MSc/PgDip Human Resource Management (part-time)

Key facts

  • Start date: September
  • Accreditation: Professional Membership of the Chartered Institute of Personnel & Development at Associate Member, Chartered Member or Chartered Fellow level
  • Study mode and duration: MSc/PgDip: 24 months part-time; MSc (post-diploma): 12 months part-time

Study with us

  • two-year, part-time programme
  • develop an advanced level of knowledge related to HR
  • suitable for HR professionals or line managers with people management within their role
  • gain professional membership of the Chartered Institute of Personnel and Development
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Why this course?

This is a two-year, part-time programme intended for human resource professionals, or line managers with people management or devolved HR responsibilities as part of their role. 

Part-time study allows you to learn new skills while continuing to stay in employment and earn a salary. The knowledge and skills gained through your studies can be implemented immediately into the workplace, providing benefits to both you and your employer. 

Studying over two years means the pace of study helps you retain a good work-life balance. Teaching is arranged so that you only need to commit to classes one day a week, from 1-7pm. 

The aim of this course is to develop an advanced level of knowledge and understanding related to the human resource management function in organisations. 

Mixing theory and practice, this programme offers you the opportunity for in-depth study of organisations and the management of work. 

You'll have the opportunity to attend guest lectures and tailored seminars delivered by leading HR and business managers, focusing on the practical challenges of managing people in organisations. 

The programme is delivered by the Department of Work, Employment & Organisation, winner of the HR Network Award 2018 for Outstanding Contribution to Scottish HR. The department is also home to the highly regarded Scottish Centre for Employment Research.

THE Awards 2019: UK University of the Year Winner

What you'll study

You'll take a mix of core and elective classes. Core classes will address topics including understanding the business contexts facing HR Managers and the organisation of HR functions in response to internal and external business factors; current developments in employee relations in the UK; reward management; people resourcing issues; well-being; ethical practice and professionalism in HRM and critical engagement with emerging issues within HRM. 

These classes will help you to understand the significance of the management process within organisations; appreciate the importance of human resources in enabling an organisation to meet its corporate objectives; develop a detailed knowledge and understanding relating to the human resource management function and to understand the social, economic, legal, political and commercial environment in which human resource management takes place.

Business Skills will help you develop and improve a range of definable skills that are pivotal to successful management practice and to effective leadership. The module also seeks to develop further more-specialised skills that are of particular significance to effective higher-level people management and provides opportunities for applied learning and continuous professional development.

Management research report

The Diploma stage is completed by submitting a management research report on an HR issue within your place of work. While putting what you've learned into practice on a live HR issue, you're also benefiting your organisation by providing a piece of consultancy work for them backed up by our expert academics.

Integrated dissertation and reflective research report

If you opt to complete the MSc, you'll carry out an integrated dissertation and reflective research report, also based on a live human resources issue normally within your place of work, providing additional consultancy to the organisation in question.

MSc (post-diploma)

If you choose to exit with the Diploma, you're eligible to return and progress to the MSc within five years of graduation. This requires submission of a dissertation on an approved topic along with participation in a series of workshops on research methods.

Chartered Institute of Personnel and Development (CIPD)

The course allows you to work towards a professional level of membership of the Chartered Institute of Personnel and Development (CIPD). CIPD is the professional body for human resource and learning and development professionals. CIPD qualifications are valued by employers and are often a pre-requisite for HR roles. The MSc is an advanced level CIPD accredited programme aligned to the Profession Map standards and meets the educational requirements for Associate Member of CIPD (AssocCIPD). You're required to join the CIPD as a student member at the start of the course and renew your student membership during the academic year.

Accreditation

The Postgraduate Diploma (PgDip) stage of this programme is accredited as meeting the knowledge requirements for Professional Membership of the Chartered Institute of Personnel and Development (CIPD) at Associate Member, Chartered Member or Chartered Fellow level. The Department of Work, Employment & Organisation is a CIPD accredited programme provider.

CIPD Approved Centre logo

Strathclyde Business School

Strathclyde Business School was founded in 1948 and is a pioneering, internationally renowned academic organisation with a reputation for research excellence.

One of four faculties forming the University of Strathclyde, SBS is a triple-accredited business school (AACSB, EQUIS and AMBA) and was the first business school in Scotland to achieve this accolade in 2004. The Business School is home to seven subject departments and a number of specialist centres, all of which collaborate to provide a dynamic, fully-rounded and varied programme of specialist and cross-disciplinary courses.

Strathclyde Business Network

As a postgraduate student at Strathclyde Business School, you may choose to join the Strathclyde Business Network, a student-led initiative that facilitates interaction with business and industry leaders.

The Network aims to foster knowledge sharing, facilitate discussion and enable networking opportunities with the very best business professional in industry. Every year the Network organises Glasgow Business Summit, which is the first-ever student-led business conference in Scotland and brings together students with leading businesses from across the UK.

Triple-accredited business school

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Course content

Business Skills Development sessions take place over both years of the course.

