About this course
- Entry year: 2012/13
- Course code: N630M2
- Applications: University
- Level: Postgraduate
- Department: Bristol Business School
- Campus: Frenchay
- Duration:
The full and part-time routes both commence in September.
Full-time
A minimum 12 months for the MA; nine months for the Postgraduate Diploma.
Part-time
The part time programme starts in September and involves two years of study for the PG Diploma and three years for the Masters. Attendance is one afternoon and evening per week between 13.30 and 20.00, with occasional full day or block release sessions.
- Delivery: Part-time, full-time
- Study Abroad: No
- Programme leader: Full time: Dr Sue Durbin / Part time: Jane Moore
Introduction
The importance of effective and professional human resource management is increasingly recognised by organisations. The UWE MA HRM aims to develop skilled and capable HR professionals who can make a real contribution to business success. The programme provides the underpinning skill and knowledge required by professionals within this discipline as well as a broader understanding of the context within which HRM takes place.
You can choose to study this course full or part-time. It is suitable for those at the start of a career in HRM or for those already working within the field who wish to obtain professional qualification.
The course is approved at advanced level by the Chartered Institute of Personnel and Development (CIPD) and meets the new requirements for professional development. CIPD membership is increasingly becoming a prerequisite for career progression within the profession. UWE has been a CIPD Centre of Research Excellence and has considerable experience of delivering high quality CIPD programmes. The course leads to Graduate membership of the CIPD and, on completion of either the PG Diploma or the MA in HRM; you will also have fully met the knowledge requirements for Chartered Membership of the CIPD.
Find out more about studying Human Resource Management at UWE.
Student's view
"The MA HRM gave me both theoretical knowledge and practical experience."
Tramaine, MA Human Resource Management
Read more student views on this course.
Structure
Content
Postgraduate Diploma
The flexible structure of the course allows you to study on a full or part time route to Postgraduate Diploma or Masters level. To gain the Postgraduate Diploma, you must complete the four core modules, four of six elective modules and a Management Research Report. For the Masters qualification, you will have to complete a dissertation instead of the Management Research Report.
Core modules:
The first stage of the programme is designed to provide an introduction to the theory, practice and context for human resource management and consists of the following modules:
Managing People in Organisations
This module explores the contribution of people to organisational success in a range of contexts. Topics include high performance work practices, motivation, leadership, understanding individual differences, organisational change and culture.
Human Resource Management in a Strategic Context
This module considers three areas of influence on the practice of HRM; the external context, including legal, social and labour market issues; the internal context, including roles and organisation of the HR function and its contribution, and the strategic context.
Human Resource Management
This module develops knowledge of the main theories underpinning HRM and its links to organisational strategy. It introduces the core disciplines of development, resourcing, employee relations and reward and considers how they are integrated.
Applied Human Resource Management and Business Skills
This module helps develop professional competency in a range of general management and HRM specific skills which underpin successful management practice and effective leadership. Skills developed in the module include interpersonal skills, interviewing, delivering training and understanding finance.
The Electives Modules:
You'll also be able to choose four elective modules which provide the opportunity to develop more specialist interests. Electives currently offered include:
Resourcing and Talent Management
This module explores the contribution that resourcing and talent management activities can make to organisational success and includes topics such as identifying and developing talent, managing turnover and retention, downsizing and rebuilding human capital, wellness at work.
Performance Management
The module aims to develop insight into the theoretical issues and concepts surrounding performance management, and an understanding of the practices which contribute to improving the performance of individuals, teams and the organisation.
Managing Reward
The module considers the strategic role of reward processes in developing organisational change programmes, and promoting flexibility and innovation. Topics include different approaches to rewarding performance, equal pay and gender issues, the case of 'special groups', and the role of international reward.
Employment Law
This module enhances your knowledge of employment law in the UK and enables you to make constructive contributions to the achievement of compliance with relevant legislation in the workplace. The module includes a mock employment tribunal.
Employee Relations
This module develops the knowledge and understanding of employee relations required by personnel/ HR practitioners. You will learn about the implications of the internationalisation of employee relations policies and European Union membership on employee relations policies, issues and practices.
Management and Career Development
This module considers both employees’ needs and organisational systems for management and career development. Topics include competency approaches, management development, career management and a practical exercise involving the design and running of a development centre.
