MSc Human Resource Management and the Future of Work
- MSc
Overview
The MSc Human Resource Management and the Future of Work is an intensive master's-level specialist programme for graduates who have a prior qualification in social sciences and wish to develop their knowledge and skills in the practice, theory and policy of the world of work.
The future of work has become one of the defining debates of our generation. While the 'greening' of our economies will create millions of jobs, many traditional forms of work may also disappear. The digital economy fosters greater connectivity and access to technologies but also has the potential to disrupt labour markets. The future of work creates many challenges, but countless opportunities exist to improve the quality of working lives and reverse the damages inflicted by global inequality and the climate crisis.
This 12-month full-time programme will appeal to students who want to engage, respond to and be part of the global challenges related to Human Resource Management and the Future of Work. We aim to develop analytical and confident critical thinkers through research-led teaching. You will gain insight into the nature of Human Resource Management and the complexity of organisations from a variety of disciplines and will be armed with the relevant knowledge to apply theory to practice.
You will be part of a dynamic and diverse body of staff and students in Bristol and will be taught by experienced academics. 88% of our Business and Management research is rated as world-leading or internationally excellent (REF 2021), reflecting its impact on shaping policy and practice. Staff in the school are engaged in conducting pioneering research that is shaping policy and practice in the UK, Europe and globally.
Listen to the first episode of our Research Frontiers podcast - 'The future of work'.
Programme structure
You will study six core units (20 credits each) throughout the programme, starting with core theories and concepts including employment relations, HRM in the global economy and the context of work in the 21st century.
In term two, you will focus on the 'future(s)' and 'alternatives' to work and organisation, and engage in timely debates on what the world of work could look like. Finally, in the summer term, the dissertation provides an opportunity for independent research and in-depth investigation into a topic area that can be adapted to reflect your interests and career choices.
Visit our programme catalogue for full details of the structure and unit content for our MSc in Human Resource Management and the Future of Work.
Entry requirements
An upper second-class honours degree or international equivalent in Social science (economics, accounting, management, business, policy studies, sociology, development, anthropology, cultural studies, politics, psychology, international studies, political economy, human geography) and law.
We will also consider applicants who have not completed a degree listed above but have completed a dissertation in a relevant subject to the degree programme, for example human resource management, the future of work or employment relations.
For applicants who are currently completing a degree, we understand that their final grade may be higher than the interim grades or module/unit grades they achieve during their studies.
We will consider applicants whose interim grades are currently slightly lower than the programme's entry requirements. We may make these applicants an aspirational offer. This offer would be at the standard level, so the applicant would need to achieve the standard entry requirements by the end of their degree. Specific module requirements may still apply.
We will consider applicants whose grades are slightly lower than the programme's entry requirements, if they have at least one of the following:
- evidence of significant (minimum of 1 year in a paid role) relevant work experience in human resource management in sectors such as trade union, advocacy, charity, research.
- a relevant postgraduate qualification.
If this is the case, applicants should include their CV (curriculum vitae / résumé) when they apply, showing details of their relevant work experience and/or qualifications.
See international equivalent qualifications on the International Office website.
Read the programme admissions statement for important information on entry requirements, the application process and supporting documents required.
Go to admissions statementIf English is not your first language, you will need to reach the requirements outlined in our profile level B.
Further information about English language requirements and profile levels.
Fees and funding
- UK: full-time
- £17,300 per year
- Overseas: full-time
- £32,300 per year
Fees are subject to an annual review. For programmes that last longer than one year, please budget for up to an 8% increase in fees each year.
More about tuition fees, living costs and financial support.
Alumni discount
University of Bristol students and graduates can benefit from a 25% reduction in tuition fees for postgraduate study. Check your eligibility for an alumni discount.
Funding for 2024/25
Further information on funding for prospective UK and international postgraduate students.
Career prospects
We aim to guide, teach, foster and develop knowledgeable, thoughtful and ethical practitioners who can thrive in a range of future job prospects within a global environment.
Group work, presentations and innovative assessments based on real-life organisations will develop the teamwork and communication skills expected in today's workplace.
This degree provides excellent preparation for all careers in Human Resource Management and you will graduate with many transferable skills. Students graduating from this degree will find employment in a wide range of for- and non-profit organisations as well as non-governmental organisations, civil society organisations, trade unions, inter-governmental organisations and the third sector.
Contact us
- Contact
- Enquiries Team
- Phone
- +44 (0) 117 394 1649
- choosebristol-pg@bristol.ac.uk