The published course and module descriptions were accurate when first published and remain the basis of the course, but the University has had to modify some course and module content in response to government restrictions and social distancing requirements. In the event of changes made to the government advice and social distancing rules by national or local government, the University may need to make further alterations to the published course content. Detailed information on the changes will be sent to every student on confirmation in August to ensure you have all the information before you come to Oxford Brookes.
Human Resource Management
MA or PGDip
Key facts
Start dates
September 2021 / September 2022
Course length
Part time: PG Dip: 20 months, MA: 24 months, MA direct entrants: 12 months
Department
Accreditation(s)
Chartered Institute of Personnel and Development
This course is not available to students classed as International for fees purposes.
Overview
Progress your career and enhance your HR professional practice with our Postgraduate Diploma in Human Resource Management and the MA in Human Resource Management.
You will develop core HR skills and knowledge. As well as the ability to understand and evaluate issues of strategic importance to Human Resource Management (HRM).
These part-time courses use a combination of on-campus and online learning. You will benefit from the flexibility of our virtual learning environment and face-to-face interaction with tutors and classmates.
In Year 2 you can choose to study for the full MA in HRM or opt for the Postgraduate Diploma in HRM. Both lead to Associate membership of the Chartered Institure of Personnel and Development CIPD and there is a full briefing during Year 1 to help you make this choice.
The programme is fully accredited by the CIPD against the Advanced Knowledge Standards. You will gain Associate membership of the CIPD on successful completion of your course.
How to apply
Entry requirements
Specific entry requirements
Applicants are normally graduates with at least one year's experience in a full-time HR role. Non-graduates require at least 3 years' experience in an HR role or a role with significant responsibility for people management.
For Direct entrants for the MA: A Postgraduate Diploma in Human Resource Management from a recognised institution.
Please also see the University's general entry requirements.
English language requirements
If English is not your first language you will need to have the following level of English language competency:
- IELTS minimum 6.0 (with a minimum of 6.0 in reading and writing and 5.5 in listening and speaking).
Please also see the University's standard English language requirements.
Pathways courses for EU students
We offer a range of courses to help you meet the entry requirements for your postgraduate course and also familiarise you with university life in the UK.
Take a Pre-Master's course to develop your subject knowledge, study skills and academic language level in preparation for your master's course.
If you need to improve your English language, we offer pre-sessional English language courses to help you meet the English language requirements of your chosen master’s course.
Terms and Conditions of Enrolment
When you accept our offer, you agree to the Terms and Conditions of Enrolment. You should therefore read those conditions before accepting the offer.
Application process
Tuition fees
Questions about fees?
Contact Student Finance on:
Tuition fees
Fees quoted are for the first year only. If you are studying a course that lasts longer than one year your fees will increase each year.
Financial support and scholarships
Additional costs
Please be aware that some courses will involve some additional costs that are not covered by your fees. Specific additional costs for this course, if any, are detailed below.
We offer an International Business in Practice Study Trip module. This study trip is voluntary and all costs associated with the trip will need to be funded by you.
The destination varies from year to year, so it is not possible to give a precise cost. As an example, the fee for the Boston USA field trip in July 2019 was £1580 and included: accommodation for 7 nights in the Boston area, insurance, company visits (e.g. Facebook, Dunkin Brands, Trip Advisor, Microsoft, Bank of America), group transportation for all activities and some of the meals. This fee did not include international airfare, visa application fee (if relevant), dinners and activities during your free time.
Learning and assessment
These courses will provide you with the knowledge, understanding and skills required for the challenging role of a human resource professional. Both are practice-based and academically rigorous.
The MA stage is a research-based programme that has been developed to help you progress to management roles or consultancy. Combining theory and practice, it gives you the opportunity to gain specific insights into organisational design. Then to focus on an area of HR that is of specific interest.

Study modules
The modules listed below are for the master's award. For the PGDip award your module choices may be different. Please contact us for more details.
Please note: As our courses are reviewed regularly as part of our quality assurance framework, the modules you can choose from may vary from that shown here. The structure of the course may also mean some modules are not available to you.
Learning and teaching
You will be provided with:
- highly structured, user-friendly written lecture and course materials
- audio and video podcast materials recorded by course tutors
- virtual tutorials, including in real time
- discussion forums - student and tutor led.
Our teaching staff are from our Department of Business and Management within the Business School. You will also learn from visiting speakers from business and industry, local government, consultancies and research bodies.
You'll develop the following skills in more intensive workshops:
- team building and problem solving
- people management - such as interviewing, negotiating, managing disciplinaries and grievances
- leadership and influencing
- data handling and presentation skills, using IT applications.
Field trips
The International Business in Practice Study Trip module allows you to experience ideas and practices of global business. During the trip you will have direct interaction with management executives and practices. You will: attend presentations from local management executives and experts go on site visits to major corporations and agencies. This study trip is voluntary and you will need to fund all costs associated with the trip. It is not linked to university assessments in any way.
We also run a study trip to Chengdu, China. If you choose the study trip (which runs in July), we will give you all the details by March so that you can make your decisions ahead of the trip in July.
If you successfully complete this non-credit bearing module, it will be recorded on your transcript as P58335 International Business in Practice: Study Trip.
Assessment
Assessment methods used on this course
We use a range of assessment methods, including:
- individual assignments
- group work
- presentations
- examinations
- portfolio, to demonstrate continuing professional development
- individual research reports.
Peer and self-assessment will be included in some assessments.
Research
There are two research clusters in the International Centre for Coaching and Mentoring Studies and the Centre for Diversity Policy Research and Practice which relate to this subject:

After you graduate
Career prospects
You will develop practical knowledge, expertise and valuable insights from visiting HR professionals and specialists from a wide range of industries who run workshops and deliver lectures.
This programme is an excellent way of providing you with a springboard for progress in your career in HR. The programme enjoys a high completion rate and is supported by a tutorial team comprising research active and experienced HR practitioners.
Through workshops and group working you develop your team working skills and build long-lasting networks, enabling you to share your experiences as you progress in your career.
Our Staff
Dr Andrea Bernardi
My main research contributions relate to the co-operative sector, including Chinese co-operatives. I also work on employment relations and inequality and I have further interests in the study of time, the past, and history in management and organizational studies.
Read more about AndreaBirgit den Outer
Brigit supervises MA dissertation students studying Human Resource Management and teaches Understanding and Researching Organisations and Work, Employment, and Globalisation.
Read more about BirgitProgramme Changes: On rare occasions we may need to make changes to our course programmes after they have been published on the website.
For more information, please visit our Changes to programmes page.