MSc/PgDip Human Resource Management
Please note: This page is for 2027 entry. Click here for 2026 entry.
| UCAS code | 1234 |
|---|---|
| Duration | Full-time 12 months, Part-time 24/30 months |
| Entry year | 2026 |
| Campus | Streatham Campus |
| Typical offer | 2:2 degree. |
|---|---|
| UCAS code | |
|---|---|
| Duration | Full-time 9 months, Part-time 21 months |
| Entry year | 2026 |
| Campus | Streatham Campus |
| Typical offer | 2:2 degree. |
|---|---|
Why study MSc/PgDip Human Resource Management at Exeter?
- Gain a deep understanding of contemporary developments in this dynamic sector, whilst developing advanced skills to succeed in the global workplace
- Learn about all aspects of HRM practice including recruitment and selection, leadership and performance management, and approaches to HRM in an international context
- Take part in two three-day residential programmes where you’ll focus on developing practical HR skills and collaborating with your peers in an engaging environment beyond the classroom
- This Masters has been designed to map on to the Chartered Institute of Personnel and Development’s (CIPD’s) advanced learning outcomes, providing you with the opportunity to complete these and become a member
- Complete a Postgraduate Diploma, leading to the CIPD accreditation, in just 9 months full-time as a stand-alone qualification, or take the MSc which contains the taught element of the Postgraduate Diploma and finishes with a dissertation
Top 10 in the UK for Business and Management
9th in The Times and The Sunday Times Good University Guide 2025 and 8th in The Complete University Guide 2027
Accredited by the Chartered Institute of Personnel and Development (CIPD)
Triple accredited Business School
AMBA, AACSB, EQUIS
Enhance your degree with Study Abroad opportunities
Accredited by: Association to Advance Collegiate Schools of Business (AACSB), Association of MBAs (AMBA), EFMD Quality Improvement System (EQUIS) and Chartered Institute of Personnel and Development (CIPD).
Entry requirements
A 2:2 degree or above with honours in any discipline. We do consider all applications where there is evidence of exceptional performance in modules relevant to the programme of study, significant relevant work experience or professional qualifications.
If you would like to discuss your eligibility for the programme, please contact the Programme Director Dr Stephen Taylor.
Pre-Masters programme for international students
The Graduate Diploma in Management run by the University of Exeter International Study Centre is a pre-Masters programme designed to enhance your subject knowledge, study skills and English ability. Successful completion of the Diploma (subject to achieving the specific grades of entry) gives students from overseas the skills needed for acceptance onto this Masters programme.
Please also see our guidance on essential documentation required for an initial decision on taught programme applications.
Entry requirements for international students
Please visit our entry requirements section for equivalencies from your country and further information on English language requirements.
Please also see our guidance on essential documentation required for an initial decision on taught programme applications.
Entry requirements for international students
English language requirements
International students need to show they have the required level of English language to study this course.
The required IELTS test scores for this course fall under Profile B1.
Please visit our English language requirements page to view the required test scores and equivalencies from your country.
I would wholeheartedly recommend the University of Exeter to any fellow HR professionals considering pursuing an MSc in Human Resource Management. The calibre of education, coupled with the University's reputation and support services, made it an ideal choice for advancing careers in HR.
The course's teaching was exceptional. The faculty had impressive academic credentials and a deep understanding of the real-world experiences that students like me face. This combination of theoretical expertise and practical insights made every lesson informative and directly applicable to the challenges we face in our professional lives.
Mani
MSc Human Resource Management
Course content
This programme is available for study in both full-time and part-time formats and students can complete either the 180 credit Masters programme or the 120 credit Diploma programme.
The Diploma programme contains all of the taught elements of the Masters programme and can be completed in 9 months full-time or 21 months part-time.
Students on the full-time MSc programme undertake the dissertation element of the programme between June and September or during the ten months following the completion of the taught element of the programme for part-time (30-months) students on the MSc programme.
Students on the part-time 24-month fast-track variant cover the same subjects and assessments as those on the longer standard programme. They do so, however, in a shorter, more concentrated time frame. This involves attending classes on two afternoons a week. It also involves attending classes on two afternoons a week for a period in the second term and starting to work on the dissertation a year earlier than those who are enrolled on the 30-month programme.
