Human Resource Management MSc

1 Year On Campus Masters Program

University of Sussex

Program Overview

The MSc Human Resource Management at the University of Sussex is designed for graduates and professionals who want to advance into strategic HR and people management roles. It combines cutting-edge HR theory with practical application, making it ideal for those aiming to lead in recruitment, employee relations, organisational development, and global workforce management.

Curriculum Structure

Year 1 (Full-time MSc)

You’ll begin with Human Resource Management in Context, where you’ll explore the external factors shaping HR policies and practices, including economic, social, and legal influences. Alongside this, People Resourcing and Talent Management equips you with the skills to design recruitment strategies, manage talent pipelines, and evaluate workforce planning.

In the next stage, Employee Relations and Managing People and Organisations provide practical insights into negotiation, conflict resolution, and organisational behaviour. You’ll also study Research Methods for HRM, preparing you to critically evaluate HR practices and conduct evidence-based projects.

Later in the year, modules such as Performance Management and Reward and International HRM focus on motivating employees, designing reward systems, and managing HR across borders. The program culminates in a Dissertation or Applied Project, where you investigate a real-world HR challenge with supervision from Sussex faculty.

Focus Areas

Learning Outcomes

Professional Alignment (Accreditation)

The MSc Human Resource Management is accredited by the Chartered Institute of Personnel and Development (CIPD), ensuring your qualification is recognised internationally and aligns with professional HR standards.

Reputation (Employability Rankings)

The University of Sussex is ranked world top 200 (QS World University Rankings 2025).
Sussex Business School graduates benefit from strong employer engagement and international recognition, progressing into HR leadership, consultancy, and organisational development roles.
CIPD accreditation enhances employability outcomes, giving graduates a competitive edge in global HR careers.

Experiential Learning (Research, Projects, Internships etc.)

Students on the MSc Human Resource Management at the University of Sussex gain practical skills by combining CIPD-accredited training with applied projects, interactive teaching, and access to Sussex Business School’s modern facilities. The program is designed to ensure you graduate with both academic knowledge and hands-on HR expertise, supported by digital tools, employer engagement, and collaborative learning opportunities.

Here’s how experiential learning is embedded into the MSc Human Resource Management at Sussex:

CIPD Accreditation Projects: All assessments are aligned with the Chartered Institute of Personnel and Development (CIPD) standards, giving you immediate professional membership and practical exposure to HR practices recognised worldwide.
Group Projects & Case Studies: Modules such as Employee Relations and Performance Management and Reward include collaborative projects where you design HR policies, debate workplace issues, and present solutions to real organisational challenges.
Applied Dissertation: You’ll complete a supervised dissertation or applied project, critically evaluating HR interventions using evidence-based research methods taught in Research Methods for HRM.
Digital Tools & Learning Platforms: Students benefit from Sussex’s Canvas Virtual Learning Environment, HRM databases, and online collaboration tools that support both independent and group work.
Employer Engagement: The Business School integrates guest lectures, employer-led workshops, and networking events with HR professionals, ensuring you gain insights into contemporary HR practice.
Library & Study Facilities: The University of Sussex Library provides extensive HRM and management collections, alongside digital resources and collaborative study spaces.
Business School Facilities: You’ll study within Sussex Business School, which offers modern teaching spaces, seminar rooms, and access to research centres focusing on organisational behaviour and international management.

Progression & Future Opportunities

Graduates of the MSc Human Resource Management at the University of Sussex are prepared to step into strategic HR roles across industries worldwide. Many progress into careers such as HR Business Partner, Talent Acquisition Specialist, Employee Relations Manager, or Organisational Development Consultant. With CIPD accreditation and Sussex’s strong employer engagement, you’ll be equipped to thrive in both UK and international contexts:

University Services: Sussex provides tailored career support through its Careers and Employability Centre, offering one-to-one guidance, CV and interview workshops, and access to employer networking events. Students also benefit from mentoring and alumni connections through the Business School.
Employment Stats: The University of Sussex is ranked in the world top 200 (QS World University Rankings 2025), reflecting strong graduate employability and international recognition.
Industry Partnerships: The program integrates employer-led teaching, guest lectures, and collaborations with HR professionals, ensuring you gain exposure to real-world HR challenges.
Accreditation Value: Accredited by the Chartered Institute of Personnel and Development (CIPD), graduates achieve internationally recognised professional membership, strengthening long-term career prospects.
Graduate Outcomes: Alumni progress into HR leadership, consultancy, and organisational development roles, demonstrating the program’s strong career progression into global HR careers.

Further Academic Progression:
After completing this MSc, students may continue into doctoral study, such as a PhD in Human Resource Management, Organisational Behaviour, or International Business at the University of Sussex. This pathway allows you to deepen your expertise, contribute to HR scholarship, and pursue academic or research-focused careers.