Curious about studying MA Strategic Human Resource Managementat University of Staffordshire? We've gathered all the key details—entry requirements, modules, fees, and more. Hear from real students by checking out reviews, or take the next step by booking an open day to explore it for yourself.
MA - Master of Arts
Stoke-on-Trent Campus
Full Time
Jan 2027
1 Year
This course is designed to give learners an in-depth understanding of Strategic HRM and its associated functions. It is suited to individuals who: Are experienced people practitionersAre working in a senior people practice role and wish to extend and deepen their skills and understanding to shape strategy, policy and people, Wish to shape people practice, creating value for a wider audienceAre currently leading and managing people and practice within organisations.Students will be already working within the HRM profession or associated roles. This course will enable graduates to access HRM roles at the highest levels within organisations.On successful completion of study, we will issue the following award: MA Strategic Human Resource ManagementThe course is designed to give students a broad breadth of knowledge and understanding across the HR function. Topics will include Organisational performance and culture, Employment relations, Evidence based practice, Learning and Development, Talent management, Reward management and Employment law.
Are you ready to reinforce your HR credentials and embrace the challenge of gaining some specialist expertise in managing employment relations? Then the Strategic Employment Relations module will offer you the opportunity to develop your knowledge and skills in this area. You will learn how the right employment relations strategy lies at the heart of organizational success in a contemporary, dynamic economic and political context, while also mitigating risk. By exploring the nature of the employment relationship, you will come to appreciate the competing perspectives of managers, trade unions and employees, and thus evaluate various policies and practices, anticipate their outcomes, and promote effective practice. As you explore the various topic areas you will be encouraged to reflect on the implications for your own workplace and develop the knowledge and skills to enhance your contribution as a people management professional.
This module focuses on the major principles that underpin employment law, the defences which are available to employers and the remedies that claimants seek when they bring their cases to court. It examines the more common issues relating to employment law which arise in organisations with a view to preparing a defence or helping to settle claims ahead of a hearing. Integral to this is the legal system, the main sources of law and the evolution of contemporary employment regulation in the UK. As part of this module you will take part in a mock Employment Tribunal, based around a case of possible unfair dismissal.
The module covers all the main aspects of undertaking a research project from the initial planning of the work, through to data collection and data analysis. You will be introduced to the main principles of research design and be instructed in the different approaches to collect data. This knowledge will then be applied as part of the project. The learning will cover a mix of taught sessions and workshops, but lots of learning will be undertaken independently when you are making choices and decisions in relation to your own research. You will be allocated a research supervisor based on alignment of subject and method and your supervisor will guide you through to the completion of the research.
This module focuses on how HRM and management strategies can be used effectively to improve organisational performance. The module examines approaches to cross-cultural management and leadership and critically evaluates the strategies used.
This module provides an overarching view of learning and development for those predominantly in general people practice. You will focus on the role of the learning function within organisations of all types and assess the impact of learning provision within organisations and how it is influenced by a variety of internal and external factors.
This module focuses on promoting effective and ethical behaviours to champion better work and develop business acumen. You will understand theories and concepts that underpin this and which are essential for promoting inclusiveness and influencing others through fair and transparent behaviours. Through core skillsets such as perception, critical thinking, communication and teamwork, this module will promote understanding of how actions and inclusive behaviour impact on ethics and the organisation.
This module will identify how HRM practices around recruitment, selection and performance management can be developed to enable the organisation to be more strategic in its approach to managing its highest performing employees.
The module focuses on the role of strategic reward in attracting, motivating and retaining people at work in order to direct the actions and behaviours of individuals, teams and the organisation towards the achievement of organisational goals. Different financial and non-financial benefits will be applicable depending on the organisational context, but these must always be fair and equitable. The module contains the elements required to design, introduce, manage and evaluate effective and fair reward strategies and how the associated policies and practices link and impact on other people practices.
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