A Masers Degree (MSc) in HRM

In 1970 there were about five recognised UK business schools, now there are over 100, and business and management is one of the most popular graduate degree choices. Business schools have become a management industry in their own right, providing graduates who become entrepreneurs, managers, writers, politicians, educators and marketing experts to name but a few. Part of this recent explosion to find better ways to 'manage people' has resulted in many academic institutions offering HRM degrees at undergraduate and graduate levels.

These days, under the pressures of globalisation and stiff competition, the effective management of people in organisations, is receiving much more attention and is arguably very important. Organisations are facing changes that are less predictable and more rapid than ever and are expecting their personnel professionals to implement such changes smoothly and effectively. A rewarding and fulfilling career awaits those who consider a Masters Degree in Human Resource Management (HRM).

Career Options

With the increasing prominence and importance placed on the management and development of people, most courses incorporate both theoretical and practical aspects of people management. Students are provided development opportunities in understanding political, legal, economic and social environments in which organisations operate. Consideration is also given to organisational aspects by taking a broader view of issues and trends in employment, nationally and internationally.
An HRM Masters degree is highly recommended for students who wish to follow a career in industrial relations, training and development, trade union work and equal opportunities. For those who have not chosen a specific career path an HRM Masters degree will put you in excellent stead for entry into fast-track trainee management schemes, whether private or public sector.

Skills

Studying at Masters Level usually involves core courses and a wide range of options. Most programmes are critical and research-driven. In addition to gaining an insight into key theories, policies and practices involved; students will develop the skills to critically appraise complex and contradictory areas of knowledge and to evaluate qualitative and quantitative research methods in particular contexts. Development of personal skills includes presentation, argumentation, evaluation, problem-solving, interactive and group skills, self-appraisal, and autonomy in the planning and management of learning.

Cross-Cultural Management

Any student will enhance their career prospects by gaining a sound understanding of the complexity of cross-national similarities and differences in policies and practices, and through the development of cognitive and personal transferable skills. This module examines the consequences of cultural diversity for international business activities and the challenges of transferring individual managers and managerial systems across cultures. Students will improve their understanding of potential difficulties in a multicultural business context and build cross-cultural competence. The student will gain skills and in-depth knowledge about organisations operating in an increasingly international business environment. An understanding of the importance of cross-cultural management issues in the context of internationalisation, the difficulties arising through cultural diversity in internationally operating firms, and of how cross-cultural competences will also be developed.

International HRM

This module offers insights into the diversity of employment systems and structures and human resource management techniques and strategies from both comparative and cross-national perspectives. Focusing on the implications for HRM, a student will gain insight into international business operations with an emphasis on the institutional distinctiveness of business systems, and economic and political strategies of firms as influenced by the national institutional framework. It will also seek to locate the HR role within a wider context acknowledging that it is one that operates within and through a range of stakeholder groups, each with different
interest constituencies.

Equality and Diversity

Currently very few universities offer modules which study Equality and Diversity, which examines theories of occupational segmentation. This new module explores diversity and equality across the dimensions of gender, race, disability, age and sexual orientation, and considers the organisational processes, which produce and reproduce inequalities of outcome among diverse social groups. It also considers national and European legislative frameworks including policy approaches and implications at organisational level. This module will also identify the contribution of Equality and Diversity Policies and practices to the achievement of organisational goals, quality and excellence in an international context and explore the implications of the European Union, internationalism, globalisation, social, political and demographic change for human resource management and employment relations from an equality and diversity perspective.

Why Study?

Generally, staff who teach HRM modules are active in cutting-edge research, and have all published widely on aspects of management theory and practice. The most innovative courses tend to attract a strong intake of international students, particularly from Europe and Asia. This environment provides a valuable experience for tomorrow's managers in the 'global village' and allows students to benefit from specialist expertise in management, HRM and other relevant business disciplines such as strategic management, financial management and marketing.

Having successfully completed the course, students should have developed a range of appropriate knowledge, values, skills and competencies which are sufficient to enable them to operate and manage effectively in the business environment. Going on to use a Masters degree in HRM, may not be the end of the road. There are many opportunities to specialise and continue research by starting a PhD.