MSc Human Resource Management

1 Year On Campus Masters Program

University of Strathclyde

Program Overview

This one-year, full-time master’s blends theory with practice, preparing you for a professional career in HR management. It suits graduates from business, social sciences, or related fields who want to develop advanced knowledge of organisations, employment relations, and people management.

Curriculum Structure

Semester 1
You’ll begin with the foundations of HRM in context. HRM in a Business Context explores how socio-economic drivers shape HR strategies, while Contemporary Employment Relations examines current developments in UK employee relations. Alongside these, Business Skills equips you with competencies aligned to the CIPD Profession Map, including leadership, communication, and reflective practice.

Semester 2
The focus shifts to strategic HR and people management. In Leading, Managing and Developing People, you’ll critically examine HRM and HRD practices for building effective and healthy workforces. Employee Reward introduces pay and reward strategies across sectors, while Critical Issues in HRM engages with emerging global challenges in people management. You’ll also study People Resourcing and Research Methods, preparing you to analyse HR issues and design evidence-based solutions.

Integrated Dissertation & Research Report (IDRR)
During the summer, you’ll undertake an Integrated Dissertation and Research Report, often linked to an 8–10 week placement within an organisation. This project allows you to investigate a live HR issue, apply research methods, and deliver practical recommendations — a powerful way to showcase your skills to employers.

Focus Areas

Learning Outcomes

Graduates will be able to critically evaluate HR strategies, manage employment relations, design reward systems, and conduct applied research to influence organisational policy and practice.

Professional Alignment (Accreditation)

The MSc is accredited by the Chartered Institute of Personnel and Development (CIPD). Completion of the program meets the knowledge requirements for Associate Membership, with pathways to Chartered Member or Chartered Fellow status.

Reputation (Employability Rankings)

UK University of the Year 2026 (Daily Mail University of the Year Awards)
Scottish University of the Year 2026 (Sunday Times Good University Guide)
Delivered by a triple-accredited Business School (AACSB, EQUIS, AMBA)
Employability is at the heart of the program, with subsidised access to the CIPD Scotland Student Conference and HR Network Scotland Conference, attended by hundreds of HR professionals

Experiential Learning (Research, Projects, Internships etc.)

This program is designed to immerse you in real-world HR practice, combining academic study with practical experiences that prepare you for leadership roles. You’ll gain hands-on skills through placements, consultancy-style projects, and access to specialist resources within Strathclyde Business School. The emphasis is on experiential learning, ensuring you graduate with both knowledge and confidence:

Integrated Dissertation & Research Report (IDRR): Undertake an 8–10 week placement within an organisation, investigating a live HR issue and producing practical recommendations.
Group Consultancy Projects: Collaborate with peers to solve real organisational challenges, applying HRM theories to professional contexts.
Specialist Software & Tools: Training in HR analytics and research tools such as SPSS, supporting evidence-based HR practice.
Industry Engagement: Subsidised access to the CIPD Scotland Student Conference and HR Network Scotland Conference, attended by hundreds of HR professionals, offering networking and career insights.
Triple-Accredited Business School Facilities: Delivered within Strathclyde’s AACSB, EQUIS, and AMBA accredited Business School, giving you access to advanced learning environments and employer networks.
Library & Digital Resources: Full access to the Andersonian Library and online HRM databases, supporting research and professional development.

Progression & Future Opportunities

Graduates of this program are highly employable, moving into roles such as HR Business Partner, Employee Relations Manager, Talent Development Specialist, and Reward Analyst. Many secure positions in multinational corporations, consultancy firms, and public sector organisations, applying their expertise in strategic HR and employment relations.

Here’s how Strathclyde supports your progression and future success:

University Services: The Careers Service offers tailored employability support, including one-to-one guidance, employer connections, and access to Strathclyde’s extensive alumni network.
Employment Stats: Strathclyde is recognised as Scottish University of the Year 2026 (Sunday Times Good University Guide) and UK University of the Year 2026 (Daily Mail University of the Year Awards), reflecting strong graduate outcomes.
University–Industry Partnerships: Students benefit from subsidised access to the CIPD Scotland Student Conference and HR Network Scotland Conference, attended by hundreds of HR professionals, providing direct industry engagement.
Long-Term Accreditation Value: Accredited by the Chartered Institute of Personnel and Development (CIPD), the MSc meets the knowledge requirements for Associate Membership, with pathways to Chartered Member or Chartered Fellow status.
Graduate Outcomes: Alumni progress into HR leadership roles across diverse sectors, with many advancing quickly into senior positions thanks to the program’s professional alignment and placement opportunities.

Further Academic Progression:
After completing the MSc, students may continue into doctoral research (PhD) within Strathclyde Business School. Areas of further study include advanced HRM, employment relations, organisational behaviour, and leadership, opening pathways to academic careers or specialist research leadership roles.