Master of Science - Human Resource Management

The MSc in Human Resource Management at Derby equips students with vital career development skills and enhances professional standing, providing a pathway to Associate membership of the Chartered Institute of Personnel and Development (CIPD) and serving as a stepping stone to Chartered Membership. The course develops specialist knowledge, confidence, and professional credibility required to pursue leadership and management roles in HRM. It also builds expertise in developing HRM strategies, policies, procedures, and change programmes, with the opportunity to tailor assignments and reports to the student’s own workplace for immediate value and impact. Completion of stages one and two of the programme awards a Postgraduate Diploma, while completing stage three, including an independent study, leads to a full Master’s qualification. Existing HRM or HRD qualifications can be topped up to a full MSc with just one year of flexible part-time study.

This programme accelerates career development by providing a fast track to a qualification that enhances professional standing and improves career prospects. Those holding a Postgraduate Diploma in HRM or HRD, or a CIPD Advanced Level Diploma, can upgrade to the full MSc award within a year. The course complements the Postgraduate Diploma in Human Resource Management, which is suitable for both specialist HR practitioners and general managers seeking to enhance their skill portfolios.

The MSc emphasises HRM from a business perspective, highlighting how HR strategies and decisions impact organisational performance across different sizes, types, and sectors. The HRM specialism is firmly situated within the broader context of business, management, and corporate strategy. The course provides a deeper understanding of organisational management and external challenges, drawing on the latest research, pioneering thinking, and case studies, including the application of HRM in an international context.

Professionally approved, the course serves as a stepping stone toward Chartered Membership of the CIPD, further advancing career opportunities by facilitating promotion, higher salary potential, and a broader range of roles. Students gain CIPD membership from the start of the programme, including access to restricted member areas and local branch network events, supporting their studies. Completion of the Postgraduate Diploma stage meets the ‘knowledge’ criteria for Advanced CIPD membership, automatically granting Associate status. When students demonstrate the required ‘activity’ and ‘behaviour’ criteria, they become eligible to apply for Chartered Membership. Guidance is provided throughout the course to support students in completing the online application for the appropriate CIPD membership level.