MSc Human Resource Strategies

The complex economic, social and technological changes that are continually shaping the context of work in organisations are having a profound impact on how to best manage and develop the people within them. This programme is designed as an advanced qualification for HR practitioners working within all areas of HRM at senior management / executive level. The MSc HR Strategies is fully accredited by the Chartered Institute for Personnel (CIPD) and provides a coverage of the discipline that closely mirrors the CIPD Advanced Practitioner Standards. It aims to equip students with an advanced understanding of human resource management and organisational behaviour theory and practices and how they can be drawn upon to improve organisational effectiveness and better manage change.

The programme focuses on developing appropriate knowledge and skills in order to utilise HR strategically so as to gain more benefits for both the organisation and the individuals within them. It is underpinned by management theory and draws upon appropriate models and concepts from across the social sciences. The approach to learning offered by the teaching faculty combines independent study alongside group and tutored teaching across eight units that integrate theory, research and practice within a supportive pedagogical framework. The teaching on the programme is delivered through eight 3-day courses. However, there may be some evening teaching dependent on optional units chosen.

All tutors on the programme are experienced researchers and have considerable practical experience gained through consultancy and through holding senior HR positions in both the public and private sectors. Their research also feeds directly into their teaching programme providing students with new and fresh insights into the topics covered.

Please note that the full-time programme MSc Human Resource Management
will be available from October 2007.

Programme Structure

Core Units

  • Strategic Human Resource Management
  • Strategic Human Resource Development
  • Organisational Change & Transition
  • Research Methods
  • Consultancy Skills
  • International HRM
    This unit consists of an international visit involving partner institutions.

Optional Units

Students also undertake 2 units from a range of options offered within the School of Management across a broad spectrum within the areas of management science, risk, finance and entrepreneurship.

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-study' coursework, problem solving and data analysis, 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.