Balancing practice and theory: My journey through MSc Human Resource Management

Jo Martin-Robinson
MSc Human Resource Management

I work in HR and governance within the charity sector, with experience in safeguarding-intensive services including domestic abuse programmes and counselling provision. My role has focused on employee relations, policy development and supporting leaders through complex people challenges. I have also been involved in governance at board level, which has shaped my understanding of accountability and oversight. My approach combines practical experience with a background in psychology and a focus on evidence-informed decision-making.

I was inspired to continue my education as I wanted to continue developing professionally and felt that studying at Level 7 would strengthen my knowledge and credibility in HR. I initially began an apprenticeship, but realised I personally learn best in a structured, face-to-face environment with opportunities for discussion and application. This led me to choose university study, which has better suited my learning style. It has strengthened both my confidence and my professional practice.

I specifically chose to study Human Resource Management as it aligns closely with my professional experience and the direction I want to develop in. I was particularly interested in the balance between theory and practical application, especially in areas such as employee relations, organisational behaviour and research methods. The focus on both quantitative and qualitative analysis also stood out to me, as it supports a more evidence-informed approach to HR. The course offered a clear way to strengthen both my strategic understanding and my day-to-day practice.

I have particularly enjoyed the modules Principles and Practices in Human Resource Management, Digital Human Resource Management and Leading Change. These particular modules stood out because they combined clear theoretical grounding with practical application, particularly in areas such as employee relations, organisational change and the impact of digital tools on HR practice. These modules have strengthened my ability to approach complex people issues in a structured and evidence-informed way.

I previously studied at the University of Essex for my undergraduate degree in Psychology, graduating in 2018 so I was already very familiar with the university and campus.
Essex Business School stood out to me because of its strong reputation for combining academic rigour with practical relevance in HR. Having previously studied at the University of Essex, I was already familiar with the quality of teaching and the supportive learning environment. The structure of the course and its focus on real-world application made it a natural choice for my continued professional development.

I am most proud of maintaining a strong academic standard while balancing significant professional and voluntary commitments. I am currently averaging 74%, with a highest mark of 80%, which I am pleased with at master’s level. Alongside my studies, I have also established a small HR consultancy and supported the development of a new charitable organisation. Being able to sustain this level of performance across multiple responsibilities has been a key achievement for me.

After graduation, I am looking to continue developing my career within senior HR roles in the charity or purpose-driven sector, with a greater focus on strategic influence alongside operational delivery. I am particularly interested in roles that support frontline services, staff wellbeing and organisational resilience in complex environments. Alongside this, I plan to continue developing my consultancy work, supporting small charities with proportionate HR and governance support. Longer term, I want to build a career that combines professional expertise with meaningful social impact.