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Introduction
Why choose this course?
Overview
If you have a postgraduate diploma (Level 7, 120 credits), our MA Human Resource Management allows you to top up your qualification to a full MA. The course is ideal if you are aiming for a strategic or senior management role and want to build an all-round, high level performance profile.
You can study on-campus (UK students only) or online from wherever you are, giving you the flexibility of learning in your own time. You can decide when and where to study to fit the degree in with your work and home commitments. And you'll enjoy a high level of personal support and online learning resources.
Our teaching staff are both researchers and experienced HR practitioners. They are passionate about their subjects and will support you throughout your studies.
We keep in touch with our graduates, their employers, and local CIPD (Chartered Institute of Personnel and Development) branch activities. This puts you in touch with great people from across the profession. And once a year we invite all these groups to come together at our Annual Postgraduate HR Research Conference.
Modules
Compulsory modules
Critical Investigation Skills
This module provides students with a framework for understanding and researching organisations. Students encounter organisation theory and research methods, learn to deepen their organisational knowledge and develop valuable research skills. The module shows students a range of theoretical perspectives, providing critical awareness of the complexity of organisations & organisational processes. Students are introduced to the stages of research, (research design, data collection and analysis methods, & research ethics). Armed with knowledge of organisational theory and research methodologies, students develop a viable research proposal. In semester 2, students take part in a pilot project, which gives hands-on experience of ‘doing’ research. Based on this, students produce a reflective essay designed to inform their own research projects. Sessions on quantitative and qualitative data analysis, the use of computerised analysis packages, and dissertation writing complete the module.
Final project
Compulsory modules
Research Project
The research project allows students to undertake a self-managed process of systematic enquiry within the domain of their Masters programme. It aims to generate high quality, rigorous and systematic applied research as part of which the students have reflected critically on the theoretical and philosophical assumptions underpinning the process alongside the ethics of undertaking management research. The degree to which the project is ‘applied’ is flexible – from addressing a broad issue in HRM to researching a specific issue within an organisation.
Learning and teaching
You will study online and participate in individual and group-based learning, within a supportive online community.
You will be provided with:
 highly structured, user-friendly written lecture and course materials
 audio and video podcast materials recorded by course tutors
 virtual tutorials, including in real time
 discussion forums - student and tutor led
 up-to-date web technology for delivery methods
 access to our online library.
You will participate in a range of classes at our Headington campus if you are studying through a combination of online and on-campus learning.
You'll learn from teaching staff, drawn from our Department of Business and Management within the Business School. You will also learn from visiting speakers from business and industry, local government, consultancies and research bodies.
Entry Criteria
ENTRY REQUIRED DOCUMENTS
Home Office Share Code
For EU students only.
IF no Qualification
Please provide CV with at least 2 years of work experience, and employee reference letter.
Entry requirements
Specific entry requirements
A Postgraduate Diploma in Human Resource Management (120 level 7 credits) from a recognised institution.
Our standard entry requirement is three A-levels or equivalent qualifications. In some cases, courses have specific required subjects and additional GCSE requirements. In addition to A-levels, we accept a wide range of other qualifications including:
 the Welsh Baccalaureate
 the Access to Higher Education Diploma
 a BTEC National Certificate, Diploma or Extended Diploma at a good standard and in a relevant subject
 the International Baccalaureate Diploma
 the European Baccalaureate Diploma
 Scottish qualifications – five subjects in SCE with two at Higher level or one at Advanced Higher level, or three subjects in Scottish Highers or two at Advanced Higher level
 a recognised foundation course
 T-levels*.
 * T-levels are a relatively new qualification but are already included in the UCAS tariff. We welcome prospective students who are taking this qualification to apply. For some programmes with specific required subjects, particular subject areas or occupational specialisms may be required.
English language requirements
If English is not your first language then you will need to show that your English language skills are at a high enough level to succeed in your studies.
 IELTS minimum 6.0 (with a minimum of 6.0 in reading and writing and 5.5 in listening and speaking).
The entry requirement for your course will be expressed as an IELTS level and refers to the IELTS Academic version of this test. We are now also accepting the IELTS Indicator test, you can find out more about the test on the IELTS Indication site. The University however does accept a wide range of additional English language qualifications, which can be found below.
The university’s English language requirements in IELTS levels are as follows:
Course IELTS level
All other undergraduate courses 6.0 overall with 6.0 in reading and writing, 5.5 in listening and speaking
Law, Architecture, Interior Architecture, English Literature (including combined honours), English Literature and Creative Writing 6.5 overall with 6.0 in reading and writing, 5.5 in listening and speaking
Health and Social Care courses 6.5 or 7.0 overall with 6.5 or 7.0 in all components (see individual entries for course details)
Nutrition BSc (Hons) 6.5 overall with a minimum of 6.0 in each component
Built Environment Foundation,
Computing Foundation,
Engineering Foundation 6.0 with 6.0 in reading and writing, 5.5 in listening and speaking
International Foundation Business and Technology,
International Foundation Arts, Humanities and Law 5.5 overall with 5.5 in all skills
International Foundation Diploma 5.0 overall with 5.0 in all skills
If you need a student visa you must take an IELTS for UKVI test.
International Foundation Diploma (Extended pathway) 4.5 overall with 4.5 in all skills
If you need a student visa you must take an IELTS for UKVI test.
Assessment
ASSESSMENT METHODS
1. INTERNAL ENGLISH TEST if you don't have an English accredited certificate
2. Academic Interview
Learning and assessment
You can progress to management roles or consultancy with the MA Human Resource Management direct entry stage. You will combine theory and practice and gain specific insights into organisational behaviour and design. And focus on an area of HRM research that is of specific interest to you.
Assessment
Critical Investigation Skills will be assessed through and individual written assignment (3000 words) and an individual portfolio. The assessment for the Research Project will be a 15,000 word individual project and a 750 word individual reflective statement.
Research
There are two research clusters in the International Centre for Coaching and Mentoring Studies and the Centre for Diversity Policy Research and Practice which relate to this subject:
 Work and Organisations
 Management and Entrepreneurship Education.
To top up the PG Diploma to the full MA HRM award, you will study a single module and complete a dissertation.
Career Opportunities
This programme is an excellent way of providing you with a springboard to progress in your career in HR. Students who have completed it in the past report not only career advancement but also an enhanced sense of professional confidence and self-belief.
The programme enjoys a high completion rate and is guided by a tutorial team comprising research active and experienced HR practitioners.
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