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Management_MBus
CIPD Approved

Faculty of Business, Law and Politics

MSc Human Resource Management

Postgraduate - Taught MSc

Open for admission in 2023/24 (part time)

Start in September

Qualification Full time Part time
MSc Subject to validation 2 years

About the course

People are at the heart of every business, meaning that a high-performance Human Resources (HR) function is key to business success.

Hull University Business School is a Chartered Institute of Personnel and Development (CIPD) Approved Provider. The MSc HRM programme meets the CIPD’s Advanced Level criteria and is the most prestigious qualification attainable as an HR or L&D professional.

The CIPD has more than 160,000 members worldwide including the UK, Ireland, the Middle East and Asia. Membership of the CIPD is regarded as providing an essential requirement for those who wish to pursue a career in Human Resource Management (HRM) and Human Resource Development (HRD).

CIPD qualifications are the recognised international professional standard for HR and Learning and Development (L&D) specialists working across the globe and demonstrate knowledge and impact as a people professional.

Our MSc HRM programme provides access to CIPD membership. Graduates achieve Associate Membership of the CIPD and are then able to apply for Chartered Membership depending on their HR role/level and experience.

The CIPD charges a student membership fee. Associate and Chartered membership levels are granted by the CIPD. Students need to complete and pass each module of the programme in order to gain CIPD accreditation.

Our research-active staff bring their internationally recognised expertise to the classroom, combining cutting-edge theory with live, real world case studies, drawing on strong practical experience.

This programme is ideal for those currently working in HR, who want to further their career potential, or for those aspiring to begin an HR career. You will develop the ability to recognise and address ethical dilemmas and corporate social responsibility issues as you progress through the programme, understanding the contribution effective HR Management makes to organisational success.

Final validation pending (full time study only)

We regularly review our courses to make sure they continue to meet our academic standards. Any changes to courses go through a re-validation process. 'Final validation pending' means that we intend to offer this programme, but it hasn't received final University approval yet. Please call our Admissions Service on 01482 466100 for confirmation that the course is approved and will be running.

Applications for full time study will be accepted when the course is fully validated. The part time variant is validated and applications are open now.

What you'll study

PGCert stage

All modules are subject to availability and this list may change at any time.


  • Leading, Managing and Developing People

    This module explores the contribution of HRM, the scope and nature of HR, HR's role when organisations grow and how to ensure professionalism and ethical behaviour when managing people. You will discuss major contemporary themes in leading, managing and developing people including leadership development, flexibility, agile working and the psychological contract.

  • Human Resource Management in Context

    Develop critical insights into the internal and external environmental contexts of contemporary organisations. This module covers topics such as the labour market, ethics and corporate social responsibility from a HR manager's perspective.

  • Employment Relations and Engagement

    This module examines the sources of conflict and consensus in the contemporary workplace. You'll explore the management strategies deployed by HR professionals and study the response of employees.

PGDip stage

All modules are subject to availability and this list may change at any time.


  • Critical Concepts in HRM

    Develop a critical appreciation of the core theoretical ideas and assumptions which underpin HRM policy and the pursuit of best practice within organisations.

  • Learning and Development

    This module focuses on the practice and theory of learning and development. You'll develop an understanding of how to critically evaluate its role and influence on organisational success.

  • People Analytics and Working Digitally

    This module focuses on the impact of technology and you will develop an understanding of its impact on people at work and how data can be used to give insight into organisational performance and drive effective decision making. You will explore practices, processes and systems developing your confidence in digital working and people analytics skills.

Masters stage

All modules are subject to availability and this list may change at any time.


  • Research Methods (HRM)

    This module consists of two main strands: approaches to HRM research and research methods in practice. You'll explore a variety of HRM research skills paradigms and methodological choices, evaluating different techniques to help you explore a topic of interest.

  • Dissertation

Apply now (Part time MSc)
Apply now (Part time PG Dip)
Postgraduate events

Where you'll study

The location below may not be the exact location of all modules on your timetable. The buildings you'll be taught in can vary each year and depend on the modules you study. 

Click to view on Google Maps
Hull Campus

Click to view directions on Google Maps

Get in touch

Admissions
+44 (0)1482 466850
International Enquiries

Our teaching staff

"The course was truly insightful and delivered by exceptional academics, the main benefit of the learning experience was to share experiences with fellow HR people, either at the start of their careers or seasoned professionals. This network was fundamental and I still keep in contact with some of those I met now. "

Laura Botham, Human Resource Partner at Siemens Gamesa

"I joined the programme to deepen my knowledge in all things people. I got that and so much more, the course gave me some great business practice, a network of people that I still speak to today to talk all things HR if I ever want a different view."

Matt Stanbury, People Partner Wincanton

"I had heard that Hull University Business School had recently gained CIPD accreditation for their Level 7 programme and once speaking to one of the programme leads I knew that it was the right choice for me."

Gary Dickinson, Head of Workforce Performance, Communications & Strategic Projects at the Department for Work and Pensions
laura botham
matt stanbury
gary dickinson

Fees and funding

  • Home (part-time)£1,140 (20 credits), £3,415 (60 credits), £5,125 (90 credits)

Part-time fees are charged pro-rata to the full-time fee, according to the number of credits being studied.

UK students can take out a Masters Loan to help with tuition fees and living costs. For 2023 entry, they provide up to £12,167 for full-time and part-time taught and research Masters courses in all subject areas. Find out more about Postgraduate Loans.

  • International £11,000

Please see the terms and conditions for International fees 2022/23. 

