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Study information

Programme Specification for the 2023/4 academic year

MSc Applied Human Resource Management (Higher Apprenticeship)

1. Programme Details

Programme nameMSc Applied Human Resource Management (Higher Apprenticeship) Programme codePAS2SBESBE01
Study mode(s)Distance Learning
Part Time
Academic year2023/4
Campus(es)Streatham (Exeter)
NQF Level of the Final Award7 (Masters)

2. Description of the Programme

As stated by the QAA “An apprenticeship is a job with training to recognised industry standards. It should be about entry or progression to a recognised occupation, involve a substantial programme of on-the-job and off-the-job training and learning and the apprentice's occupational competence should be tested through formative and summative assessment, which might be continuous or end point assessment (EPA)”.1

Senior People Professionals are found across small, medium and large organisations, and may sit within any of the public, private or third sectors. They are found in all industries and are a key component of virtually all types of business model where there is a workforce to support and manage. Senior People Professionals are the in-house experts in people, work, and change. They champion the people agenda to create working environments and cultures that help get the best out of people, delivering organisational success as a result.

This programme, which is applied in its nature and design, therefore sets out to equip you with the knowledge, skills, and behaviours needed to succeed within the human resource management (HRM) arena. We build on the very latest research evidence, and experience of people management in practice, to provide you with a firm grounding within the HRM subject area, encompassing all of the various facets of the employee lifecycle – from recruitment to discharge. You will engage in work-relevant assessment designed to assist you in generating strong professional impact, whilst at the same time not losing sight of the role played by HRM functions in setting and achieving organisational strategy.

The MSc Applied Human Resource Management (Higher Apprenticeship) is designed to follow the latest professional standards as described by the Chartered Institute of Personnel and Development (CIPD). It will typically take two years to complete and forms the core of an apprenticeship that has been designed to provide access to development opportunities for as wide a range of professionals operating in the HRM field as possible. Specific job roles relevant for this apprenticeship may include (but are not necessarily limited to): Human Resource Director, People Director, Director of People, Human Resource Manager, Chief People Officer, Head of HR, Human Resource Officer, Human Resource Advisor, HR Business Partner, Talent Acquisition Manager, Employee Relations Manager, Director of Learning and Development, Learning and Development Manager, Learning and Development Advisor.

Our philosophy within this programme of study is to encourage critical thinking on your part via a combination of problem-based and inquiry-led learning. We seek to enable you to immediately apply your new knowledge, skills, and behaviours to a variety of workplace situations in order that you construct a suite of competences that enables you to effectively and appropriately manage people within the contemporary business environment. Each stage of study is structured to incorporate live masterclasses, asynchronous learning, academic coaching and workplace mentoring. Assessment is ongoing and is designed to be as relevant as possible to the work tasks of practising HR professionals.

1 Source: QAA (2018) Quality Assuring Higher Education in Apprenticeships. Second Edition. https://www.qaa.ac.uk/docs/qaas/enhancement-and-development/quality-assuring-higher-education-in-apprenticeships.pdf?sfvrsn=f71ffe81_4.

3. Educational Aims of the Programme

The MSc Applied Human Resource Management (Higher Apprenticeship) programme has been designed to ensure all aspects of the Senior People Professional Apprenticeship standard are met. This degree therefore fulfils employer expectations and includes strong elements of work-based learning to ensure that you can expediently apply newly acquired knowledge, skills, and behaviours to your work. In line with the ethos of the apprenticeship, we intend to increase access and widen participation into higher education through this programme, which is further facilitated through the use of a variety of delivery and assessment methods. We aim to offer you flexible learning opportunities while working full-time and acknowledge the knowledge, skills and behaviours that are inherent in the employment undertaken and that you have already developed in your current job role.

In line with the QAA subject benchmarks for Masters’ degrees in business and management, this degree aims to equip you with the toolkit of knowledge, skills, and behaviours needed to operate as successful people leaders within organisations. The programme will therefore cover all aspects of the employee lifecycle, exploring and evaluating the role of the HRM professional in driving sustained organisational success through people. This requires coverage of subjects including, but not necessarily limited to, recruitment and selection, reward management, performance management, learning and development, employment law, equality, diversity and inclusion. 

4. Programme Structure

The MSc Applied Human Resource Management (Higher Apprenticeship) is a programme of study at Regulated Qualifications Framework (RQF) Level 7, comprising 180 credits of study which are divided into six modules. The programme consists of a single stage taking place over two years as indicated in section 5. 

5. Programme Modules

The following tables describe the programme and constituent modules. Constituent modules may be updated, deleted or replaced as a consequence of the annual programme review of this programme.

