The main purpose of this module is to provide you with a broad introduction to people management, the role played in organisations by the Human Resource Management (HRM) and Human Resource Development (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.
View an example full module specification BEMM846Z: People Management Skills and BehavioursIn this module students 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. Students will develop their thinking about how to act professionally as managers and how to increase the level of professionalism exhibited by managers in organisations they work for. The module intends to introduce and assess a range of skills and behaviours. Our core aim is to help students to increase their competence and confidence in their roles as leaders, colleagues, decision-makers and HR specialists. The module is designed to meet the HR Professional Body (CIPD) Advanced Level Award for Personal Effectiveness, Ethics and Business Acumen.
This module also investigates opportunities for HR functions to improve strategic decision making by transforming data into information and insights, bringing analytical rigour to Human Resource Management and ultimately enabling organisations to make more informed decisions and gain competitive advantage. View an example full module specification BEMM847Z: Resourcing and Talent ManagementResourcing and talent management incorporates many aspects of human resource practice with direct links to organisational performance. This module enables you to explore how organisations achieve the fundamental aim of mobilising a workforce, ensuring they have the right individuals in the right jobs to create competitive advantage. By focusing on the ability to recruit and continuously improve stocks of human capital, the module demonstrates how talent planning is key to collective success.
The module focuses on these activities from both a strategic and practical perspective, specifically covering attraction, assessment, selection, onboarding, and retention. This module is essential for anyone seeking to develop a career in HR, in the UK or globally, as well as for those who anticipate a generalist management career where the effective management of people and their performance is a priority. View an example full module specification BEMM848Z: Human Resource DevelopmentDeveloping and enhancing workplace skills and knowledge is a fundamental objective of the HR function and a critical driver of organisational success. It is also an area of HR work which has significant public policy implications. This module examines the strategic role of Human Resource Development (HRD) in identifying current and future capability needs and creating environments that foster both individual and organisational learning. It provides a comprehensive theoretical and practical platform for those pursuing careers in Human Resource Management, consultancy, or public-sector training bodies.
The curriculum covers the formation of HRD strategy, policy, and learning interventions, with a focus on contemporary developments in the field. Students develop skills in learning design, delivery, and the facilitation of learning transfer. Furthermore, the module encourages critical engagement with research regarding different pedagogical approaches and key professional debates, including the ethics of development and the evaluation of learning impact. View an example full module specification BEMM849Z: Employment LawThis module is essential for anyone who is planning to develop a career in Human Resource Management 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 students 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 students to take responsibility for the management of cases in their organisations, 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. View an example full module specification BEMM850Z: International Human Resource ManagementThis module introduces students to the particular issues and challenges associated with managing people in international organisations.
The aim of this module is to equip students with a solid understanding of the complexities of International HRM (Human Resource Management) as well as with the strategic knowledge needed to manage these complexities. The context, theory and practice of Human Resource Management will be explored, e.g. cultural and institutional theoretical frameworks to understand differences across global contexts, comparative Human Resource Management 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 Human Resource Management by addressing CSR in Multinational companies and drawing attention to international labour practices and human rights. View an example full module specification BEMM851Z: Human Resource Management DissertationDuring the MSc Human Resource Management programme students will embark on researching and writing a substantial dissertation. This is an important opportunity to develop an area of expertise within the HR field by carrying out and writing up their own research project. The dissertation module will comprise elements of instruction in relation to research methods and data collection techniques. It is our intent to build their research skills so that they are well positioned to identify research problems with significance for Human Resource Management practice and conduct independent research, presenting their findings in a clear and compelling manner. Our aims in this module are threefold. Our first aim is to help students to identify research problems which have relevance to Human Resource Management practice within organisations. Our second aim, connected with this, is to build their skills and confidence in collecting and analysing relevant data related to their selected research problem. Finally, we seek to develop their ability to derive clear conclusions and recommendations from their data together with an ability to present these to both an academic and practitioner audience. Students will be offered the opportunity to join an introductory online session at the start and then to engage in one-to-one support, as needed. View an example full module specification
Entry requirements
A 2:2 with honours in any discipline from a recognised university, or relevant professional qualifications, or three years in a Senior HR or similar role.
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.
English language requirements
International students need to show they have the required level of English language to study this course.
The required test scores for this course fall under Profile B2.
Find out more about our English language requirements »
Pay as you study
Total fees for this programme is £12,800.
£6,400 per annum (£12,800 total)
To make it easier to budget, you don’t need to pay the total fee upfront. Instead, you can pay for each module as you are about to start studying it. You can pay for the whole year if you prefer, but the minimum payment is at least the cost of the module you are taking that term.
What opportunities does an online Masters in Human Resource Management lead to?
Professional recognition
This MSc maps onto the CIPD Advanced Level qualification, enabling you to begin working towards full Chartered Membership of the CIPD.
Career development
The programme is designed to enhance your employability and support long-term career development in Human Resource Management.
Professional capability
You will develop advanced knowledge and skills in strategic HR, talent management, employment law, international HRM and professional HR practice.
