MA Human Resource Management

1 Year On Campus Masters Program

University of Westminster

Program Overview

The MA Human Resource Management at the University of Westminster is a career-focused, CIPD-accredited degree designed for graduates and professionals who want to lead people strategy in today’s complex business environment. It suits ambitious individuals aiming to combine evidence-based HRM theory with hands-on practice, preparing them for senior roles in HR, consultancy, and organizational leadership.

Curriculum Structure

Year 1

(Full-time, Core Modules):

Students begin with Behaviour, Culture and Change, exploring how organizational culture and leadership drive transformation.
In Human Resource Management and the Business Context, they examine HR’s strategic role in shaping business outcomes, linking theory to global practice.
- Practical skills are developed through Skills of the Manager/Consultant I and II, where students engage in workshops on coaching, mentoring, disciplinary handling, and unconscious bias in recruitment.

Optional Modules (Specialization):

Students can tailor their learning with options such as Employment Law for HR Practitioners in England and Wales, HR Analytics, International Human Resource Management, Reward Management, and Talent Management.
These modules allow students to specialize in areas aligned with their career goals, from global HR strategy to data-driven decision-making.

Focus Areas

Strategic HRM, organizational change, employment law, HR analytics, coaching and mentoring, international HRM, reward management, and talent development.

Learning Outcomes

Graduates will be able to critically evaluate HRM theories and practices, apply evidence-based solutions to organizational challenges, design and implement HR strategies, and demonstrate professional competencies aligned with CIPD standards.

Professional Alignment (Accreditation)

The program is fully accredited by the Chartered Institute of Personnel and Development (CIPD). Students receive paid CIPD joining and membership fees, gaining access to professional resources, networking events, and eligibility for Associate Membership, with the potential to upgrade to Chartered Member status.

Reputation (Employability Rankings)

Graduates have secured roles at leading organizations including BBC, Capgemini, EY, Harrods, HSBC, Google, KPMG, Linklaters, PwC, The Royal Household, Transport for London, and Visa.
Westminster Business School is recognized for its strong industry links and reputation in HRM education, with close collaboration on diversity and inclusion research with CIPD.
The university’s central London location provides direct access to employers, networking opportunities, and industry events, enhancing employability outcomes.

Experiential Learning (Research, Projects, Internships etc.)

One of the most distinctive features of Westminster’s MA Human Resource Management is its strong emphasis on practical, hands-on learning. The program is not just about theory — you’ll actively develop HR practitioner skills through workshops, simulations, and consultancy-style projects. With CIPD accreditation built into the course, every assignment is designed to mirror real workplace challenges, ensuring you graduate with both academic knowledge and professional competencies. You’ll also benefit from Westminster Business School’s central London location, giving you direct access to employers, networking events, and industry resources.

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

Skills of the Manager/Consultant I & II: These modules are highly practical, involving workshops on coaching, mentoring, disciplinary handling, grievance procedures, and unconscious bias in recruitment. You’ll practice these skills in group projects and role-play simulations.
People Practice Module: Focuses on HR practitioner skills through case studies and applied exercises, including negotiation and employee engagement strategies.
HR Analytics (Optional Module): Offers hands-on experience with digital HR tools and data analysis techniques, preparing you to use evidence-based decision-making in HR.
Employment Law for HR Practitioners: Provides applied learning in legal frameworks, with practical case studies on contracts, disputes, and compliance.
Research Project in HRM: You’ll conduct an independent research project, often linked to your workplace or industry interests, developing advanced analytical and consultancy skills.
Professional Accreditation (CIPD): Paid CIPD membership is included, giving you access to professional resources, networking events, and industry-standard toolkits.
Library and Digital Resources: Full access to the Marylebone Campus library, which houses HRM journals, employment law databases, and CIPD resources, alongside digital learning platforms.
Business School Facilities: Modern seminar rooms, collaborative learning spaces, and direct links with the Leicester Castle Business School ethos of experiential, industry-focused education.
Industry Connections: The program’s strong ties with employers and professional bodies mean you’ll engage with guest lectures, networking events, and opportunities to connect with organizations such as BBC, EY, Google, HSBC, PwC, and Transport for London, where Westminster graduates have secured roles.

This combination of workshops, simulations, CIPD accreditation, HR analytics tools, and industry connections ensures you graduate not only with knowledge but with the confidence and practical skills employers demand.

Progression & Future Opportunities

Graduates of Westminster’s MA Human Resource Management are equipped with CIPD-accredited skills that open doors to senior HR roles across industries. Typical career paths include HR Business Partner, Talent Acquisition Specialist, Employee Relations Manager, and Learning & Development Consultant. With strong employer connections and a central London location, students benefit from direct access to organizations where Westminster alumni already thrive.

Here’s how the university supports your career progression and future opportunities:

University Services for Employability: Westminster’s Careers and Employability Service provides tailored one-to-one guidance, employer networking events, and access to the university’s online job portal. Students also benefit from workshops on CV building, interview preparation, and industry mentoring.
Employment Stats and Salary Figures: According to UK government Longitudinal Education Outcomes (LEO) data, Westminster graduates in HR-related fields report median salaries of £25,016 after 15 months, rising to £34,862 after five years, showing strong progression.
University–Industry Partnerships: The program has close ties with the Chartered Institute of Personnel and Development (CIPD) and collaborates with employers on diversity and inclusion research. Alumni have secured roles at BBC, EY, Google, HSBC, PwC, Transport for London, and Visa, reflecting Westminster’s strong industry reputation.
Long-Term Accreditation Value: CIPD accreditation ensures graduates are eligible for Associate Membership, with the potential to progress to Chartered Member status, a globally recognized credential that enhances career mobility.
Graduation Outcomes: Many graduates move into leadership positions in HR, consultancy, and organizational development, while others pursue doctoral research to contribute to HRM scholarship and policy.

Further Academic Progression:
After completing the MA Human Resource Management, students can continue their academic journey by pursuing a PhD in Human Resource Management, Organizational Behaviour, or Employment Law at Westminster or other leading institutions. This pathway allows graduates to deepen their expertise, contribute to cutting-edge HR research, and prepare for careers in academia, consultancy, or high-level organizational leadership.