Postgraduate Taught

Keele University is a main provider of Human Resource Management and Industrial Relations courses and research in the UK, with over 250 full-time undergraduates and over 100 part-time and full-time postgraduates.

Students come from a wide range of backgrounds and disciplines, and from Europe, Africa, and the Far East, as well as the UK. We also have a number of full-time and part-time doctoral students. The School is active in research and publication, with an emphasis on contributions useful to practitioners. Research interests and publications include globalisation, migration, international HRM and industrial relations.

The MA programme in Human Resource Management provides a thorough understanding of the employment relationship and an excellent grounding in the theory and practice of HRM, labour management and industrial relations. It locates these in an historically informed treatment of the whole subject area. It examines key institutions, problems and issues in contemporary HRM and industrial relations including the rights and interests of employees as well as the formation and impact of public policy. The main focus is on the UK, but this is set within a broader international perspective, enabling an assessment of contrasting systems of employment relations and an evaluation of a range of crucial issues on a European and global scale.

Major course aims:

• To provide academically rigorous education in Human Resource Management, industrial relations and associated disciplines
• To develop the analytical skills of students
• To develop a critical approach to HRM literature, issues and practice
• To prepare students for further study or career progression

Applicants are normally required to hold at least a second-class honours degree (2.1 or 2.2) or overseas equivalent.

Students who have appropriate professional qualifications or relevant work experience may also be considered.

Applicants whose first language is not English will be required to show competency in English (IELTS 6.5 or equivalent).

For overseas students who do not meet all direct entry requirements, we offer the opportunity to take an intensive Business Pre-Masters programme leading to the MSc

In order to obtain a Masters degree, students must obtain 180 credits, of which 120 credits are from taught modules and 60 credits from the dissertation. Students who successfully complete only the taught modules will be awarded a Postgraduate Diploma. All modules are compulsory, and are at Level 4 (Masters Level).
Taught modules (total 130 credits)

• Understanding and researching the employment relationship (10 credits)
• Foundations of the employment relationship (20 credits)
• Employers and the management of labour (20 credits)
• Managing employee resources (20 credits)
• Managing employee relations (20 credits)
• Pay determination (20 credits)
• Employee development and training (20 credits)

Dissertation (60 credits)
The dissertation is 15,000 words. Where applicable, students are encouraged to undertake research connected with current or previous HRM experience. Students are required to produce a written research proposal, material is supplied on research methods, and all students are allocated a supervisor.

Understanding and researching the employment relationship both introduces students to their programme of study and provides a preparation for the dissertation. It is assessed on the basis of a 1,500word essay, and must be passed in order to obtain the 10 credits and before proceeding to the dissertation.

All other modules are assessed by a 3,000-word essay, and the pass mark for each module is 50%

Support

Teaching is delivered through lectures supported by tutorials. Each student is allocated a tutor whose role is to work with the student to explain key themes, develop study and writing skills and provide advice on assessments.