Human Resource Management

Human Resource Management - MA

Having the ability to motivate and manage staff, anticipate, understand and navigate reactions to change within the workplace will make you a more effective leader – whether you work in-house or as a consultant in general management or within the field of Human Resources Management (HRM). Based on real-world application, our master’s course provides an excellent grounding in theory and practice. On successful completion, it can lead to Associate level membership of the Chartered Institute for Personnel and Development (CIPD) and, following the required professional practice, Chartered Membership and Fellowship.

We are in the process of refreshing our curriculum for the 2025/26 academic year to reflect best practices and the latest advancements in academia. New course content and modules will be available on this course page in due course

Month of entry

September, January

Mode of study

Full time

Location

Keele University campus

Subject area

Business and Management

Fees for 2025/26 academic year

UK - Full time £12,700 per year.
International - £17,700 per year.

Duration of study

1 Year or up to 20 months with entrepreneurship or placement pathway

Apply now

Why study Human Resource Management at Keele University?

Approved by the Chartered Institute of Personnel Development (CIPD) allowing Associate Membership on graduation

Practical skills workshops focus on developing essential skills such as negotiating and resolving sensitive workplace issues and problems or applying legal remedies to workplace issues

Hear from industry practitioners which have previously included a representative from the Advisory, Conciliation and Arbitration Service (ACAS)

Hands-on practical experience tackling real-life workplace issues in areas such as equality, dignity and respect, for example, ranging from the gender pay gap to sexual harassment

Course summary

Effective management to maximise the performance of human resources (HR) is central to any business success. Employers need managers who can proactively and positively influence organisational strategy, developing and implementing the policies, benefits, employee relations and engagement that helps them recruit and retain the best talent.

Acknowledging the importance of considering different perspectives and cultural dimensions, our broad-based, integrated curriculum includes the employer, employee and other stakeholder perspectives, when covering issues such as employee resourcing and development, employee relations, communications and pay.

You’ll gain a deeper understanding of the complexity of managing people and, importantly, how best to handle the challenges posed by employer interventions, the workers themselves, trade unions or government. This will give you the edge over other candidates in the job market, whatever field of management you choose.

People management skills are needed in all types of jobs and industries; having appropriate knowledge of HR strategies and tactics from this master’s will provide a useful top-up to the knowledge gained from various degrees and regardless of your desired profession. We therefore welcome applicants from a wide range of undergraduate disciplines; past students have joined us having studied subjects as diverse as law, history, psychology and various management disciplines.‌

What you’ll learn

This professionally-focused master’s course provides an excellent grounding in the theory and practice of HRM, the evolution of labour management and latest practices in employment relations. You’ll gain a greater appreciation of the challenges posed by globalisation, including the economic, social, legal and ethical implications of HRM interventions and how to respond to an ever-changing employment market.

HR is by its nature a multidisciplinary field, which makes it fascinating to study, drawing from a diverse range of subjects, including employment law, politics, economics, psychology, health and safety, and sociology of work.

Other courses you may be interested in:

Next steps

insert-a start

Professional Accreditation

By studying this professionally-accredited master’s degree, approved by the CIPD, you’ll gain cutting-edge strategic knowledge to leverage the employment relationship, needed now more than ever in the turbulent, competitive world of work where being able to change and innovate are critical success factors.‌

CIPD Approved Centre logo

"I was attracted to the course as it is a comprehensive programme that covers all the HR functions and the diversity is outstanding in Keele, you will see tens of nationalities. The lectures were very supportive and helpful, and I felt safe and secure while living on campus. The whole experience was like an interesting journey and getting CIPD accreditation for the first time was great. It developed me theoretically and moved me to the next level. I started up my HR consultancy firm in London, which provides HR solutions to enterprises around the globe, which blend the HR theories I studied during the MA and my practical experience from professional employment."

Moustafa, MA Human Resource Management Graduate

insert-a end

Course structure

In semesters 1 and 2 of the programme, you will study eight core modules. After you have completed the taught modules of the course, you will undertake one of the following: a dissertation, a consultancy project, a placement project or an entrepreneurship project in semester 3.

