University of Leicester

MSc Human Resource Management and Training

At A Glance

Course Title

MSc Human Resource Management and Training

Course Type

Full Degree

Course Level

Postgraduate

Study Method

Distance Learning

Start Date

February / June / October

Course Duration

24 months

Awarded & Delivered By

University of Leicester
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Course Description

The MSc Human Resource Management and Training degree provides an insight into human resource management and training within the context of organisations at a national and international level. You will study the way in which employee and organisational development are closely related to HR topics such as recruitment, performance appraisal, teamwork and motivation.
The degree will equip you with the professional knowledge and skills to engage critically with theories and practices around training and learning in the workplace and the role of the human resources practitioner. You will develop a critical understanding of the issues and problems associated with implementing practices aimed at enhancing employee performance and organisational competitiveness. You will also develop your practical transferable skills which are invaluable in the workplace, such as oral and written presentations, problem solving, team-working, self-appraisal, and independence in the planning and management of your learning.
The course has been designed to meet your needs if you are either a newly-qualified graduate or an experienced professional looking to enhance your career prospects.

Course Content

This module introduces students to the concept of learning and explores key theoretical debates in the field. It moves on to examine the implications of different approaches to learning for employee development and HRD practice by analysing, through specific examples, their impact at individual and organisational levels.

On completion of this module students will be able to:

  • Understand and critique theories of learning and the ways in which they can be applied to employee development
  • Analyse and critique theories of workplace and work-related learning
  • Reflect on the role of the training and HR practitioner

This module provides an understanding of the organisational context within which HRM and training operate, and the constraints that act on those responsible for their implementation. It explores organisational theory and looks at the implications for the trainer and for those in management development. Finally, it considers the contribution that HRM makes to an organisation.

On completion of this module students will be able to:

  • Situate the study of HRM within the context of the employment relationship
  • Better understand HRM within the context of organisational theory and of the ways in which organisations change and evolve
  • Critically examine contemporary theories of HRM
  • Understand current trends in labour management in the light of current HR theory

This module introduces the process of social science research and the fundamental debates pertaining to the philosophy of social science. The module also provides research methods training in a range of techniques that students will be able to apply as they move on to the dissertation stage of the programme.

On completion of this module students will have:

  • An understanding of the practical, ethical and theoretical processes underpinning social science research
  • The ability to select appropriate research methods
  • An understanding of the issues relating to the design, construction, implementation and analysis of quantitative and qualitative research

The dissertation provides students with the opportunity to examine a topic of their choice that is relevant to the course. The dissertation should combine a literature review with empirical research and students will be allocated a supervisor who can advise them during the process. In designing, conduction and writing up the research, students will develop core social research and project management skills.

On completion students will be able to:

  • Formulate a research problem and design a research study
  • Identify and use appropriate research methods
  • Report research results and present conclusions

In additional to the core modules above, choose one option modules from:

  • Changing Nature of Skills, Production, Performance and Competitiveness
  • Implementing Improvements in Organisational Performance
  • The Global Context of Human Resource Development and Human Resource Management

Study Method

The MSc Human Resource Management and Training degree is studied 100% online through the University of Leicester distance learning platform. As a distance learning student you will receive support throughout the course from a group of dedicated academic mentors and module tutors. You will use module study books – available in hard copy and electronically – and Blackboard, our virtual learning environment. This will give you online access to materials to support each module, discussion forums hosted by module tutors and chat rooms where you can network with fellow students.
As a distance learning student, you will have access to the University Library’s electronic service, the Leicester Digital Library, which includes a large number of e-journals and e-books.
You will be assessed at the end of each module by written assignment which is usually between 3,000 to 4,000 words. Your final piece of work, the dissertation, is 16,000-20,000 words.

Course Fees

Please get in touch with us to get the most up-to-date course fee for this programme.

Entry Requirements

  • A first- or second-class honours degree or equivalent in a relevant field
  • Or an approved professional qualification coupled with three years or more suitable professional experience
If you do not hold a relevant qualification but have three or more years of substantial work experience in finance then you can be considered for the course based on providing a copy of your CV and a personal statement of 500-1,000 words detailing your suitability and relevant work experience.
IELTS 6.5 or equivalent. If your first language is not English, you may need to provide evidence of your English language ability.

Enrol Now

This degree programme has intakes in February, June & October. Click the Enrol Now button and share your information so that one of our Academic Advisors will get in touch with you promptly.

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