Human Resource Management (MSc)

How will I be taught?

You’ll be taught by academics who are engaged in impactful research that influences policy and practice. Teaching is delivered through a mix of lectures and seminars and is shaped by the latest research. 

You’ll also learn from experienced practitioners, helping you apply your learning to the workplace. You’ll have the chance to debate ideas, solve problems, and develop solutions relevant to contemporary organisations.

You’ll gain industry insights through case studies, guest speakers, practical exercises and live organisational challenges. You’ll explore real-life scenarios that reflect today’s global and digital workplaces – developing both your analytical and practical skills.

You’ll practise real-world HR decision-making in ethical, sustainable and inclusive ways. through simulations, consultancy-style projects, case study analyses and skills development sessions.

How will I be assessed?

Your assessments will mirror the kinds of tasks you’ll face in the workplace, helping you build confidence in applying theory to practice in ethical and inclusive ways.

You’ll be assessed through a diverse mix of methods, including individual coursework, case study analyses, group and individual presentations, exams, reflective assignments and policy briefs. This mix ensures you can demonstrate both academic and professional capabilities.

Formative activities, such as in-class discussions, peer feedback and practice tasks, are embedded throughout the programme.

Assessments meet the standards required for progressing towards professional CIPD membership.

How will I be supported?

Learning

Course materials will be provided on Learning Central, our Virtual Learning Environment. You’ll also have access to libraries across our campus which hold over 1.1 million printed books, supplemented by online books, journals, resources and databases. 

If English is not your first language, then our Academic English Skills for International Students team offer classes and one-to-one tutorials to support your studies including reading, writing and presentation skills.

Wellbeing

You’ll be assigned a Personal Tutor, who can support you with academic and pastoral matters in a confidential and informal manner. Additional support is available through our Student Life teams, based in the Centre for Student Life. These teams include Advice and Money, Counselling services, Health and Wellbeing, the Student Disability Service including dyslexia support, and Student Visa Support.

Careers and Employability

The Student Futures team can enhance your career prospects by offering tailored support throughout your studies. You’ll benefit from expert advice on CV writing, interview techniques, and job applications. The team can support you with internships, placements, and networking opportunities, giving you valuable real-world experience. If you are an international student, Student Futures offers tailored support to explore part-time jobs, placements, and graduate roles in the UK and globally.

Community

You’ll become a member of the Cardiff Business School community, making friends and connections that will last beyond your studies. You’ll have the opportunity to participate in programme and school level events and activities that enhance your learning and broaden your experiences. 

What skills will I practise and develop?

The Learning Outcomes for this Programme describe what you will achieve by the end of your programme at Cardiff University and identify the knowledge and skills that you will develop. They will also help you to understand what is expected of you. 

On successful completion of your Programme you will be able to:

Knowledge & Understanding:

• Establish an understanding of the central role that HRM plays in a globalised, digital, and dynamic world of work.
• Demonstrate advanced knowledge of people practice, employment systems, and regulatory environments across diverse organisational types and global contexts.
• Analyse sustainable and ethical approaches to HRM and evaluate how people practices can shape more equitable organisations and societies.
• Interpret contemporary research and emerging trends in work and society to inform sustainable HRM strategies and organisational decision-making.

Intellectual Skills:

• Critically synthesise theory, evidence and stakeholder perspectives to generate insights and make informed, ethical and inclusive people decisions.
• Evaluate and apply an evidence-based approach to identify, assess and respond to organisational challenges and opportunities.
• Evaluate the risks, impacts and implications of people strategies for stakeholders and organisational outcomes.
• Design and conduct independent research that contributes to contemporary debates and practice in sustainable and international HRM.

Professional Practical Skills:

• Design, evaluate and apply appropriate people practices and interventions across a range of global organisational contexts.
• Conduct data collection and analysis to produce actionable people insights and reports.
• Use professional judgement to balance evidence, stakeholder perspectives and organisational priorities.
• Apply ethical principles and evaluate legal requirements when handling people-related data and decisions.

Transferable/Key Skills:

• Communicate complex people-related issues clearly and persuasively across professional, academic, and intercultural contexts.
• Work collaboratively and inclusively across diverse teams and stakeholder groups, showing the capacity to lead.
• Manage projects and tasks independently, demonstrating accountability and time management.
• Champion ethical, responsible and future-focused people practices that contribute to sustainable organisational performance and social value.