The following tables describe the programme and constituent modules. Constituent modules may be updated, deleted or replaced as a consequence of the annual review of this programme. Details of the modules currently offered may be obtained from the Faculty website.

Stage 1


Compulsory Modules

Year 1: 75 credits of compulsory modules

CodeModule Credits Non-condonable?
BEMM131DA Working in Practice 15Yes
BEMM124DA HR Strategy and Context 30Yes
BEMM125DA HR Skills and Behaviours 30Yes

Stage 2


Compulsory Modules

Year 2: 75 credits of compulsory modules, 30 credits of optional modules

CodeModule Credits Non-condonable?
BEMM908DA Resourcing and Talent Development 30Yes
BEMM130DA Management Research Report and Presentation 45Yes

Optional Modules

CodeModule Credits Non-condonable?
BEMM910DA Employee Relations, Performance and Employment Law 30No
BEMM791DA Learning and Development 30No
BEMM790DA Organisation Development 30No

6. Programme Outcomes Linked to Teaching, Learning and Assessment Methods

Intended Learning Outcomes
A: Specialised Subject Skills and Knowledge

Intended Learning Outcomes (ILOs)
On successfully completing this programme you will be able to:
Intended Learning Outcomes (ILOs) will be...
...accommodated and facilitated by the following learning and teaching activities (in/out of class):...and evidenced by the following assessment methods:

1. Explain and critically evaluate major conceptual and applied contemporary debates in HRM
2. Design policy frameworks and people practices to support all aspects of the employee lifecycle from onboarding through to discharge.
3. Appraise a variety of methods for managing the internal employee relations climate within an organisation, providing advice on issues including employee participation, voice, and involvement.
4. Critically discuss the implications that employment law and regulations have for HRM practice inside organisations, providing legally sound advice to key stakeholders on people management issues
5. Design and execute a significant independent research project investigating an issue of relevance to HRM practice, communicating the findings in a professional format.
6. Evaluate the skills and behaviours required of effective HRM professionals in contemporary organisations, reflecting on own practice and its impact upon others.
7. Engage in own continuous professional development, reflecting on past experiences and producing action plans to guide future professional development.

Learning and Teaching activities (in/out of class)

As previously outlined, teaching is centred on problem-based and inquiry-led learning. Teaching and learning methods utilised on this programme will typically include:

1. Masterclasses

These live sessions contain three elements:

  • Peer-led enquiry groups
  • Module specific seminars
  • Academic study skills

2. Online learning platform

All modules are delivered in a blended format;

masterclasses are supported by significant online

resources. You have the benefit of both a module lead (subject specialist) and an academic mentor with whom you can develop your study skills, critical thinking, application of new knowledge, evaluate own progress and plan own development.

3. E-Portfolio

This portfolio is built up over the course of the programme and is submitted at the end. It contains evidence of your engagement with learning and includes reflections upon the development of skills and behaviours. Learning is enhanced through a teaching/ learning philosophy which partners with the employer to apply academic knowledge to the workplace context.

ILO1 assessed through essay and case study report within BEMM124DA

ILO2 assessed through case study report within BEMM124DA; essay and strategic workforce planning report in BEMM908DA; and practical skills assessment/case study/report in the optional modules.

ILO3 assessed through case study and practical skills assessment within BEMM125DA

ILO4 assessed through essay and case study report within BEMM124DA and assignment within BEMM910DA

ILO5 assessed through Management Research Report and Individual Presentation within BEMM130DA

ILO6 assessed through case study and practical skills assessment within BEMM125DA

ILO7 assessed through continuing professional development plan and reflective portfolio within BEMM131DA

Intended Learning Outcomes
B: Academic Discipline Core Skills and Knowledge

Intended Learning Outcomes (ILOs)
On successfully completing this programme you will be able to:
Intended Learning Outcomes (ILOs) will be...
...accommodated and facilitated by the following learning and teaching activities (in/out of class):...and evidenced by the following assessment methods:

8. Critically evaluate theories, perspectives, assertions and bodies of empirical data relevant to the field of HRM
9. Use evidence based proposals to drive continuous improvement and innovation within the HRM function
10. Challenge HRM strategies and operations in terms of ethics, responsibility, sustainability, and business continuity
11. Appraise organisational approaches to equality, diversity, and inclusion, providing advice to stakeholders regarding the development of inclusive workplace practices.
12. Lead and advise on complex HRM and employment issues in such a way that opportunities are maximised and risks mitigated

See above

ILO8 assessed through examination within BEMM124DA and essay within BEMM908DA 

ILO9 assessed through the management research report and individual presentation within BEMM130DA

ILO10 assessed through examination and individual presentation within the BEMM124DA 

ILO11 assessed through individual presentation within BEMM124DA and group presentation, essay, and tribunal report/critical assessment of employment law within BEMM910DA

ILO12 assessed through talent management audit within BEMM908DA, the tribunal report/critical assessment of employment law within BEMM910DA, and the individual presentation within BEMM124DA.