Modules

The module details given below are indicative, they are intended to provide you with an idea of the range of subjects that are taught to our current students. The modules that will be available for you to study in future years are prone to change as we regularly review our teaching to ensure that it is up-to-date and informed by the latest research and teaching methods, as well as student voice. The information presented is therefore not intended to be construed and/or relied upon as a definitive list of the modules available in any given year.

Module structure

Semester 1
Compulsory modules

Professional Skills and Practice in HRM - 15 credits
You will consider the role of HR managers by focusing upon the key skill sets that practitioners need to develop and employ. The module offers you an opportunity to develop these skills through classroom activities, reflect upon your personal development and demonstrate your appreciation and acquisition of these key competencies through compiling a study portfolio.

Foundations of Human Resource Management - 30 credits
This module aims to provide you with an overview of employers and the management of labour. You will explore topics including the main theories relating to the study of the employment relationship, the nature of the employment relationship and labour markets and labour processes and job regulation.

Workshops in Human Resource Management - 15 credits, Semester 1-2
In this module you will convert theoretical knowledge into practical employment relations solutions. You will also have access to senior and experienced HRM and employment relations practitioners to make you aware of the challenges that managing people raises.

Semester 2
Compulsory modules

Employee Resourcing and Development - 15 credits
In this module you will analyse and evaluate current practices and developments in employee resourcing and development. The part on resourcing looks at the recruitment and release of individuals from organisations, as well as the management of their performance, attendance and sensitive employment issues. The part on development focuses on the human resource development function in organisations, the role of training in skills development nationally and internationally, and the importance of employability skills in the labour.

Strategic Human Resource Management - 15 credits
This module offers you a critical overview of the key issues and themes that dominate contemporary debate and research in HRM. You will consider the nature of HRM strategies and practices from a range of theoretical insights and in light of research-based evidence and HRM practice in different organisational contexts.

Employee Relations and Reward - 15 credits
This module explores how managers and workers interact in the workplace to regulate the employment relationship in both union and non-union environments. The module also identifies pay as a key concern for employers, employees, trade unions and the state, as well as other elements of reward.

Creativity and Personal Development - 15 credits
Working in groups, you will be presented with a real world business problem to solve. This module provides you with the opportunity to learn about the rewards and challenges of team working, tight deadlines, presentations to management and coming up with creative problems to real-life business problems.

Research Methods - 15 credits, Semester 2-3
The research methods module will develop your analytical and research skills to develop competencies for future work based research and consultancy work. The module provides the essential guidance in conducting the research and problem solving activities that you will undertake as part of your summative dissertation/work based project/work placement or entrepreneurship project.

Semester 3

You will choose one out of the following four compulsory 45-credit modules below:

Dissertation

The dissertation is a formal written academic project of approximately 10,000 words, making it ideal preparation for future academic research at MPhil or PhD level or for the report-writing and scrutiny expected of senior management professionals. Taking inspiration from your own interests, and with support throughout from a supervisor with relevant expertise, you’ll choose a topic to research in HRM.

Previous students have researched subject matter as diverse as the factors affecting teacher retention in state-funded education or the high labour turnover in the IT Industry, to the effectiveness of training at a decoration company in China and gender discrimination in the retail sector.

Consultancy Project

From June to September, you will spend eight to 12 weeks undertaking a management research project on behalf of an organisation (chosen by Keele Business School). You’ll put into practice what you’ve learned, developing and applying your skills to solve a business problem, issue or focus on a specific project. As part of the eventual assessment, you’ll present your findings to the host organisation, exactly as you would do within the workplace. For example, one student looked at the process for dealing with performance issues and, by streamlining communications and exploring the use of ‘soft’ HRM methods (team boards), managed to bring down delivery times substantially making significant cost savings as a result. Another previous student analysed how employee engagement levels affect a working organisation, while another sought to identify best practice for a local council as part of its large-scale event management.

At the end of the year, Keele Business School presents one student with the ‘Student Consultant of the Year’ award. Please note that participation in the Consultancy Project is only available after a comprehensive selection process

Entrepreneurship pathway

An excellent opportunity if you have an idea for a new business venture, this module will provide you with the time, space and expertise to develop it. For between eight weeks to 12 months, you’ll be given the option of a base within the University’s incubator and have access to workshops and guidance from a network of entrepreneurs and business advisers. During this time, you’ll complete a portfolio of evidence on your idea and present this to an external stakeholder. Places are limited, and you will be required to undertake an interview prior to acceptance on this module.

