Human Resource Management MSc

Semester One

HRM in the Changing Business Context (20 credits)

Having studied this module, you will be aware that managers and HR professionals in different types of organisation not only have opportunities and choices when taking organisational and HR decisions in response to their internal, business, external environmental and ethical contexts, but also face constraints on their autonomy in determining their futures. You will also become familiar with contemporary debates in the HRM field and be able the critically evaluate the aims and objectives of the HR function and HR roles.

Human Resourcing Practices in Contemporary Business (20 credits)

You will be able to critically evaluate the key features of HR practises which will include the ability to attract, retain, motivate, engage and exit people from the organisation. It will also include key issues such as how to manage change effectively and the importance of flexible working as well as taking an ethical approach to HRM. The methods which an organisation’s managers use to implement these strategic choices and mobilise the workforce may include HR planning, recruitment and selection, performance management, diversity, reward and release. Therefore, a critical understanding of how you might deploy appropriate tools and techniques will enable you to support business strategy and contribute to organisational success.

Organisational Change, Culture and Ethical Dimension (20 Credits)

Studying this module will allow you to appreciate the importance of effective and ethical behaviours to promote effective HR practices through inclusive, fair and transparent behaviours. Gain an understanding of the different ethical perspectives and how organisational realities could influence HR professionals’ decision-making process including the role of HR practice to maintain high behavioural standards. You will also become familiar with the effectiveness of behavioural and cognitive perspective of organisational change and the role of HR in implementing successful change management programmes. You will discover the importance of leadership in the process of organisational change and discuss how to address issues emerged from individual, team and organisational change practices. You will also have the opportunity to consider the link between ethics, diversity, inclusion and change in modern organisations including how HR practices could have a meaningful impact upon organisational culture. Finally, you will be able to develop skills in encouraging discussion on how ethics, change and cultural could be managed in various organisations and engage in constrictive debates on how to shape future HR practices by embracing CSR.

Semester Two

Managing The Employment Relationship (20 Credits)

This module will provide you with a comprehensive understanding of the employment relationship, perspectives and debates, both national and international, from a theoretical and behavioural competency perspective. It will enable you to critically evaluate notions of employee voice, commitment and engagement for their utility in enhancing employer/employee relations. It will also enable to appreciate managing with and without unions and employment relations policies, procedures and practices.

Human Resource Development and Engagement (20 Credits)

Having studied this module, you will be able to critically evaluate the meanings of ‘Human Resource Development’ policies and strategies. You will also explore the extent to which learning and development professionals can influence the organisations they work within, having regard to effective leadership, opportunities for ‘coaching and mentoring’ and ethical and professional standards of competence. The module will help you to develop skills of team working, critical analysis, problem-solving and decision making through exploration of theoretical frameworks relevant to espoused and in-action learning and development strategies and policies. You will also have the opportunity to explore notions of employee engagement, both ‘being engaged’ and ‘doing engagement’, and engagement’s importance to enhance employee commitment and motivation.

You will also have the choice of one other module from the following:

International HRM (20 Credits)

You will develop a critical awareness and understanding of the contextual factors, both internal and external, affecting strategic human resourcing decisions within international organisations. Develop an understanding, and an ability to analyse and evaluate human resourcing issues and problems arising from the internationalisation of business, informed by relevant theories. You will be able to critically examine the range of human resourcing strategies, procedures and practices that can contribute to the effective management of an international business organisation. Additionally, you will be able to explore those skills and attributes required to deliver effective HRM analysis and solutions to diverse problems and issues in international organisations, including working in teams that display social/cultural diversity.

OR

Employment Law: the HR Perspective (20 Credits)

The amount of regulation covering the employment relationship and the workplace has grown substantially in recent years as have the number of claims made to employment tribunals. Employment law continues to expand both in terms of volume and complexity. Whilst organisations can source specialist advice on more difficult and unprecedented issues from their legal advisors, senior HR managers need to be in a position to give basic advice which is accurate, timely and appropriate. Furthermore, they need to be able to anticipate legal problems associated with proposed decisions or plans before they are implemented and are often called upon to lead an organisation's response when a formal legal claim is contemplated or pursued. Finally, HR managers need to be sufficiently aware of major, current, and coming developments in the regulatory environment so as to ensure that their organisations are fully prepared. The purpose of this module is to provide learners with the knowledge, understanding and skills required to fulfil each of these requirements to a professional standard.

Semester Three

Consultancy Project

You will work in a small group on a real life consultancy project in a local business. The aim of the project is to enable you to understand and apply project management theory and tools, integrate theory and practice to demonstrate creativity in problem solution engage with a complex, real project by applying theory to the workplace. You be able to develop your skills as a researcher, critical thinker and HR professional encourage personal development through reflection and develop your capacity to work with others as a professional consultancy team.

Applied Dissertation (2 year option only)

For those choosing the two year option you will embark on a 48 week placement during which time you will complete an Applied Dissertation relating to a HR problem you will identify in the organisation where you are employed.

For more information about semester three options please visit our Experiential Projects page.

Ongoing learning

Throughout the year you will also study the following modules which will help you understand how to manage your own continuous personal and professional development (PPD).

Business Research and Professional Skills (20 credits)

Studying this module will enable you to identify and evaluate skills and competencies which relate to student attributes which employers are seeking and to critically evaluate your own skills development. The module will also provide the fundamentals of approaches to research and research methods to enable you to approach the challenges of the third trimester. The module will be taught throughout the course and will be assessed by one formative assignment and two summative written assignments towards the end of the course.

Professional development

This course is approved by the Chartered Institute of Personnel and Development (CIPD) as meeting the knowledge requirements that are pre-requisite for Chartered Membership or Chartered Fellowship of the CIPD. Successful completion of this MSc will provide you with Associate Membership of the CIPD.

Placement Diploma in Industrial Experience (2 year course only)

This module aims to develop your understanding of the business and commercial environment. You will apply relevant prior knowledge and skills in the business environment increasing your commercial awareness. On completion of the module, you will have developed a range of skills and have a practical insight into the world of work and possible career opportunities.

Please note that placements are only available for students beginning their studies in September.

If you opt for the two year route you can add a year’s work placement onto your course. It’s a great way to put your learning into practice and gain valuable real-world experience to help boost your career prospects once graduating.

Your placement year will last up to 48 weeks (minimum 36 weeks). If you are unable to take a full year's placement, but have completed the minimum 36 weeks you can qualify for a Placement Diploma in Industrial Experience. If you undertake a placement, you must take up the Business Research Project in Semester Three.

Please note that placements are not guaranteed and you will need to work hard in securing one during your first semester. We have a dedicated Employability team who are here to help and support you during the placement process with CV writing, creating a LinkedIn page, interview tips, where to search for a placement etc. You can visit the Employability team’s page for further information.

Placements are only available for students beginning their studies in September.

Please contact us through Ask NTU if you have any questions about securing placements.