Intended Learning Outcomes
C: Personal/Transferable/Employment Skills and Knowledge

Intended Learning Outcomes (ILOs)
On successfully completing this programme you will be able to:
Intended Learning Outcomes (ILOs) will be...
...accommodated and facilitated by the following learning and teaching activities (in/out of class):...and evidenced by the following assessment methods:

13. Deliver accurate and timely advice related to HRM strategy, policy, and practice which is legally compliant and, where possible, shows insight and innovation.
14. Present work professionally to a wide range of stakeholders both internal and external to the organisation.
15. Work with data and evidence from various sources, identifying patterns, themes, and/or trends relevant to HRM strategy, policy and/or practice.
16. Actively search for and create opportunities to learn, sharing insights and future trends with others (internally and externally). Bring a reflective mind-set to experiences and demonstrate a commitment to continuously improving own and others performance.
17. Apply a strategic and commercial mind-set to drive and enable change and create value for an organisation and its people

As previously outlined, teaching is centred on problem-based and inquiry-led learning. Teaching and learning methods utilised on this programme will typically include:

1. Masterclasses 

These live sessions contain three elements:

  • Peer-led enquiry groups
  • Module specific seminars
  • Academic study skills 

2. Online learning platform

All modules are delivered in a blended format; masterclasses are supported by significant online resources. Each student has the benefit of both a module lead (subject specialist) and an academic mentor with whom they can develop their study skills, critical thinking, application of new knowledge, evaluate own progress and plan own development.

3. E-Portfolio

This portfolio is built up over the course of the programme and is submitted at the end. It contains evidence of the student’s engagement with learning and includes reflections upon the development of skills and behaviours. Learning is enhanced through a teaching/ learning philosophy which partners with the employer to apply academic knowledge to the workplace context.

ILO13 assessed through talent management audit within BEMM908DA, the group presentation and essay within BEMM910DA, and the individual presentation within BEMM124DA.

ILO14 assessed throughout the programme, but in particular via the management research report and individual presentation within BEMM130DA

ILO15 assessed through the research report and individual presentation within the BEMM130DA

ILO16 assessed through the continuing professional development plan and reflective portfolio within BEMM131DA

ILO17 assessed through talent management audit within BEMM908DA, tribunal report/critical assessment of employment law within BEMM910DA, and the individual presentation within the BEMM124DA.

7. Programme Regulations

Classification

Full details of assessment regulations for all taught programmes can be found in the TQA Manual, specifically in the Credit and Qualifications Framework, and the Assessment, Progression and Awarding: Taught Programmes Handbook. Additional information, including Generic Marking Criteria, can be found in the Learning and Teaching Support Handbook.

8. College Support for Students and Students' Learning

9. University Support for Students and Students' Learning

Please refer to the University Academic Policy and Standards guidelines regarding support for students and students' learning.

10. Admissions Criteria

Undergraduate applicants must satisfy the Undergraduate Admissions Policy of the University of Exeter.

Postgraduate applicants must satisfy the Postgraduate Admissions Policy of the University of Exeter.

Specific requirements required to enrol on this programme are available at the respective Undergraduate or Postgraduate Study Site webpages.

11. Regulation of Assessment and Academic Standards

Each academic programme in the University is subject to an agreed College assessment and marking strategy, underpinned by institution-wide assessment procedures.

The security of assessment and academic standards is further supported through the appointment of External Examiners for each programme. External Examiners have access to draft papers, course work and examination scripts. They are required to attend the Board of Examiners and to provide an annual report. Annual External Examiner reports are monitored at both College and University level. Their responsibilities are described in the University's code of practice. See the University's TQA Manual for details.

(Quality Review Framework.

14. Awarding Institution

University of Exeter

15. Lead College / Teaching Institution

Faculty of Environment, Science and Economy (ESE)

16. Partner College / Institution

Partner College(s)

Not applicable to this programme

Partner Institution

Not applicable to this programme.

17. Programme Accredited / Validated by

0

18. Final Award

MSc Applied Human Resource Management (Higher Apprenticeship)

19. UCAS Code

Not applicable to this programme.

20. NQF Level of Final Award

7 (Masters)

21. Credit

CATS credits ECTS credits

22. QAA Subject Benchmarking Group

23. Dates

Origin Date

27/05/2021

Date of last revision

30/06/2022