The MSc Human Resource Management can be studied over 12 months full-time or 24 months part-time and develops the knowledge and skills needed to manage and support people effectively within modern organisations.
Human resource management focuses on the relationship between people and organisations. It considers how HR professionals can support employees, managers and wider organisational objectives while responding to changes in the way people work.
You'll explore human resource management through an applied approach, examining how HR strategies and policies can be implemented in changing and complex workplaces.
Why this course
Develop the knowledge and practical skills needed to respond to contemporary challenges in human resource management.
You'll consider how HR professionals can support employee wellbeing and organisational objectives while addressing issues such as equality and diversity, changing working practices and organisational change.
You'll also develop your critical thinking, problem-solving and collaborative skills while considering the ethical responsibilities of HR professionals.
Who should apply
Graduates looking to begin a career in human resource management
HR professionals looking to develop their knowledge and career prospects
Those interested in people management and organisational development
Those looking to understand how changing working practices affect employees and organisations
What you'll learn
Equality and diversity: Explore approaches to creating inclusive workplaces and managing a diverse workforce
Digital HR: Consider how digital technologies are changing human resource management and the workplace
Ethics in HR: Examine the ethical responsibilities and challenges faced by HR professionals
Employment relations: Understand the relationships between employees, employers and the wider working environment
Agile and hybrid working: Explore changing working practices and their implications for people and organisations
Organisational change: Develop your understanding of how people and organisations respond to and manage change
Your learning experience
Applied learning: Examine the practical realities of implementing HR strategies and policies
Problem-solving: Develop your ability to respond to complex people management challenges
Critical thinking: Analyse contemporary HR practices and consider different approaches to managing people
Collaborative working: Develop skills for working effectively and inclusively with others
Career-focused study: Choose from a range of options that can reflect your career or research interests
They can help you find work experience, internships, placements and voluntary opportunities, as well as providing access to employer talks on campus.
We also work closely with the Essex Startups team to support students looking to develop their own business ideas.
Professional accreditation
Accredited by the Chartered Institute of Personnel and Development (CIPD).
Professional accreditation gives your career a head start by allowing you to move into a professional role faster. Our MSc Human Resource Management is accredited by by the Chartered Institute of Personnel and Development (CIPD). For more than 100 years, the CIPD have been championing better work and working lives by setting professional standards for HR and people development in the UK and across the globe.
You will become a student member of CIPD when you sign up for the programme, giving you access to research resources, HR professionals networks and events. Your membership lasts 18 months, meaning it extends beyond the end date of your course and enables you to continue to access CIPD resources and events as you enter the world of work. Your CIPD student membership is paid for by Essex Business School for 18 months.
You will achieve a level 7 CIPD accredited qualification. Alongside this qualification you will gain Associate CIPD membership and the knowledge component from applying for Chartered CIPD membership. Both of these membership levels are considered essential around the world for HR practice and progressing your HR career.
Why we're great.
Our academics work with business and public sector organisations to ensure your teaching is right up-to-date.
100% of our business and management research environment is world-leading or internationally excellent (Research Excellence Framework 2021).
This course provides a solid foundation for a career in human resources.
“As a part-time MSc Human Resources Management student, I am extremely grateful for having an opportunity to work around my studies. Working as a part time HR administrator at the NHS has allowed me to listen to various solutions to various HR issues in departments including employee relations, recruitment, and workforce planning. Gaining practical experience while studying has helped me to expand my knowledge in HR which I have been able to apply to my module courses including but not limited to ‘personality and work’, ‘leadership’ as well as ‘Learning and Development’. For instance, for my Learning and Development (L&D) module, I was challenged to develop an L&D plan that would help to train and provide the required skills to new staff so the organisation is able to meet its short-term and long-term goals. The knowledge and experience I gained during my internship as a part time HR Assistant at a company called GAO TEK and as a part time HR administrator in workforce planning at the NHS really helped me during this module. I am also proud to say that working around my studies has opened so much career opportunities for me in HR.”
Mariam Nakiboneka, MSc Human Resource Management (Part-time 2021-2023)
Course content
Course structure
We offer a flexible course structure with a mixture of core/compulsory modules, and optional modules chosen from lists. Please be aware that we are planning changes to our first year to make it more relevant to your chosen course.
Our research-led teaching is continually evolving to address the latest challenges and breakthroughs in the field. The following modules are based on the current course structure and may change in response to new curriculum developments and innovation.
