Human Resource Management MSc Online
Lead people with purpose with an accredited online HR degree that’s made to shape the modern workplace.
Start Dates: January, May, September
Duration: 1 year full-time, 2 years part-time
Study Mode: Online
Fees: £11,520 (regional discounts available)
About the programme
Happier workplaces start with understanding what truly drives people at work. With up to 90% of UK employees dissatisfied (Gallup, 2023), businesses need HR professionals who can not only create engaging, flexible, and inclusive environments but also manage change during this time of unprecedented digital transformation.
This fully online master’s degree equips you with the skills to design evidence-based HR strategies—from performance management to team dynamics—preparing you to lead healthier, more productive organisations in today’s evolving world of work.
Accreditation
This programme is delivered by the Brunel Business School, which is accredited by the Association to Advance Collegiate Schools of Business (AACSB) and the Association of MBAs (AMBA).
It’s also accredited by the Chartered Institute of Personnel and Development (CIPD), meaning this course meets professional standards in HR and people development, and can support your pathway to CIPD membership.
How you’ll study
Online learning environment
The MSc Human Resource Management is delivered through Brunel’s virtual learning environment, giving you access to course materials, recorded lectures, and interactive resources at any time. You will engage with content through video lectures, discussion forums, and collaborative activities with your global cohort. All learning is asynchronous by default, allowing you to study when it suits you, with scheduled touchpoints for tutor interaction and peer discussion.
Weekly study commitment
Full-time students should expect to dedicate approximately 35-40 hours per week to their studies. Part-time students typically commit around 15-20 hours. Your time is split between directed learning activities, independent study and reading, and assessment preparation. The programme runs across three intakes per year – January, May, and September – with a structured module timetable.
Assessment methods
Assessment is through a balance of coursework and examinations. Depending on the module, you may complete written reports, case study analyses, HR strategy presentations, and in-class tests. The programme covers both theoretical frameworks and practical application, with assessments designed to test your ability to apply HR concepts to real workplace challenges. The programme culminates in a dissertation project on an HRM topic of your choice.
Support and feedback
You will have access to dedicated academic tutors and a student support team throughout your programme. Tutors provide structured feedback on assessments, and you can reach out to your support team for guidance on academic, technical, or administrative matters. Brunel’s online students also have access to the university’s library, careers service, and wellbeing resources.
Entry requirements
Academic requirements
To join this programme, you’ll need:
- A 2:2 (or above) UK Honours degree or; an equivalent internationally-recognised, relevant qualification in a subject such as public health, allied health, health-related studies, social sciences, or biosciences.
Language requirements
Non-native speakers of English need either of the following:
- IELTS: 6.5 (min 6 in all areas)
- Pearson: 59 (59 in all subscores)
- TOEFL: 90 (min 20 in all)
- BrunELT: 63% (min 58% in all areas)
Modules
All learning is delivered online to fit around your work and personal commitments. You’ll complete 6 core modules, 2 optional modules, and a dissertation, combining theory and practical tasks to prepare you for a career in human resources.
Topics:
- International HR strategy
- Cross-cultural management
- Regional HR practices
- Global recruitment
- Expatriate management
- Mergers and acquisitions
- Multicultural teams
- HR information systems
Topics:
- Knowledge management
- Organisational learning
- Social networks and collaboration
- Innovation strategy
- Web 2.0 tools
- Knowledge transfer
Topics:
- Organisational behaviour
- Management approaches
- Individual differences
- Motivation and satisfaction
- Teams and groups
- Managerial roles
- Leadership development
- Organisational design
- Culture and innovation
Topics:
- Research design
- Qualitative and quantitative methods
- Data interpretation
- Literature review techniques
- Ethical research practice
- Critical analysis skills
Topics:
- HRM fundamentals
- Technology in HR
- Strategic alignment
- Resource-based view
- Psychological contract
- Selection methods
- Competency analysis
- Psychometric testing
- Assessment centres
- Remote and virtual work
Topics:
- HR forces and employability
- Human capital measurement
- Learning and development
- HRD impact
- Leadership and HRM
- Performance management
- Reward systems
- HR outsourcing
- Ethics and CSR
- Professional practice
Topics:
- International trends
- Political and legal context
- Cultural influences
- Cross-cultural communication
- Negotiation and conflict
- Global HRM
- Mergers and acquisitions
Topics:
- Shareholder vs stakeholder models
- Corporate social responsibility
- Ethical theories
- Cross-cultural ethics
- Governance structures
- Board roles and accountability
- Sustainability
Topics:
- Defining global diversity
- Diversity across functions
- Theories of diversity management
- Leadership and change
- Cross-cultural challenges
- Organisational transformation
Topics:
- Entrepreneurial mindset
- Opportunity evaluation
- Business planning
- Growth strategies
- Leadership transitions
- Types of ventures
Fees and funding
Tuition fees for the MSc Human Resource Management are £11,520 for the full programme. This covers all teaching,
learning materials, assessments, and access to Brunel’s online resources – there are no hidden costs.
