MSc Human Resource Management
Shape the future of work. Gain the knowledge, skills and confidence to lead people, drive organisational success, and create workplaces that serve both business and society.
Year of entry: 2026 (September)
The world of work is changing rapidly. Artificial intelligence, sustainability, hybrid working, employee wellbeing and global talent shortages are transforming how organisations attract, develop and support their people. Our MSc Human Resource Management equips you with the knowledge, practical skills and strategic mindset to help organisations navigate these challenges and build thriving, inclusive workplaces.
Through evidence-based, research-led teaching, you'll learn from internationally recognised experts, whose research shapes policy and practice across human resource management, employment relations and organisational behaviour. You'll explore how organisations can attract, develop and support people in ways that improve organisational performance while creating healthier, more inclusive and sustainable workplaces.
Alongside developing specialist HR knowledge, you'll build highly transferable skills in critical thinking, problem-solving, communication, leadership and ethical decision-making. With opportunities to engage with employers, guest speakers and applied learning throughout the programme, you'll graduate ready to make a meaningful contribution to organisations across the public, private and third sectors, both in the UK and internationally.
Accreditation
This course is accredited by the Chartered Institute of Personnel and Development (CIPD). This is a guarantee of the quality of our programme.
While on this course you can register as a student member of CIPD (CIPD.org), which is the first step towards professional membership. A membership fee is payable if you choose to register.
Our programme is also a top choice for students seeking a career in Human Resources internationally as it is academically aligned with the standards of the American based Society of Human Resource Management (SHRM.org), the world's largest association devoted to human resource management.
Course content
Our curriculum combines rigorous academic study with practical application, giving you the knowledge and professional capabilities needed to succeed in today's rapidly evolving world of work.
You'll explore the latest developments in human resource management through contemporary themes including new forms of work, organisational change, sustainability, inclusion, employee wellbeing, digital transformation and the future of work. Throughout the programme, you'll be encouraged to critically evaluate contemporary workplace challenges and develop evidence-based solutions that create value for organisations, employees and society.
The programme offers flexibility to tailor your learning through a range of option modules and a choice of dissertation pathway, allowing you to align your studies with your professional interests and career aspirations.
You'll also develop advanced research skills through dedicated research methods training before undertaking a substantial 12,000-word dissertation. You'll have the opportunity to choose either an academic dissertation, allowing you to investigate a research question in depth, or an applied dissertation, enabling you to address a real organisational challenge in collaboration with practice.
Modules
Core modules:
- Applied HR, Business and Society
- Managing People in the Global Context
- The Changing Nature of Work
- Human Resource Management and Sustainability
Option modules:
- Managing Diversity
- Management, Society and Artificial Intelligence
- Workplace Mental Health and Wellbeing
- Research Methods
- Global Perspectives on Human Resource Management and Employment Relations
Our modules may change to reflect the latest academic thinking and expertise of our staff, and in line with Department/School academic planning.
Dissertation
You'll be able to choose between two dissertation pathways:
Academic Dissertation – undertake an independent research project, investigating a contemporary HRM issue in depth and contributing to academic understanding of people, work and organisations.
Recent dissertation topics include:
- Analysing the digital transformation of HR performance management at a Chinese e-commerce company.
- The effectiveness of employee wellbeing programmes in reducing workplace stress and improving retention - a survey-based study in the healthcare industry.
- The impact of work-life balance support on employee experiences in a Chinese airline company - An exploratory case study.
Applied Dissertation – work on a real-world organisational challenge, applying research and evidence-based practice to develop practical recommendations for employers and HR professionals.
Whichever pathway you choose, you'll investigate a topic aligned with your interests and career aspirations. This could involve exploring a previous area of study in greater depth or addressing a contemporary challenge facing organisations in the UK or internationally.
Throughout your dissertation, you'll be supported by an academic supervisor with expertise in your chosen area. They will guide you in developing your research questions, selecting appropriate methods and theory, and producing a high-quality piece of independent work.
Learning outcomes
Every course at York is built on a distinctive set of learning outcomes. These will give you a clear understanding of what you will be able to accomplish at the end of the course and help you explain what you can offer employers. Our academics identify the knowledge, skills, and experiences you'll need upon graduation and then design the course to get you there.
Learning outcomes for this course
- Analyse and evaluate the full spectrum of contemporary HR functions, using knowledge of cutting-edge HRM theories, approaches and methods (and by critically considering historical, social and ethical factors at play in contemporary organisations) in order to support the workforce to facilitate improved organisational performance.