We understand that deciding where and what to study is a very important decision for you. We'll make all reasonable efforts to provide you with the courses, services and facilities as described on our website and in line with your contract with us. However, if we need to make material changes, for example due to significant disruption, we'll let our applicants and students know as soon as possible.
Components and modules explained
Components
Components are the blocks of study that make up your course. A component may have a set module which you must study, or a number of modules from which you can choose.
Each component has a status and carries a certain number of credits towards your qualification.
Status
What this means
Core
You must take the set module for this component and you must pass. No failure can be permitted.
Core with Options
You can choose which module to study from the available options for this component but you must pass. No failure can be permitted.
Compulsory
You must take the set module for this component. There may be limited opportunities to continue on the course/be eligible for the qualification if you fail.
Compulsory with Options
You can choose which module to study from the available options for this component. There may be limited opportunities to continue on the course/be eligible for the qualification if you fail.
Optional
You can choose which module to study from the available options for this component. There may be limited opportunities to continue on the course/be eligible for the qualification if you fail.
The modules that are available for you to choose for each component will depend on several factors, including which modules you have chosen for other components, which modules you have completed in previous years of your course, and which term the module is taught in.
Modules
Modules are the individual units of study for your course. Each module has its own set of learning outcomes and assessment criteria and also carries a certain number of credits.
In most cases you will study one module per component, but in some cases you may need to study more than one module. For example, a 30-credit component may comprise of either one 30-credit module, or two 15-credit modules, depending on the options available.
Modules may be taught at different times of the year and by a different department or school to the one your course is primarily based in. You can find this information from the module code. For example, the module code HR100-4-FY means:
HR
100
4
FY
The department or school the module will be taught by.
In this example, the module would be taught by the Department of History.
For your dissertation, you produce an extended, independent, piece of work based on a live organisational case study. You undertake a thorough review of literature and current knowledge and diagnose a real people management and development issue. The dissertation will demonstrate your ability to synthesise theories, relate them to practice in a critical manner and to make practical recommendations for change. You’re assigned a supervisor for the duration of your project.
Principles and Practices in Human Resource Management
(20 CREDITS)
This module introduces current theory and practice in human resource management (HRM) and development (HRD) and applies these to different work environments. You learn about the connections between HRM and strategic management and consider employment strategies and concepts, such as flexible working, the ‘contingent workforce’, culture management and the ‘learning organisation’. You explore the distinct characteristics of the public, private and voluntary sectors and how they impact HR managers, as well as the effects of internationalisation, technological and social change. The module enables you to apply your knowledge and skills to the management of practical problems and situations in the workplace.
This module considers key debates and concepts underpinning the development of different approaches to managing equality and diversity within work organisations. You will develop a critical and reflexive understanding of theory and practice and evaluate the role of HR professionals in managing equality and diversity.
Organisational Research and Professional Development
(20 CREDITS)
This module introduces you to organisational studies and human resource management research methods, equipping you to investigate complex business challenges using both quantitative and qualitative approaches, including case studies. You will develop practical skills in designing and conducting research, analysing data, and addressing ethical considerations, while also enhancing professional capabilities such as critical thinking, project management, and effective communication, preparing you to make evidence-based decisions and contribute strategically in HR, consultancy, and broader organisational roles.
This module explores the changing nature of the employment relationship – the legal link between employers and employees - and the challenges this can bring for individuals, communities, employers and labour organisations across the globe. We discuss the different employment practices and regulatory systems around the world and you have the opportunity to focus your studies on a country of your choice.
This module encourages you to reflect upon the nature of change in organisations and consider many of the key aspects in preparing for, implementing, and evaluating a variety of types and aspects of organisational changes.
Building upon key theories and debates you will explore the process and consequences of introducing change in organisations while recognising the complexity inherent in changing organisations.
The emphasis of the module is to develop the analytical skills to understand the broad principles underlying the key stages in a change process that could be then applied to a range of different types of changes within organisations. The course is not driven by providing recipes but more by realising the value of critical analytical and reasoning skills that can be applied to the practicalities of different organisational change interventions.
Artificial Intelligence and Digital Human Resource Management
(10 CREDITS)
How is AI influencing human resource management today? How can digital HRM aid productivity in the workplace? This module uses real-life global case studies to demonstrate the practical ways and potential challenges of using digital HRM strategies and tools. By the end of this module, you will be able to think critically about the benefits of digital human resource management in modern workplaces.
