Human Resource Management MSc

About the Course

It is now commonplace to consider the management of an organisation’s employees to be a key determining factor in its performance.. The objective of this course is to provide an understanding of contemporary theoretical and analytical issues in the management of human resources and the role this may have in organisational success.

The programme is designed to be of interest to new graduates aspiring to work in human resources management as well as to those who are, or intend to be, engaged in teaching, consulting or research in the human resources area. It will also be attractive to human resource practitioners seeking a more academic treatment of the subject and to anyone interested in a postgraduate programme with a particular focus on human resource management rather than a more generalist Master’s, such as an MBA.

Aims

The aim of this MSc is to provide an advanced and applied understanding of HRM issues and applications arising from the changing nature of work and employment and the contexts within which HRM takes place.

Enquiries

Course Director
Professor T.C. Melewar
E-mail T.C.Melewar@brunel.ac.uk
Tel +44 (0) 1895 265859

International Students (all enquiries): Brunel International Centre
For ALL questions related to this degree or to follow up on your application.
Email international@brunel.ac.uk
Tel +44 (0)1895 265519

Admissions Centre: for Home/EU applications already submitted
Email admissions@brunel.ac.uk
Tel +44 (0)1895 265265

Business School Enquiries Desk:  for enquiries prior to application
Email masterbbs@brunel.ac.uk
Tel +44 (0)1895 267124 or 265910

Special Features

Brunel Business School was ranked amongst the top 21 UK Business Schools in the 2010 ranking of European Business Schools published by the Financial Times.

We are currently discussing recognition for this programme with the Chartered Institute of Personnel and Development (CIPD) with the aim of allowing graduates to achieve Associate status, subject to membership.

Brunel Business School is home to the Centre for Research into Emotion Work and Employment Studies (CREWES). CREWES is a unique centre at Brunel built on the internationally recognised expertise on emotion work, employment studies and careers.

Accreditation

• Chartered Management Institute (CMI)

Course Content

Core Modules

Organisational Behaviour

This module explores the main theories and key functions of leadership and management and their application, and you will be able to critique these as well as appreciate the contemporary issues facing leaders and managers. You will also be able to critically evaluate characteristics of effective management and how this differentiates from leadership, and discuss and assess relative strengths and limitations of key approaches to developing leaders and managers in organisations.

Human Resource Management: Contexts, Concepts and Policy

This module develops students’ knowledge and understanding of the theory and concepts pertaining to HRM such as the challenges of delivering personnel services in practice; critical approaches to HRM policy development and programme evaluation as well as of policies and practice relating to recruitment/selection, performance review, training, rewards/incentives and staffing information.

International and Comparative Human Resource Management

Over the course of this module, you will explore human resources strategy, practices and limitations for organisations operating across national boundaries and also consider staffing the international firm; recruitment issues and methods; employee development and the ‘international manager’. Different national systems of industrial relations/employment relations are reviewed as are the implications of different legal frameworks.

Knowledge Management, Social Networks and Innovation

This module explores the intersection between knowledge, social network technologies and innovation. It examines how organisations create, utilise and communicate knowledge in the global knowledge-based economy and the wider social and economic factors affecting knowledge transfer. The module identifies the exploitation of Web 2.0 which enables social engagement and processes for business development. 

Understanding Business and Management Research

This module provides students with a balanced view of social science and business research methods enabling a critical understanding of research information. It provides students with knowledge of relevant research methods and techniques for the Masters level project work.

Dissertation

A research-based dissertation is an integral element of the programme to which considerable importance is attached. You are required to base your dissertation on empirical research into a human resources/employment relations problem or issue of your choice (subject to approval).

Dissertations are supervised by full time members of the academic staff of the School who have a wide range of research interests and expertise in the areas of human resource management, employment relations and organisational behaviour and change. The dissertation must be submitted by the end of the academic year during which you complete all of the taught modules of the course.

Elective Modules (one from)

Global Diversity Management

This module provides an insight into Global Diversity Management by examining how organisations plan, co-ordinate and implement a set of management strategies, policies, initiatives such as training and development activities that seek to accommodate diverse sets of social and individual backgrounds, interests, beliefs, values and ways of work in organisations with international, multinational, global and transnational workforces and operations.

International Business Ethics and Corporate Governance

This module focuses on business ethics and corporate governance in the international context. Both areas will be addressed from the perspective of the dual "business" models of the shareholder and the stakeholder approaches. Further the broader societal impacts of business activities will be considered in-depth. The full range of businesses will be considered – from large corporations through to SMEs. Empirical studies will be used to apply the theoretical resources of moral philosophy, CSR and corporate governance.

Strategic Management

This module enables students to appreciate the issues and challenges that confront managers responsible for strategic management. It introduces students to concepts, topics and methodological approaches and tools relevant to the analysis of the strategic position of the organisation and the development and implementation of strategies and policies, and their major operational implications.

Assessment

Taught modules are normally assessed either entirely by coursework or by a combination of coursework and formal examination.

Careers

Graduates of this programme have a good record of securing employment in the field of Human Resource Management.

Fees for 2012/13 entry

Home/EU students: £7,130 full-time

International students: £12,650 full-time

Read about funding opportunities available to postgraduate students

Fees quoted are per annum and are subject to an annual increase.

Entry Requirements for 2012 Entry

A good honours degree (2.1 or above) in management; business studies; or a related subject. Those with a 2.2 may be considered providing they can demonstrate significant relevant experience.

English Language Requirements

• IELTS: 6.5 (min 6 in all areas)
• TOEFL Paper test: 580 (TWE 4.5)
• TOEFL Internet test: 92 (R20, L20, S20, W20)
• Pearson: 59 (51 in all subscores)
• BrunELT 65% (min 60% in all areas)

Brunel also offers our own BrunELT English Test and accept a range of other language courses. We also have a range of Pre-sessional English language courses, for students who do not meet these requirements, or who wish to improve their English.