Students on the 30-month part-time variant will generally be taught on one afternoon a week.
Please note that the module information displayed here is subject to change.
165 credits of compulsory modules, 15 credits of optional modules. Students should choose either Employment Law (BEMM046) or International HRM (BEMM059) in Term 2.
Compulsory modules
| Code | Module | Credits |
|---|---|---|
| Compulsory 1 | ||
| Human Resource Development (HRD) | 15 | |
| Masters Dissertation (HRM) | 60 | |
| HR Strategy, Context and Performance | 30 | |
| People Management Skills and Behaviours | 30 | |
| Contemporary HR issues | 15 | |
| Advanced issues in Resourcing, Talent Management and Reward | 15 | |
BEMM044: Human Resource Development (HRD)
Developing and enhancing skills and knowledge in the workplace, both general and specific, is a central objective of the HR function in organisations. It is also an area of HR work which has significant public policy implications. This module will therefore be of interest to anyone who wishes to build a career in HRM, in HR consultancy, or who aspires to work in publicly-sponsored training bodies. It will also provide you with an introductory platform from which to forge a career as an HRD specialist.
The aim of this module is to equip you with the knowledge and understanding (both theoretical and practical) to make a substantial contribution to the management of learning in contemporary organisations. On completion you will be able to give appropriate and timely advice on the development of training and learning programmes, and on wider HRD policy matters. Our sessions cover the formation of HRD strategy, policy and learning interventions, with emphasis being on current developments in the field. You will be encouraged to think critically about research into different approaches to learning and development and to engage with key debates in the field about issues such as effective evaluation.
BEMM056: Masters Dissertation (HRM)
During the MSc Human Resource Management programme you will embark on researching, writing, and presenting a substantial dissertation of 12,500 - 17,500 words. This is an excellent opportunity for you to develop an area of expertise within the HR field by carrying out and writing up your own research project. The dissertation module will comprise elements of instruction in relation to research methods and data collection techniques, alongside contact time in the form of supervision meetings which may occur one-to-one or within small group formats. It is our intent to build your research skills so that you are well positioned to identify research problems with significance for HRM practice and conduct independent research, presenting your findings in a clear and compelling manner.
Our aims in this module are threefold. Our first aim is to help you to identify research problems which have relevance to HRM practice within organisations. Our second aim, connected with this, is to build your skills and confidence in collecting and analysing relevant data related to your selected research problem. Finally, we seek to develop your ability to derive clear conclusions and recommendations from your data together with your ability to present these to both an academic and practitioner audience.
BEMM787: HR Strategy, Context and Performance
The main purpose of this module is to provide you with a broad introduction to people management, the role played in organisations by the HRM and HRD functions, the management of performance in organisations and the strategic context in which contemporary HR management takes place.
Starting with an analysis of the way that approaches to the management of people have evolved over time, we go on to focus on some major contemporary issues such as motivating and engaging people, change management, effective leadership and HRM strategy. We also look in detail at the major contextual trends which are affecting the practice of HRM, including significant current developments.
Throughout we will consider the different ways in which HRM can add value for organisations and contribute to the achievement of superior business performance. In this module we are also going to introduce two important areas of HR practice, performance management and reward management. Another important objective is to familiarise you with some of the major contributions to HRM thinking that have been made by academic researchers.
Internationalisation
BEMM788: People Management Skills and Behaviours
In this module you will develop (or further expand upon) a broad range of skills and behaviours that are necessary in order to pursue a successful career in Human Resource Management. You will also develop your thinking about how to act professionally as a manager and how to increase the level of professionalism exhibited by managers in organisations you work for.
This module intends to introduce and assess a range of skills and behaviours. Our core aim is to help you to you to increase your competence and confidence in your roles as leader, colleague, decision-maker and HR specialist. Sessions will therefore cover masters-level study skills also form a part of these inputs. The module is designed to meet the HR Professional Body (CIPD) core standards within the CIPD Profession Map.
