities to apply theory directly in workplace settings, engage in group projects, and use professional tools that HR specialists rely on. You’ll also benefit from Portsmouth’s strong industry connections, ensuring that your learning is not only academic but also deeply embedded in the realities of HR careers. The university’s modern facilities, digital resources, and professional accreditation pathways make your study experience immersive and career-focused.

To give you a clearer picture, here’s how experiential learning is built into the program:

Workplace Placements: The course offers practical placements where you apply HR knowledge in real business environments, strengthening employability and professional confidence.
Group Projects & Case Studies: Collaborative assignments simulate HR consultancy work, requiring you to tackle issues such as toxic leadership structures or sustainable business practices.
Professional Accreditation Tools: As the program is accredited by the Chartered Institute of Personnel and Development (CIPD), you’ll work with the CIPD HR Professional Map at Advanced Level 7, gaining direct exposure to industry-standard frameworks.
Digital Learning Resources: Access to the University’s online learning environment, including HRM-specific databases, case law resources, and digital tools for employment relations research.
Library & Research Facilities: The University of Portsmouth Library provides extensive HRM journals, employment law databases, and international HRM case studies, supporting your dissertation and applied research.
Faculty of Business and Law Facilities: You’ll study within Portsmouth’s AACSB-accredited Faculty, which offers dedicated seminar rooms, collaborative learning spaces, and access to the Business Simulation Suite for strategic HRM scenarios.
- Professional Networking Events: Regular guest lectures and employer engagement sessions connect you with HR leaders from organisations such as IBM, Boeing, and Hampshire County Council

Progression & Future Opportunities

Graduates of the MSc Human Resource Management at Portsmouth are well-prepared to step into strategic HR roles across industries, combining advanced leadership skills with CIPD-accredited expertise. Typical career paths include HR Business Partner, Learning & Development Specialist, Recruitment Consultant, and HR Manager, with many alumni progressing into senior positions in multinational organisations.

Here’s how the University of Portsmouth supports your career journey and long-term progression:

Dedicated Careers and Employability Service: You’ll have access to tailored support including CV workshops, interview coaching, and employer networking events. The service continues for up to five years after graduation, ensuring you remain supported as you advance in your career.
Employment Stats and Salary Figures: Portsmouth is ranked highly for graduate employability, with nine out of ten graduates in work or further study within 15 months of finishing their degree. HR professionals in the UK typically earn £35,000–£50,000 annually, with senior HR managers exceeding this range.
University–Industry Partnerships: The Faculty of Business and Law has strong links with employers such as IBM, Boeing, and Hampshire County Council, offering opportunities for placements, projects, and networking.
Long-term Accreditation Value: The program is accredited by the Chartered Institute of Personnel and Development (CIPD), granting you Associate Membership upon graduation. This accreditation is globally recognised and provides a pathway to Chartered CIPD status with experience.
Graduation Outcomes: Alumni have progressed into HR consultancy, talent management, and leadership roles in both private and public sectors, with many leveraging the program’s international HR focus to work abroad.

Further Academic Progression:
After completing this MSc, you could continue your academic journey by pursuing a PhD in Human Resource Management or Organisational Behaviour at Portsmouth or other leading universities. Alternatively, you may choose to specialise further with professional development courses through CIPD or SHRM, enhancing your expertise in areas such as employment law, strategic leadership, or global HR practice.