Program Overview

This Masters' course is designed for those wishing to embark on a career in HR/People Management and for those already in an HR position wishing to enhance their professional development.

During this degree, you will critically analyse/evaluate the concept of insight-driven people management and development and its connection to the meaningful analysis of organisation, industry and global data. You will be provided with a critical view of contemporary theory and practice in your chosen areas and develop your ability to apply this knowledge to your own practice in a current or future role.

Middlesex University has been providing HR professional education, in one form or another, for over 50 years. That makes Middlesex – and its predecessor institutions – one of the longest-established providers of HR professional education in the UK.

The course is taught by practitioners and academic experts informed by research and professional practice. Guest lecturers are also invited from industry to provide you with alternative perspectives, opinions, and personal experiences to enhance student learning.

The course is accredited to Chartered Institute of Personnel and Development (CIPD) professional standards allowing Associate Membership of the CIPD upon graduation. The course is now updated to meet the new CIPD standards and for the duration of the course, students will become CIPD members (included in the course fee) and will have access to their resources.

You can study for this HR MA either over 1 year full-time or 2 years part-time. An additional pathway is also available: MA Human Resource Management with Professional Experience (24 months), which includes the opportunity to gain industry experience through a 12-month placement.

A unique feature of the MA Human Resource Management programme is the way in which students begin the course by being immersed in the full spectrum of CIPD HR skills, knowledge and behaviours.

The modules in the course provide a platform for you to acquire knowledge, develop critical thinking and apply theory to practice. You will learn threshold concepts and models, develop people management and development skills, understand the principles of professional and ethical practice, and explore tools for influencing others.

During the final stage of your course, you will be required to undertake an Applied Dissertation project on an HR topic of interest to you, which will be guided by an academic supervisor from the Department.