Overview

Based on recent HR software market analysis, the global HR market is seen to become a $38.17 billion industry by 2027 (Grand View Research, 2023).

If you are looking to take advantage of this increasing demand and want to grow your skillset, then this business-focused master’s degree is the programme for you!

The MSc Business with Human Resource Management course will help you to develop a broad range of business skills, where you will build your confidence to lead others, use data analytics, and develop your professional identity.

Key facts

  • This course is designed for those who wish to embark on a career in business or HRM, however there is no requirement to have studied business or HRM previously.
  • Specialise in Human Resource Management in the second semester.
  • Newcastle Business School is accredited by the prestigious Association to Advance Collegiate Schools of Business (AACSB). According to AACSB, “Approximately 6% of the world’s schools offering business degree education have achieved AACSB accreditation, demonstrating a commitment to high-quality, rigorous standards, innovation, and continuous process improvement. Read more about our ‘double’ AACSB Accreditation.
  • Upon completion of your programme, you will be eligible for the QA Professional Pathways programmes which will enable you to further develop your skills with one of the UK’s largest providers of IT and project management training.
  • This course is also available as an Advanced Practice option, where you’ll gain all-important work experience and professional skills that will enhance your overall employability.

Northumbria University AACSB Accredited

What will I study?

On this programme you will develop invaluable skills and knowledge that will increase your employability post-graduation.

In the second semester, you will have the opportunity to specialize in human resource management, where you will develop your understanding of the principles, values, and approaches in human resource management (HRM), as well as organisational behaviour and practice.

How will I be taught and assessed?

  • Teaching is delivered through lectures, seminars, studios, tutorials, and workshops totalling around 12 hours per week.
  • You’re expected to engage in independent study, around 30 hours per week.
  • Assessment is based on a mix of assignments, presentations, group work, reflective reports, and portfolios.
  • Taught by experienced lecturers and academics who use their industry experience to demonstrate how theories translate into real-life situations.
  • Technology Enhanced Learning (TEL) is embedded throughout the course with tools such as the ‘Blackboard’ eLearning Portal.
  • Benefit from weekly academic support sessions designed to build your confidence and ability as a postgraduate learner.
  • You will be assigned a guidance tutor at induction that you will have meetings with at regular intervals across your period of study.

MSc Business with Human Resource Management

If you enrol on the 1-year Masters (non-Advanced Practice) your study duration will be 12 months long over the 3 consecutive semesters.

Please refer to the table below on start and end points:

Sept-Jan Jan-May May-Sept Sept-Jan Jan-May
Sept Start Semester 1 Semester 2 Masters Dissertation
Jan Start Semester 1 Semester 2 Masters Dissertation
May Start Semester 1 Semester 2 Masters Dissertation

Careers and further study

Graduates who have successfully completed this programme typically enter professional and graduate management positions and you’ll be well-equipped with the skills and experience to follow suit and kickstart your own career.

Thanks to the specialist modules on this programme – HRM and People Analytics & Analysing Organisational Dynamics, you’ll gain expert knowledge in areas related to human resource management, including strategic HR decision-making, data-driven approaches, and organisational analysis that will enable you to enhance your employability in this field.

Potential career routes after this course include but are not limited to:

  • Human Resource Manager / Director
  • Management Consultant
  • Human Resources and Industrial Relations Officer
  • Office Manager
  • Public Relations Professional
  • Training and Development Officer

Upon successfully completing your course, you may undertake further professional development and training through Professional Pathways programmes. These are offered to our graduates for free, from our partner, QA. Find out more about Professional Pathways and your eligibility.

MSc Business with Human Resource Management – Advanced Practice Stage

The Advanced Practice version of this course offers you the opportunity to choose from one of our four advanced practise modules, where you can opt to either do a masters’ internship, complete a consultancy project, create and pitch a successful business plan, or develop your expertise through professional skills practice.

