Triangle

Course overview

Want to shape the way people work and thrive in organisations around the world? Step into the future of global business with our Human Resource Management and Organisation MSc.

Our course is designed to help you reach your full potential and excel in global human resource management positions. You’ll gain the tools to build a positive workplace culture, handle complex employment issues and attract and retain talent in diverse, global environments – giving your organisation a competitive edge.

You’ll learn from academic experts through engaging lectures, practical workshops and real-world case studies. Meanwhile, group projects, presentations and immersive HR scenarios will help you develop key soft skills that employers value, such as communication, teamwork and leadership.

You could specialise in:

  • Strategic Human Resource Management
  • International Human Resource Management
  • Employment Relations
  • Leadership and Organisational Change
  • Ethics and Equality, Diversity and Inclusion (EDI) in the Workplace

Our teaching approach extends beyond the classroom. You’ll have great opportunities to meet businesses, boost your skills and grow your career. You’ll engage directly with industry through guest lectures, real life case studies and occasional site visits.

A major benefit of this course is that it’s accredited by the Chartered Institute of Personnel and Development (CIPD), leading to valuable networking opportunities through your local CIPD branch. Once you meet the criteria, you’ll get full exemption from the CIPD Advanced Diploma.

With tailored careers support, many of our master’s students go on to secure roles with world-leading employers. Recent graduates have been hired by top organisations such as Amazon, Deloitte, Boots and the Civil Service.

Why choose this course?

21st in the UK

for business and management studies

Complete University Guide Subject Rankings 2026

World top 100

university

QS World University Rankings 2026

CIPD-exclusive

Access to tools and resources from the start of the course

Triple accredited

Part of an elite group of business schools worldwide to gain ‘triple crown’ accreditation (EQUIS, AMBA and AACSB accredited)

Gain digital skills

Business School students have the opportunity to gain digital skills with industry-recognised Microsoft and SAP certifications

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Small Business Charter

Awarded for supporting small businesses, local enterprise and the regional economy  

More than 27,000

Business School alumni connect you to a powerful global network of business contacts in countries including China, India and Nigeria

Athena Swan

Institutional Gold award for gender equality across higher education and research

Hands-on experience

With SAP SuccessFactors: develop practical HR skills that give you a competitive edge in the graduate job market

Course content

Across the autumn and spring semesters, you will take 120 credits of taught modules. Each module typically consists of 10 two to three hour sessions.

You will complete a 60-credit dissertation over the summer, and will be allocated an appropriate dissertation supervisor who will oversee your progress.

Modules

Core modules

Semester one

Employment Relations

The module focuses on the broad aspects of employment regulation, relating to all elements that circumscribe unilateral decision-making power of management with regard to employment matters. Topics cover include modes of workforce voice and participation, conflict, equality and diversity, and the role of the state and the law.

Managing and Developing Organisations

This module aims to develop an understanding of managing and developing organisations. Core elements of the module include organisational structure and design, job design, organisational culture, leadership, managing groups and teams, organisational learning and knowledge management, employee motivation, commitment and engagement, power, politics and conflict, change management and technological change in the workplace.

Strategic Human Resource Management

This module aims to develop an advanced understanding of human resource management. Core elements of the course include the evolution of SHRM, recruitment and selection, training, leadership and management development, performance management, wellbeing at work, and ethical issues in HRM.

Semester two

Contemporary Developments in HRM/OB

This module provides you with a comprehensive overview of contemporary issues in organisational behaviour and human resource management practices. You are invited to critically examine and explore a variety of contemporary topics ranging from issues of wellness and coaching to metrics and managerial control.

The module uses practical examples, case studies and contemporary research to provide opportunities for critique, debate and discussion.

International Human Resource Management

This module aims to provide you with a critical understanding of the context, strategies, issues and key debates of International Human Resource Management (IHRM). Areas covered include:

  • Globalisation and HRM
  • HRM in multinational companies
  • HRM in emerging economies
Research and Professional Skills in OB/HRM

The module consists of three parts.

  1. Introduction Qualitative Analysis - this part of the module will be concerned with the collection and analysis of qualitative data
  2. Introduction Quantitative Analysis - this section will be concerned with the collection and analysis of quantitative data
  3. ‘The future HR practitioner - learning portfolio’ requires students to reflect about the knowledge and skills learnt in the MSc and how they can be applied in their future careers

Summer

Human Resource Management and Organisation Dissertation 60 credits

The module aims to allow you to synthesise, apply, and extend the knowledge you have gained in the taught component of the programme by engaging in primary data collection. Through investigating a current research topic and gathering original data, you will develop a deeper theoretical and practical understanding of contemporary issues in your area, while also enhancing your research, communication, and data analysis skills.

The above is a sample of the typical modules we offer but is not intended to be construed and/or relied upon as a definitive list of the modules that will be available in any given year. Modules (including methods of assessment) may change or be updated, or modules may be cancelled, over the duration of the course due to a number of reasons such as curriculum developments or staffing changes. Please refer to the module catalogue for information on available modules. This content was last updated on Friday 05 September 2025.