Graduate PGT Scholarship

The University of Hull is pleased to offer graduates progressing from undergraduate to postgraduate taught study a £1,000 scholarship towards the cost of their tuition fees.

Find out if you’re eligible by visiting the University of Hull Graduate PGT Scholarship page.

International Scholarships and Bursaries

For a list of all scholarships and bursaries for international students, please visit the International Scholarships and Bursaries page.

Scholarships and Bursaries

The University offers a range of scholarships to help you with your studies.

For more information, please visit the Scholarships and Bursaries page.

Learn with state-of-the-art business software in our inspiring Grade II listed buildings.

Find out more

We are a leading UK business school with internationally recognised accreditations.

Find out more

Our programmes are designed to give you the academic knowledge and practical skills to become a competent and confident professional.

Our research-active staff are called upon for their expertise by governments and business organisations around the world.

Entry requirements

Generally, we ask for a minimum of 2.2 Bachelor (Hons) or international equivalent. However, we also accept applicants with one of the following:

  • Successful completion of a CIPD Intermediate Level 5 Diploma.
  • Appropriate professional qualifications in another business discipline (e.g. marketing, finance, accounting, psychology).
  • Relevant professional experience that will enable them to fully participate in and complete the course.
  • Applicants who have been successfully assessed against the CIPD standards at other centres will normally be granted admission with approval of prior learning. I.e. they can be granted exemption from modules that are the same or similar to those they have already passed at another CIPD centre.


In order to ensure our students have a rich learning and student experience, most of our programmes have a mix of domestic and international students. We reserve the right to close applications early to either group, if application volumes suggest that this blend cannot be achieved. In addition, existing undergraduate students at the University of Hull have a guaranteed ‘Fast Track’ route to any postgraduate programme, subject to meeting the entry criteria (excluding Social Work).

International students

Language requirements

If you require a student visa to study or if your first language is not English you must provide acceptable evidence of your English language proficiency level.

This course requires academic IELTS 6.5 overall, with no less than 5.5 in each skill. See other accepted English language proficiency qualifications.

If your English currently does not reach the required standard, you may be interested in our pre-sessional English Language programmes.

Visit your country page to find out more about entry requirements.

Future prospects

This programme prepares you for a career in HR.

Careers support is available from the Student and Graduate Centre for Professional Success which is the central point of contact for connecting students and business.

Bringing together employability activities from across Hull University Business School, it offers support such as mentoring, CV writing workshops. Students can also gain experience working with business through a year in industry or short-term internships and projects.

Testimonial Quotes

 

Laura Botham - Human Resource Partner at Siemens Gamesa

Laura Botham has been in post as a HR Partner at Siemens Gamesa, Hull Blade Factory since 2018. Prior to this she was a People Services Manager for Greencore Group UK.

As an alumni of the University of Hull Business School, I was really passionate about continuing my study in Hull. I joined the part time CIPD MSc to boost my career but also to learn more about Human Resources whilst working in industry. The course was truly insightful and delivered by exceptional academics, the main benefit of the learning experience was to share experiences with fellow HR people, either at the start of their careers or seasoned professionals. This network was fundamental and I still keep in contact with some of those I met now.

Following completion of the course, I was able to accelerate my career progressing from a HR Manager at a single site, to a People Services Manager responsible for the UK. Career wise, I have since returned to my beloved city of Hull as a HR Business Partner at Siemens Gamesa and will soon be moving into a Global position as a Talent Expert. All of which, would not be possible without the knowledge and confidence that completing the MSc has afforded me.

Studying part-time allowed me the flexibility to work and study at the same time whilst putting my new knowledge into practice.

Gary Dickinson - Head of Workforce Performance, Communications & Strategic Projects | Chief Operating Office - People, Capability and Place Group |Department for Work and Pensions

Having been in the HR arena for 5 years in various roles I knew that I need to gain a CIPD qualification to enable me to progress both vertically and laterally into more specialist areas of HR. I also knew that my learning style is best suited to face to face, with immediate engagement and feedback from both fellow students and also tutors and lecturers. I had heard that Hull University Business School had recently gained CIPD accreditation for their Level 7 programme and once speaking to one of the programme leads I knew that it was the right choice for me, and with it being 1 afternoon /evening a week it enabled me to work flexibly to juggle learning and working that suited my employer.

Anyone who has undertaken a challenging Masters degree knows that the real benefits of the course isn’t about getting a handbook about ‘how to do HR right’, but the chance to discuss and engage with fellow students who work across a range of industries and sectors and talk about how you would approach problems from a number of perspectives – which really broadens your ability to approach HR challenges in a much more strategic way. Whilst the programme is challenging, the level of support was incredible and I felt that there was real care and passion from the course team to enable me to succeed, both in term time and outside of it. I’ve made some close professional relationships as a result of the programme and its really helped me to expand my network and support my career.

I managed to secure a HR Manager position once I was CIPD qualified as an Associate member once I had completed the programme, and have since become a Chartered member. The tools and resources you receive by being a CIPD member are invaluable in supporting you at work.

Matt Stanbury - People Partner Wincanton

I joined the programme to deepen my knowledge in all things people. I got that and so much more, the course gave me some great business practice, a network of people that I still speak to today to talk all things HR if I ever want a different view.

Ultimately it’s led to accelerating my career with examples being at O2 delivering award winning talent initiative and support the largest telecommunication merger of all time and more recently in my time at Wincanton I led the Brexit solution project for the government as well as gaining a promotion from people Partner to Head of People.

A really useful course with great support and one I’ve recommended to colleagues and others in my network! I’ve now been promoted to Head of People and juggling the Exec MBA too!

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