Each of these options will give you invaluable experience, whether this is from being in a real-world workplace environment, working with live business issues, developing a successful business plan, or expanding your skills – all paths will enable you to be fully prepared for employment post-graduation.

This stage of the programme will take place after your Masters Dissertation and is a semester long (15 weeks) in duration. Internships as part of the Advanced Practice stage may be paid or unpaid. Whichever option you choose, you will successfully develop your business skills and further enhance your employability.

  • September start dates: If you choose to start your Masters in September, your programme will last for up to 21 months. You will have a summer break after Semester 2, and commence your Advanced Practice stage in January after your Masters Dissertation.
  • January start dates: If you choose to start your Masters with Advanced Practice in January, your programme will run for 24 months. You will commence the Advanced Practice stage of the programme in the September following your Masters Dissertation and summer break.  Please note that there are two summer breaks included in this programme for those starting in January.
  • May start dates: For those starting your Masters with Advanced Practice in May, you will start the Advanced Practice stage of the programme in May, straight after you have completed your Masters Dissertation. Your programme will run for a total of 16-18 months. Please note that no summer break is included in this programme for those starting in May.

The Advanced Practice programme is structured as below:

Sept-Jan Jan-May May-Sept Sept-Jan Jan-May May-Sept Sept-Jan
Sept starts Semester 1 Semester 2 Summer break Masters Dissertation Your chosen Advanced Practice module
Jan starts Semester 1 Summer break Semester 2 Masters Dissertation Summer break Your chosen Advanced Practice module
May starts Semester 1 Semester 2 Masters Dissertation Your chosen Advanced Practice module
  • 1 year MSc
  • Advanced Practice

Academic requirements

  • A first degree, equivalent to a 2:2 honours classification

English language requirements

  • IELTS 6.0 (with no component below 5.5)

If you don’t meet the academic requirements

Applicants who do not meet the academic requirements but who do have substantial experience of working in a business organisation and/or possess a relevant professional qualification will also be considered. If you are unsure if you meet the entry criteria, please contact us and our team will be able to advise you.

International entry equivalencies

We accept a wide range of international qualifications. Please visit our entry requirements page for country-specific qualifications.

Please note that if your qualifications are not in English, we might need certified translations in order to proceed with your application.

Masters Foundation programme

Alternatively, you may also be eligible for one of our Pre-Masters courses. These are pathway programmes designed specifically for students who require additional support to meet the entry requirements of their chosen Masters degree.

Pre-Sessional English and Study Skills

If you have IELTS 5.5 – 6.0, you may be eligible to join our Pre-Sessional English before starting this programme. This programme will help you develop language skills in a content-based approach to learning involving critical thinking, questioning, discussion, reflection and analysis.

Enquire now

All modules are core and 20 credits unless otherwise stated.

This module aims to enhance your critical understanding of leadership theories and models:

  • Review and adopt leadership and management concepts within your current and future career roles.
  • Gain understanding of the characteristics, behaviours, and attitudes of the workforce consisting of Millennials and Generation Z in order to build robust relationships and utilize their capabilities effectively.
  • Identify your leadership styles, behaviours, and attitudes through a range of professional tests, which helps you develop your professional identity.

This module also includes a 2-day residential event where you will participate in a variety of practical activities and deal with complex scenarios. Through expert feedback and reflective practice, you will be able to explore the practical implementation of the concepts learned and enhance your interpersonal and intrapersonal capabilities.

In this module, you will develop strategic thinking knowledge and skills and apply these in the context of sustainability and ethical decision-making

  • Develop an understanding of stakeholder analysis i.e. both internal (customers, finance, operations, HR, IT), as well external partners.
  • Develop knowledge and practical skills in how to create a culture of innovation and lead organisational change.
  • Explore the role of digital technology in the context of innovation and change and digital strategy.
  • Gain key understanding to develop entrepreneurial and intrapreneurial opportunities in business enterprises.