Due to timetabling availability, there may be restrictions on some module combinations.

Learning and assessment

How you will learn

  • Lectures
  • Seminars
  • Tutorials
  • Workshops

Digital professional skills certifications

We offer the opportunity for you to take industry-recognised Microsoft and SAP certifications alongside your degree programme. This will enhance your digital capability, differentiate your CV and help you stand out to future employers. Find out more on our digital professional skills website.

How you will be assessed

  • Dissertation
  • Essay
  • Examinations

Modules are assessed by a combination of exams and coursework at the end of the relevant semester.

Contact time and study hours

10-credit taught modules will consist of 100 student learning hours, of which around 22 hours are associated with lectures and seminars. The rest of the time will consist of assessment preparation, class preparation, and private study.

20-credit taught modules will consist of double this time.

Entry requirements

All candidates are considered on an individual basis and we accept a broad range of qualifications. The entrance requirements below apply to 2026 entry.

Undergraduate degree2:1 (or international equivalent) in any discipline, excluding specialist degrees in human resource management and/or organisations

Applying

Spaces on this course are limited and, as such, applications will open in the following windows:

  • 1 September to 30 November 2023
  • 16 February to 26 April 2024

Please note: this is a highly competitive course and there are a limited number of places available. The School reserves the right to close applications when capacity is reached – this may be ahead of the advertised application windows. Early applications are encouraged to avoid disappointment.

If you have not yet completed your undergraduate degree, please provide a list of modules to be studied in your final year.

Our step-by-step guide covers everything you need to know about applying.

How to apply
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Where you will learn

Jubilee Campus

Jubilee Campus has eco-friendly buildings, alongside green spaces, wildlife and a lake. 

This campus is home to our business, education and computer science schools, as well as a sports centre and student accommodation.

You can walk to University Park Campus in around 20 minutes or catch a free hopper bus. Nottingham city centre is 20 minutes away by public bus.

Fees

Qualification MSc
Home / UK £17,300
International £33,800

Additional information for international students

If you are a student from the EU, EEA or Switzerland, you may be asked to complete a fee status questionnaire and your answers will be assessed using guidance issued by the UK Council for International Student Affairs (UKCISA).

These fees are for full-time study. If you are studying part-time, you will be charged a proportion of this fee each year (subject to inflation).

Additional costs

All students will need at least one device to approve security access requests via Multi-Factor Authentication (MFA). We also recommend students have a suitable laptop to work both on and off-campus. For more information, please check the equipment advice.

As a student on this course, you should factor some additional costs into your budget, alongside your tuition fees and living expenses.

You should be able to access most of the books you'll need through our libraries, though you may wish to purchase your own copies or more specific titles.

Funding

Business School MSc scholarships

There are many ways to fund your postgraduate course, from scholarships to government loans.

We also offer a range of international masters scholarships for high-achieving international scholars who can put their Nottingham degree to great use in their careers.

Check our guide to find out more about funding your postgraduate degree.

Postgraduate funding

Careers

Our Business School Postgraduate Careers team provides expert advice, guidance and coaching to support you in your career plans, whether you are aiming to find work in the UK, in your home country or elsewhere.

Ranking 3rd in the UK for graduate support and employment rate*, our expert staff can help you research career options, build your CV, develop your interview skills and meet employers. You’ll have access to vacancy platforms, careers events and work experience opportunities.

Integrated within your MSc, the Accelerated Career Leader Programme is designed to provide you with the tools and skills to kick start your career. Our Global Career Insights Series provides valuable sector insights from alumni and industry experts.

International students who complete an eligible degree programme in the UK on a student visa can apply to stay and work in the UK after their course under the Graduate immigration route. Eligible courses at the University of Nottingham include bachelors, masters and research degrees, and PGCE courses.

When you have graduated, you then have access to our lifelong careers support.

*QS International Trade Ranking 2025

Graduate destinations

Career destinations for our postgraduates include:

  • accountants
  • finance and investment analysts and advisers
  • marketing associate professionals
  • human resources managers
  • management consultants
  • business analysts
  • business development managers
  • financial managers
  • data analysts

Some MSc graduates have gone on to doctoral studies, others have become entrepreneurs. Our Ingenuity Lab has supported a number of our MSc graduates in starting their own company.

Career progression

The average starting salary for postgraduates in the Nottingham University Business School was £38,931.*

* HESA Graduate Outcomes 2022/23.

Chartered Institute of Personnel and Development

This course is accredited by the Chartered Institute of Personnel and Development, offering you full exemption from their advanced diploma.

Two masters graduates proudly holding their certificates
" This programme is incredibly well-structured. It had the right balance of theoretical and practical approach with an ample opportunity for research and healthy discussion on the topics. In addition to that, the course had a very holistic design with adequate emphasis on all aspects of human resources. "
Dua Munawar Memon, MSc Human Resource Management and Organisation

This content was last updated on Friday 05 September 2025. Every effort has been made to ensure that this information is accurate, but changes are likely to occur given the interval between the date of publishing and course start date. It is therefore very important to check this website for any updates before you apply.