The Management Research Report or Dissertation:
For the final phase of the programme you can choose between a Management Research Report, which leads to a postgraduate Diploma, or a Dissertation, which leads to a Masters qualification. The research project is designed to develop your applied understanding and research skills and to be of real value to the host organisation.
Full-time students:
For full time students this stage is based upon the organisational placement, five weeks for the PG Diploma and ten weeks for the Masters. Examples of previous placement organisations include:
- Balfour Beatty
- Babcock International group plc
- Bond Pearce
Part-time students:
For part-time students this is typically based on their own organisation.
Teaching and learning
A variety of teaching methods are employed on the programme. You will learn through a combination of tutor-led and student-led activities including small group work, group presentations and discussion; student-led seminars, case studies and role plays. Practical skill development is an integral part of the programme and a number of skills workshops are included in the course. Staff teaching on the programme have a mix of academic and practitioner backgrounds.
Assessment
A range of different forms of assessment are used throughout the programme including written assignments, tests, exams, reflective log, presentations and group exercises. Assessment of skills and competence also forms part of the overall assessment strategy.
Full-time attendance
If you opt for the full-time course, you'll attend the Business School for one year from September if you wish to gain the Masters. Attendance typically involves four days per week.
Part-time attendance
The part time programme starts in September and involves two years of study for the PG Diploma and three years for the Masters. Attendance is one afternoon and evening per week between 13.30 and 20.00, with occasional full day or block release sessions.
Special Features
Professional accreditation
CIPD Membership
On completion of the programme you will be eligible for graduate membership of the Chartered Institute of Personnel and Development (CIPD), the UK professional body for HR professionals. For further information on membership and professional development contact the Chartered Institute of Personnel and Development.
Skill Development
The MA HRM programme incorporates a wide range of skill development activities to equip students with the practical skills needed in the workplace. This starts with a two day workshop early in the programme focusing on interpersonal skill development, followed by a number of workshops throughout the course where students work on areas of skill development (e.g. interviewing, delivering training) in small groups with a tutor and receive a high level of peer and tutor feedback.
Placement
As a full-time student, you will get the opportunity to complete a work placement in an organisation. This will give you valuable insight into how a HR department works. Examples of previous placement organisations include:
- Balfour Beatty
- Babcock International group plc
- Bond Pearce
Further Development and Networking Opportunities
As a student at Bristol Business School, you will have the unique opportunity to join the Business School's HR Community and participate in a wide range of seminars, talks and networking events. One example is the opportunity to hear about the challenges, issues and decisions being made at the highest level of strategic leadership through our Distinguished Executive Address series.
Careers/further study
Professional qualification is increasingly required for both entry level and more senior HRM roles. The combination of academic knowledge and understanding and practical skill development provided by the UWE MA HRM provides a strong foundation for a career within the profession.
Opportunities exist for qualified HR professionals in a wide range of organisations and sectors. Previous students from the programme have obtained jobs as an HR Advisor at Orange, HR Manager for ClearSpeed Technology PLC and HR Generalistat Northcroft (Construction Consultants).
Entry
Entry requirements
You'll need:
- an honours degree (minimum 2:2) from a recognised Higher Education institution or equivalent from a recognised overseas institution
- to be able to demonstrate an interest in HRM.
If English is not your first language, you will be required to meet the UK Border Agency and Universities minimum English Language requirements, such as:
- the International English Language Test (IELTS) 6.5 overall with a minimum of 5.5 in all components
Further details of our English Language requirements can be found here.
Part-time applicants - you would normally be expected to be working within an HR or similar environment
If you do not have a degree
If you do not have a first degree, you may still be able to take the course but you will need to complete a written assessment exercise.
Applicants who meet the programme entry criteria may be invited to attend a briefing session before being accepted. This session will give you comprehensive information on the programme; the level of commitment involved and provide you with the opportunity to ask questions about the programme.
Fees
Information on fees is available on the Business School website.
How to apply
You can apply for this course online or download an application by clicking on the link in the 'next steps' red box which is on the top right hand corner of this page.
Deadline for application:
The deadline for applying for this course is three weeks before the start date.
For further information
Page last updated 14 December 2011