Overview

Course overview

This new and improved HR course will shape the next generation of HR professionals, practitioners and line managers.

  • Become a highly skilled and knowledgeable specialist who can strategically and practically contribute to people management leadership, organisational decision-making and performance within the UK and internationally.
  • Graduates will be prepared to influence how employees are valued and treated within organisations, upholding the principles of fairness, dignity at work and social responsibility; core values championed by the University of Manchester.
  • Students can take the international pathway to鈥痙eepen their insights into how different economic, institutional and production systems can shape Employment Relations and HRM practices across the globe.
  • This Chartered Institute of Personnel and Development (CIPD) accredited course, at a triple-accredited and top UK business school,鈥痺ill provide you with the essential knowledge, skills and expertise for your future career journey.

Open days

Alliance 91直播 Business School and the university both hold regular events throughout the year, including webinars, information sessions and the annual on-campus Master鈥檚 Expo. All of which offer the opportunity to find out more about our facilities and courses from our academic and admissions staff.

This year sign up for webinars as part of our 鈥� Original Thinking for the Next Generation 鈥� Webinar series, exclusively at Alliance 91直播 Business School. Join a鈥痺ebinar鈥痶o hear from academics and employers about the skills students gain, how they are applied in the workplace, and where they could take you next. Sign up for a webinar here.

We also attend鈥痑 number of鈥痚ducation fairs both in the UK and overseas throughout the year. For more details on how you can meet us,

Contact details

School/Faculty
School/Faculty overview

Alliance 91直播 Business School was established in 1965 as one of the UK's first two business schools. Today, we are the UK's largest campus-based business and management school, and 'Original Thinking Applied' is at the heart of everything we do. .

Courses in related subject areas

Use the links below to view lists of courses in related subject areas.

Entry requirements

Academic entry qualification overview

We require a First or Upper Second class honours degree (2:1, with 60% average) from a UK university or the overseas equivalent, in any discipline.

When assessing your academic record, we take into account your grade average, position in class and the standing of the institution where you studied your qualification.

English language

For the latest information on demonstrating your English proficiency for those whose first language is not English, please see our

English language test validity

Some English Language test results are only valid for two years. Your English Language test report must be valid on the start date of the course.

Other international entry requirements

We accept a range of qualifications from different countries. For these and general requirements see

Fees and funding

Fees

Fees for entry in 2027 have not yet been set. For reference, the fees for the academic year beginning September 2026 were as follows:

MSc (full-time)
UK students (per annum): 拢15,800
International, including EU, students (per annum): 拢31,000

The fees quoted above are fully inclusive of tuition, administration and computational costs.

Fees for entry are subject to yearly review. The University reserves the right to increase your tuition fee by up to 7% each year for courses lasting more than one year, including to reflect rising costs associated with delivering our educational and wider student experience. Postgraduate fees information .

Always contact the admissions team if you are unsure which fee applies to your qualification award and method of attendance.

Policy on additional costs

All students should normally be able to complete their programme of study without incurring additional study costs over and above the tuition fee for that programme. Any unavoidable additional compulsory costs totalling more than 1% of the annual home undergraduate fee per annum, regardless of whether the programme in question is undergraduate or postgraduate taught, will be made clear to you at the point of application. Further information can be found in the University's (PDF document, 91KB).

Scholarships/sponsorships

We know that student finance can be complicated. The links below provide further information to help guide you.

Learn more about - student finance options for UK students.

Learn more about - fees and finance for international students.

Graduates of The University of Manchester and 91直播 Metropolitan University can receive a 10% discount on their master's degree tuition fees as part of our 91直播 Alumni Loyalty Discount scheme.

Application and selection

How to apply

Staged admissions

We operate a staged admissions process for this course, see more information on

Tuition Fee Deposits

International students are required to pay a tuition fee deposit. If you are successful in receiving an offer, you will be required to pay 拢2,500 by the deadline stated in your offer letter to confirm your place. We ask for the deposit as competition for places is high and there is limited availability. The deposit amount is then deducted from your tuition fees when you register on the course.

Advice to applicants

Your statement of purpose should cover the areas outlined below:

  • Tell us why you are interested in the course at Alliance MBS and how the course will impact on your future.
  • Describe what makes you an outstanding applicant and describe your potential to contribute to all aspects of the course.

How your application is considered

We can only process applications with the following documents:

  • valid qualification
  • Your undergraduate transcripts up to date of application (scanned copies are accepted at the time of application)
  • statement of purpose (this is included as part of your application form, you do not need to email your statement of purpose directly to the Admissions Team)

Deferrals

To defer your offer to the following year, you must contact the admissions team directly with your request. You can only defer your offer for one year.

Re-applications

If you applied in the previous year and your application was not successful you may apply again. Your application will be considered against the standard course entry criteria for that year of entry. In your new application you should demonstrate how your application has improved. We may draw upon all information from your previous applications or any previous registrations at the University as a student when assessing your suitability for your chosen course.

Course details

Course description

The world of work is changing rapidly. Organisations are facing new challenges around artificial intelligence, digital transformation, international workforces, workforce wellbeing, inclusion, sustainability and skills shortages.

