The specialist area of HRM offers a wealth of career opportunities within every business sector. This Human Resource Management masters is designed to provide you with the up-to-date knowledge and understanding you need to manage people effectively in the workplace.
It will be especially useful if you are seeking a career in HRM or have recently entered HR or line management and are keen to progress your career.
The MSc Human Resource Management also provides you with a postgraduate qualification alongside CIPD accreditation, the professional body for Human Resource Managers, at associate level.
It's flexible - you can gain Postgraduate Certificate after the first stage of the course; Postgraduate Diploma after the second or complete the full Masters degree and obtain CIPD accreditation. This course is also available through Network75, a combined work and study route.
The wellbeing and health and safety of our students and staff is paramount to us. We are committed to delivering all of our courses and services as safely as possible. Due to the pandemic, the methods and activities adopted for the coming year may differ from those previously published and may be subject to further change through the course of your study if such change is necessary due to public health concerns, health and safety guidance or in response to Government Guidelines. USW is committed to providing you with a fantastic student experience and a wealth of support, and you can hear how students have benefitted from this approach here: Learn more about blended learning.
| Study Mode
2021 |
Duration | Start Date | Campus | Campus Code |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Full-time | 1 Year | September | Treforest | A |
| Part-time | 2 Years | September | Newport City | C |
| Study Mode
2022 |
Duration | Start Date | Campus | Campus Code |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Full-time | 1 Year | February | Treforest | A |
| Full-time | 1 Year | September | Treforest | A |
| Part-time | 2 Years | September | Newport City | C |
You will study key areas of human resource management, such as the principles, values and approaches to leadership and management, and you will explore the changing context within which businesses operate.
As you progress through the HRM course, you will study areas that relate to employment relations and the framework of performance management as well.
You will study:
Throughout the HRM course, you will develop a portfolio to demonstrate your commitment to continuing professional development, culminating in the production of a business research report on an HR-related topic of your choice.
Subject to revalidation
This course is subject to revalidation, this means it is under review as part of the University’s standard quality assurance and enhancement processes. Course and module content is indicative and may change through the revalidation process. As soon as the course is revalidated, the details will be confirmed and published on the University website.
In the unlikely event the course does not go ahead as planned, or is significantly amended, we will write to inform you. If this happens, we’ll help you to find a suitable alternative course either at USW or at another provider.
The course is available both full-time or part-time at the Pontypridd campus, Treforest site or part-time only at the Newport City campus.
Full-time students spend approximately 12 hours per week in classes, which involves a blend of directed and independent study. Part-time students spend around six hours per week in classes, held on one afternoon and evening each week.
Knowledge of the subject area is gained through lectures, tutorials, directed learning, independent study and workplace engagement.
Lectures are used to introduce key HRM and business concepts and theories with student participation and discussion encouraged throughout.
Student led tutorials aim to develop problem solving skills and focuses the application of theoretical concepts to HRM business situations.
Teaching and learning strategies seek to maximise the opportunities for student participation and to develop learning through the medium of student centred activity.
Your studies will be underpinned by the latest research undertaken by the South Wales Business School Research Group. This means you will be taught by academics who are at the forefront of their specialist field.
Discussion within teams and groups is an important element in the teaching and learning process which facilitates a deeper understanding of the subject matter. This allows students to develop their own knowledge and experience through drawing on the knowledge and experience of others.
Learning support includes:
You will be assessed via a mixture of examinations and assessed coursework in the form of essays, portfolios and projects, reports, case studies, presentations, design tasks and primary/secondary research.
Informal assessment is incorporated into the learning process and you will be given feedback during seminars encouraging reflective practice in formal assessments.
A minimum 2:2 Honours degree or an equivalent qualification, or in exceptional circumstances, three years’ or more significant managerial experience.
Holders of CIPD Graduate Membership, or postgraduate qualifications in either HRM or general management, may be entitled to exemptions through the fast-track programme.
Applicants may be required to attend an interview.
