Leeds Beckett University - City Campus,
Woodhouse Lane,
LS1 3HE
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Postgraduate MSc
Human Resource Management
Develop your knowledge and expertise in human resource management practice. This master’s course will enable you to establish or enhance your career in strategic people management.
Course overview
-
L27 -
City Campus -
Full-Time -
12 Months -
21 Sep 2026
As part of this course, you’ll:
- Learn how to perform effectively as a people management practitioner across a range of diverse business environments and sectors
- Develop your knowledge and understanding of strategic people management, managerial and business practices in both internal and external business contexts
- Critically evaluate and then apply theory and techniques to a range of complex issues, problems, and situations
- Practise making ethical and informed quantitative and qualitative professional judgements
- Develop creativity and transferable skills to use in organisational and professional settings with awareness of inclusivity, sensitivity to equality, diversity, and culture
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Professional recognition
We are a Chartered Institute of Personnel and Development (CIPD) Accredited Programme Provider. When you graduate from this course, you can become a CIPD Associate Member and use the designation Assoc CIPD. You may also be eligible to become a CIPD Chartered Member or CIPD Chartered Fellow, depending on your experience.
You’ll enhance your academic capabilities and management aspirations as you study for a master’s degree. On completion, you’ll be prepared to commence or further your career in human resource management.
Research-led teaching
Our teaching is informed by research and professional practice, and guest speakers will provide specialist input on your modules. Using genuine case examples, you’ll critically analyse differing approaches to strategic people management. Your dissertation project will enable you to focus on policy and practice within a professional context, with the aim of adding to established research in this field.
The academic community
You’ll join a diverse and inclusive close-knit community of students and academics. We work communally and you’ll have individual support from our course team.
Employability
Your learning will have a strong focus on employability. Our mentoring scheme offers the opportunity to receive support and advice from an experienced practitioner. In addition, you’ll be encouraged to attend academic conferences, CIPD conferences and events, and the Leeds Business School Guest Lecture programme.
Why study Human Resource Management at Leeds Beckett University...
- We are a CIPD Accredited Programme Provider - When you graduate from this course, you can become a CIPD Associate Member and use the designation Assoc CIPD
- Professional standard of learning - this course meets the CIPD strategic people management standards
- Strong links to practice - and the professional HR community
- Opportunities to gain insight - through mentoring, conferences and guest lectures
- Learn from experts - you'll be taught by an experienced, highly qualified, and dedicated teaching team
Why Leeds for business? Discover what the city of Leeds has to offer and why it’s a great choice for students studying business, finance or communications.
Everything you need to know
Discover all there is to know about the course, from entry requirements and fees to exploring the school you’ll be joining - we’ve got it covered.
Entry requirements
Applicants should have at least a second class honours degree or CIPD Level 5. Applicants with relevant experience and training and an understanding of and practice in human resource management may also be considered.
All suitable candidates who meet the entry requirements will be interviewed and required to attend a pre-course induction session.
All applications should be supported by a reference, either academic or professional; you can download our reference template for completion.
All applicants should satisfy our University English language requirements.
Entry requirements
Applicants should have at least a second class honours degree or CIPD Level 5. Applicants with relevant experience and training and an understanding of and practice in human resource management may also be considered.
All suitable candidates who meet the entry requirements will be interviewed and required to attend a pre-course induction session.
All applications should be supported by a reference, either academic or professional; you can download our reference template for completion.
All applicants should satisfy our University English language requirements.
IELTS
IELTS 6.0 with no skills below 5.5, or an equivalent qualification. The University provides excellent support for any applicant who may be required to undertake additional English language courses.
Selection Criteria
We may use selection criteria based on your personal attributes; experience and/or commitment to the area of study. This information will be derived from your personal statement and reference and will only be used if you have met the general entry requirements.
Independent study is a crucial part of learning at university and you will be required to undertake many hours of self-directed research and reading, and preparation and writing of assessments. Your course is delivered through a number of modules, which will help you to plan your time and establish a study routine. Outside of your lectures, workshops and tutorials, a range of support is available to assist with your independent study. Our subject-specific librarians will be on hand to direct you to the specialist learning and study-skill resources. You’ll also be assigned an academic advisor to give you tailored feedback and support.
Modules, teaching and learning
What you'll learn
This module will explore the interactions between differing business environments, key stakeholders, and likely future developments in the world of work, employment policy and the management of people. You'll discuss a range of people practices such as ethics and sustainability, employee well-being, equality, diversity, inclusion, and the impact these issues have on working lives. You'll also examine how organisations respond to dynamic business contexts and the implications for people policies and practices, individual and organisational productivity and corresponding issues around organisational realignment, culture, and change management. This module will also develop your understanding of how you may approach a research project in this area.
Study the importance of evidence-based, outcomes-driven and principles-led HR and people strategy and practice in the people and learning profession. This module will explore how people and learning professionals create value and deliver strategic and practical outcomes for organisations and employees. You'll understand how contributing to the achievement of business objectives improves performance and enhances the employee experience. This module will also focus on the need for policy and practice to be delivered coherently, in a way that is integrated and in-line with organisational objectives.
