Human Resources Management MSc

1 Year On Campus Masters Program

University of Surrey

Program Overview

This master’s program equips you with advanced knowledge of HRM and the professional skills to lead dynamic, forward-thinking HR strategies. It is designed for graduates with a background in HRM or business-related studies who want to progress into specialist or leadership roles in people management.

Curriculum Structure

Semester 1
You’ll start with the foundations of HR practice and research. Contemporary Employment Relations explores the socio-economic and international dimensions of employment relations, while HRM in Context examines how organisations respond to global, political, and technological changes. Alongside these, Research Methods and HR Analytics provides hands-on training in analytical tools and lab-based sessions, preparing you to apply evidence-based approaches to HR challenges.

Semester 2
The focus shifts to advanced HR strategies and professional skills. Human Resource Development introduces theories and practices for workforce learning and development, while Resourcing and Talent Management explores how organisations mobilise and retain talent. You’ll also take Developing HRM and Leadership Skills, a CIPD core module that builds competencies in leadership, equality, diversity, and change management. HR skills workshops and practitioner seminars with senior HR leaders further enhance your applied learning.

Applied Research Dissertation
In the final stage, you’ll complete an Applied Research Dissertation in partnership with a professional organisation. This project involves fieldwork, data collection, and analysis of a live HR issue, allowing you to deliver practical recommendations with clear implications for management practice.

Focus Areas

Learning Outcomes

Graduates will be able to critically evaluate HR strategies, apply evidence-based analytics, manage employment relations, design workforce development initiatives, and lead organisational change.

Professional Alignment (Accreditation)

The MSc is accredited by the Chartered Institute of Personnel and Development (CIPD). Successful completion grants Associate Membership, with pathways to Chartered Member or Chartered Fellow status. The program is also AACSB-accredited, reflecting Surrey Business School’s global standards.

Reputation (Employability Rankings)

91% of Surrey Business School graduates progress to employment or further study (Graduate Outcomes Survey 2025, HESA)
Ranked Top 40 globally for Business Administration and Top 100 for Management (ShanghaiRanking Global Ranking of Academic Subjects 2024)
Surrey is in the Top 20 for research outputs in the UK (REF 2021)

Experiential Learning (Research, Projects, Internships etc.)

This program is built to give you more than just classroom knowledge — it immerses you in the realities of HR practice. You’ll gain practical skills through applied projects, research training, and direct engagement with employers, ensuring you graduate ready to step into professional HR roles with confidence. Surrey places a strong emphasis on experiential learning, blending academic study with hands-on opportunities:

Applied Research Dissertation: Work in partnership with a professional organisation to investigate a live HR issue, collect data, and deliver practical recommendations with clear implications for management practice.
HR Analytics & Research Methods Training: Access specialist software and lab-based sessions, including SPSS and digital HR tools, to build evidence-based decision-making skills.
Professional Skills Workshops: Participate in HR skills sessions and practitioner seminars led by senior HR leaders, focusing on leadership, equality, diversity, and change management.
Industry Engagement: Benefit from guest lectures and networking opportunities with HR professionals, connecting theory to practice and expanding your career prospects.
Surrey Business School Facilities: Study within an AACSB-accredited Business School, with access to modern teaching spaces, collaborative learning environments, and employer networks.
Library & Digital Resources: Full access to the University of Surrey Library and online HRM databases, supporting your research and professional development.

Progression & Future Opportunities

Graduates of Surrey’s MSc Human Resources Management are highly employable, moving into roles such as HR Business Partner, Talent Acquisition Specialist, Employee Relations Manager, and Learning & Development Consultant. Many secure positions in multinational corporations, consultancy firms, and public sector organisations, applying their expertise in strategic HR and people management.

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

University Services: The Employability and Careers Service provides tailored one-to-one guidance, employer networking events, and access to Surrey Pathfinder — a digital platform connecting students with internships, graduate jobs, and career resources.
Employment Stats: Surrey Business School reports that 91% of graduates progress into employment or further study (Graduate Outcomes Survey 2025, HESA).
University–Industry Partnerships: Students benefit from practitioner seminars with senior HR leaders and applied dissertation projects in collaboration with professional organisations, ensuring 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 applied research opportunities.

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