Careers and Employability service
As part of this programme, you will have full access to the Careers and Employability team who can offer support in terms of skills training, internship opportunities, job vacancies, employment fairs and other events.
Teaching and learning
Research-informed learning
Your studies are grounded in published research and management theory. You will critically evaluate contemporary debates in Human Resource Management and apply research insights to organisational practice.
Applied online learning
Learning materials include interactive elements, case studies, podcasts and video interviews with experienced and senior HR practitioners. Materials are created specifically for this programme.
Professional alignment
The programme is mapped to the CIPD Advanced Level qualification, supporting your progression towards Chartered CIPD membership.
Independent research
You will complete a substantial dissertation, developing your ability to identify relevant HR practice issues, collect and analyse data, and present clear, evidence-based recommendations. Read more
Dr Rossana Guttilla
Senior Lecturer in HRM and OB at the University of Exeter Business School
Dr Alison Sydenham
Programme Director and Senior Lecturer for the Senior People Professional Apprenticeship and MSc in Applied Human Resource Management
Dr Susan Reh
Senior Lecturer in the Department of Management at the University of Exeter Business School
Dr Isbahna Naz
Lecturer
Francesca Andreescu
Senior Lecturer in HRM/Organisational Behaviour and Deputy Programme Director for the MSc International HRM
Dr Michelle Civile
Senior Lecturer in Management and Programme Director for the Doctor of Business Administration (DBA)
Dr Rossana Guttilla
Senior Lecturer in HRM and OB at the University of Exeter Business School
Rossana has directed UG and PG programmes, leading large, diverse cohorts and delivering modules in IHRM, general management, and graduate skills. Her academic interests include IHRM, curriculum design and skills development. She co-developed the University of Exeter’s Skills to Thrive and currently serves as Induction and Transition Coordinator and EDI director for management. A Senior Fellow of the HEA, active member of BAM and book reviewer for Sage, CIPD and OU, she is committed to nurturing academic, personal, and professional growth through innovative and reflective learning
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Dr Alison Sydenham
Programme Director and Senior Lecturer for the Senior People Professional Apprenticeship and MSc in Applied Human Resource Management
Alison leads modules in HR Skills and Behaviours and Leadership and Management, and chairs the Business School Mitigation Committee. A Chartered CIPD member and accredited coach, Alison specialises in workplace coaching, neurodiversity and mental well-being, with over 2,500 hours of coaching experience. She has previously run her own consultancy and coaching practice, supporting organisations to enhance employee well-being and leadership effectiveness.
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Dr Susan Reh
Senior Lecturer in the Department of Management at the University of Exeter Business School
Before joining Exeter in 2021, Susan worked as a postdoctoral researcher in organisational psychology at the University of Groningen, and completed her PhD in organisational behaviour at Erasmus University in collaboration with Kühne Logistics University. Her research focuses on workplace dynamics, including well‑being, ageing, emotions, social comparisons and how people behave at work over time. She has published in leading journals such as the Journal of Applied Psychology and The Leadership Quarterly. Susan’s academic background spans psychology and management, and she is particularly interested in how work affects our well‑being across the lifespan and how social dynamics shape cooperation, comparison, and performance at work.
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Dr Isbahna Naz
Lecturer
Isbahna joined the University of Exeter in 2022 as a lecturer in OB/HRM, after teaching at several UK universities. She completed her PhD in Management at the University of Birmingham in 2023. Her teaching and research focus on contemporary organisations, leadership, HRM, crisis and change management, with a particular interest in gender inequality and barriers to career progression—especially for women in both Western and non‑Western contexts. She aims to contribute to research on sustainable leadership, organisational change, and gender equity
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Francesca Andreescu
Senior Lecturer in HRM/Organisational Behaviour and Deputy Programme Director for the MSc International HRM
Francesca has over 20 years of teaching experience and specialises in strategic HRM, change management and public sector management. Before joining Exeter in 2023, she taught at the University of Westminster and the University of Greenwich. Francesca completed her PhD at the University of Southampton, funded by the ESRC, and has worked on HRM and change‑management projects across public sector organisations. She is a Fellow of the Higher Education Academy and an Academic Member of the CIPD. In her role, she focuses on improving the student experience, strengthening links with industry, and supporting employability. She also brings private‑sector HR experience and regularly reviews academic books for major publishers.
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Dr Michelle Civile
Senior Lecturer in Management and Programme Director for the Doctor of Business Administration (DBA)
Michelle also teach on the Chartered Manager and Senior People Professional programmes. Her research focuses on work‑based learning, career transitions, and the experiences of people who are underrepresented in the workplace. She is an Advanced Teaching Practitioner with a strong interest in developing students’ skills and behaviours, and leads the Degree Apprenticeship Scholarship and Impact group. Her academic background includes a PhD in Management, a Master of Education, and a Bachelor of Commerce in HRM, and she is a Senior Fellow of the Higher Education Academy.
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The majority of students are based at our Streatham Campus in Exeter. The campus is one of the most beautiful in the country and offers a unique environment in which to study, with lakes, parkland, woodland and gardens as well as modern and historical buildings.
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