General OverviewThe MSc Human Resource Management programme at the University of the West of Scotland is a highly specialist degree programme, designed to support and develop current and future professionals in People/Human Resource Management.
In line with UWS’ Curriculum Framework, aiming for flexibly (using best-in-class technologies and pedagogies, meeting the learning needs of students in contemporary Scotland) and inclusive (recognising the diversity of the student body, and the need to be accessible to all) education, the programme is designed around the various needs of our diverse student body. This means the programme is offered on a full-time basis across all years, while also providing a meaningful part-time/blended learning approach towards meeting the needs of students who are currently in Human Resource/People Management employment.
The current programme has been accredited by the Chartered Institute of Personnel and Development (CIPD), and therefore meet the highest standards in the profession of People/Human Resource Management. For that reason, the programme designs are driven by the CIPD Core Knowledge and Core Behaviour, in line with the CIPD CPD Map, as outlined below:
- Core knowledge: People Practice; Culture and Behaviour; Business Acumen; Analytics and Creating Value; Digital Working; and Change.
- Core behaviour: Ethical Practice; Professional Courage and Influence; Valuing People; Working Inclusively; Passion for Learning; Insights Focused; and Situational Decision Making; Commercial Drive.
Upon successful completion of the MSc students will qualify for Level 7 (Advanced) qualification — as well as Associate membership — from the Chartered Institute of Personnel and Development (CIPD).
Furthermore, both the university and the programme aim at making a contribution not only to the Human Resource/People Management profession, but also to communities and the wider society. This is nurtured by a pro-active approach towards incorporating the UN Sustainable Development Goals (UNSDG), with a focus on the following:
- UNSDG 4: Ensure inclusive and equitable quality education and promote
lifelong learning opportunities for all;
- UNSDG 5: Achieve gender equality and empower all women and girls.
The aim of working towards achieving these principles are embedded throughout the entirety of our HRM degree programme at UWS, and through the provision of the opportunity to develop requisite knowledge, critical thinking and skills. The programme has been designed to deliver up-to-date practical and professional skills, underpinned by appropriate academic theory. This is fostered by a comprehensive learning journey, supported by a clear programme structure — in line with UWS’ Curriculum Framework, aimed at delivering simple, coherent and authentic education. The MSc Human Resource Management programme is structured as follows:
- Term 1: The HRM/People Management Environment
- In term one students develop a professional foundation and understand the generalist HRM role. Students explore the contemporary context of HRM and its implication for professional practice, develop skills necessary for an HR professional; and explore the various facets and functions of HRM and its role in change management.
- Term 2: HRM/People Management in Organisations
- Term two focuses on the specialism within HRM. Students have the opportunity to explore the specialisms of employment relations, reward and performance, and talent management in greater depth. This allows them to build on the professional skills and generalist knowledge developed in term one. They are also prepared for undertaking their dissertation with a research skills module.
- Term 3: Researching HRM/People Management
- In term three, student exclusively focus on their MSc Project. Students are supported and guided in developing an original piece of research. This allows them to further pursue a specialism, explore an industry of interest, or examine a contemporary issue in HRM. Students academic and professional skills are further developed as they work independently to achieve this.
Therefore, the programme takes a strategic approach to developing skills and knowledge, throughout which it develops students' intellectual and imaginative understanding and judgement, the ability to resolve problems effectively and the ability to recognise the relevance of a wide variety of approaches fundamental to People/Human Resource Management. The programme engenders an analytical and creative approach, encourage independent judgement and critical self-awareness all directed towards continual improvement in the Human Resource/people management areas.
In line with the University’s Curriculum Framework, the MSc Human Resource Management utilises a range of learning, teaching and assessment methods to enable learning outcomes to be achieved — fostered by the university’s contemporary approach to hybrid learning. This approach exposes students to the wide range of learning, teaching and assessment methods in order to assist in the development of a variety of skills within students and to achieve a wide range of learning outcomes.
Furthermore, the programme aims at providing a meaningful balance between academic knowledge and employability-focused skills within its assessment strategy. This includes the use of written assignments, presentations, assessment centres/in-trays, role plays, vivas, among others.
Students studying for a single title in Human Resource Management are expected to achieve all of the learning outcomes of this programme. The programme is delivered on a full-time basis and is completed in 12/15 months (depending on term of commencement). The part-time programme is delivered during the day and can be completed on a flexible basis.
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