Course overview
The apprentice can become the in-house expert in human resource management (HRM), organisational development or learning and development. They can improve people practices in your organisation, increase performance and effectiveness, and lead on creating working environments and cultures that help get the best out of people.
The apprentice gains an understanding of the complex and changing context of HRM, and the importance of resilience and sustainability in turbulent business environments. They develop an awareness of contemporary HRM issues to become a future-thinking practitioner with cutting-edge knowledge of human resource developments.
The apprentice develops their knowledge and skills as a HRM practitioner, organisational development or learning and development specialist, responsible for growing an agile and ethical workforce. They take the lead on managing the recruitment and development of employee talent within their organisation, employing the right balance of staff in terms of skills and experience, and maximising performance.
Senior People Professionals can specialise in either Human Resources (HR), Learning and Development (L&D) or Organisation Development (OD). Apprentices are required to select most appropriate option to their role from HR, L&D and OD.
Course details
Course structure
Core Modules
Dissertation - Human Resource Management
This module is for human resource (HR) management students and apprentices who are expected to demonstrate a strategic awareness and have a business orientation, with a particular focus on creating value and impact for organisations through people management and development practices. The dissertation, as an applied practiced-based piece of work, should provide a persuasive argument whereby an organisation can realistically undertake recommended changes to policies/ and or practice(s).
Effective organisations need to develop a strategic approach to the attraction and retention of staff, analysing their key employment markets and gaining an understanding of their dynamics so as to enable them to compete more effectively, both now and in the future. Indeed, human resource planning to enable an organisation to meet its future demand for skills is an increasingly important HR role. This module focuses on the practical and strategic aspects of the key HRP processes including recruitment and selection, employee retention and employee release.
Leadership and Business Performance
To be effective, organisations need to develop continuously their strategic capabilities by implementing effective performance management systems to drive individual, team and manager performance. HR professionals have a central role to play in this process, supporting both individual managers and the wider organisation in the achievement of the organisational mission and objectives.
Leadership and Management Development
One way for an organisation to gain competitive edge is through the efforts of its people. In an ever-increasing turbulent world of work, with change classed as a given, organisations must now look at enhancing their human resource to deal effectively with the changes they face on a day-to-day basis as well as future challenges in the workplace. The latter of which has taken on a new role in terms of the global/international context. Therefore the focus of this module is on the development of leadership and management in facilitating organisational, team and individual change and growth. You will explore the differing approaches and interpretations of the concepts of leadership and management within a range of organisational contexts including public, private, not-for-profit, large, small, national, international and multicultural organisations.
This module aims to facilitate an informed critical examination of the concepts relevant to the discipline of human resource development, and develop the professional competence required to perform effectively in roles associated with the design, delivery and evaluation of learning and development.
Postgraduate Business Research Methods
This module develops your awareness and understanding of the factors that impact research design for business and management students. You explore the ethical principles underpinning business research, research methodologies, data type, collection and analysis, research methods and how to present a research proposal and dissertation.
The aim of this module is to give an understanding of the complex and changing context that HRM finds itself in and the importance of HRM being resilient in these turbulent times. At the same time it gives you an awareness of contemporary HRM issues in readiness for being future-thinking practitioners with cutting-edge knowledge of HR developments.
Modules offered may vary.
How you learn
The apprentice develops their understanding through interactive workshops, lectures, individual and group activities, case studies and presentations. There is an average of 20-24 days of delivery per academic year and face to face delivery takes place on Fridays.
How you are assessed
Assessment methods vary according to the module studied and include examinations, assignments and presentations.
On completion of the Master in Human Resource Management, learners complete an externally assessed End Point Assessment (EPA) where they undertake a project proposal presentation and a professional discussion based around their portfolio of evidence.
Entry requirements
English and maths minimum requirement is Entry Level 2.
Apprentices need to be working with support from you, as the employer, including your commitment to 20% off the job training as required for the apprenticeship and meet the standard requirements of the apprenticeship and is addressed as part of the pre-onboarding process (eligibility checklist).
In line with the standard entry requirements for the MA Human Resource Management, learners should have a minimum of two years, graduate level, full time work experience in a relevant role, such as management, professional or a supervisory capacity (confirmed on the job role analysis form) and either an honours degree or relevant professional qualification.
Learners without an honours degree, with significant management experience are also encouraged to apply.
For general information please see our overview of entry requirements
Employability
Career opportunities
Effective human resource management is recognised by organisations as a key area in achieving business success. There is high demand for highly trained and skilled human resource professionals. The MA Human Resource Management degree provides a unique advantage in the jobs market.
Membership of the Chartered Institute of Personnel and Development (CIPD) is highly valued and widely accepted as a requirement of HR practice by employers. The apprentice is encouraged to apply for student membership of the Institute within the first few weeks of study. CIPD membership grades are dependent on knowledge and behaviours. This MA meets the underpinning knowledge requirements for the CIPD Professional membership grades, however the membership grade awarded by CIPD is also based on their practical workplace experience of HR. Completion of the MA allows the learner to apply for the CIPD professional membership level of Associate Member. 