- Demonstrate an advanced understanding of skills and knowledge relevant to international HR contexts in order to uphold the professional principles of HR in diverse contexts, both within and across organisations and cultures.
- Provide clear and accurate information on contemporary HR issues to a range of stakeholders by defining, managing, synthesising and interpreting complex organisational data from multiple sources.
- Appropriately identify and apply problem-solving processes and a range of HR metrics to tailor HR solutions to address complex business problems.
- Assess and manage multi-faceted individual and organisational HR challenges so as to nurture a supportive work environment by respecting the employment relationship, and balance the demands of complex HR operations.
- Identify, evaluate and actively promote the role of HRM in developing and shaping strategies to encourage sustainable and ethical practices within organisations.
- Critically reflect on the learning process in order to identify areas to be targeted in order to achieve continuing personal and professional development goals.
- Identify and independently investigate a significant problem in the domain of HRM, deploying appropriate research methods to present a substantial, in-depth critical analysis of the problem in written form.
"I've had amazing professors throughout my journey at the University of York. They were all really helpful; they went above and beyond to make sure I belong, that I am learning, that I am understanding things. Going out of their way to make sure, for example, if there's a group project that everything is working well and everyone is mingling well."
Fees and funding
Annual tuition fees for 2026/27
| Study mode | UK (home) | International and EU |
|---|---|---|
| Full-time (1 year) | £15,350 | £31,900 |
Fees information
UK (home) or international fees? The level of fee that you will be asked to pay depends on whether you're classed as a UK (home) or international student. Check your fee status.
Find out more information about tuition fees and how to pay them.
Funding information
Discover your funding options to help with tuition fees and living costs.
We'll confirm more funding opportunities for students joining us in 2026/27 throughout the year.
If you've successfully completed an undergraduate degree at York you could be eligible for a 10% Masters fee discount.
Funding opportunities
Chevening Scholarships
We are pleased to work with Chevening Scholars to offer funding for our Masters programmes. Chevening Scholarships provide one year of fully-funded postgraduate study in the UK for international (including EU) students. The scholarships are open to early and mid-career professionals who have the potential to become future leaders.
We offer a number of subject-specific funding opportunities for home and overseas students.
"I think the first reason why I chose Human Resource Management is because of the strong connection to real-world HR practice. I like the diversity of teaching. Our lecturers are from different countries and different academic backgrounds. We also had guest speakers from industry, which made learning very practical."
June, MSc Human Resource Management alum
Teaching and assessment
You’ll work with world‐leading academics and experienced HR practitioners who’ll challenge you to think independently and excel in all that you do. Through a combination of research-led teaching, applied learning and critical discussion, you'll develop the knowledge, confidence and professional capabilities to succeed as a future people professional.
Teaching format
Teaching combines lectures, interactive seminars, workshops and collaborative learning activities designed to bring contemporary HR challenges to life. You'll engage with real-world case studies, current research and practical applications, enabling you to connect theory with professional practice.
Alongside developing specialist HR knowledge, you'll build advanced skills in critical analysis, communication, problem-solving, teamwork and independent research.
You'll be taught by academics who are internationally recognised experts in their fields, many of whom work closely with organisations, policymakers and professional bodies to shape contemporary HR practice. Previous students consistently praise our staff for their expertise, enthusiasm, approachability and commitment to student success.
Teaching location
You will be based in the School for Business and Society on Campus West. Most of your teaching will take place in the Church Lane Building, with additional contact hours elsewhere on Campus East and Campus West. Find out more about our facilities in the Church Lane Building.
About our campus
Our beautiful green campus offers a student-friendly setting in which to live and study, within easy reach of the action in the city centre. It's easy to get around campus - everything is within walking or pedalling distance, or you can always use the fast and frequent bus service.
Assessment and feedback
Our assessments are designed to help you develop the knowledge, professional behaviours and transferable skills required for successful careers in HR and people management.
You'll complete a variety of authentic and academically rigorous assessments throughout the programme, which may include essays, reports, presentations, case study analyses and applied projects. These assessments encourage you to demonstrate critical thinking, apply evidence to contemporary organisational challenges and communicate your ideas effectively to different audiences.
Throughout your studies, you'll receive regular formative opportunities to develop your work before assessment, together with constructive feedback that will help you build confidence and continuously improve your academic and professional skills.