This module will introduce you to project management principles and practices to implement data analytics projects

  • Develop practical skills in data analytics and agile project management by using hands-on ‘learn by doing’ and ‘project-based’ approaches.
  • Learn project management concepts, methodologies and tools including agile approaches.
  • Explore real-world problem and develop data analytics and business intelligence solutions using an agile project management approach throughout the semester.
  • Develop team working, collaboration, adaptability, and leadership skills to deliver business solutions.

The knowledge and skills obtained from this module will prepare you to take on roles such as data analyst, business analyst, BI Analyst, Project Manager, or similar roles.

In this module, you will work in teams to make strategic decisions in a realistic simulated environment and learn how to balance competing priorities to achieve sustained competitive advantage.

The simulation environment will combine theory and practice to enable you to develop in-depth knowledge and skills in a variety of business functional areas.

  • Learn through a hands-on problem-solving approach using the Design Thinking framework.
  • Explore and understand market dynamics and competition.
  • Visualize business insights, develop ideas, test strategies in a simulated environment, and refine them.

In this module, you will develop in-depth understanding of a range of key HR areas by critically assessing practical implications within professional settings.

You will develop the skills to use data-driven approaches to deal with a variety of HR challenges such as employee engagement, retention, performance evaluation, learning and development, promotions, and diversity issues.

  • Understand the fundamental concepts and techniques of people analytics.
  • Critically review contemporary HR practices within organisational settings to develop real-world knowledge.
  • Learn data-driven approaches to make informed decisions and manage people effectively.

This module combines hard skills and soft skills and prepares you for HR leader, practitioner and strategic partner roles within organisations.

In this module, you will learn the established perspectives of organisation theory and be given practical guidance on how to apply these theoretical perspectives when understanding behaviours and practices in organisations.

You will also challenge conventional understanding of organisational behaviour and explore the latest developments.

  • Challenge both organisational practices and the theories, models and frameworks underpinning management, business and organisations.
  • Critically approach organisations as a field of theory and practice, and construct your own understanding of ‘management’.
  • Develop your critical thinking and use research to explore alternative ways of organising.

This module is designed to build your confidence and capabilities as a postgraduate student and researcher, as well as provide you with the graduate skills needed to progress into high-skilled employment or doctoral study.

  • Develop your academic skills and overall employability.
  • Build upon your presentation skills, effective teamworking, and advanced search skills.
  • Gain the confidence to synthesise information from multiple sources.
  • Learn about how to structure your dissertation proposal.
  • Be introduced to a range of additional careers and employability workshops.
  • Work alongside your research supervisor to complete your final research project/dissertation.

Enquire now

The course information displayed on this page is correct for the academic year 2024/25. We aim to run the course as advertised however, changes may be necessary due to updates to the curriculum (due to academic or industry developments), student demand or UK compliance reasons.

Tuition fees 2024/25

  • UK/Home: £11,750
  • International students: £19,750

Please note that your tuition fees do not include the cost of course books that you may choose to purchase, stationery, printing and photocopying, accommodation, living expenses, travel or any other extracurricular activities. As a Northumbria University London Campus student, you will have full access to our online digital library with over 400,000 e-books and 50,000 electronic journals.

The modules you will study do not require you to purchase additional textbooks although we recommend you allow an additional £150 for the duration of your studies should you choose to purchase any additional reading materials.

Information for international students

Northumbria University is committed to providing the best possible experience to all our students. To ensure you secure your place with us, we require our international students to pay a deposit towards their fees. More information can be found here.

Your tuition fees cover far more than your time in class with our expert academics, it covers the cost of providing you with excellent services and student experience.

