Course overview
Make business better for leading organisations and their staff.
People management is a critical function for organisations worldwide, helping companies and their staff work together seamlessly and for mutual benefit. If you’re looking for a rewarding professional career in HR, this Masters offers sought-after professional, legal, technical and communications skills required by modern businesses, giving your future career a head start.
You’ll gain an in-depth, critical understanding of contemporary and historical debates in human resource management (HRM). Learn how to deal with a range of challenges, from skills gaps to equality, diversity and inclusion (EDI) and changing ways of working. And build a strong foundation in essential topics, including global developments in work, employment relations, learning and development, sustainability and digitalisation.
The course focuses on applying the theories you learn in real business environments, with opportunities to work on case studies and challenges. You’ll gain practical experience through activities such as mock interviews, workplace mediation, and professional skills workshops led by business professionals. Once you graduate, you’ll be well-set for a career in fields including HR, recruitment, management, and labour relations.
Why study at Leeds?
- Global focus: This course is shaped by the leading research of our Centre for Employment Relations, Innovation and Change (CERIC) and ESRC Centre for Digital Futures at Work (Digit), which contribute to national and international debates around HRM, employment relations and the future of work.
- Real-world industry experience: Network with clients and gain consultancy experience as part of our 2-week online Global Industry Programme.
- Learn from leaders: Our academics, including recognised international experts, will work with you to develop your theoretical understanding based on cutting-edge research alongside professional skills. Recent industry guest speakers have included the former Head of HR for NHS England and Chair of the Chartered Management Institute in Malaysia.
- Practical teaching: Develop a professional and practical HRM skill set through workshops taught by industry professionals, preparing you to successfully navigate the challenges of the world of work. The dissertation module can also involve partnering with an organisation, giving you hands-on experience in solving organisational problems.
- International study tour: Apply for a place on a week-long international study tour, which includes company visits, guest lectures and networking events. Previous study tours have included visits to Berlin, Frankfurt, Milan, Zurich, Toulouse and Ljubljana.
Explore Leeds
Discover our campus, facilities and accommodation with our 360 virtual experience platform.
With immersive 360 experiences, image galleries, virtual tours, videos and day-in-the-life content, you can take a personalised, interactive tour of campus and explore the University's academic, social and residential environments from anywhere in the world.
You can get a feel for what it's really like to live, learn and belong at the University of Leeds – all from the comfort of home.
Accreditation
Our MSc Human Resource Management is fully accredited by the Chartered Institute of Personnel and Development (CIPD)*, the only HR institution in the world to recognise HR professionals through chartered membership.
This course will allow you to satisfy the entry requirements for associate CIPD membership and chartered CIPD membership (if you have relevant work experience and take certain modules).
*There are membership fees to the CIPD for those choosing to join.
Course details and modules
Across two taught semesters, you’ll study core modules introducing you to the principles and concepts of HRM in different contexts. You’ll explore the economic labour market, social and cultural contexts of HRM and different patterns of people management.
You’ll choose optional modules that allow you to focus on your interests and career intentions, gaining specialist knowledge in topics such as employment relations, training and development, occupational psychology, and many others.
The knowledge and experience gained will prepare you for your dissertation – an independent research project on a topic of your choice that you’ll submit by the end of the year.
If you choose a part-time degree, you’ll study over a longer period and take fewer modules in each year.
Professional Development and CIPD Membership
During your time at Leeds, you’ll can also attend professional skill workshops as part of your regular timetable. These practical sessions are taught by business professionals, allowing you to gain invaluable skills to successfully navigate the challenges of the world of work upon graduation.
You can choose to enhance your studies by opting for Chartered Institute of Personnel and Development (CIPD) membership alongside your degree. If you choose to gain Associate CIPD membership, your optional modules must include Employment Relations. The other options are your choice. The requirements for CIPD qualification will be explained in detail during your induction programme.
Course structure
The list shown below represents typical modules/components studied and may change from time to time. Read more in our terms and conditions.
