Human Resource Management MA

Effective recruitment, development and retention of people is crucial for maximising business success. Master the fundamental skills needed to become a successful people-focused management professional on our Human Resource Management MA. You’ll gain in-depth academic knowledge alongside its practical application, benefit from industry engagement, and build the expertise to motivate and manage staff, anticipate and navigate reactions to change, and positively shape organisational strategy.

Why choose this course?


• Professional development and practical industry engagement opportunities



• Fully integrates sustainability and ethical business practices



• Designed for individuals from diverse academic and professional backgrounds, including those new to the field of human resource management



• Hear from industry practitioners which have previously included a representative from the Advisory, Conciliation and Arbitration Service (ACAS)



Businesses recognise that human resource management (HRM) is pivotal in driving employee engagement and attracting top talent. With our MA programme you’ll gain a robust foundation in theory and practice, preparing you to achieve success in roles such as HR manager, talent development specialist or employee relations consultant.

Aligned with the Chartered Institute of Personnel and Development (CIPD) standards, our programme establishes a solid foundation in HR theories, practices, and professional skills. You’ll study core themes such as employment relationships, contemporary issues in the sector, and the external factors shaping HRM. You’ll analyse the management of geographically dispersed teams, examine the role of culture in international HRM, and explore the employee lifecycle framework, focusing on talent management, performance, retention, remote working, and work-life balance. Essential leadership and professional skills will be developed, identifying different leadership styles.

Central to this programme is a strong focus on advancing your professional development and providing practical industry engagement opportunities, strategically enhancing your employability. You’ll connect with experienced professionals, gain insights into the latest trends in your chosen field and have the opportunity to work directly with an organisation to develop solutions for a current business issue, gaining valuable real-world skills.

Our programme provides the flexibility to align your studies to your career aspirations through a core Professional Project. You can choose to undertake a research project, consultancy project, or a strategic business proposal.

About Keele

Keele University was established in 1949 by the former Vice-Chancellor of Oxford University. Founded to meet the needs of a changing world, Keele has always had a pioneering vision to be a different kind of university.

We excel in both teaching and research, with some of the most satisfied students in England, and research that is changing lives for the better at a regional, national and global level.

Our beautiful 600-acre campus is one of the biggest in Britain – but all the most important services and facilities are on your doorstep, with accommodation, teaching spaces, facilities including a medical centre, sports centre and pharmacy, and a range of shops, eateries and entertainment venues – including the Students’ Union – clustered around the centre.