  • Contact time in class – typically in lectures, seminars and tutorials
  • Access to facilities, including computers, on-campus Wi-Fi, printers, vending machines, quiet study spaces
  • The support of our Careers & Employment Service who help you to become more employable, secure placements and run workshops
  • Academic support – our ACE Team run multiple sessions on academic writing, presenting, exam techniques throughout the semester, as well as 1-2-1 appointments and drop-in sessions
  • Student support services such as our Ask4Help Service. Find out more about the services available to you on our Student Support page
  • Access to online resources, including 24/ 7 Library with over 400,000 e-books and 50,000 electronic journals.

Scholarships and bursaries for international students

Depending on the country you are from, you may be eligible for a country bursary and/or scholarship when studying this Masters programme.

All of our scholarships and bursaries are automatically applied when we process your application and one of our team will be able to confirm your eligibility.

London Cost of Living Bursary

Eligible international students will receive an automatic bursary for £1,334, covering one month’s living costs in London*, applied at the Conditional Offer as a fee discount. This bursary is effective for intakes in January 2025 and May 2025. This offer excludes Pre-sessional English, standalone Graduate Certificate programmes and sponsored applicants.

If you receive this bursary, you may still be eligible for additional bursaries and scholarships, these will be confirmed at the Unconditional Offer stage. Full maintenance costs still need to be evidenced when applying for your visa.

This bursary is only available for international students from specific countries. Please visit our Scholarships page for more information.

*As defined by UKVI

Scholarships and bursaries

Payment plans for self-funded students

If you need support to spread the cost of your tuition, you may be eligible for our payment plan.

Payment plans

Government Loan for Masters study

If you are a UK or Home student, you may be eligible for a postgraduate loan of up to £10,000+ from the UK Government. Click here to find out more about the loan and whether you are eligible to receive it.

Postgraduate Loan

How to find out more

Enquire now to find out more information about the course, studying with us, the application process, and to ask any other questions you may have.

Enquire now

How to apply

Once you’re ready to apply, you can apply online to study the 1 year MSc Business with Human Resource Management. This method allows you to upload your supporting documents at the time of application and automatically receive your student application number.

Please note: For 2025 applications you will be redirected to the Northumbria website to select which intake you would like to apply for.

Apply for 2025
Apply for 1 year MSc
Apply for Pre-Masters + 1 year MSc

 

We strongly recommend that you submit your application as early as possible to allow you to complete all of the preparations needed to study your programme. After receiving an offer it can take time to arrange your finances and apply for your visa (if required) and it is important that you arrive in good time to enrol onto your course. Please refer to the Dates and Fees page.

You can check more information on how to apply here, including guidelines for the application forms.

Information For Disabled Applicants

At Northumbria University London we welcome applications from disabled students and are committed to ensuring an equal and accessible application journey. Your application will be considered on an equal basis to all other applications. Please contact us if you require any assistance. This website is continually optimised to adhere to accessibility best practice guidelines; tools to assist users with specific accessibility requirements have also been provided. More information is available in our accessibility statement.

 

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  • 1 year MSc
  • Advanced Practice

1 year MSc

Level of study:

Postgraduate

2024/25 Tuition fee:

UK/Home Fee: £11,750
International Fee: £19,750

Entry requirements:

A first degree, equivalent to a 2:2 honours classification.

English language requirements:

IELTS 6.0 (with no component below 5.5)

Mode of study:

Full-time classroom

Duration:

1 year (up to 2 years with advanced practice)

Assessment methods:

Coursework and exam

Scholarship or bursaries:

Available

Student finance:

Available

Payment plan:

Available

Starts:

January, May, September

Advanced Practice

Level of study:

Postgraduate

2024/25 Tuition fee:

UK/Home Fee: £14,750
International Fee: £22,750

Entry requirements:

A first degree, equivalent to a 2:2 honours classification

English language requirements:

IELTS 6.0 (with no component below 5.5)

Mode of study:

Advanced practice

Duration:

16-24 months

Assessment methods:

Coursework and exams

Scholarship or bursaries:

Not available

Student finance:

Available

Payment plan:

Available

Starts:

January, May, September

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