The MSc Human Resource Management prepares students in the management of human resources in the global context. It is suitable for those in the field who need to develop their skills and abilities to meet the needs of today's rapidly changing organisations.

This course aims to produce practitioners capable of: 

• Demonstrating competence in a wide range of generic and specific professional skills (e.g. business understanding, strategic thinking, professional and ethical behaviour, analytical and intuitive/creative thinking, communication and interpersonal skills).
• Making an immediate and effective contribution to the HR function in helping to attract, retain and develop people needed for organisational success;
• Understanding how and why HR should contribute to the strategic development of the organisation and in how to influence change within their own business employment
• Conducting a major piece of advanced independent work in an area of human resource management at the strategic level.

The MSc Human Resource Management course is highly regarded by the HR community within the North of Scotland and has the continuing support of the North of Scotland and Islands Branch of the Institute. It has been fully accredited by the Chartered Institute of Personnel Development since 1980 and since 2005 for online delivery. 

The course was redesigned for delivery from September 2011 and was re-accredited by CIPD in May 2011. This accreditation enables the course to provide a gateway to membership of the CIPD, which is highly valued and widely accepted as a requirement of practice by employers throughout the UK and increasingly abroad.

Students who successfully complete either the PgDip (online and part-time students) OR MSc (all modes of study) can apply for professional grade Membership in the CIPD. All students are required to join the CIPD as a student member within one month of commencing their course. (Please note that this fee is NOT included as part of the course fee).

The course is currently being redesigned, therefore there may be minor modifications to this structure.

Stage 1

• Leading, Managing and Developing People
• Personal and Research Skills for Human Resource Management
• Compensation and Benefits
• Resourcing and Talent Management

Exit Award: PgCert Human Resource Management

Stage 2

• Lifelong Learning and Development
• Employee Relations
• Managing Human Resources in a Business Context

Plus one module from the following:

• Human Resource Management Masters Project
• Personal and Professional Development

Exit Award: PgDiploma Human Resource Management

Stage 3

• Human Resource Management Dissertation

Award: MSc Human Resource Management

A good honours degree in a relevant subject. Applicants with a degree or degree equivalent qualification and relevant work experience at a suitable level within an organisation for an appropriate length of time may be considered, as may qualifications from an approved professional body.

All applications must be accompanied by a Personal Assessment Form. This is a supplementary part of the selection process.

All international students, for whom English is not their first language, must provide evidence of linguistic ability, by gaining either IELTS 6.5 or its equivalent in TOEFL prior to receiving an unconditional offer of a place on the course.

English Language Requirements

The Postgraduate Diploma has been accredited by the Chartered Institute of Personnel and Development (CIPD), the UK's professional body for personnel and development specialists, since 1980. The course was successfully re-accredited in May 2011.

This course is currently delivered in full-time, part-time and online modes. Since June 2005 it has been CIPD accredited for online delivery via the University's Virtual Campus.

Students who attain the MSc will become Associate Members of the CIPD.

Postgraduate Students' Allowances Scheme (PSAS) Funding

The university seeks funding from The Student Awards Agency for Scotland (SAAS) each year for a range of postgraduate courses, including this course. Find out more from SAAS  (Please note that only full-time students eligible for Home fee status are eligible for funding.)

All course fees are reviewed annually and subject to change.

All students can apply online by visiting Apply Online.

If you have any queries, please contact our Admissions Office: 

• Email PGOffice@rgu.ac.uk

If you are an International Student and would like further information and application advice:

• Complete our International Enquiries form
• Call 0044 1224 262726
• Email international@rgu.ac.uk