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Postgraduate Programme Specification

MSc Human Resource Management

Academic Year 2022/23

A programme specification is required for any programme on which a student may be registered. All programmes of the University are subject to the University's Quality Assurance processes. All degrees are awarded by Queen's University Belfast.

Programme Title MSc Human Resource Management Final Award
(exit route if applicable for Postgraduate Taught Programmes)
Master of Science
Programme Code MGT-MSC-HR UCAS Code HECoS Code 100085 - Human resource management - 100

ATAS Clearance Required

No

Health Check Required

No

Portfolio Required

--

Interview Required

--

Mode of Study Full Time or Part Time
Type of Programme Postgraduate Length of Programme Full Time - 1 Academic Year
Part Time - 2 Academic Years
Total Credits for Programme 180
Exit Awards available No

Institute Information

Teaching Institution

Queen's University Belfast

School/Department

Queen's Business School

Quality Code
https://www.qaa.ac.uk/quality-code

Higher Education Credit Framework for England
https://www.qaa.ac.uk/quality-code/higher-education-credit-framework-for-england

Level 7

Subject Benchmark Statements
https://www.qaa.ac.uk/quality-code/subject-benchmark-statements

The Frameworks for Higher Education Qualifications of UK Degree-Awarding Bodies
https://www.qaa.ac.uk/docs/qaa/quality-code/qualifications-frameworks.pdf

Business and Management (2015)

Accreditations (PSRB)

CIPD

Date of most recent Accreditation Visit 01-05-19

Regulation Information

Does the Programme have any approved exemptions from the University General Regulations
(Please see General Regulations)

No

Programme Specific Regulations

The MSc Human Resource Management is based on the University-wide modular framework. The class of degree awarded to the student (Fail, Pass, Commendation and Distinction) is based on the student’s performance in 8 taught modules plus the dissertation or consultancy based report.

Module marks are combined over the first and second semesters that, together with the dissertation or consultancy based report mark, are used to produce an aggregate mark. Marking is based on University agreed marking scale.

Students must pass all taught modules of the programme and the dissertation or consultancy based report to be eligible for the award of a Master’s degree. The pass mark for each taught module and the dissertation or consultancy based report shall be 50%.

Students who obtain an overall mark of 50% or more across the taught modules and who fail to achieve a mark of at least 50% in the dissertation or consultancy based report, shall be eligible for the award of Postgraduate Diploma only.

Students who fail a module at the first attempt shall be permitted to retake the module at the next available opportunity for a maximum of 50%.

Students may proceed to the dissertation module or consultancy based report, with caution, once they have successfully completed modules to the value of at least 105 CATS, which must include MGT7173 Research Methods for Business.

Students with protected characteristics

N/A

Are students subject to Fitness to Practise Regulations

(Please see General Regulations)

No

Educational Aims Of Programme

The overall aim of the programme is to provide an academically stimulating and professionally challenging programme for students in the broad area of human resources management. Through the programme, students will be given opportunities to develop skills and knowledge that will help to develop and enhance their personal competencies.

Within the context of striving towards the University’s Vision, the MSc Human Resource Management aims to:

•foster a stimulating and supportive learning environment which promotes intellectual, professional and personal development
•encourage critical thinking, independent enquiry, and an international outlook
•develop the skills necessary to undertake independent research and continuing professional development
•develop students' skills base, leadership capacity and connections with practice in ways which will enhance their ability to make valuable contributions to the economy and society
•promote engagement with issues of ethics, responsibility and sustainability, and maintain respect for social and cultural differences and openness, fairness, and equality of opportunity in relation to selection, learning, assessment, and support
•Provide advanced study of human resources management theory and strategy, employee relations, people resourcing, performance and development, human resource analytics and the changing environment in which these functions operate.
•Develop student ability to analyse complex human resources management problems critically, rationally and rigorously, analysing and interpreting HR-related data where appropriate.
•Encourage students to make informed decisions by creatively and systematically applying their understanding of core topics to contemporary issues and specialist fields of human resources management.