HRM in a Business Context

The aim of this module is to explore human resource management as both a strategic function and essential aspect of the management role, which creates value for both business organisations and stakeholders through the effective organisation of people and associated work systems. The module examines the business context and socio-economic drivers which shape corporate strategies and in turn, shape the strategic policies and practices of human resource management.

20 credits.

Leading, Managing and Developing People

The aim of the module is to build upon core theories and strategic practices discussed in Semester One HR916 HRM in a Business Context, by critically examining both HRM and HRD practices for building and managing productive, effective, and healthy workers.

This module will utilise a central two-hour lecture to disseminate core knowledge and generate class discussion. On-line learning materials provide links to case studies and tasks which will be discussed in additional 1-hour seminars designed to engage student reflection on the class material.

People Resourcing

The aim of this class is to help students to understand People Resourcing issues within organisations and related concepts in order that they can become thinking practitioners in the field. General knowledge-based objectives include developing knowledge and understanding of a number of issues facing practitioners within organisations who are responsible for ensuring that the organisation is effectively resourced with people.

The learning methods will combine elements of formal presentations, individual reading, group discussions, and class feedback sessions. Learning and development in this class is designed to appeal to a range of learning styles, and to integrate argument, action, and reflection. This means that the format of the learning periods combines lecturing, group work on case studies and discussion.

Employee Reward

This module examines the interdisciplinary nature of reward management in an organisational context, presenting different theoretical and philosophical approaches to pay determination (e.g. economic, psychological, legal, and political) in relation to contemporary trends in employment policy and employee relations.

Reward management strategies that consider relative value, individual and collective contribution and labour markets will be examined. Specific subjects covered within this module include: pay and reward strategies within private, public and third sector organisations; legal constraints in determining pay structures; job analysis techniques; pay differentials for disadvantaged groups; and non-monetary reward. International comparisons will be made available as appropriate.

Learning and development in this class is designed to appeal to a range of learning styles, and to integrate argument, action, and reflection. This means that the format of the learning periods combines lecturing, group work on case studies and discussion. A variety of teaching methods will be adopted including formal lectures, guest lectures, individual reading, and applied exercises including group presentations.

Research Methods

The aim of this class is to help students prepare for undertaking their Integrated Dissertation and Research Report. Sessions covered include research design, ethical consideration in research and analysing and presenting data.

Critical Issues in HRM

The aim of the module is to build upon core theories and strategic practices of HRM by examining emerging developments in people management, within complex and volatile global business environments.

10 credits

Contemporary Employment Relations

The aim of this class is to provide a critical understanding of current developments in employee relations in the UK. It aims to provide a conceptual and theoretical understanding of the dynamics and the contours of the employment relationship. Particular attention will be focused on exploring the resilience of the traditional institutions and modes of employment regulation, as well as exploring current attempts to recast the dynamics of employee relations.

10 credits

Choose one in year 2, semester 2

Labour and Diversity in a Global Context

This module aims to explore causes and patterns of labour mobility in a global context. A key focus will be on the issue of diversity management within and between nation states in an era of more integrated markets and the practical implications these have for managers working in different political and economic contexts.

10 credits

Managing HR in multinationals

This module is primarily focused on human resource management within multinational companies providing a broad base to understand how companies address the challenges of managing globally. The module focuses on key challenges in staffing the multinational enterprise considering aspects such as recruitment and selection, training and development, reward management and performance management.

Intensive classes offered at the Business School’s Spring School

These are a selection of Strathclyde Business School classes that are on offer for the duration of Spring Break that students on the course can select to take.

Please note that classes may differ from year to year depending on what departments have on offer. Find out more about the Spring School here.

Learning & teaching

Core and elective classes will be taught across two semesters each academic year, running from September to December and January to March.  Classes will be held one day a week, between 1-7pm. Classes will be taught through a combination of lectures, workshops, interactive sessions, practical demonstrations and role-play. Research reports are submitted toward the end of Year 2.

Assessment

Classes are assessed by various methods, including essays, individual and group projects and final exams. Exams will take place at the end of each semester in December and April/May. You'll also keep a CPD Record that describes all your important learning activities and experiences during the course. Submission of a satisfactory CPD Record is a requirement for completion of the course.

Chat to a student ambassador

Want to know more about what it’s like to be a Strathclyde Business School student at the University of Strathclyde? A selection of our current students are here to help!

Our Unibuddy ambassadors can answer all the questions you may have about their course experiences and studying at Strathclyde, along with offering insight into life in Glasgow and Scotland.

Chat now!
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Entry requirements

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Academic requirements/experience

MSc/PgDip
First degree or equivalent, plus HR or management experience; other qualifications may be considered.

MSc (post-diploma)
PgDip in HRM from Strathclyde or equivalent CIPD-approved qualification from another UK university. Candidates with a CIPD-awarded advanced qualification may also be considered.

FT European Business Schools 2023 Ranking logo
FT European Business Schools 2023 Ranking logo
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Fees & funding

All fees quoted are for the part-time course and per academic year unless stated otherwise.

Fees may be subject to updates to maintain accuracy. Tuition fees will be notified in your offer letter.

