Human Resource Management, MSc / PGDip

For the one-year programme, you will study a range of modules in semesters one and two of this course, before undertaking an independent project in your third semester to apply the knowledge and analytical skills you have acquired on the programme. You can also study part time over a two-year period.

The focus of the modules predominantly reflects UK based working practices although due to the nature of employment we will inevitably draw international comparisons from studying multinational organisations who operate in the UK and globally. 

The programme includes a range of modules providing a basis for the study of HRM at a higher level and an integrated entry to modern HRM principles and practice, enabling you to develop knowledge and skills in specific aspects of HRM.

Disclaimer: Module selection options may change

Students must attain an undergraduate degree or equivalent with at least a 2:1 in a related discipline (e.g. business management, business studies, human resource management, marketing, entrepreneurship, economics).

Non-native English speakers must achieve an IELTS or equivalent at 6.5 or greater, with no less than 5.5 in any one element. A list of equivalent tests is provided here. If you have studied an undergraduate degree taught through the medium of English, you may be exempt from this requirement – click here for further information. 

For students who fall short of only the English language requirement, we offer a range of Pre-Master's training programmes that you may take before starting your Master's qualification. 

We are proud to provide an outstanding educational experience, using the most effective learning and teaching approaches, carefully tailored to suit the specific needs of your course. Our courses consist of in-person, on-campus teaching, enabling full engagement with your lecturers and fellow students. 

Practical skills sessions, seminars, and workshops predominantly take place in person, allowing for group working and presentations. However, our approach also includes the use of some online learning to support and enhance traditional face-to-face teaching. 

Online learning may take place ‘live’ using software such as Zoom, allowing you to interact with the lecturer and peers and to ask questions. Lecture recordings also allow for more flexibility to revisit material, to revise for assessments and to enhance learning outside of the classroom. Some modules have extra resources in our virtual learning environment (Canvas), such as videos, slides and quizzes enabling further flexible study. 

No Provision

Unfortunately, there is currently no formal Welsh-medium provision on this course. If you would like to let us know that you are interested in pursuing an element of your course through the medium of Welsh, please email astudio@abertawe.ac.uk to indicate your interest along with your year of entry and we will do our best to see what is possible.

Whilst this course does not offer academic content delivered in Welsh, the University can provide you with the following, and Academi Hywel Teifi is here to support you:

• An interview through the medium of Welsh when applying for a place.
• Personal correspondence in Welsh, English or bilingually.
• The opportunity to create and submit your coursework or sit your exams through the medium of Welsh (even if you have chosen to study in English), and your work will be assessed in Welsh.
• A Welsh-speaking Personal Tutor.
• One-to-one support to improve your academic Welsh language skills.
• The opportunity to gain an additional free qualification that serves as evidence of your Welsh language ability for future employers.
• Membership of the Swansea University Branch of the Coleg Cymraeg Cenedlaethol.

Visit the Welsh Language Rights webpage for further information about Students' Welsh Language Rights.

Swansea University’s School of Management is an approved Chartered Institute of Personnel and Development (CIPD) Accredited Programme Provider. Upon successful completion of the relevant mapped modules within the MSc Human Resource Management you will qualify for CIPD Associate Membership with the opportunity to apply for an upgrade to Chartered Membership.

For more information see our Professional Accreditation page.

What is an accredited course?

One that has been approved by a relevant professional body as meeting its quality standards. It highlights a close link between industry and your course, bringing cutting-edge real-world practice into your studies. Accredited courses can help fast-track you in your chosen career path.

What are the benefits of Professional Accreditations?

Sign up for a student membership and start taking advantage of professional body career support as well as connections with peers and experts. It looks good on your CV and helps prepare you for employment.

You will be taught by a team of experienced academics. All the academics associated with the programme are researchers, with the majority also having a background in industry as HR professionals.  In research-led teaching, the latest research evidence informs discussion and debate in workshops, seminars, and lectures. However, the issues examined often come direct from industry where solutions, or ways of better understanding people management can be addressed.

Find out more about our academic staff by viewing our staff profiles.

Tuition fees for years of study after your first year are subject to an increase of 3%.

You can find further information of your fee costs on our tuition fees page.

You may be eligible for funding to help support your study. To find out about scholarships, bursaries and other funding opportunities that are available please visit the University's scholarships and bursaries page.