Develop an ethically driven practice, and the skills to learn continuously as you adapt and develop in response to your working environments. This module is underpinned by the Professional Values and Behaviours defined by the Chartered Institute of Personnel and Development (CIPD). These guidelines require HR practitioners to operate in a way which is principles led, evidence based, and outcomes driven. You'll explore how CPD (Continuous Professional Development) enhances individuals' skill sets, and how it facilitates essential HR skills. This module will also explore how CPD enables an individual to develop additional professional knowledge and understanding. Throughout this module you'll develop skills in self-assessment and reflective practice to prepare for an ever-changing organisational environment where you'll need to use ethical judgement and commercially focussed behaviours. You'll also practise considering equality, inclusivity and culture.
Study the strategic considerations and functional activities associated with resourcing individuals with talent and potential. You'll also look at how they might be retained and developed within the organisation using effective deployment of strategic and operational reward interventions.
Focus on national and international perspectives of employment relations. You'll look at the cooperation and conflict that varies between workplaces, and how institutions beyond the workplace shape people management policy and practice within organisations. This module will also explore the care that must be applied to handling work-based relationships. You'll develop understanding of the major legal principles that underpin employment relations.
What you'll learn
Examine and consider the development and application of employment law. This module will develop your conceptual understanding and analytical and evaluative skills essential for effective people management and development practice. You'll have the knowledge to work in an advisory capacity at both strategic and operational levels in an organisation.
Explore strategic workplace diversity and inclusion in terms of communication and training, addressing workplace behaviour and analysis of trends. This module will focus on the holistic, strategic, and effective mandate for organisational change, achieved through embracing a multi-cultural, multi-ethnic, and multi-faceted world, where change is the only constant factor.
Study the role which effective learning and development can play in success and sustainability for organisations within the current context of change and uncertainty. This module will examine contemporary and traditional approaches to learning theory and learning design. You'll explore learning needs and performance gaps at both strategic and operational levels. You'll develop a critical understanding of a range of factors on the design, delivery and evaluation of learning and development strategies, policies and practices, and the varied range of organisational responses.
Examine holistic and integrated approaches to wellbeing at work and their impact on individual, team, and organisational success across a range of UK and global organisations and circumstances.
Fees and funding
£10,820
UK
The tuition fee for the year for students entering in 2026/27 is £10820. The amount you will pay may increase each year to take into account the effects of inflation.
£18,850
International 2026
The tuition fee for the year for students entering in 2026/27 is £18850. The amount you will pay is fixed at this level for each year of your course.
Fees and funding
£10,820
For students entering in 2026
The tuition fee for the year for students entering in 2026/27 is £10820. The amount you will pay may increase each year to take into account the effects of inflation.
Additional course costs
Tuition Fees
Your tuition fees cover the cost of registration, tuition, academic supervision, assessments and examinations.
The following are also included in the cost of your course:
- 24/7 Library and student IT support
- Free wifi via eduroam
- Skills workshops and resources
- Library membership, giving access to more than 500,000 printed, multimedia and digital resources
- Access to software, including five free copies of Microsoft Office 365 to install on your PC,laptop and MAC, and access to free high-end software via the Leeds Beckett remote app
- Loan of high-end media equipment to support your studies
Access to course resources, equipment and facilities, including:
- Simulation suite, an on-campus system that will help you to develop effective leadership and group participant skills.
Other study-related expenses to consider: materials that you will need to complete your course such as books (whilst the library provides access to readings recommended for your modules, you may wish to purchase your own copies of some books); you can also make suggestions for books to be added to Library stock; placement costs (these may include travel expenses and living costs); student visas (international students only); printing, photocopying and stationery (you may need to pay for multiple copies of your dissertation or final project to be printed and bound); events associated with your course such as field trips; study abroad opportunities (travel costs and accommodation, visas and immunisations). Other costs could include academic conferences (travel costs) and professional-body membership (where applicable). The costs you will need to cover for graduation will include gown hire and guest tickets, and optional extras such as professional photography.
As well as your mobile phone, you will also need access to a desktop computer and/or laptop to complete assignments and access university online services such as MyBeckett, your virtual learning environment. You can book and borrow AV equipment through the media equipment service accessed online via the student hub and located in the library at each campus. Equipment includes: 360 Cameras, iPads, GoPros, MacBooks, portable data projectors, portable projection screens, flipchart stands, remote presenters, digital cameras and camcorders, SLR cameras, speakers, microphones, headphones, headsets, tripods, digital audio recorders and PC/laptops (a laptop loans service is provided on campus in the library on both campuses). Student laptops are also available from the laptop lockers located in the libraries.
