Human Resource Management and Development in a Global Context
In a nutshell
On this programme, you will develop your understanding of Human Resource Management and Development (HRM&D) practices across a variety of organisational settings, taking into account the way national and international contexts impact upon people management. The programme is suitable for both UK and international students.
The programme is highly industry-focussed and culminates in the Industry Collaboration Project. You will choose one of four options to research a real industry problem and provide evidence-based solutions, helping you put your learning into practice.
This is an Advanced Level programme, recognised by the Chartered Institute of Personnel and Development (CIPD). On completion of the course and successfully meeting the accredited CIPD standards, you will also receive an Advanced Level Certificate from the CIPD.
Full-time students who opt for the CIPD pathway automatically gain entrance to the CIPD National conference and Exhibition in Manchester - the leading HRM conference in the UK. Full-time students automatically gain entrance to the CIPD National conference and Exhibition in Manchester - the leading HRM conference in the UK.
You can study this programme full-time, part-time during the day and part-time in the evening.
The course also offers a distance learning option through our official partner Robert Kennedy College, Zurich, Switzerland. Please note this option does not carry the CIPD accreditation.
Part-time Evening Programme
This programme runs on a Tuesday evening (5-9pm) over two years. This route is intended for graduates who currently work in the field and who require professional accreditation, as well as those who intend to move into a career in Human Resource Management and Development.
Rather than six entry points throughout the year, part-time evening delivery only has a September entry.
You will:
- Gain practical people management skills
- Develop an in depth understand of human resources management
- Explore human resources management theory in a global context
options available
students accepted
Course accreditations


This is for you if...
You have aspirations of a career in human resources
You wish to enhance your people management skills
You want to develop your understanding of employment law
You are a critical thinker
You work well in a group
You like to apply learning to practical situations
All about the course
This course is designed for graduates with a background in business or social science related studies, who wish to specialise in HRM and pursue either a career as an HRM practitioner or role which involves significant people management responsibilities. On completion you will have developed as a manager of people by learning specialist knowledge and the application of theory to practice in the main specialist areas which comprise HRM.
You’ll learn to effectively select, motivate, manage and reward employees to maximise their potential and the potential of your organisation. You will also have become a reflective practitioner, capable of furthering your ongoing learning and development.
COURSE STRUCTURE
The programme is block delivered and there are several entry points throughout the year. Students will take the modules below in a sequence, which will vary dependent on their start date.
The HRM&D programme consists of four core HRM modules. You study a single module at a time for a six-week period. Face-to-face teaching is delivered on campus for six hours each week. In addition, you will attend the taught element of the Industry Collaboration Project module each Wednesday afternoon, alongside your core HRM modules. Outside of the taught sessions you will undertake independent with online support through the University’s virtual learning environment, Blackboard.
The Industry Collaboration Project (ICP) module accounts for the final 60 credits of your degree. You will have the opportunity to select between a live project, placement, internship or dissertation*, all of which are designed to accommodate your career aspirations and enhance your professional experience.
Part-time students will complete 3 of the 4 core HRM&D modules in year 1, and then the 4th HRM&D module plus the ICP module in year 2.
*CIPD pathway students must undertake either a dissertation or a 6-month paid work placement.
This module is designed to prepare students to undertake the role of a HR manager in an international context. To enable you to do this, you will examine the changing nature of organisations in a global context, and the debates around whether HR policy and practice is becoming truly global or whether national and cultural sensibilities prevent this. You will also be equipped with the skills needed to apply theoretical concepts relating to organisation design and development in practice.
Developing Strategic Leadership Skills
In addition to understanding how you may organise and manage people, it is essential to develop a critical self-awareness and understanding of different leadership styles and skills and how these can be applied to a range of situations. This module will develop your self-awareness and understanding of leadership skills and behaviours and how these can motivate and engage employees - including those from different cultural contexts - and secure their commitment in times of both stability and change. This will include learning how to manage inter-personal conflict and how to create cohesive and effective teams for the benefit of both organisations and employees through the use of different strategies such as flexible working.
Comparative Employment Relations and Law
On this module, you will compare and contrast different approaches to handling employment disputes in different national settings, examining the role of trade unions and other non-union groups in different countries. You will look at employment law in a variety of national contexts, and how this impacts on multinational organisations, reviewing contemporary industrial disputes for how these have affected organisations’ processes including employee engagement, diversity management, employee communication and involvement and participation and change management. This module will include two industry visits and links to the annual programme of speakers at Manchester Industrial Relations Society.