Please note: The Entrepreneurship pathway is available to UK Students only.

Placement

In an increasingly competitive job market, employers are looking to recruit employees who have high-level knowledge, skills and workplace experience. With support from the Faculty Placement Officer, you will gain first-hand professional experience on a suitable, paid work placement for between eight weeks to 12 months. During your placement, you will be required to complete an extended project on behalf of the organisation. As part of the eventual assessment, you’ll present your findings to the host organisation, exactly as you would do within the workplace. Your placement can be based anywhere in the UK giving you the opportunity to work with local, national and international organisations.

Students who require a visa to study in the UK may be able to add in a work placement depending upon the programme. The ability to add a work placement is dependent upon the UK Immigration rules at the time of the request. It may be that for some programmes students will not have the option to request a placement period to be added to their programme before they arrive in the UK and would need to apply for a new visa. There is no guarantee that a placement will be provided and that students who have a visa are subject to a number of restrictions on the type of work, including placements they can undertake.

Next steps

insert-b start

Postgraduate Study with Keele Business School

Keele Business School's range of postgraduate programmes aim to help you accelerate your career in business. Our authentic business school approach will help develop you in to one of the business leaders of tomorrow.

insert-b end

Entry requirements

The following section details our typical entry requirements for this course for a range of UK and international qualifications. If you don't see your qualifications listed, please contact us to find out if we can accept your qualifications.

Typical offer

Please ensure that you read the full entry requirements by selecting your qualifications from the dropdown menu below. This will include any subject specific, GCSE/Level 2 Maths, and English language requirements you may need.

Typical offer: 2:2 degree in any subject Additional criteria apply

Please select your country from the drop-down list below for the full entry requirement information

UK

2:2 degree in any subject
or
demonstrated relevant professional qualifications or experience

You will also need: an English language qualification (see below)

Bangladesh

60% in a 4-year degree or 3-year degree with a 2-year Master's in any subject from a public university or CGPA 2.8 in a 4-year degree or 3-year degree with a 2-year Master's in any subject from a private university
or
demonstrated relevant professional qualifications or experience

We don’t accept degrees from certain universities, please see our Bangladesh Country Page for more information

You will also need: an English language qualification (see below)

Canada

70% or C or a GPA of 2.5 in a degree (Ordinary or Honours) in any subject
or
demonstrated relevant professional qualifications or experience

You will also need: an English language qualification (see below)

China

70% in a degree in any subject or 65% in a degree in any subject from a '211' university
or
demonstrated relevant professional qualifications or experience

You will also need: an English language qualification (see below)

Ghana

Second class degree in any subject
or
demonstrated relevant professional qualifications or experience

You will also need: an English language qualification (see below)

India

55% or CGPA 6/10 in any degree of three years or longer
or
demonstrated relevant professional qualifications or experience

You will also need: an English language qualification (see below)

Kenya

Second class degree in any subject
or
demonstrated relevant professional qualifications or experience

You will also need: an English language qualification (see below)

Nepal

60% / 2.4 in a 4-year Bachelor's degree in any subject
or
65% / CGPA 2.8 in a 3-year Bachelor's degree in any subject
or
demonstrated relevant professional qualifications or experience

You will also need: an English language qualification (see below)

Nigeria

Second class degree in any subject
or
demonstrated relevant professional qualifications or experience

You will also need: an English language qualification (see below)

Pakistan

We accept a range of qualifications from Pakistan. Please visit our Pakistan Country Page for more information

or we will consider demonstrated relevant professional qualifications or experience

You will also need an English language qualification (see below)

South Africa

Second class division 2 / 60% in a Bachelor's degree with Honours in any subject
or
Second class division 1 / 70% in an Ordinary Bachelor's degree in any subject
or
demonstrated relevant professional qualifications or experience

You will also need: an English language qualification (see below)

Sri Lanka

55% in a Special Bachelor's degree in any subject
or
demonstrated relevant professional qualifications or experience

You will also need: an English language qualification (see below)

Uganda

Second class degree in any subject
or
demonstrated relevant professional qualifications or experience

You will also need: an English language qualification (see below)

Zimbabwe

Second class degree in any subject
or
demonstrated relevant professional qualifications or experience

You will also need: an English language qualification (see below)

Pre-Master's in Business

The Keele University International College offer a one semester Pre-Master's in Business programme for international students who do not meet the traditional entry requirements for a postgraduate business degree at Keele University.