BEMM840: Contemporary HR issues
In this module you will gain a good understanding of some of the more significant issues, developments and debates in contemporary human resource management. In some cases we will be going into more detail about themes that have already featured as part of our programme, but we will also be introducing new issues and challenges too. Our aim is to discuss good practice in the management of these and to debate the ways they may develop in the future.BEMM858: Advanced issues in Resourcing, Talent Management and Reward
Central to organisational success is an ability to attract and retain the right talent committed to adding value to the organisation and its stakeholders, as well as to design employee reward policies to support strategic organisational goals. This module focuses on strategic and practical aspects of both resourcing and reward. This will enable you to critically discuss resourcing and reward practices, show the relationship between these two HRM functions and apply appropriate strategies for managing issues related to people resourcing and reward.
The resourcing and talent management aspect provides you with an opportunity to explore the different aspects of people resourcing practices that are used throughout the employee life cycle, namely employee attraction, assessment, selection, retention, release, flexible working and strategic talent management. You will be able to critically evaluate the key features of HR practices which will include the ability to attract, retain and exit people from the organization. You will also be introduced to the ways that organisations seek to build their ‘employer branding’ and to position themselves strategically in the labour market in relation to their competitors.
Optional modules
| Code | Module | Credits |
|---|---|---|
| Optional 1 | ||
| Employment Law | 15 | |
| International Human Resource Management | 15 | |
BEMM046: Employment Law
This module is essential for anyone who is planning to develop a career in HRM in the UK or in another country with a similar legal system. We will be taking a very practical approach, explaining the purposes of employment law, the way it is made and enforced, and how managers should act in the workplace so as to ensure compliance and to reduce the risks associated with litigation from existing and former employees.
The purpose of the module is to provide you with the knowledge and understanding to give timely and accurate advice to managers about HR decisions they are taking which have potential legal consequences. It will also enable you to take responsibility for the management of cases in your organisation, to negotiate settlements to tribunal claims, to develop HR policies which comply with employment law and to run training sessions on the central employer obligations associated with employment law.
BEMM059: International Human Resource Management
The aim of this module is to equip you with a solid understanding of the complexities of international human resource management (IHRM) as well as with the strategic knowledge needed to manage these complexities. The context, theory and practice of IHRM will be explored, e.g. cultural and institutional theoretical frameworks to understand differences across global contexts, comparative HRM practices around selected countries as well as challenges of managing expatriation, global staff and multi-cultural teams. The module also aims to foster critical perspectives on sustainability and ethics within the realm of IHRM by addressing CSR in Multinational companies and drawing attention to international labour practices and human rights. Aligned with the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), it encourages you to reflect on how IHRM can promote 'Decent Work and Economic Growth' (SDG 8), and 'Reduce Inequalities (SDG 10).
Internationalisation
This module looks at International Human Resource Management and how it responds to globalisation, so countries all over the world are brought into consideration. How companies manage their expatriated staff in international assignments is a major theme in this module.
Please note that the module information displayed here is subject to change.
165 credits of compulsory modules, 15 credits of optional modules. Students should choose either Employment Law (BEMM046) or International HRM (BEMM059) in Term 2.
Compulsory modules
| Code | Module | Credits |
|---|---|---|
| Compulsory 1 | ||
| Human Resource Development (HRD) | 15 | |
| Masters Dissertation (HRM) | 60 | |
| HR Strategy, Context and Performance | 30 | |
| People Management Skills and Behaviours | 30 | |
| Contemporary HR issues | 15 | |
| Advanced issues in Resourcing, Talent Management and Reward | 15 | |
Optional modules
| Code | Module | Credits |
|---|---|---|
| Optional 1 | ||
| Employment Law | 15 | |
| International Human Resource Management | 15 | |
Fees
2026/27 entry
UK fees per year:
MSc - £18,600 full-time; £9,300 part-time
PgDip - £12,400 full-time; £6,200 part-time
International fees per year:
MSc - £31,000 full-time; £15,500 part-time
PgDip - £20,670 full-time; £10,335 part-time
Scholarships
The University of Exeter offers a wide range of scholarships to support your education, with £7 million available for international students applying to study with us in the 2026/27 academic year, including our prestigious Exeter Excellence Scholarships. We also provide awards for sport, music and other achievements, as well as regional and partner scholarships with organisations such as Chevening, The Beacon Trust and the British Council. For more information on scholarships and other financial support, please visit our scholarships and bursaries page.
University of Exeter Alumni Scholarship
We are pleased to offer the University of Exeter Alumni Scholarship, a scholarship for University of Exeter alumni beginning a standalone postgraduate programme in 2026/27 with us a scholarship worth 20% of the cost of your first year tuition fees.