Year 1 compulsory modules
| Module Name | Credits |
|---|---|
| Human Resource Management Research Methods and Practice | 15 |
| Human Resource Management | 30 |
| Global Perspectives on Digital Work | 15 |
| Employment Relations | 15 |
| Learning and Development | 15 |
| Human Resource Management Dissertation | 45 |
Learning and teaching
You’ll be taught using a range of methods including lectures, tutorials, seminars and workshops. The rest of your time will be spent in independent learning, which allows you to develop your skills in research and analysis.
Our Virtual Learning Environment will help to support your studies: it’s a central place where you can find all the information and resources for the school, your programme and modules.
As of September 2026, the MA in Human Resource Management has been renamed the MSc in Human Resource Management. The change reflects the evolution of research-led teaching content on this programme, which is now more in keeping with the conventions, methodologies and outputs of science rather than arts. It also reflects the collective expertise of the world-class academics and their career-relevant teaching on this programme.
On this course, you’ll be taught by our expert academics, from lecturers through to professors. You may also be taught by industry professionals with years of experience, as well as trained postgraduate researchers, connecting you to some of the brightest minds on campus.
Assessment
Assessment methods emphasise not just knowledge, but essential skills development too. This may include formal exams, group projects, reports, computer simulation exercises, essays and written assignments, group and individual presentations and reflective logs.
This diversity enables you to develop a broad range of skills as preparation for professional life.
Applying
Entry requirements
A Bachelor degree with a 2:1 (hons) usually in a social science subject. Applicants with a degree in another subject will also be considered.
International qualifications
We accept a range of international equivalent qualifications.
English language requirements
IELTS 6.5 overall, with no less than 6.0 in any component. For other English qualifications, read English language equivalent qualifications.
Improve your English
International students who do not meet the English language requirements for this programme may be able to study our postgraduate pre-sessional English course, to help improve your English language level.
This pre-sessional course is designed with a progression route to your degree programme and you’ll learn academic English in the context of your subject area. To find out more, read Language for Business (6 weeks) and Language for Business (10 weeks).
We also offer online pre-sessionals alongside our on-campus pre-sessionals. Find out more about our six week online pre-sessional, our 10 week online pre-sessional or our 16 week online pre-sessional.
You can also study pre-sessionals for longer periods – read about our postgraduate pre-sessional English courses.
How to apply
Read about visas, immigration and other information in International students. We recommend that international students apply as early as possible to ensure that they have time to apply for their visa.
Admissions policy
University of Leeds Admissions Policy 2027
This course is taught by
Leeds University Business School
Contact us
Postgraduate Admissions Office
Email: masters@lubs.leeds.ac.uk
Telephone:
Fees
UK: £16,600 (Total)
International: £33,200 (Total)
Read more about paying fees and charges.
For fees information for international taught postgraduate students, read Masters fees.
Part-time fees
Fees for part-time courses are normally calculated based on the number of credits you study in a year compared to the equivalent full-time course. For example, if you study half the course credits in a year, you will pay half the full-time course fees for that year.
Additional cost information
If you choose to follow the Chartered Institute of Personnel and Development (CIPD) Pathway and qualify as Associate member of the CIPD then you will be required to pay a one-off joining fee and an annual subscription payment directly to the CIPD whilst you are studying at Leeds. Please visit the CIPD website for the most up-to-date CIPD fee information.
There may be additional costs related to your course or programme of study, or related to being a student at the University of Leeds. Read more on our living costs and budgeting page.
Scholarships and financial support
If you have the talent and drive, we want you to be able to study with us, whatever your financial circumstances. There may be help for students in the form of loans and non-repayable grants from the University and from the government. Learn more about Masters funding.
Scholarships are also available to help fund your Masters. Find out more and check your eligibility below:
Career opportunities
From day one, we encourage you to think beyond your time at Leeds and reflect on a meaningful career.
This course provides you with the academic knowledge and professional skills needed for a senior-level career in global human resource management. You'll develop strong analytical and problem-solving skills and become a reflective HR professional.