Please visit the Keele University International College for more information on how to apply, entry requirements and course details.

English language requirements

All of our courses require an English language qualification or test. For most students, this requirement can be met with a 4 or C in GCSE English. Please see our English Language guidance pages for further details, including English language test information for international students. For those students who require an English language test, this course requires a test from Group B.

References

Normally, you will need to provide at least one academic reference to support your application unless you have been out of study longer than two years. If it has been more than two years since you last studied on a degree-level programme, you will normally need to provide an employment reference instead. For more information about Academic References, please see our Postgraduate how to apply web pages.

Personal Statement/Statement of Purpose

Please see our Postgraduate how to apply web pages for guidance on what to include in your personal statement.

Recognition of Prior Learning

The Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL) is a process which enables applicants to receive recognition and formal credit for learning acquired in the past through formal study or work and life experiences.

RPL can also be requested for admission onto the start of a programme in lieu of the admission requirements. For more information, see our Recognition of Prior Learning web pages.

Professional qualifications and work experience

The majority of our courses will consider relevant work experience and/or professional qualifications at the appropriate level, as an alternative to an undergraduate degree for entry. The work experience should be for a sustained period and at a suitable level, based within a relevant sector to your chosen course.

Admissions staff will review your work experience and/or professional qualifications during the assessment of your application to ensure suitability in terms of relevancy, level and appropriate learning outcomes.

General information

The entry grades outlined in this section indicate the typical offer which would be made to candidates, along with any subject specific requirements. This is for general information only. Keele University reserves the right to vary offer conditions depending upon a candidate's application.

insert-c start insert-c end

insert-d start

"Completing my MA gave me the initial confidence to apply for a role in a quite intimidating sector in the police force. On paper, I had very limited recruitment history, however the theoretical knowledge I learned allowed me to demonstrate the relevant competencies in the interview. Within six months, I was promoted to look after all recruitment, selection and onboarding for new officers who join the force. My MA set me apart from other candidates and has certainly enhanced my employability. It has not only strengthened my confidence and employability, but the structure of the taught side of the course and my dissertation aided my organisational skills and gave me real insight into how to strategically manage my time and deliver outcomes."

Olivia, MA Human Resource Management Graduate

PRME Champions

Keele Business School (KBS) has been selected for the 2024-2025 cohort of PRME Champions. Consisting of 47 businesses and management schools from around the world, The Principles for Responsible Management Education (PRME) is an initiative of the United Nations Global Compact, focused on raising the bar for sustainable business education. More information about PRME Champions can be found here.

insert-d end

insert-e start

"As an international student, coming to the UK for my studies has been an exciting and eye opening experience. It has been a great learning opportunity for me as I am more aware of what to expect in a real-life setting and how to handle situations as an HR practitioner. I am looking forward to pursuing my career and being an HR manager in the future. The staff in this University are amazing and they do an excellent job ensuring that students fully engage in discussions as well as have a full understanding of the course. In addition, the support received, diverse environment and exquisite facilities have made Keele more than just a place to learn but home for me. I encourage anyone coming to study at Keele, to take the bold step."

Osarhieme, Human Resource Management Graduate

insert-e end

Teaching, learning and assessment

How you'll be taught

Our teaching and learning strategy is wide-ranging and innovative, seeking to give you a rich learning environment that draws actively upon leading-edge research, as well as current business practice.

Preparing you practically and intellectually, you’ll draw on real-life case studies and take on the role of HR consultant. When studying performance management, for example, you may consider the different stakeholders and forces at play when making recommendations about the implications of action on employee morale or the legal consequences.

A key strength of our programme is our commitment to developing your critical thinking skills, which will not only set you apart from other graduates, but will benefit you for the rest of your working life. When studying Strategic Human Resources Management, for example, you might be asked to investigate the context that has driven managerial change within a specific organisation and provide a critique of management practices in evidence.

