About the course
This part-time top-up course allows you to build on your previous diploma-level learning while developing advanced research skills and gaining a Master’s qualification in nine months.
As a qualified HR professional already holding a CIPD-accredited postgraduate diploma in Human Resource Management, on this MSc top-up course you learn how to undertake research in HRM and write a dissertation that can persuade key stakeholders to change or adopt a particular policy and practice.
You investigate a real HR issue that has relevance to your organisation and demonstrates that your methodologies are valid and robust, adding value to your organisation.
Why choose this course?
- Learn from tutors who have close relationships with the CIPD and expertise gained from industry experience, together with strong research in key areas including diversity management; international HRM; and talent and reward management
- Collaborate with other HR practitioners from a wide range of local, national and international organisations, and attend networking events provided by the local CIPD branch
- Explore and exploit HR metrics and analytics for competitive advantage, allowing you to demonstrate strategic expertise and critical awareness of HRM issues and solutions from a collaborative and business perspective
Units
- Dissertation (SHR035-6) Compulsory
- Research Methods (SHR020-6) Compulsory
The course aims to achieve a balance between the assessment of academic understanding and evaluation, and the assessment of research competences and skills that are valuable in undertaking research in organisations. Your learning development will be supported through a variety of summative and formative assessments. For example, summatively, there will be an early presentation of your project plan to ensure you are on the right track as well as a later written submission of a considered research proposal; a presentation of your literature chapter mid-way through the dissertation as well as the final submission of the dissertation. You will also be expected to write a reflective and critical account of what has been learned during the project. Formative assessment will come through verbal feedback from both tutors and your peers on: in-class presentations, coursework activities, assignments as well as through dissertation supervision. HRM students and employers will be invited to your presentation and defence of your poster as well as your presentation of research findings after your dissertation is submitted. In this way you will develop your public speaking skills and learn how to mount a strong defence to your research work.
Entry Requirements
Applicants should have an undergraduate degree at 2:2 or above.
The ÌìÃÀ´«Ã½ warmly welcomes students from all over the world.
Individual courses may vary, but we generally require an undergraduate degree at 2:2 or above.Ìý
To ensure a smooth application process, we have dedicated pages with detailed information about country-specific requirements. You can find information on our generic entry requirements too, if your county is not listed.
English Language
The English Language requirement for this course is 6.0 (with a minimum of 5.5 in any subtest) in IELTS, or an equivalent SELT. Have a look at our webpage for a list of English language qualifications we accept. If you do not have the required level of English for your chosen degree, we offer pre-sessional courses to enhance your language skills before commencing your studies.
We are committed to supporting you every step of the way, so please do not hesitate to reach out to our international admissions team for further assistance. We look forward to welcoming you to our vibrant academic community.
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Entry Requirements
Applicants should have an undergraduate degree at 2:2 or above.
The ÌìÃÀ´«Ã½ warmly welcomes students from all over the world.
Individual courses may vary, but we generally require an undergraduate degree at 2:2 or above.Ìý
To ensure a smooth application process, we have dedicated pages with detailed information about country-specific requirements. You can find information on our generic entry requirements too, if your county is not listed.
English Language
The English Language requirement for this course is 6.0 (with a minimum of 5.5 in any subtest) in IELTS, or an equivalent SELT. Have a look at our webpage for a list of English language qualifications we accept. If you do not have the required level of English for your chosen degree, we offer pre-sessional courses to enhance your language skills before commencing your studies.
We are committed to supporting you every step of the way, so please do not hesitate to reach out to our international admissions team for further assistance. We look forward to welcoming you to our vibrant academic community.
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How will this course improve my career prospects?
You gain a full Master's degree, and graduate with a deeper knowledge and understanding of your chosen research topic as well as solid research and communication skills preparing you for a range of senior strategic and expert HR roles, such as strategic architect; HR research specialist; director; consultant; or consultancy roles within organisations concerned with public policy matters.
Fees and funding
The full-time standard fee for a taught Master's degree for the Academic Year 2025/26 is £10,000 per year. You can apply for a loan from the Government to help pay for your tuition fees and living costs. Visit
Alternatively if you have any questions around fees and funding, please email admission@beds.ac.uk
The full-time standard fee for a taught Master's degree for the Academic Year 2025/26 is £16,900
If you have any questions around fees and funding, please email international@beds.ac.uk
Fees and funding
The full-time standard fee for a taught Master's degree for the Academic Year 2025/26 is £10,000 per year. You can apply for a loan from the Government to help pay for your tuition fees and living costs. Visit
Alternatively if you have any questions around fees and funding, please email admission@beds.ac.uk
The full-time standard fee for a taught Master's degree for the Academic Year 2025/26 is £16,900
If you have any questions around fees and funding, please email international@beds.ac.uk
Extra Costs
The Business School facilities
We believe that our estate impacts how our students learn and engage. To support this belief we have invested heavily in our facilities to shape the physical and intellectual environment of learning.
Business Pods
Our specially created teaching spaces are designed like modern offices rather than a traditional classroom, including brain storming and boardroom areas, an IT suite and a social area.
Moot Court
Our Moot Court was opened in October 2009 after extensive refurbishment work and the installation of the latest electronic equipment. Reserved exclusively for use by law staff and students, the room routinely hosts lectures and seminars, and is designed to enable communication and group work in class.
Reuters Finance Room
The Thomson Reuters Eikon facility provides trading information for all listed companies around the world. It gathers the essential news, data, analytics, commentary and insights in one place.
Here we use it in making case studies on companies and for building students' portfolio of investment.
Luton Campus Library
The modern library at the Luton campus has everything you would expect from a world-class university – and more.
Opened in summer 2016, its seven storeys building is a landmark for the Luton campus, offering students silent-study rooms, group-work areas, presentation-practice rooms and a café.
How to Apply
UK students applying for most postgraduate degrees at the ÌìÃÀ´«Ã½ should apply direct using our admissions form
You can apply online using our .Ìý
Find out more about how to apply as an International student
How to Apply
UK students applying for most postgraduate degrees at the ÌìÃÀ´«Ã½ should apply direct using our admissions form
You can apply online using our .Ìý
Find out more about how to apply as an International student