Build the academic, research and professional skills needed to succeed at postgraduate level and beyond. This module supports your transition to master’s study by developing independent learning, research and critical thinking skills, alongside ethical and effective use of AI as a learning tool. You’ll also enhance your employability and professional practice, gaining the confidence and capabilities required for graduate-level roles and advanced academic work.
Tailor the content of your course to more closely fit your interests and aspirations
Modules focus on applied skills and links with industry
Courses focus on applied skills and links with industry
We run an open seminar series focused on key contemporary HRM issues
Assessment
Regular assessment is by coursework, presentations, case studies, group work, tests and examinations
Dissertation
You submit a 15,000 word dissertation designed to enable you to demonstrate the knowledge, understanding, and skills gained from the programme by integrating and applying your learning to a current issue in HRM of their choice
Entry requirements
UK entry requirements
A 2:2 degree, or equivalent in one of the following subjects:
Anthropology
Business Administration
Business Management
Economics
Geography
History
Human Resource Management
Law
Management
Marketing
Philosophy
Politics
Psychology
Sociology
You may also be considered with a lower class degree, where you have at least two year’s relevant work experience in a field such as: Human Resource Management or Management (please provide your CV).
We will also consider candidates with a pass in a relevant CIPD Level 5 qualification, combined with two year’s relevant work experience in a field such as: Human Resource Management, Project Management or Management (please provide your CV)
International & EU entry requirements
We accept a wide range of qualifications from applicants studying in the EU and other countries. Get in touch with any questions you may have about the qualifications we accept. Remember to tell us about the qualifications you have already completed or are currently taking.
Sorry, the entry requirements for the country that you have selected are not available here. Please contact our Graduate Admissions team at pgquery@essex.ac.uk to request the entry requirements for this country.
English language requirements
If English is not your first language, we require IELTS 6.5 overall with a minimum component score of 6.0 in writing and 5.5 in all other components.
If you do not meet our IELTS requirements then you may be able to complete a pre-sessional English pathway that enables you to start your course without retaking IELTS.
Additional Notes
The University uses academic selection criteria to determine an applicant’s ability to successfully complete a course at the University of Essex. Where appropriate, we may ask for specific information relating to previous modules studied or work experience.
We hold Open Days for all our applicants throughout the year. Our Colchester Campus events are a great way to find out more about studying at Essex, and give you the chance to:
tour our campus and accommodation
find out answers to your questions about our courses, student finance, graduate employability, student support and more
meet our students and staff
If the dates of our organised events aren’t suitable for you, feel free to get in touch by emailing tours@essex.ac.uk and we’ll arrange an individual campus tour for you.
We aim to respond to applications within two weeks. If we are able to offer you a place, you will be contacted via email.
For information on our deadline to apply for this course, please see our ‘how to apply' information.
Visit Colchester Campus
Set within 200 acres of award-winning parkland - Wivenhoe Park and located two miles from the historic city centre of Colchester – England's oldest recorded development. Our Colchester Campus is also easily reached from London and Stansted Airport in under one hour.
If you live too far away to come to Essex (or have a busy lifestyle), no problem. Our 360-degree virtual tour allows you to explore our University from the comfort of your home. Check out our Colchester virtual tour to see accommodation options, facilities and social spaces.
At Essex we pride ourselves on being a welcoming and inclusive student community. We offer a wide range of support to individuals and groups of student members who may have specific requirements, interests or responsibilities.
The University makes every effort to ensure that this information on its programme specification is accurate and up-to-date. Exceptionally it can be necessary to make changes, for example to courses, facilities or fees. Examples of such reasons might include, but are not limited to: strikes, other industrial action, staff illness, severe weather, fire, civil commotion, riot, invasion, terrorist attack or threat of terrorist attack (whether declared or not), natural disaster, restrictions imposed by government or public authorities, epidemic or pandemic disease, failure of public utilities or transport systems or the withdrawal/reduction of funding. Changes to courses may for example consist of variations to the content and method of delivery of programmes, courses and other services, to discontinue programmes, courses and other services and to merge or combine programmes or courses. The University will endeavour to keep such changes to a minimum, and will also keep students informed appropriately by updating our programme specifications. The University would inform and engage with you if your course was to be discontinued, and would provide you with options, where appropriate, in line with our Compensation and Refund Policy.
The full Procedures, Rules and Regulations of the University governing how it operates are set out in the Charter, Statutes and
Ordinances and in the University Regulations, Policy and Procedures.
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