The course welcomes international applicants and requires an English level of IELTS 6.0 with a minimum of 5.5 in each component or equivalent.
Full-time fees are per year. Part-time fees are per 20 credits. Once enrolled, the fee will remain at the same rate throughout the duration of your study on this course.
Students have access to a wide range of resources including textbooks, publications, and computers in the University’s library and via online resources. In most cases they are more than sufficient to complete a course of study. Where there are additional costs, either obligatory or optional, these are detailed below. Of course students may choose to purchase their own additional personal resources/tools over and above those listed to support their studies at their own expense. All stationery and printing costs are at a student’s own expense.
* Obligatory
| Item | Cost | |
|---|---|---|
| Professional Membership fees: Chartered Institute of Personnel and Development (CIPD) | £130 - £306 | There are various membership levels and fees associated with those levels - £130 per year for Student membership rate, £306 per Year - Associate [and higher] membership rate, along with administration fees for Joining and re-joining. For more information about membership fees, please click the following link… http://www.cipd.co.uk/membership/membership-fees.aspx |
| CIPD Professional Activities: Region/Branch Networking | Students have the opportunity to attend various branch and regional CIPD events as well as occasional seminars and conferences. It is recommended that all students fully engage with the CIPD and their events to maximise their advantages of their professional membership. Costs vary depending on event and location. |
|
| Course Related Events: Travel, Industry Visits and Social Activities | Periodically the course will organise a variety of Travel opportunities, Industry visits and/or other social activities to engage and socialise student cohorts, along with providing added value elements to enhance the student[s] experience. Some or all of these could potentially incur additional costs which will vary depending on event and location. |
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| Placement expenses: Relevant Work Experience or Equivalent (RWE) | Students are encouraged to engage in any and all work experience opportunities, however, some of these may be unpaid and may incur costs associated with travel and expected workplace attire and this will vary according to the placement. |
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| Other : Text books | £300.0 - £400.0 | Text books are provided via the USW library but students may wish to purchase their own private copies. |
| Other : Sitting Examinations Abroad | Should students choose to sit exams abroad (in their home country for example) there will be a £50 admin fee and a cost of £20 per exam. Students are also responsible for any additional charges made by an overseas exam venue. |
Whilst you’re studying you’ll have two main costs – tuition fees and living costs. You can get a range of funding to help with these costs.
There are a number of ways to fund your postgraduate study. This can be through student finance, bursaries or help from grants, trusts and charities (see Alternative Funding), or a combination of all three.
Click here to find out more about funding your postgraduate tuition fees and living costs.
The University of South Wales is offering a 20% reduction in tuition fees for all University of South Wales graduates studying a postgraduate course from September 2021 (this includes students starting their course in January/ February 2022). T's and C's apply.
Click here for more information about the USW Alumni Postgraduate Discount
As well as giving you the chance to study for a role within HRM, the HRM masters confers CIPD membership which is often a requirement of appointment and/or promotion in the HR profession.
By achieving this qualification students are demonstrating that they have the skills and drive to maximise their contribution to overall business performance and that they are committed to achieving the highest standard of professionalism within their career.
CIPD qualification is internationally recognised. Graduates can also progress to a PhD or research degree.
USW's HRM masters has been working with part time students for over 15 years and so has developed a strong network of HR practitioners and managers in the locality from which our students can benefit.
Our HRM USW Network brings together past students who contribute to the course through acting as guest speakers, offering work shadowing opportunities and possible internships.
The Pontypridd Campus is made up of two sites: Treforest and Glyntaff. Our students love the community atmosphere, as well as living and studying in the same place. It’s quieter than the cities, with green open spaces and views across the valley.
Our Newport Campus is right at the heart of the city, overlooking the River Usk. This is one of the University's most iconic buildings.
It’s the community and friendships you’ll build that make this place special. Outside your studies you can experience our amazing sport facilities and Students’ Union.
Living in Halls is a great way to meet new people and make friends. We have high quality accommodation in Treforest, Cardiff and Newport.
