Scholarships for international students
Our scholarships take you places.
MA Human Resource Management
| Duration | 1 year |
| Course type | Full-time, Part-time route available |
| Study location | Plymouth |
Equip yourself with the skills and capabilities required for a strategic role in HR on this full-time programme. Through lectures informed by active research and opportunities to gain important work related competencies, you will develop the necessary skills for contemporary HR management, in a business and organisational context.
Careers with this subject
Undertaking a degree in human resource management will deepen your understanding around recruiting, motivating, enhancing and supporting people within the context of the workplace. You will develop a number of skills attractive to potential employers including effective communication and interpersonal skills, time management, research and analytical skills and an awareness and sensitivity to the diversity of people and cultures.
Careers service
The University of Plymouth has a dedicated careers service supporting you from the moment you start your degree, to three years after graduation.
Careers advice is embedded into your academic programme through workshops, events, placements, networks - working with the academic staff teaching on your course. We also offer materials, networks and resources online through our 24/7 portal, and a wide-range of activities, opportunities and support centrally in the Careers Service space within the Student Hub.
We are here to help you to explore, connect and succeed.
Key features
- Tailor your time at university to meet your needs by balancing your study around your work and personal commitments. Lectures take place in the afternoons on set days, thereby minimising the impact on everyday work commitments. The option to study part-time gives you extra flexibility.
- Meet the requirements of the Chartered Institute of Personnel and Development's qualification and membership structure. Upon successful completion of the programme students will also have the necessary knowledge criteria to upgrade to Chartered or Fellow membership (depending upon their level of work experience).
- Add value to your professional development by combining academic knowledge and rigour, and build important work-related skills and competencies.
- Complement your professional qualification with a masters’ degree in Human Resource Management when you successfully complete the HR masters dissertation with a research methods module
- Join a diverse student body – this course appeals to both recent graduates who wish to enter the HR profession as well as those working in HR who wish to gain professional chartered status and strengthen their employment prospects.
- Deepen your knowledge by studying a range of modules such as the critical role a human resources professional plays within the work environment, how best to lead, manage and develop employees, appropriate HR policies and strategies, maximising the contribution, growth and wellbeing of employees, including an ethical sensibility towards the practice of HRM.
Course details
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Year 1
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This programme equips you with the skills and capabilities required for an HR role at an influential and strategic level – regardless of whether you have professional aspirations in HR or are already experienced and looking to build upon your knowledge. It aims to add value to your professional development by combining academic knowledge and rigour with the need to build important work-related skills and competencies. These enable you to enhance your understanding of complex and challenging issues in international business, and in public as well as third-sector environments. The programme enables you to gain the knowledge criteria required for full chartered membership of the CIPD.The design of our postgraduate programmes focuses on four taught modules and a capstone project. We believe that simplicity in programme design provides you with a better learning experience. The dynamic and challenging nature of contemporary business does not isolate concepts into small packages – and neither do our programmes. This approach links concepts together as they are in the real world, and enables you to focus in on what really matters.
Core modules
HRL7001
Ethical ResourcingThis module aims to equip learners with the knowledge and skills required to undertake core resourcing activities to a high ethical standard. Students will focus on mobilising an effective workforce through the practical and strategic aspects of recruitment, selection, talent management and retention, viewed through an ethical lens. The module will also introduce students to a range of different and more critical perspectives.
HRL7002
People Management Strategies in ContextThis module explores the relationship between the business environment and future developments in work and the management of people. It explores how HR professionals can create value and deliver outcomes for organisations and enhance the employee experience. It focuses on the need for policy and practice to be delivered coherently, in a way that is integrated and in line with organisational objectives.
HRL7003
Employment Relations and Employment LawThis module provides a comprehensive critical framework of knowledge and understanding of the management of employment relations within contemporary UK workplaces. It focuses on the understanding of the employment relationship, including the legal standards which underpin it, and explores the processes through which organisations seek to address and manage conflict with and between employees. In doing so, it provides both theoretical understanding and practical knowledge needed for HR practitioners and managers to function effectively and contribute to the development of productive employment relationships.
HRL7004
Delivering Change in a Contemporary WorkplaceThis module explores change management by considering how trends that affect organisational performance necessitate change and how people management practices can be designed and applied in a systematic, integrated manner to create change. Students will be encouraged to consider the impact that change has on individuals and organisations and develop the collaborative, influencing and communication skills needed to deliver change within an organisational context.
PBS7000
Capstone ProjectIn this capstone project, you will synthesise and apply learning from the taught element of the programme to a project of your choosing. There is scope for you to undertake a broad range of project types, including consultancy, business analysis, business development or academic study.
The modules shown for this course or programme are those being studied by current students, or expected new modules. Modules are subject to change depending on year of entry.
Every postgraduate taught course has a detailed programme specification document describing the programme aims, the programme structure, the teaching and learning methods, the learning outcomes and the rules of assessment.
The following programme specification represents the latest programme structure and may be subject to change:
Entry requirements
UK/EU
A good honours degree (first or second class), or equivalent. Other qualifications accompanied by substantial experience in an appropriate field may also be considered. Non-standard applications will be considered on a case by case basis.
A good honours degree (first or second class), or equivalent. Other qualifications accompanied by substantial experience in an appropriate field may also be considered. Non-standard applications will be considered on a case by case basis.
International
Please view the
country specific pages
for further information regarding the equivalency of your degree. International applicants will be required to provide evidence of their English language ability, for example by achieving an IELTS score of 6.5 overall (with a minimum of 5.5 in each element) or equivalent. Find out more about
English language requirements
.
