Human Resource Management Master's Degree - MSc/PgD/PgC

The Masters in Human Resource Management (HRM) critically explores the theoretical and practical implications of delivering HRM at a strategic and operational level in organisations. In this way, the latest business concepts and theories are applied to 'real world' settings.

The programme modules involve participants engaging with the key debates and themes that reflect contemporary issues faced by organisations. They further critically examine the implications for HRM strategies and policies, line managers, employees and the HRM professional.

The programme comprises three stages with a range of compulsory taught modules (120 credits), an option module and a final Research Dissertation (60 credits). The MSc will be awarded on successful completion of 180 credits. The details of the modules are as follows:

Semester 1 modules:​
Postgraduate Certificate = Completion leads to 60 credits:

• Contemporary Issues in People Management(20 credits)​*
• Change, Leadership and Professional Development(20 credits)*
• Resourcing and Talent Management(20 credits)*

Semester 2 modules:
Postgraduate Diploma = Completion of Postgraduate Certificate, plus an additional 60 credits:

• Contemporary Employee Relations (20 credits)*
• Developing and Rewarding People(20 credits)*
• Research Skills and Analytics(20 credits)*

Dissertation Stage:
Masters = Completion of Postgraduate Certificate & Diploma stages plus an additional 60 credits:

• Masters Dissertation (60 credits)*.

​*These modules must be completed and passed to satisfy the CIPD requirements.

Course Delivery

A student-centred approach to learning and teaching is encouraged through the use of specific teaching strategies; case studies; practical exercises, supplemented by the use of appropriate support materials. Active engagement with the subject material enhances learning and many of the learning strategies used attempt to promote this. 

Lectures will normally form part of all of the compulsory modules. In the current pandemic, apart from delivering online live lectures, module tutors record mini lectures on a weekly basis in which an overview of the subject areas, associated concepts and theories and/or main arguments, and practical examples will be provided. 

Central to the Programme will be seminars as these provide an opportunity to either employ case studies utilising for example, individual and group exercises designed to apply theory to real-life problems or to carry out informal discussions, intended to enhance critical understanding of theory. Students will attend face to face seminars in a Covid-19 safe classroom. 

Where appropriate, online workshops are created and organised to encourage students to reflect on and share their understanding of materials, programmed learning and work-based issues arising from participation in the programme. These workshops form part of the guided learning hours, managed and led by the students themselves and facilitated by core teaching staff. 

Contact Hours 

Each taught module consists of 200 hours of which 100 will be guided learning hours. Students will receive 48 hours lecturer/student direct contact per module. Each module will be organised as a weekly taught session across each Semester with modules in parallel. There will be a further 52 hours of guided study hours (through, for example, preparation for seminars, lectures, Microsoft Teams discussion). The remaining 100 hours consists of “student centred learning” although the programme team is well aware that such learning needs to be directed and reviewed to ensure a successful learning experience. The research skills module will inform research skills particularly for the final dissertation.

Support 

There is extensive support made available to students. The primary basis of student support is to be provided by the Programme Director and the associated administrative resource. In addition support will be provided by: 

• The school-wide student mentoring scheme. – This provides a point of regular and personal contact for all students studying with CSM.
• An induction programme.
• Programme handbook and module guides.
• The Moodle Virtual Learning.
• Library and study skills packages.
• Library and learning resources of Cardiff University (by arrangement).
• A 24-hour open access IT facility on the Cyncoed and Llandaff campuses. 
• Unlimited worldwide web access.
• The Personal Tutoring team which is dedicated to supporting all students at Cardiff School of Management in their personal, academic and professional development.

Technology and Facilities

Use of the Cardiff Metropolitan University Virtual Learning Environment is a key part of the learning and teaching strategy. All modules will be supported by Moodle and Teams and through these virtual learning mediums, you will be provided with a wide range of learning material and study guidance. Specifically, Teams is the platform on which module leaders arrange live sessions and discussions and on which the Programme Director (PD) holds one to one meeting with a student and deal with Q&As. Moodle provides students with access to all the programme and module information including module handbooks, lecture recordings and seminar materials, relevant links to external sites and assessment materials and guidance.

A range of assessment methods are used.

Modules are assessed using a variety of assessment methods, for example, coursework (includes assignments, reports, presentations and reflective journal) and examinations and a research dissertation. The exact assessment methods employed will vary between modules.

Assessments are designed to encourage students to apply knowledge, understanding and skills to specific organisational/HR issues and problems; to encourage enquiry-based learning, to approach problems in a systematic way, and to promote critical reflection.

The teaching team is committed to providing timely and appropriate feedback to students on their academic progress and achievement, thereby enabling students to reflect on their progress and plan their academic and skills development effectively. Feedback, and acting on feedback, is therefore part of the active learning process throughout a student's course of study. Methods of feedback will vary according to assessment type, discipline, level of study and the needs of the individual student.

The knowledge and skills gained from undertaking this Masters programme, coupled with the ‘Associate’ membership of the CIPD, provides a strong foundation for entry into, or enhancement of, a career in HRM.

The MSc HRM is also a valuable qualification to equip students for other managerial and leadership roles in organisations which value strong people management.

The Career Services at Cardiff Met can help students find a job, work placement or internship, and guide students through the application process by offering one-to-one appointments, events at CSM and inviting employers onto campus for a range of fairs, forums and presentations.

All students should hold a relevant first degree or equivalent, at Lower Second class (2:2) or above, that will need to be evidenced and verified and for which references will be sought. Whilst experience is not essential it is desirable.

International Applicants

Students whose first language is not English will need to provide evidence of fluency to at least an IELTS 6.0 standard or equivalent. For full details about how to apply and English Language qualifications please visit the International pages on the website.

Selection Procedure

Selection for this course is through an application form and where necessary an interview.

How to Apply

Applications for this course should be made direct to the university via our self-service application system.

A minimum of one reference to be provided with your application.

For further information please visit our How to Apply pages at www.cardiffmet.ac.uk/howtoapply.

If you are interested in using credit from another institution, or have obtained qualifications and/or experience to study for a course at Cardiff Met, you can find further information on this as well as information on how to apply on the RPL page.

For general enquiries please contact the Admissions Team on 029 2041 6044 or email askadmissions@cardiffmet.ac.uk.

For course specific enquiries, please contact the programme leader, Dr Xiaoni Ren:
Email: xren@cardiffmet.ac.uk
Telephone: 029 2020 5871