This list is not exhaustive, costs are approximate and will vary depending on the choices you make during your course. Any rental, travel or living costs are also in addition to your course fees. If you choose to study via distance learning, you may not be able to access all of the facilities listed if you are not able to visit us on campus.
£18,850
For students entering in 2026
The tuition fee for the year for students entering in 2026/27 is £18850. The amount you will pay is fixed at this level for each year of your course.
Additional course costs
Tuition Fees
Your tuition fees cover the cost of registration, tuition, academic supervision, assessments and examinations.
The following are also included in the cost of your course:
- 24/7 Library and student IT support
- Free wifi via eduroam
- Skills workshops and resources
- Library membership, giving access to more than 500,000 printed, multimedia and digital resources
- Access to software, including five free copies of Microsoft Office 365 to install on your PC,laptop and MAC, and access to free high-end software via the Leeds Beckett remote app
- Loan of high-end media equipment to support your studies
In many cases, costs associated with your course will be included in your course fee. However, in some cases there are ‘essential’ additional costs (those that you will be required to meet in addition to your course fee), and/or ‘optional’ additional costs (costs that are not required, but that you might choose to pay). We have included those essential or optional additional costs that relate to your course, below.
Access to course resources, equipment and facilities, including:
- Simulation suite, an on-campus system that will help you to develop effective leadership and group participant skills.
Other study-related expenses to consider: materials that you will need to complete your course such as books (whilst the library provides access to readings recommended for your modules, you may wish to purchase your own copies of some books); you can also make suggestions for books to be added to Library stock; placement costs (these may include travel expenses and living costs); student visas (international students only); printing, photocopying and stationery (you may need to pay for multiple copies of your dissertation or final project to be printed and bound); events associated with your course such as field trips; study abroad opportunities (travel costs and accommodation, visas and immunisations). Other costs could include academic conferences (travel costs) and professional-body membership (where applicable). The costs you will need to cover for graduation will include gown hire and guest tickets, and optional extras such as professional photography.
As well as your mobile phone, you will also need access to a desktop computer and/or laptop to complete assignments and access university online services such as MyBeckett, your virtual learning environment. You can book and borrow AV equipment through the media equipment service accessed online via the student hub and located in the library at each campus. Equipment includes: 360 Cameras, iPads, GoPros, MacBooks, portable data projectors, portable projection screens, flipchart stands, remote presenters, digital cameras and camcorders, SLR cameras, speakers, microphones, headphones, headsets, tripods, digital audio recorders and PC/laptops (a laptop loans service is provided on campus in the library on both campuses). Student laptops are also available from the laptop lockers located in the libraries.
This list is not exhaustive, costs are approximate and will vary depending on the choices you make during your course. Any rental, travel or living costs are also in addition to your course fees. If you choose to study via distance learning, you may not be able to access all of the facilities listed if you are not able to visit us on campus.
Funding support for your studies
Discover more about our range of postgraduate funding options including a Master's Loan of up to £13,206, and our 20% alumni discount*
*Terms apply
Graduates can demonstrate knowledge in HR management theory and sensitivity and expertise in people management practice across a diverse range of sectors and organisational environments. This enhances their employability and accelerates career progression in the dynamic market for adaptable and highly qualified senior human resource management professionals.
Christine Daley
Course Director
Career prospects
There’s a lot to consider when choosing a course. Take a look at the team you’ll be working with, employability statistics and career prospects to help make up your mind.
Career Prospects
Your knowledge and expertise will enable you to work in people management across any sector. You’ll be primed for roles such as:
- People advisor
- HR manager
- HR business partner
- Director of human resources
Guest lecture events
Gain insight and network at our guest lecture events
Leeds Business School hosts guest lectures open to students, businesses, professionals, alumni and staff. Gain insight from industry experts, leading business figures and entrepreneurs who are invited to speak across a range of subjects including business and management, leadership, marketing, PR, economics, finance, accounting, and HR.
Find out about any future events by visiting our events pages.
Beckett Careers Team
Our careers service is not just there for undergraduates, we support our postgraduate taught and research students too.
Your postgraduate degree will boost your CV and help you stand out from the crowd. Whether you're just starting out on your chosen career path, changing careers or moving to the next level, we can provide you with expert advice and resources to help you take the next steps to achieving your goals.
Student life
At Leeds Beckett your experience is important to us, find out more about what to expect from your time on this course and life at uni.
MSc Human Resource Management - Bradley Luddington Graduate Bradley talks about the course highlights, challenges and support at university.
Global Village
Our Global Village is made up of students and staff who are here to help you settle into life in Leeds and make new friends.
Experience Leeds Beckett
Our state-of-the-art facilities and learning environments give you everything you need to succeed – whether that’s completing your current studies or joining our cutting-edge research teams.
Why Leeds?
With great music venues, culture, shopping and parks – we’ve got it all. Voted no.1 student city in the UK* and the Best Place to Live in the North and Northeast**.
*StudentCrowd, Best Student Cities UK, 2024
**The Sunday Times Best Place to Live guide, 2024.
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