Human Resource Management MSc

Birmingham's MSc Human Resource Management prepares you to be one of them. You'll develop the strategic thinking, ethical grounding, and international expertise that modern HR demands. Accredited by the Chartered Institute of Personnel and Development (CIPD), with student membership included from enrolment, you'll graduate with both a recognised professional qualification and direct access to a global HR community.

Teaching is directly informed by the Work Inclusivity Research Centre (WIRC), and Managing Equality and Diversity is a core module, ensuring inclusivity and ethical people management are central to your studies.

You'll build expertise in international HRM and employment relations, and optional modules in Leadership Development, Managing Work and Organisation, or The Future of Work allow you to tailor your studies toward your career direction.

The programme is available with September 2026 or January 2027 start dates.

• CIPD-accredited programme student membership included from day one, with a direct pathway to professional Chartered Institute of Personnel and Development (CIPD) CIPD qualification recognised by HR employers globally
• Taught by a leading HRM research group, with teaching directly informed by the Work Inclusivity Research Centre (WIRC), one of the leading centres for inclusivity research in the UK
• Managing Equality and Diversity is a core module, reflecting Birmingham's genuine commitment to responsible, inclusive business practice
• International HRM and employment relations modules help you build the cross-cultural people management expertise that global organisations increasingly demand
• Tailored specialist focus where you choose an optional module in Leadership Development, Managing Work and Organisation, or The Future of Work
• Regular input from guest speakers and industry practitioners, bringing current workplace challenges into the classroom
• Delivered by a triple-crown accredited school: one of fewer than 1% of business schools worldwide to hold AACSB, AMBA, and EQUIS accreditation simultaneously
• Top 2 UK university for graduate employers: consistently targeted by leading employers (High Fliers, The Graduate Market 2026)

The programme culminates in the HRM Dissertation incorporating Research Methods - a substantial piece of independent work supported by a structured training programme in research methods and critical appraisal of HRM and employment relations research. You will have the opportunity to work with industry partners using real data to address a live organisational challenge, or to pursue an independently developed academic research question.

September intake

September starters choose one optional module from Leadership Development, Managing Work and Organisation, and The Future of Work, tailoring the programme to their career direction.

January intake

January starters complete the same core modules, credits, and dissertation as September starters, with two optional modules to choose from - Leadership Development and Managing Work and Organisation. The Future of Work module is available to September starters only.

The modules listed below are an indication only and may be subject to change. Occasionally, it may be necessary to make changes to modules, for example, to ensure they remain current and relevant.

As a research-intensive University, our teaching is informed by the latest academic thinking and expertise of our staff. For more information on the circumstances in which the University may need to make changes to modules, please refer to the Terms and Conditions for applicants.

Core modules

Optional modules

You will choose to complete one of the following optional modules:

* Please note, The Future of Work module is only available to those enrolled to start in September.

English language requirements

If you are an international student, you will need to demonstrate you have a suitable level of English proficiency, usually through the form of an IELTS or equivalent qualification or a Presessional English course.

For this course we require IELTS 6.5 with no less than 6.0 in any band, which is equivalent to:

• TOEFL iBT taken before January 2026: 88 overall with no less than 21 in Reading, 20 Listening, 22 Speaking and 21 in Writing
• TOEFL iBT taken from January 2026: 4.5 Overall with no less than 4.5 in any 2 skills and 4 in the other two skills
• Pearson Test of English (PTE): Academic 67 with no less than 64 in all four skills
• Cambridge English: C1 Advanced - minimum overall score of 176, with no less than 169 in any component
• LanguageCert ESOL SELT (UKVI): B2 'Communicator' with no less than 33 in each skill

English presessional programmes

If you have a conditional offer for Birmingham where English is a requirement, you can take a Presessional English course as an alternative to retaking IELTS or a similar qualification. We offer on-campus courses all year round starting from September including additional online courses in the summer term.  Teaching takes place in small classes with no more than 18 students to maximise class participation.

We charge an annual tuition fee. Fees for September 2026 and January 2027 entry are above.

The fees quoted are for one year only. For those studying courses that are longer than one year, tuition fees will also be payable in subsequent years of your programme.

Paying your tuition fees

Tuition fees can either be paid in full or by instalments. You can check whether you are eligible for UK or international fees with our admissions team.

Learn more about postgraduate tuition fees and funding.

Tuition fee deposits for international students

International students undertaking a postgraduate taught degree are required to pay a tuition fee deposit before an electronic Confirmation of Acceptance for Studies (CAS) can be issued.

Scholarships

To help you afford your studies, we have put more than £33 million into student support and scholarships. We also offer a range of advice on searching for funding and managing your finances.

Your careers toolkit

Gain skills, confidence and experiences ready for the world of work with your dedicated careers toolkit. With Careers Network, your dedicated careers service, and the variety of opportunities available at Birmingham, you can build your own toolkit of skills and experiences to get you ready for an ever-changing world after graduation.

Your careers toolkit connects you with the opportunities, support and experiences across the university, including:

• Careers support services and Careers Network
• Work experience and placements
• Enterprise and entrepreneurship
• Alumni and employer connections
• Global opportunities and life experience
• Careers in the curriculum

Our bustling campus with its beautiful grounds, friendly community and excellent facilities will quickly make you feel at home. We offer you a huge variety of accommodation options in the UK’s second city, exciting activities to get involved in outside your studies, as well as all the support and advice you need.