Payment options
Brunel offers a six-month payment plan, allowing you to spread the cost by paying your first instalment at registration and the remaining balance across five equal monthly payments.
Discounts and scholarships
You may be eligible for one or more of the following:
- Early Payment Discount (2%) — applied automatically when you pay in full before your registration date
- Alumni Discount (15%) — for Brunel graduates returning for postgraduate study
- Family Discount (10%) — when a direct family member is also studying at Brunel
- Academic Excellence Award (15%) — for applicants holding a first-class undergraduate degree
Discounts can be combined where eligible. Visit the full fees and funding section for detailed eligibility criteria.
Student loans
UK residents may be eligible for a Postgraduate Master’s Loan through Student Finance England. The loan is not means-tested and is paid directly to you to use towards tuition fees and living costs. Visit gov.uk/masters-loan for full details and to check your eligibility.
Career outcomes
A profession in demand
Human resource management is central to every organisation’s success. As workplaces evolve, with remote working, AI-driven analytics, and increasing focus on diversity and inclusion, demand for qualified HR professionals continues to grow. The MSc equips you with the strategic and operational skills to lead people functions at every level.
Roles our graduates pursue
- Human resources officer – managing employee relations, recruitment, and policy implementation
- HR consultant – advising organisations on people strategy, restructuring, and compliance
- Training and development officer – designing and delivering professional development programmes
- Recruitment consultant – sourcing and placing talent for organisations across sectors
- Management consultant – working with leadership teams on organisational transformation
- Payroll specialist – managing compensation and benefits systems
Where our graduates work
Brunel HRM graduates go on to work with leading employers including Amazon, Microsoft, L’Oréal, Accenture, HSBC, Jaguar Land Rover, and PwC. The programme’s practical focus prepares you for HR roles across corporate, public sector, and consultancy environments.
The CIPD advantage
CIPD membership is the most widely recognised HR professional credential in the UK. It gives you access to a network of over 160,000 members, continuing professional development resources, and a recognised benchmark that strengthens your CV and career progression.
Why choose this programme
CIPD pathway
The programme supports your route to CIPD membership – the gold standard for HR professionals in the UK. CIPD credentials are recognised by employers across all sectors and demonstrate your commitment to professional excellence in people management.
AACSB and AMBA accredited business school
Brunel Business School holds dual accreditation from AACSB and AMBA, placing it among an elite group of business schools worldwide. Your MSc carries the weight of this international recognition with employers.
A London university with global standing
Brunel University London is ranked in the top 25% of UK universities, with a reputation for applied research and industry-connected teaching. Your degree carries credibility with employers across the public and private sectors.
Modern workplace focus
The curriculum addresses the challenges shaping contemporary HR practice, including diversity, equality, AI-driven workforce analytics, and international talent management. You graduate prepared for the HR landscape of today and tomorrow.
Built for working professionals
Three start dates per year (January, May, September), fully online delivery, and flexible study options mean you do not have to pause your career. Two optional modules let you tailor your degree towards areas such as entrepreneurship, global challenges, or corporate governance.
Career-driven outcomes
Your MSc is designed with industry skills and knowledge in mind, providing you with the skills you need to secure your chosen career path. Each module is carefully constructed to elevate your knowledge in key areas of human resource management relevant to industry standards.
Gain in-demand people skills that power your career
HRM frameworks
Critically evaluate theories, ethics, and legal contexts shaping modern people management.
Talent strategies
Implement recruitment, rewards, and performance approaches that boost organisational success.
Workforce challenges
Address complex issues like diversity, equality, and AI-driven people analytics with confidence.
People research
Design and lead rigorous projects that inform workforce policies and strategic decisions.
Workforce influence
Communicate insights clearly to engage and persuade diverse stakeholders.
Professional identity
Blend theory and practice to grow as a leader and lifelong learner in people management.
Become best-in-class in managing workforces
Global recognition: Join a top 25% UK university where your degree carries weight worldwide.
Skills that transform: Develop expertise that shapes people strategy and drives organisational success.
Learn by doing: Build practical experience through real projects and tools you’ll use on the job.
Support every step: Benefit from expert guidance designed for busy professionals balancing study and work.
Take the next step
Fill out the form and one of our advisors will be in touch with more information, including our brochure.
Give your career an accredited edge
Built with input from industry professionals, this CIPD-accredited programme prepares you to launch a rewarding career with leading employers like Accenture, Amazon, HSBC, Jaguar Land Rover, L’Oréal, Microsoft, PwC, and more.
As a Brunel online graduate, you’ll join a far-reaching alumni network and be well-prepared to lead workplaces in people-centred roles like:
- Human Resources Officer
- HR Practitioner / Consultant
- Training and Development Officer
- Business Adviser
- Recruitment Consultant
- Management Consultant
- Payroll Specialist
- Operational Researcher