As the culmination of your studies, you'll complete either an Academic Dissertation or an Applied Dissertation. This substantial independent project allows you to investigate a contemporary HR issue in depth or address a real organisational challenge, supported throughout by an academic supervisor with expertise in your chosen area.
Departmental Academic and Communication Skills (DACS) Support
We are committed to supporting your success from the moment you arrive at York.
Alongside guidance from your personal supervisor and teaching staff, our DACS team offers a programme of workshops and one-to-one support throughout the year. These sessions are designed to help you develop the academic and professional skills needed to thrive during your studies and beyond.
Support includes academic writing, critical analysis, referencing, presentation skills, research methods and dissertation preparation, together with workshops focused on employability and professional development.
"I learned to focus on the essentials and to work more systematically in order to obtain high quality outputs within very limited time. I am now working as a market researcher collecting data and writing reports - just like I used to do when writing my Masters dissertation."
Careers and skills
Turn your interest in people and organisations into a career in HR.
Our MSc Human Resource Management combines specialist knowledge with opportunities to connect with the HR profession, build your network and put your learning into practice.
Connect with the profession
Get closer to the world of HR through career events, practitioner sessions and professional networking. In collaboration with the CIPD, our 'Careers into HR' event brings together HR professionals and students to explore career pathways and hear first-hand insights from people working in the profession.
Our People, Work and Employment (PWE) seminar series gives you the opportunity to engage with leading research and current workplace debates, with sessions exploring issues such as belonging, voice and leadership influence.
Build skills. Gain experience. Stand out.
You'll develop skills that employers value and have opportunities to apply them to real-world challenges. Through applied projects, presentations, reports, workplace scenarios and your choice of dissertation pathway, you'll learn to analyse complex people issues, develop evidence-based solutions and communicate your ideas with confidence.
Career opportunities
Graduates from the programme pursue careers in a wide range of people management and organisational roles, including:
- HR adviser
- HR consultant
- Talent acquisition and recruitment
- Learning and Development
- Events manager
- Peer researcher
- Employee relations manager
Our graduates have gone on to work across a diverse range of organisations, from small and medium enterprises (SMEs) and charities to multinational organisations, consultancies and public sector employers.
See our graduates' careers in roles around the world
Transferable skills
Skills you'll develop
Throughout the programme, you'll develop a broad portfolio of academic, professional and leadership skills, including:
- Evidence-based decision making
- Critical thinking and analytical problem-solving
- Strategic people management
- Leadership and influencing
- Employee relations and negotiation
- Communication and professional presentation
- Consultancy and business report writing
- Independent research
- Project management
- Ethical and responsible decision-making
- Teamworking and collaboration
- Career planning and continuous professional development
Accelerate your professional network. We'll connect you with the guidance, industry links and experiences to help you stand out and find your career advantage.
Entry requirements
| Qualification | Typical offer |
|---|---|
| Undergraduate degree | 2:2 or equivalent in a social science subject. Previous study in management is desirable but not essential. |
| International pre-masters programme | Pre-masters from our International Pathway College |
| Other international qualifications | Equivalent qualifications from your country |
English language
If English isn't your first language you may need to provide evidence of your English language ability. We accept the following qualifications:
| Qualification | Minimum requirement |
|---|---|
| IELTS (Academic and Indicator) | 6.5, minimum 6.0 in each component |
| Cambridge CEFR | B2 First: 176, with 169 in each component |
| Oxford ELLT | 7, minimum of 6 in each component |
| Oxford Test of English Advanced | 136, minimum 126 in each component |
| Duolingo | 120, minimum 105 in all other components |
| LanguageCert SELT | B2 with 33/50 in each component |
| LanguageCert Academic | 70 with a minimum of 65 in each component |
| Kaplan Test of English Language | 478-509, with 444-477 in all other components |
| Skills for English | B2: Merit overall, with Pass with Merit in each component |
| PTE Academic | 61, minimum 55 in each component |
| TOEFL | 87, minimum of 21 in each component |
| Trinity ISE III | Merit in all requirements |
For more information see our postgraduate English language requirements.
If you haven't met our English language requirements
You may be eligible for one of our pre-sessional English language courses. These courses will provide you with the level of English needed to meet the conditions of your offer.
The length of course you need to take depends on your current English language test scores and how much you need to improve to reach our English language requirements.
After you've accepted your offer to study at York, we'll confirm which pre-sessional course you should apply to via You@York.
Next steps
Contact us
Get in touch if you have any questions
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