Terms and conditions, including deadlines, apply.
Teaching and research
We use a blend of learning styles, mixing academic and practically-focused sessions. We use both large and small group approaches to teaching, and the programme is small enough for tutors to be able to get to know you personally and to provide individual tuition when required. We also use many participative styles, particularly on our residential programmes.
Research-led teaching
Our research is rated as world-leading or internationally excellent in the Research Excellence Framework (REF) 2021.
Our research-led teaching is combined with practical experiences such as field trips and project work, so that you can apply your learning to real world scenarios. Upon graduation, you will have the skills and knowledge to pursue the career you want, wherever in the world you choose to work.
Guest speakers
We invite guest speakers and use many practical examples from a wide range of industries in our teaching.
Strong industry links
Our programmes cover a range of disciplines including entrepreneurship, international business, marketing, human resource management, and tourism. With strong links to organisations across the private, public and not-for-profit sectors, and with professional organisations such as the Chartered Institute of Marketing (CIM) and the Chartered Institute of Personnel Development (CIPD), we ensure that your Masters degree is widely recognised in today’s global marketplace.
Taught by leading experts
You will be taught by internationally respected academics who are at the forefront of their research. We draw upon disciplines across the social sciences and give emphasis to the dynamic nature of enterprise, global connectivity and the management and leadership of the global challenges that lie ahead.
Conduct your own research
You will also be encouraged to carry out your own fieldwork as part of your dissertation research. Your Masters dissertation is your opportunity to conduct your own impactful research, as you explore a subject that interests you while developing specialist knowledge of an area of HRM practice.
The Business School is home to the following research centres
- Centre for Innovation in Business Education
- Centre for Responsible Innovation (CRI)
- Centre for Simulation, Analytics and Modelling (CSAM)
- Exeter Centre for Leadership (ExCL)
- Exeter Centre for Social Networks (ECSN)
- Exeter Sustainable Finance Centre (ESF)
- Initiative in the Digital Economy at Exeter (INDEX)
- Land, Environment, Economics and Policy Institute (LEEP)
- Research Methods Centre
- Tax Administration Research Centre (TARC)
- The Exeter Centre for Circular Economy (ECCE)
The residential trip was definitely one of my highlights of studying at the University of Exeter so far. We stayed at a hotel for two days and took part in various workshops and activities. As everyone on the course went, I got to know my classmates much better, whilst also learning skills required for working in Human Resource Management.
Sharon Lam
MSc Human Resource Management
Careers
Preparing you for success
This Masters degree is designed to prepare you for a successful career, wherever in the world you plan to work. We’ll prepare you for your career by teaching you advanced communication and technical skills, team-working and independent research, project-management and the very latest specialist knowledge.
Develop employer-valued skills
Your Masters degree in HR Management will enable you to develop the professional and HR skills and subject expertise that will make you a valuable asset from day one of your career.
Our MSc / PgDip in HR Management will prepare you for a variety of roles. Coupled with the close relationship of the course content with the Chartered Institute of Personnel and Development's (CIPD's) advanced learning outcomes, you can further enhance your professional skills and employability. Covering all areas of HRM, the MSc route also enables you to develop a further career specialisation with targeted choice of your dissertation research project
Careers paths
This programme is ideal for those interested in developing a career in people management or allied professions such as recruitment and HR consultancy. Within HRM, you might choose a career as an HR Director or with a focus on:
- Learning & Development
- Resource & Talent Management
- Performance & Development
- Employment Relations
- Employment Law
- Organisational Development
- Recruitment
Potential employers
Potential employers include public and private sector organisations, multi-nationals, SMEs and not-for-profit organisations across all sectors of the economy and around the world.
Further information can be found at:
Developing your skills and career prospects
The University of Exeter Business School provides a range of support to help you develop skills attractive to employers. Visit our postgraduate Business School careers service web page for more information.
We offer a fantastic Double Degree option
Spend your first year at Exeter and a second year at another world class international institution, resulting in two Masters degrees and the opportunity to expand your knowledge even further.
We offer a fantastic Double Degree option with:
- Grenoble Ecole de Management in France
For more information on Double Degrees and other postgraduate study abroad opportunities, visit the Business School’s Study Abroad webpages.