All fees are in £ sterling, unless otherwise stated, and may be subject to revision.

Annual revision of fees

Students on programmes of study of more than one year (or studying standalone modules) should be aware that the majority of fees will increase annually. The University will take a range of factors into account, including, but not limited to, UK inflation, changes in delivery costs and changes in Scottish and/or UK Government funding. Changes in fees will be published on the University website in October each year for the following year of study and any annual increase will be capped at a maximum of 10% per year.

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Scotland
  • PgDip Year 1: £3,950
  • PgDip Year 2: £3,950
  • MSc (post-diploma 'top-up' to MSc): £2,400
  • MSc Year 1: £3,950
  • MSc Year 2: £6,050
England, Wales & Northern Ireland
  • PgDip Year 1: £3,950
  • PgDip Year 2: £3,950
  • MSc (post-diploma 'top-up' to MSc): £2,400
  • MSc pathway Year 1: £3,950
  • MSc pathway Year 2: £6,050
Republic of Ireland

If you are an Irish citizen and have been ordinary resident in the Republic of Ireland for the three years prior to the relevant date, and will be coming to Scotland for Educational purposes only, you will meet the criteria of England, Wales & Northern Ireland fee status. For more information and advice on tuition fee status, you can visit the UKCISA - International student advice and guidance - Scotland: fee status webpage. Find out more about the University of Strathclyde's fee assessments process.

International
  • PgDip Year 1: £7,500
  • PgDip Year 2: £7,500
  • MSc (post-diploma 'top-up' to MSc): £4,500
  • MSc Year 1: £7,500
  • MSc Year 2: £12,000
Additional costs

Graduation gown hire.

Chartered Institute of Personnel and Development Membership

PGDip/MSc Human Resource Management and International Human Resource Management is accredited by the Chartered Institute of Personnel and Development (CIPD) and students wishing to achieve Associate Membership of CIPD on completion of the course are required to join as a student member during their studies.

This is not mandatory for passing the course but is required by CIPD to achieve membership update on passing the course. The cost for 2022/2023 is a £40 joining fee plus a £98 member fee (dependent on when you join in the year, CIPD offer different membership fee options).  Students pay the member fee when they start in September and when they renew their membership fee in July.

(information correct 26/04/2021)

International students

International students may have associated visa and immigration costs. Please see student visa guidance for more information.

Available scholarships

Take a look at our scholarships search for funding opportunities.

Please note: the fees shown are annual and may be subject to an increase each year. Find out more about fees.

How can I fund my course?

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Scottish postgraduate students

Scottish postgraduate students may be able to apply for support from the Student Awards Agency Scotland (SAAS). The support is in the form of a tuition fee loan and for eligible students, a living cost loan. Find out more about the support and how to apply.

Don’t forget to check our scholarship search for more help with fees and funding.

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Students coming from England

Students ordinarily resident in England may be to apply for postgraduate support from Student Finance England. The support is a loan of up to £10,280 which can be used for both tuition fees and living costs. Find out more about the support and how to apply.

Don’t forget to check our scholarship search for more help with fees and funding.

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Students coming from Wales

Students ordinarily resident in Wales may be to apply for postgraduate support from Student Finance Wales. The support is a loan of up to £10,280 which can be used for both tuition fees and living costs. Find out more about the support and how to apply.

Don’t forget to check our scholarship search for more help with fees and funding.

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Students coming from Northern Ireland

Postgraduate students who are ordinarily resident in Northern Ireland may be able to apply for support from Student Finance Northern Ireland. The support is a tuition fee loan of up to £5,500. Find out more about the support and how to apply.

Don’t forget to check our scholarship search for more help with fees and funding.

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Careers

As a CIPD provider for 70 years the Department has an extensive network of alumni in a range of senior HR roles in the private, public and voluntary sectors. More recently, graduates have accessed a range of jobs with a variety of organisations and recent graduate destinations and jobs have included: 

  • Student Lifecycle Manager, Higher Education
  • HR Advisor, Aggreko
  • Organisational Development Manager, NHS
  • HR Advisor, City Facilities Management Holdings
  • HR Manager, Hadden Group
  • HR Administrator, Financial Services
  • HR Insights Analyst, Financial Services

Glasgow is Scotland's biggest & most cosmopolitan city

Our campus is based right in the very heart of Glasgow. We're in the city centre, next to the Merchant City, both of which are great locations for sightseeing, shopping and socialising alongside your studies.

Life in Glasgow
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Apply

For information and guidance on the application process, take a look at our How to Apply web page.

Start date: Sep 2025

Human Resource Management

PG Diploma
part-time
Start date: Sep 2025

Start date: Sep 2025

Human Resource Management (post Diploma)

MSc
part-time
Start date: Sep 2025

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Contact us

SBS Postgraduate Admissions

Telephone: +44 (0)141 553 6105 / +44 (0)141 553 6116

Email: sbs.admissions@strath.ac.uk

Strathclyde Business School, University of Strathclyde
199 Cathedral Street
Glasgow
G4 0QU

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