Queen's University Belfast - Faculty of Arts, Humanities and Social Sciences

MSc in Human Resource Management

This programme aims to develop your expertise in the field of Human Resource Management and allows you to gain professional accreditation from the Chartered Institute of Personnel Development (CIPD). You will be provided with a strong basis of theoretical and practical learning, and be encouraged to develop the critical thinking skills and strategic orientation that underpins excellence in the HR profession. Taught by a team of world-class researchers and experienced practitioners, the course is designed to provide you with a high standard of knowledge and understanding of the current trends, opportunities and challenges facing HRM practitioners and researchers within the global context. You will have the opportunity to engage with experienced HR and organisational leaders, apply learning to the real-world context and develop the practical skills for working in an HR environment.

The programme’s mixture of disciplinary rigour, academic expertise and applied focus equips you for work in a wide range of positions across the human resource management field. From whatever your starting point, you will be well-positioned to advance your career with the potential to gain employment and promotion in the HR-related field. Depending on experience, you can secure employment in a range of roles starting from an HR Admin/Officer role to roles that are more senior such as an HR analyst, HR Advisor, HR Generalist, HR Manager, HR Business Partner, HR and Culture Advisor/ Manager. You can choose to pursue HR specialist roles such as Recruitment/ Talent Manager, Recruitment Consultant, Learning and Development Advisor/ Manager, Reward and Benefits Advisor/ Manager, Project Manager, HR Performance and Data Analyst, or Career Advisor as well as positions in consultancy, trade unions and academic and policy research across all sectors.

The programme delivers a suite of modules that explore and critically assess relevant and contemporary HRM-related theories, research and HRM practice (see course modules). You will also have the opportunity to undertake a dissertation that involves the investigation and analysis of an HRM-related issue and provides you with an opportunity for an applied and in-depth study of organisations and the management of work. You can be assured that our MSc HRM course is at the forefront of research-led, practical and theoretically informed education.

Human Resource Management highlights

Professional Accreditations

The programme is fully accredited by the Chartered Institute of Personnel and Development (CIPD). The program provides the necessary knowledge and understanding to be awarded professional membership of the CIPD at the Associate level.

Career Development

The MSc HRM will provide you with the opportunity to participate in career management sessions delivered by career advisors and leading HR professionals in the field. These sessions will enable you to consider your career goals and plan how to achieve them. The programme also includes further opportunities for students to develop employability skills and professional networks throughout the year. For example, in the past, our students have benefited from company visits that give insight into the work of a busy HR department and employability sessions focused on the HR professional’s online presence and use of LinkedIn.

Student Experience

The MSc HRM programme is taught in a blended learning environment incorporating both online and face-to-face teaching. You will be based at the Riddell Hall campus in South Belfast, which has dedicated facilities and resources for postgraduate students, including a postgraduate common room, group work ‘pods’ and a computer suite.