Resourcing for High Performance
You will look at the changing nature of the workforce and the way in which increasing diversity can be an organisational asset. You will develop your strategic skills, looking at analysis of trends, developing effective, legally compliant resourcing and retention strategies and evaluating process, policies and practices for recruitment and performance. As you develop your interviewing skills, you will be encouraged to reflect on your own performance. You will use class-based performance management scenarios with fellow students to analyse real-world performance management scenarios and discuss different approaches to handling performance conversations. An important part of this module looks at a critical understanding of performance and performance management, including high performance work practices, and the boundary between motivation for performance and abuse. You will also consider how to advise business managers in their setting of performance priorities, objectives and targets.
Work Placement
The paid Work Placement gives you the chance to undertake a six month project with an organisation located regionally, nationally or internationally. By exploring a key issue impacting an organisation, you will apply the theoretical knowledge gained through your studies and develop and use appropriate problem-solving skills in a real-world environment.
You will create an initial 1,500 word research proposal then compile an 8,500 – 10,000 word portfolio of evidence that shows the work undertaken, the deliverables created, the impact achieved, the theories and concepts applied, the data gathering activities undertaken and a critical reflection by the student of their work practices and learning. In addition, you will share your findings with key stakeholders. This will generally be a presentation to an audience but might be a poster presentation or a video recording.
Assessment:
10% project proposal
80% portfolio
10% presentation
Internship
The unpaid Internship option of the Industry Collaboration Project aims to equip you with the relevant practical skills to critically identify and evaluate key issues impacting organisations and their environments either in the UK or overseas.
Over a three month period, you will work alongside an organisation to identify and explore a real organisational issue. You will have specified learning goals and will need to actively reflect on what is being learned throughout the experience.
You will create an initial 1,500 word research proposal then compile an 8,500 – 10,000 word portfolio of evidence that shows the work undertaken, the deliverables created, the impact achieved, the theories and concepts applied, the data gathering activities undertaken and a critical reflection by the student of their work practices and learning. In addition, you will share your findings with key stakeholders. This will generally be a presentation to an audience but might be a poster presentation or a video recording.
Assessment:
10% project proposal
80% portfolio
10% presentation
Dissertation
An advanced-level applied research pathway based on a real-world business problem and examining an issue important to an organisation. The Dissertation path gives you the opportunity to apply the theoretical and practical knowledge gained from the taught elements of the programme to a current organisational issue and deploy and effectively use appropriate problem-solving skills through critical self-reflection and methodical, systematic research. It is an excellent option if you are considering moving into academic research and PhD studies.
You will create an initial 1,500 word research proposal consisting of research questions, aims and objectives, and the rationale for undertaking the study. The 12,000 – 15,000 word dissertation will include literature review, research methodology, analysis of findings, conclusions, recommendations and a critical reflection of your learning. In addition, you will share your findings with key stakeholders. This will generally be a presentation to an audience but might be a poster presentation or a video recording.
Assessment:
10% project proposal
80% portfolio
10% presentation
Entrepreneurship
Through this option you will apply the theory and concepts you have learnt from the taught elements of your programme. With the help of mentors you will develop the skills and thinking that supports entrepreneurial action will working on the development of your own innovative business idea. You will horizon scan for business opportunities, assess the external challenges and consider available strategies that will support your aim of establishing a new businesses, or let you incorporate entrepreneurial thinking into an existing organisation. The three month Entrepreneurship path is assessed through an Initial Business Proposal and an 8,500 word Comprehensive Business Proposal accompanied by a 30 minute presentation.
Please note that it may not be possible to deliver the full list of options every year as this will depend on factors such as how many students choose a particular option. Exact modules may also vary in order to keep content current. When accepting your offer of a place to study on this programme, you should be aware that not all optional modules will be running each year. Your tutor will be able to advise you as to the available options on or before the start of the programme. Whilst the University tries to ensure that you are able to undertake your preferred options, it cannot guarantee this.
Salford Business School
Salford Business School aims to be the most business-informed, industry-relevant business school in the UK. Industry shapes everything we do, from informing our students’ learning to providing work placements, driving our research and influencing our academic staff.
We want you to gain the best academic and personal experience possible. As a student here, you’ll have access to a range of experiences and opportunities, including internships and work placements in the UK or internationally so you graduate with much more than a degree.
Facilities
Salford Business School is located at the heart of the University’s Peel Park campus and just minutes from Manchester city centre. Teaching facilities include Lady Hale and Chapman buildings, which offer stylish modern spaces with lecture theatres equipped with the very latest technology and large screen displays. A dedicated Employability team will help you with work placements and access to work skills.
Following a £6.2 million refurbishment finished in 2017, the ‘library in the park’ is a fresh, modern learning space with PC suites, Mac computers, bookable working rooms and café. The dedicated library support staff also offer a range of study skills sessions. The library is open 24 hours a day, 7 days a week so you can study when it suits you.
Throughout campus, there is a choice of individual study areas, communal learning and breakout spaces, plus a selection of food outlets.