International students and part-time study: It may be possible for some students to study part-time under the Student Visa route. However, this is dependent on factors relating to the course and your individual situation. It may also be possible to study with us if you are already in the UK under a different visa category (e.g. Tier 1 or 2, PBS Dependant, ILR etc.). Please visit the University information on Visas and Immigration for further guidance and support.

Current students: You can find further information of your fee costs on our tuition fees page.

You may be eligible for funding to help support your study.

If you're a UK or EU student starting a master’s degree at Swansea University, you may be eligible to apply for Government funding to help towards the cost of your studies. To find out more, please visit our postgraduate loans page.

To find out about scholarships, bursaries and other funding opportunities that are available please visit the University's scholarships and bursaries page.

Academi Hywel Teifi at Swansea University and the Coleg Cymraeg Cenedlaethol offer a number of generous scholarships and bursaries for students who wish to study through the medium of Welsh or bilingually. For further information about the opportunities available to you, visit the Academi Hywel Teifi Scholarships and Bursaries page.

The School of Management also offers a Developing Futures Scholarship for postgraduate (taught) students who have an offer to study at the School of Management. The scholarship is to the value of up to £3,000 for one academic year, which is automatically deducted from tuition fees.

The scholarship package encourages students to develop a number of professional skills whilst working with the School throughout the academic year.

Access to your own digital device/the appropriate IT kit will be essential during your time studying at Swansea University. Access to wifi in your accommodation will also be essential to allow you to fully engage with your programme. See our dedicated webpages for further guidance on suitable devices to purchase, and for a full guide on getting your device set up.

You may face additional costs while at university, including (but not limited to):

• Travel to and from campus
• Printing, photocopying, binding, stationery and equipment costs (e.g. USB sticks)
• Purchase of books or texts
• Gowns for graduation ceremonies

• CIPD Student *

There may be the opportunity for industry and field visits linked to the programme which may incur modest additional costs.

* Please note, additional fees apply to join the CIPD as a member. If graduates of our MSc Human Resource Management wish to apply to upgrade to Chartered Membership, please be aware that Swansea University is not involved in this process or decision. The decision will be made by the CIPD based on individuals’ career trajectories and evidence.

Swansea Employability Academy (SEA) will support you at each stage of your career journey helping you build a bright future.

Our career support services include:

• Employability workshops, employers’ talks, bespoke events and careers fairs
• Individual advice and guidance from professionally qualified Careers Advisers
• Help with finding jobs, internships, work placements and volunteering opportunities
• Access to information resources on a wide range of career management topics
• Funding to support student internship opportunities and Student Society/Club events.

We also provide help and advice for Swansea University Alumni up to two years after you graduate.

The School of Management also has a dedicated in-house Employability team offering additional support.
During your time with us, you’ll have the chance to:

• Join our Employability Mentoring scheme and get mentored by an employer who can help you with the transition from student to working professional
• Get the opportunity to speak to our growing Alumni Community
• Work and network with employers from a range of national and multi-national companies through our seminars and events
• Boost your skills and meet employers during our Employability Module, which is run twice a year
• Take advantage of unlimited 1-2-1 support to develop your career experience
• Stay in touch for support for five years after you graduate

Discover how our in-house Careers Service can support you.

While it is not mandatory, students studying MSc Human Resource Management, are encouraged to join the CIPD as student members. 

As well as subject specific support by college teaching staff and your personal tutor, the Centre for Academic Success provides courses, workshops and one-to-one support in areas such as:

• Academic writing
• Maths and statistics
• Critical thinking
• Time management
• Digital skills
• Presentation skills
• Note taking
• Revision, memory and exam techniques
• English language skills (if English is not your first language).

In addition, if you have a Specific Learning Difficulty (SpLD), disability, mental health or medical condition, the Centre for Academic Success have Specialist Tutors to support your learning, working alongside the Disability Office and Wellbeing Service to support all your needs and requirements whilst studying at Swansea University.

Please apply through the University’s central application system.

For further guidance please visit our how to apply for postgraduate study pages.

EU students - visa and immigration information is available and will be regularly updated on our information for EU students page.

We recommend that you submit your application to our courses as early as you can in advance of our application deadlines. Courses will close earlier than the application deadlines listed if all available places are filled. You can find further information on our Application Deadlines webpage.