On this programme, you'll develop an advanced understanding of how organisations manage people and employment relationships in complex and changing environments. You'll learn how HR policies and practices influence organisational performance, employee experiences and wider society.

Key areas of study include:

  • Strategic people management and organisational performance
  • Employment relations and workplace conflict
  • Employment law and regulation
  • Equality, diversity and inclusion
  • Research methods and data-informed decision making
  • The impact of AI and digitalisation on work and employment
  • Global and comparative perspectives on HRM and employment relations

Teaching draws on the expertise of academics from the Work and Equalities Institute (WEI), one of the world's leading centres for research into work, employment and equality.鈥�

Special features

91直播 Industrial Relations Society Debate:鈥� An annual competition hosted by AMBS, this event brings together students on the HRM and Employment Relations programme to compete with other universities. Hone your critical thinking and argumentation skills, while learning about recent issues in the HRM and employment relations field.

Annual MSc HRM Conference:鈥� Featuring a case study competition judged by industry leaders in HR, this event sees students provide solutions to real-life industry problems.鈥疶he conference provides an excellent opportunity to network and develop students鈥� consultancy skills. The event also invites alumni and practitioners as guest speakers.

The Chartered Institute of鈥疨ersonnel鈥痑nd Development (CIPD) Conference:鈥� An opportunity to learn about the latest HR trends, meet HR solution providers and hear from industry experts. The Annual CIPD Conference and Exhibition, held in 91直播, features numerous free sessions for students to attend.

Applied Learning: Throughout the programme, you'll apply theory to contemporary workplace issues through case studies, debates, project work and discussion-based learning activities. The annual MSc HRM Conference provides opportunities to engage with current organisational challenges, develop professional skills and learn alongside fellow students, alumni and practitioners. Students also choose to participate in the 91直播 Industrial Relations Society debate competition and other extracurricular opportunities linked to the wider HR profession.

Careers Support and Skills Development: Students also benefit from exposure to real-world workplace challenges through professional conferences, negotiation exercises, industry guest speakers and career-focused events delivered in partnership with organisations such as the CIPD, ACAS and the 91直播 Industrial Relations Society. Alongside dedicated support from the Postgraduate Careers Service, the programme provides valuable opportunities to develop professional skills, expand networks and apply classroom learning to contemporary workplace contexts.

Teaching and learning

The programme combines lectures, seminars, debates, case study analysis, problem-solving activities and independent research. Learning is research-led and informed by contemporary developments in HRM and employment relations.

Throughout the programme, you'll explore real-world workplace challenges, engage with current debates and develop the analytical skills needed to evaluate complex people management issues.

Students also complete an independent dissertation project, applying research skills to investigate a topic of interest within HRM and Employment Relations.

Course unit details

During the course you will be taking 180 credits. The eight taught modules during semester one and two total 120 credits and consist of both compulsory and optional taught units which can be viewed in the list below.

In the summer semester, you will carry out your Research Dissertation, worth 60 credits. This will provide you with the practical opportunity to work with real-world businesses and organisations, developing critical business research and problem-solving skills on a topic of your interest.鈥�

Course unit list

The course unit details given below are subject to change, and are the latest example of the curriculum available on this course of study.

TitleCodeCredit ratingMandatory/optional
BMAN60261 15 Mandatory
BMAN61042 60 Mandatory
BMAN70051 15 Mandatory
BMAN70231 15 Mandatory
BMAN72391 15 Mandatory
BMAN60992 15 Optional
BMAN71242 15 Optional
BMAN72382 15 Optional
BMAN73302 15 Optional
BMAN75332 15 Optional
BMAN75622 15 Optional
Displaying 10 of 11 course units

Disability support

Practical support and advice for current students and applicants is available from the Disability Advisory and Support Service. Email: dass@manchester.ac.uk

Careers

Career opportunities

This programme develops the knowledge, analytical capabilities and professional skills sought by employers across HR, people management and employment relations roles.

You'll gain experience in research, communication, critical analysis, negotiation, problem solving and evidence-based decision making, preparing you for careers across the private, public and third sectors.

Recent recruiters
Air Astana, Amazon, Balfour Beatty, Ernst & Young, Lloyds TSB,鈥疢ckinsey鈥痑nd Company, MPA Consulting, Morrisons, Nestl茅, PricewaterhouseCoopers, Reed Global, Shoppers Stop Ltd, Sony, TATA Consultancy Services and Tesco plc.

AMBS Career's Service
AMBS Master鈥檚 students have dedicated careers support designed to build employability and connect you with employers. You鈥檒l have access to employability sessions covering applications, CVs, interviews and LinkedIn; tailored workshops with feedback; and one-to-one support with a careers consultant. You can also engage with employer and alumni insights through guest speaker events, and keep track of opportunities through the online careers platform. The AMBS postgraduate careers support works closely with the University Careers Service, giving access to careers fairs, employer presentations and advertised vacancies.

Regulated by the Office for Students

The University of Manchester is regulated by the Office for Students (OfS). The OfS aims to help students succeed in Higher Education by ensuring they receive excellent information and guidance, get high quality education that prepares them for the future and by protecting their interests. More information can be found at the .

You can find regulations and policies relating to student life at The University of Manchester, including our Degree Regulations and Complaints Procedure, on our .