MSc Human Resource Management


This programme provides students with knowledge in contemporary human resource management policies and practices within organisations and how people management practices are changing in response to the changing world of work. It provides good grounding in many of the key concepts and models that underpin HRM, and also parent disciplines of psychology, sociology and economics. The programme focuses both on both operational and strategic issues as well as current debates and challenges facing the filed. The international focus of the programme’s content is a key strength which will support the transfer of learning through contextualisation via case studies to a wide range of scenarios.

Organisational Behaviour (OB)/HRM study in Southampton has its unique perspective. Teaching on the programme is closely undrpinned by the research undertaken byt he BO/HR academic staff at the Southampton School of Management. Students are able to discuss leading edge ideas and research within the field with academics and take advantage of the most up to date developments in the the field, such us international HRM, team and organisational learning, trust and emotional intelligence, and HRM in new organisational forms.

Career Destinations

Employment within specialist or generatilst HR functions, management consultancy, and line management positions.

Programme Structure

Full-time study on our MSc programmes follows a schedule of half-day teaching blocks.  A single module, for example, will be taught over six half-days, usually the same half-day each week e.g. six consecutive Monday mornings and half modules are taught over three half-days. Module teaching blocks will be scheduled on different half-days so that students will study several modules during the same period .

Teaching takes place during the autumn, spring and summer terms with a few modules scheduled for evenings and the Easter vacation.  These will usually be the optional modules but this is not guaranteed.  Formal examinations take place in January and May/June each year at the end of each semester.  If you pass the module assessments to a satisfactory standard you are permitted to continue work until September leading to the submission of an MSc dissertation.

Core Modules

  • Strategic Human Resource Management
  • Strategic Human Resource Development
  • Employee Relations
  • Comparative and International People Management
  • Key Personal Skills 1
  • Organisational Change & Transition
  • Contemporary Issues and Debates in HRM
  • Quantitative & Qualitative Research Methods
  • Key Personal Skills 2.

How will you learn?

Your understanding of the subjects covered and your ability to use the knowledge and skills gained will be enhanced through a variety of methods and strategies. Some of the key learning approaches that you will experience as a student in the School will include:

  • Group work
    Group work is recognised as vital in your development when looking forward to, or continuing in, a management role. You will be supported in learning how to form and maintain group cohesiveness to achieve clearly defined outcomes, such as a business report, a group presentation or a combination of both.

  • Case-studies
    You will be presented with many different business case-studies that reflect the reality of decision-making and problem-solving activities in today's business environment. The case studies are selected to reflect the specific needs of your programme or unit of study.

  • Learning alongside other students
    Throughout your time with us you will be working alongside fellow students from a wide range of cultural and geographical backgrounds. This is a powerful resource and we are particularly keen to encourage you to set up learning networks with other students that may extend beyond the time of your study at Southampton.

    To help with this style of networking you will be expected to learn to communicate with each other as well as your teachers in a variety of contexts. For example, during a large group lecture you may be given the opportunity to discuss a specific problem or complete a task in small groups, often with people who are sitting alongside you. The possible answers would be shared by the large group as guided by your teacher.

    The example noted above indicates that you are expected to be an 'active' learner through taking part in small group discussions and offering your views on many occasions.

Examinations and assessment

A range of assessment methods are used including essays, case studies, coursework, examinations and the dissertation.

Student Support Service for Learning

The School has a Learning and Teaching Coordinator and a Management librarian who are able to support your learning needs throughout your time of study. For example they provide induction programme of academic skills sessions, including on-line search techniques, as well as individual support in study skills, where appropriate.

You will also be allocated a personal tutor, normally the Programme Director, who is there to support your academic development and other points relating to your programme of study such as option choices.

 

Programme Specification

To view the programme specification for this MSc follow the link.