Curious about studying MSc - Human Resource Managementat University of Essex? 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.
Master of Science - MSc
University of Essex
Full Time
Oct 2027
1 Year
Human resource management is more than just managing the relationship between professional development and productivity; it’s about supporting senior and line managers to facilitate the well-being of their employees and helping them achieve both personal and overall business objectives.MSc Human Resource Management course seeks to equip students with the knowledge and skills to develop a successful career in a range of Human Resource Management roles and specialisms.The nature of work and people management across the globe is constantly evolving. HR professionals today require skills in critical thinking and problem solving and working in collaborative and inclusive ways to address the significant organisational challenges of our time.MSc Human Resource Management gives you the knowledge, skills and understanding to become a successful leader and practitioner in this increasingly complex business function. You will learn to address practical human resource issues in innovative and sustainable way, while considering the ethical obligations of the human resource practitioner.You'll experience rigorous and practical training in core HR areas throughout the course. You also have an opportunity to choose from a range of elective modules which reflect your career and/or research interests.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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