Pre-sessional English language courses
are available if you do not meet these requirements.
Please view the
We welcome applicants with international qualifications. To view other accepted qualifications please refer to our
tariff glossary.
Scholarships
Scholarships are available for postgraduate taught programmes.
Tell me more about scholarships and bursaries.
Scholarships are available for postgraduate taught programmes.
Fees, costs and funding
| 2024-2025 | 2025-2026 | |
|---|---|---|
| Home | £11,600 | £11,950 |
| International | £18,400 | £18,950 |
| Part time (Home) | £640 | £660 |
Scholarships for international students
We fund our international scholars to reach their goals.
Complete our short enquiry form and we will send you more information on the scholarships that may be available to you.
How to apply
When to apply
Most of our taught programmes begin in September. Applications can usually be made throughout the year, and are considered until programmes are full.
Before you apply
Familiarise yourself with the information required to complete your application form. You will usually be required to supply:
- evidence of qualifications (degree certificates or transcripts), with translations if not in English, to show that you meet, or expect to meet the entry requirements
- evidence of English language proficiency, if English is not your first language
- a personal statement of approximately 250-400 words about the reasons for your interest in the course and outlining the nature of previous and current related experience. You can write this into the online application form, or include it as a separate document
- your curriculum vitae or résumé, including details of relevant professional/voluntary experience, professional registration/s and visa status for overseas workers
- proof of sponsorship, if applicable.
If you require further information take a look at our
application guidance.
Disability Inclusion Services
If you have an impairment, health condition or disability, learn about the
additional support the University provides
.
International students
Support is also available to overseas students applying to the University from our International Office. Take a look at our
how to apply
information or email admissions@plymouth.ac.uk.
Submitting an application
Once you are happy that you have all of the information required you can apply using our online postgraduate application form (the blue 'Apply' icon on this page).
What happens after I apply?
You will normally receive a decision on your application within four weeks of us receiving your application. You may be asked to provide additional information; two academic/professional references, confirming your suitability for the course; or to take part in an interview (which in the case of overseas students may be by telephone or video conference) and you will be sent a decision by letter or email.
We aim to make the application procedure as simple and efficient as possible. Our Admissions and Course Enquiries team is on hand to offer help and can put you in touch with the appropriate faculty if you wish to discuss any programme in detail.
If you would like any further information please contact the Admissions and Course Enquiries team:
Telephone: +44 1752 585858
Email: admissions@plymouth.ac.uk
Admissions policy
More information and advice for applicants can be referenced in our admissions policy which can be found on the
student regulations, policies and procedures
page. Prospective students are advised to read the policy before making an application to the University.
Progression routes
International progression routes
The University of Plymouth International College (UPIC) offers foundation, first-year and pre-masters programmes that lead to University of Plymouth degrees. Courses are specially designed for EU and international students who are missing the grades for direct entry to the University, and include full duration visa sponsorship. You can start in January, May or September, benefitting from small class sizes, top-quality tuition and 24/7 student support.
Find out more at plymouth.ac.uk/upicor contact our team at info@upic.plymouth.ac.uk
CIPD accreditation
We are pleased to confirm that students who complete our programme can benefit from accreditation from the Chartered Institute of Personnel Development (CIPD) reflecting how our course aligns with professional qualifications in this sector.
A stepping stone into the world of HR
Nadine Mashingaidz graduated from BSc (Hons) Business Management and MA Human Resource Management before moving into a role as a HR Manager.
"I thought with my degree I could only stay in a specific field, however I was able to branch out and receive career guidance to understand that I don’t have to be so boxed and confined when looking for a job. Studying at Plymouth opened my mind up to the opportunities available."
Meet our experts
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![Dr Jasmine Kelland Associate Professor of Human Resource Management]( "Dr Jasmine Kelland")
Dr Jasmine Kelland
Associate Professor of Human Resource Management
Programme Lead, extensive professional experience
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![Dr Smita Tripathi Lecturer in Human Resource Studies/Leadership]( "Dr Smita Tripathi")
Dr Smita Tripathi
Lecturer in Human Resource Studies/Leadership
Specialises in teaching human resource management
Lieutenant Colonel Aldeiy Alderson Royal Marines – MA Human Resource Management graduate
MA Human Resource Management
“Thank you for all of the support you have given me in the last few years. I have greatly enjoyed the whole experience."
"I have developed and matured as a reader, thinker and writer. I have hopefully helped my Corps in some way too; be that LGBT awareness, the retention paper and just being better able to offer constructive critical advice to marines or generals.”
Plymouth Business School
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?Accredited by the International Accreditation Council for Business Education (IACBE)
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?Committed to social, economic and environmental responsibility
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?Supporting the internationally recognised focus on sustainability and social purpose of the University
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?Leading business ready graduates onto a successful career and happy life
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?Supporting graduates to make informed choices based on current economic and market trends
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?Building students resilience and confidence
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?Promoting practical skills development
A new home to cultivate business leaders
Our Fitzroy Building has been transformed, becoming the new home of the Plymouth Business School, providing students with specialist facilities and social learning spaces.
Among these spaces for business, management, accounting, finance and marketing students, you'll find the Bloomberg Interactive Suite for tracking stock markets and The Cube - support for our student and graduate entrepreneurs, as well as a Maritime Suite and a Language Lab.
Watch our video visualising what the new building looks like.