A series of practical skills sessions develop essential managerial skills, such as problem-solving, giving presentations, teamworking, preparing reports and addressing work-related issues within the parameters of UK law. When studying grievances and disciplinary hearings, for example, you’ll be given 90 minutes working in a team to prepare a presentation on a disciplinary scenario or a role play conducting a mock hearing and interview. This exercise requires you to think quickly on your feet, delegate and work effectively with others, just as you would in the workplace.

You’ll learn from leading researchers and external practitioners, gaining industry insights through guest lectures and, where possible, field trips. Previous students have heard from senior figures from ACAS, the Director of Incomes Data Research and the CEO of an HR consultancy within the education sector.

TEACHING SCHEDULE

Teaching takes place over the first two semesters. There are no formal group classes during Semester 3, but you consult with supervisors and access the University’s learning and teaching facilities and support services.

Semester 1 runs from the end of September to the end of January, with an assessment period in January.
Semester 2 runs from the last week of January to the middle of June, with the assessment period in May/June.
Semester 3 runs from June to the end of September.

How you'll be assessed

Assessment is varied and includes the use of essays, skills portfolios, reflective diaries, exams, workbooks, presentations, reports, and practical projects. Many modules combine several forms of assessment.

Where possible, assessment is designed to reflect skills and practices in the workplace, including team working, idea generation, meeting deadlines and so on, so you get a feel for the pressures of everyday working life. Referencing change management theory and best practice, you may be required to write a two-page report summarising how you would negotiate with trade unions over job losses required to make efficiency savings.

Next steps

insert-f start

Keele Postgraduate Association

Keele University is one of a handful of universities in the UK to have a dedicated students' union for postgraduate students. A fully registered charity, Keele Postgraduate Association serves as a focal point for the social life and welfare needs of all postgraduate students during their time at Keele.

KPA interior

Hugely popular, the KPA Clubhouse (near Horwood Hall) provides a dedicated postgraduate social space and bar on campus, where you can grab a bite to eat and drink, sit quietly and read a book, or switch off from academic life at one of the many regular events organised throughout the year. The KPA also helps to host a variety of conferences, as well as other academic and career sessions, to give you and your fellow postgraduates the opportunities to come together to discuss your research, and develop your skills and networks.

insert-f end

insert-g start insert-g end

Facilities

The course is run from Keele Business School’s new home – the Denise Coates Foundation Building – a state-of-the-art facility complete with 220-seat lecture theatre, a ‘think lab’ study space, data laboratory, cafe and business lounge.

Home to our accounting, business management, economics, finance, HRM, international business, management and marketing programmes, our Business School is the first to be located on a Science Park. As well as new teaching spaces, our building is unique in that it is also home to the Smart Innovation Hub, a project part-funded by the European Regional Development Fund (ERDF), which includes space and support programmes for innovation-led businesses, providing opportunities for students and staff to work collaboratively with entrepreneurs and business owners, gaining invaluable networks and experience.

If you choose to study business and management modules available, you’ll have access to the Bloomberg Suite with all its economic, financial and business real-time data, world news, analyses and reports from the world’s biggest financial organisations. You can choose to complete the Bloomberg Market Concepts (BMC) certificate free of charge, an eight-hour e-learning, self-paced course which covers economic Indicators, currencies, fixed income and equities.

Based in the heart of England, Keele University is easily accessible by motorway and public transport. You’ll find everything’s on your doorstep, with the most important facilities gathered together at the centre of campus, which, at 600 acres, is one of the biggest in the UK.

80% of our research is deemed world-leading or internationally excellent (REF, 2021). In the global top 20 for campus sustainability, environmental and corporate responsibility underpin the running of our own business and these themes are embedded into our teaching of future professionals and leaders.

Next steps

insert-h start

"What I am enjoying most about my course is the opportunity to write a dissertation of my choice and have some leeway as to how I approach it. Also, since the start of postgrad, particular modules have allowed me to improve my presentation skills and boost my confidence. I really like how close-knit Keele is as a community, as well the beautiful scenery and peaceful walks through Keele woods!"

Nikhita, MA Human Resource Management

insert-h end

Visit us Enquire about this course Programme specifications

Book to visit us