Course overview
Developed in collaboration with business leaders, the Digital Human Resource Management and Data Analytics MSc prepares you to lead strategic, data-informed people management in organisations.
You will build the skills to turn workforce data into actionable business insights and shape workforce strategy. The course will help you make ethical, evidence-based and human-centred decisions about work, people and organisational performance, preparing you for careers in strategic management, human resources and business intelligence.
Our curriculum blends academic rigor with real-world impact, drawing on cutting-edge academic research to solve complex people-related business challenges and communicate solutions that drive organisational success. You'll gain expertise in a broad range of advanced quantitative techniques, equipping you with analytical skills that are highly valued in academia and industry. Engaging with the ethics of big data is a central thread that runs through all our teaching, ensuring you are equipped to harness the power of data thoughtfully and responsibly.
As one of the first and most established programmes of its kind in the world, we set the benchmark for HR analytics education. This is your gateway to shaping the future of work through data-driven, ethical decision-making and becoming the next generation of HR and analytics leaders.
Our teaching is based on world-leading research drawing on strong links with the Centre for Employment Relations, Innovation and Change (CERIC) and Digital Futures at Work Research Centre (Digit).
We prioritize career readiness through tailored workshops, career coaching, and professional development opportunities, to help you achieve their long-term goals.
This is what our students say:
“The teaching approach is clear, engaging, and supportive. Case studies make the content practical and relevant, and class discussions have boosted my confidence and critical thinking.”
“Lectures are dynamic and interactive. They help us consolidate key theories and give us the chance to practice decision-making in a safe environment.”
Guaranteed industry experience
While studying at Leeds, you’ll have the chance to work with clients and gain consultancy experience as part of a 2-week online Global Industry Programme.
As well as allowing you to build key industry connections, you’ll also develop invaluable professional and practical skills that are highly valued by employers.
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 Our MSc Digital Human Resource Managment and Data Analytics 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.
CIPD accreditation is widely respected in HR and people management fields and is embedded into the core curriculum, so you'll gain professional recognition with no need for additional study and no extra fees.
Holding CIPD membership enhances your employability and credibility with employers and opens doors to a broad range of roles and career progression opportunities in HR.
You'll gain access to CIPD’s professional network, events, and resources, supporting ongoing development and career growth.
*There are membership fees to the CIPD for those choosing to join.
Course details and modules
The amount of data available to analyse and understand how people contribute to the success of organisations has grown exponentially over the last decade due to the widespread use of HR information systems and enterprise resource planning software. A growing wave of start-ups are offering new machine learning and AI tools and techniques for understanding the role and people factors in organisational performance.
In this context, most large organisations have developed HR/people analytics/insight teams in the last five years, following in the wake of large global technology and financial services institutions who have pioneered the development of this new business function. The UK professional body for HR has also recently launched new professional standards that place evidence-based management and analytics at the heart of the professional competencies expected of the HR professional. Despite these developments, it is widely perceived that HR lags behind other areas of business in the adoption of analytics.
This programme will equip you with the skills and knowledge to work in the HR analytics field or to become an HR generalist who is competent in the use of data and analytics. The programme of study is informed by the latest research and developments in the fields of HR analytics and HRM more generally, drawing on strong links with employers to provide you with an academically rigorous but practice informed learning experience.
The programme aims to foster in graduates the capacity for reflective practice, and professional and personal development so that they are able to contribute effectively to the leadership and management of business, organisations and society.It also provides graduates with advanced understanding of the social science theory and evidence that underpins HR and people analytics and HR management more generally, allowing students to meet the knowledge requirements for chartered membership of the Chartered Institute for Personnel and Development.
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 |
|---|---|
| Foundations of Machine Learning in Business | 15 |
| Strategic Human Resource Management | 30 |
| People Analytics: Strategy and Practice | 15 |
| Human Resources Analytics Research Methods and Dissertation Project | 60 |
| Statistical Analysis of People and Organisations | 15 |
Year 1 optional modules (selection of typical options shown below)
| Module Name | Credits |
|---|---|
| Employment Law | 30 |
| Migration and Labour Mobility Management | 30 |
| Global Perspectives on Digital Work | 15 |
| Sustainable Futures: Business, Policy and Practice | 15 |
| Diversity Management | 30 |
| Change Management and Communication | 15 |
| Creating Effective Data Visualisations | 15 |
| Digital Technologies for a Sustainable Future | 15 |
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, allowing you to develop your skills in research and analysis.
Our Virtual Learning Environment will help support your studies. This is a central place where you can find all the information and resources for the school, your course and modules.
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 both knowledge and essential skills development. 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) or equivalent, usually in business, management or the social sciences.
Quantitative skills are desirable but not essential. A willingness to engage with quantitative materials is required. Those with a degree in a non-business/social science subject will be considered on an individual basis.
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 and our 10 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: £18,200 (Total)
International: £33,200 (Total)
Read more about paying fees and charges.
For fees information for international taught postgraduate students, read Masters fees.
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:
We pride ourselves on attracting a diverse group of students from a variety of academic, cultural, and professional backgrounds. This diversity enriches classroom discussions and provides invaluable peer-to-peer learning.
Career opportunities
We’re the 9th most targeted university by UK graduate employers – High Fliers Research: The Graduate Market in 2026 (PDF).
Career pathways
Our alumni have launched successful careers across a diverse range of sectors, including technology, consulting, healthcare, and finance. They hold influential roles such as people analytics consultants, data analysts, HR analysts, and HR recruiters, demonstrating the versatility and high demand for our graduates.
Graduates of our programme are working with well-known corporations and consultancy firms, such as Tesla, Amazon, NHS, HTC, McKinsey, and KPMG, both in the UK and abroad.
The programme also provides a robust foundation for further academic pursuit, with several of our graduates progressing to PhD programmes to continue their research.
Careers support
As part of this course, our dedicated academic and professional development tutors will provide tailored academic and careers support to help you achieve your career ambitions.
You can expect expert advice and guidance on your career choices, help in identifying and applying for jobs and support to boost your employability. You’ll also receive coaching to develop the professional skills you'll need to start a successful career and how to evidence these to prospective employers.
You’ll also benefit from the University’s award-winning Careers Service, where you can access a range of support to help you plan your career and make well-informed decisions, even after you graduate.
Read more about our careers and professional development support.
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.
Benefits of the Global Industry Programme:
- 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 plans.