Where this degree could take you
You will be well placed to pursue a career in a variety of people-related roles, such as:
- HR Coordinator
- Global Talent Specialist
- International HR Specialist
- People and Culture Manager
- Learning and Development Coordinator
- Employee Relations Advisor
- Environmental, Social and Governance Manager
Recent graduates are now working for a range of organisations. That includes multinationals such as Four Seasons Hotels and Resorts, L’Oréal, Lloyd's of London, and Raytheon UK, as well as public-sector organisations such as the London Borough of Hounslow and the Civil Service.
This Masters is also an excellent qualification for individuals seeking to pursue a research degree.
Learn more about the careers our students have pursued – read alumni profiles from Leeds University Business School.
Skills for your future
The MSc Human Resource Management will equip you with employability skills that are highly valued by organisations worldwide, giving you the opportunity to take your career wherever you want. Throughout the course, you’ll benefit from professional development workshops and activities to help enhance your employability skills, including:
- interpersonal, analytical and people skills – essential attributes for an HR professional
- intellectual, ethical and research skills – enabling you to apply a range of methods and techniques to address applied research issues in HR
- critical thinking skills – helping you consider HR issues from a strategic angle.
Links with industry
As a student on this course, you’ll benefit from our close connection with the Centre for Employment Relations, Innovation and Change (CERIC) and ESRC Centre for Digital Futures at Work (Digit) at the University of Leeds. This provides access to the latest HR industry thinking and developments, as well as a network of high-profile professionals from leading companies who regularly deliver guest lectures.
There’s also an opportunity to apply for the HRM Project, where you will work closely with a business on a live HRM issue. And your dissertation gives you the opportunity to work hands-on with one of our partner organisations.
My experiences helped to prepare me for further advancement in my career and to build the practical and networking skills, discipline and confidence I needed to obtain a senior leadership role.
Top 10 most targeted for 10+ years
by the UK's leading employers
Careers support
At Leeds, we help you to prepare for your future from day one.
Our Careers Service has the global expertise and sector-spanning industry partnerships that, combined, go well beyond simply helping you get a job. They provide you with the resources you need to upskill and achieve the future you aspire towards – even in the face of lightning-paced change.
- Dedicated Employability Team: Meet with our qualified careers consultants and specialist employability and placements officers, on hand to help you choose the right path and develop the skills to get there. They can support with CV and cover letter writing, LinkedIn profile building, mock interviews and navigating AI: get confident with tailored advice and techniques.
- Employability and networking events: Get involved in a full range of events, including careers fairs and specialist industry talks with employers who are actively recruiting. You’ll also benefit from mentoring and a supportive careers community, helping you make connections, build your network, and shape your journey as a future professional.
- Skills training: We embed transferable skills training in all our programmes to support your transition to the workplace. Gain expertise employers value, such as communication, problem-solving and research and data analysis.
- MyCareer system: Access a dedicated portal where you can book careers appointments, view helpful resources and browse vacancies and events. Access digital tools, including LinkedIn support, video interview preparation, plus global job market and visa guidance. We also offer pre‑arrival support to help you prepare for career planning in the UK and make the most of your time with us.
- Exclusive opportunities: Bring your enterprise to market with our award-winning business advice service, Spark. Apply for vacancies only available to our students. And hone your skills further with Leeds University Union, home to volunteering opportunities and over 300 clubs and societies.
Work placements and industry experience
As a Masters student at Leeds, you’ll have the unique opportunity to gain real-world industry experience with our Global Industry Programme.
You’ll develop key professional skills and gain invaluable insight into working in your chosen field, helping to solve a real business problem from a live company brief.
This experience will enhance your CV, helping you to stand out in the competitive graduate jobs market and improving your chances of securing the career you want.
The benefits of the Global Industry Programme include:
- fully online and designed to fit around your studies
- opportunities to make professional networks in areas such as digital marketing, business growth, sustainability and funding strategy
- gain valuable insight and build consultancy experience with a UK or international organisation, working on a time-limited brief
- work as part of a team across disciplines to tackle real business needs
- advance your experience and hands-on skills by putting the course teachings into practice
- improve your employability prospects
- make new friends, build confidence and consider your future.