Programme Leader
Dr Kathy Hartley
Our Human Resource Management & Development programme here at Salford has recently been through a review and update, in line with our usual practice. The challenges with a programme such as this are around compiling a current, practically relevant and academically rigorous programme that will resonate with both current and future practitioners; one that will enhance professional skills while also stimulating and developing thinking. I believe that as a team we have managed to achieve a good balance between these different aspects, with feedback to date suggesting that the programme is challenging and enabling students to become their best and desired selves.
Kathy is a former Sales and Business Manager, having worked for many years within both the private and public sector. She is an Associate member of the CIPD, a Fellow of the Higher Education Authority and also a qualified nurse.
Teaching Team Members
Dr Jonathan Lord (Senior Lecturer in HRM&D)
Jonathan is a Lecturer in Human Resource Management and MBA Director for Salford Business School.
He has previously been a HR Director, Manager and Consultant, working across all three sectors. Specifically, he has worked within the transport and construction industries, as well as carrying out HR projects within the public and voluntary sector.
Jonathan is a Chartered Fellow of the Chartered Institute of Personnel and Development (CIPD), a Fellow of the Higher Education Academy, Member of the British Academy of Management and Industrial Law Society.
His specialist research area focuses on Labour Law and how this is governed as well as developed over many centuries. The research particularly focuses on employment tribunals and their importance within the employment relationship.
Getting Here
If you’re planning on commuting, both our MediaCityUK and Peel Park campuses are perfectly placed. Whether by bus, rail, bike or car, we’re easily accessed from all over Greater Manchester, Lancashire and beyond.
Get more information about your options for commuting, or hear about the experience from current students.
What about after uni?
You will gain a highly regarded qualification, as well as personal and organisational management skills, that will enhance your career prospects.
This course will provide you with flexible employment opportunities, opening up options in a variety of management roles in national and international sectors.
Career Links
You will be encouraged to attend CIPD Manchester Branch events and join meetings of the Manchester Industrial Relations Society. Our course team also maintains excellent relations with local, national and international organisations, commentators and employers.
Our teaching is industry-led, inspired by contemporary practice and developed in partnership with business leaders. Our academics are experts in their field and work closely with industry to ensure that our courses reflect the needs of business and provide our students with that extra edge when it comes to securing a job.
Our part-time students are drawn from a wide range of public, private and third sector organisations, allowing you to enjoy highly valuable networking opportunities.
Salford Business School also operates a guest lecture course which allows you the chance to mix with professionals from industry, make connections, set up placements and conduct research.
What you need to know
ENGLISH LANGUAGE REQUIREMENTS
Normally IELTS 6.0 with no individual element below 5.5, or equivalent recognised Secure English Language Test, (SELT).
If the English language qualification is slightly below this level candidates may be able to take one of the many English courses available in the University. Please search for English in Course Finder.
Undergraduate degree
Normally a minimum 2:2 honours degree or equivalent or successful completion of the Graduate Certificate International Management or the Graduate Certificate Human Resource Management.
A wide range of professional qualifications are also accepted either in partial or complete fulfilment of entry requirements.
Where a student has gained a recognised honours degree but does not meet the normal entry qualification requirement, they may still be considered for entry if they can demonstrate relevant work experience of a minimum two years duration post study and acceptable level of responsibility.
Accreditation of Prior Learning (APL)
We welcome applications from students who may not have formal/traditional entry criteria but who have relevant experience or the ability to pursue the course successfully.
The Accreditation of Prior Learning (APL) process could help you to make your work and life experience count. The APL process can be used for entry onto courses or to give you exemptions from parts of your course.
Two forms of APL may be used for entry: the Accreditation of Prior Certificated Learning (APCL) or the Accreditation of Prior Experiential Learning (APEL).
How much?
Type of study | Year | Fees |
---|---|---|
Full-time home/EU | 2019/20 | £7,776per year |
Full-time international | 2019/20 | £14,274per year |
Part-time | 2019/20 | £1,296 per 30 credit module |
Full-time home/EU | 2020/21 | £7,920per year |
Full-time international | 2020/21 | £14,670per year |
Part-time | 2020/21 | £1,320 per 30 credit module |
Additional costs
For more information please see our funding section.
You should also consider further costs which may include books, stationery, printing, binding and general subsistence on trips and visits.
Scholarships for international students 2019/20 and 2020/21
International applicants to Salford Business School postgraduate master’s programme may be eligible for the Salford Business School Postgraduate International Excellence Scholarship worth £3,500, or the Salford Business School Silver Award worth £2,500.
For more information go to International Scholarships.
All set? Let's apply
Still have some questions? Contact us
By email (UK/EU applicants): enquiries@salford.ac.uk
By email (international applicants): international@salford.ac.uk
By phone: +44 (0) 161 295 4545