Learning Outcomes

Learning Outcomes: Cognitive Skills

On the completion of this course successful students will be able to:

Problem solve

Teaching/Learning Methods and Strategies

Problem solving is developed through scenario planning, case study analysis, analysis of theory and its implication to practice, analysis of HR data and its use in describing, visualising and prescribing HR issues, and through interaction with HR practitioners. This will be a central component in all taught modules.

Methods of Assessment

A variety of continuous assessment elements, both individual and group –based, including oral presentations, independent research, case study analysis, scenario planning, practical simulations, individual reflections and class tests, dissertation/ consultancy project.
These component will test the students‟ ability to reason logically and evaluate the most appropriate solution from a range of alternatives.

Reason logically

Teaching/Learning Methods and Strategies

The classroom time will be made up of formal lecturing time whereby key concepts will be introduced. This can be accompanied by interactive tasks which help students sharpen their skills and ability to reason logically when presented with a range of scenarios.

Methods of Assessment

A variety of continuous assessment elements, both individual and group –based, including oral presentations, independent research, case study analysis, scenario planning, practical simulations, individual reflections and class tests, dissertation/ consultancy project.
These component will test the students‟ ability to reason logically and evaluate the most appropriate solution from a range of alternatives.

Conduct independent enquiry

Teaching/Learning Methods and Strategies

Independent enquiry is a key element in all modules. Students will be presented with a range of complex issues, ideas and theories and expected to undertake independent enquiry to better understand these. Class time will be devoted to discussing these ideas from a variety of different perspectives.

Methods of Assessment

A variety of continuous assessment elements, both individual and group –based, including oral presentations, independent research, case study analysis, scenario planning, practical simulations, individual reflections and class tests, dissertation/ consultancy project. The dissertation module or consultancy based report in particular will require the student to undertake independent research

Critically evaluate and interpret

Teaching/Learning Methods and Strategies

Key concepts and ideas will be explored and developed in formal lectures and more interactive tutorial/workshop environments. Students will be trained to evaluate the concepts using a range of frameworks.

Methods of Assessment

A variety of continuous assessment elements, both individual and group –based, including oral presentations, independent research, case study analysis, scenario planning, practical simulations, individual reflections and class tests, dissertation/ consultancy project. All forms of CA will require the students to use their judgement and to evaluate and interpret a range of concepts and issues.

Self-assess and reflect

Teaching/Learning Methods and Strategies

Self-assessment and reflection are developed by opportunities for evaluating students’ own knowledge and understanding and practical skills and competencies in the HR field. Scenario planning, case study analysis, analysis of theory and its implication to practice and analysis of HR data is used to stimulate self- assessment and reflection. Formative feedback across all of the modules, e.g. on presentations, assignments, and through peer review.

Methods of Assessment

Students will have opportunities to reflect on their own performance both formatively and summatively. This also includes self-assessment and reflection assignments based on the students’ own knowledge, understanding, practical skills and competencies associated with the HR field.

Learning Outcomes: Transferable Skills

On the completion of this course successful students will be able to:

Organise and manage their time

Teaching/Learning Methods and Strategies

Transferable skills development will permeate the teaching and learning on the degree programme. Induction sessions, academic study workshops, group teaching sessions, discussions with industry experts and practitioners, individual and group presentation practice, online discussion, utilisation of relevant software packages, and more traditional lecture enquiry will be used to guide the learning experience.

Methods of Assessment

Both formative and summative assessments, across modules, require students to demonstrate all of the listed transferable skills. Assessments are both individual and group based, involving either written work, oral presentations or a combination of both. A variety of assessment tasks are used such as essays, case analysis, oral presentations, data analysis, interpretation and reporting, self-assessment and reflection pieces, and an independent dissertation or consultancy based report. All modules will require all skills, although the balance will vary across modules.

All assessments will consider students’ abilities to organise and manage their time as individuals and across group situations in order to complete work within deadlines.

Synthesise and evaluate information/data from a variety of sources including from databases, books, journal articles and the internet

Teaching/Learning Methods and Strategies

Transferable skills development will permeate the teaching and learning on the degree programme. Induction sessions, academic study workshops, group teaching sessions, discussions with industry experts and practitioners, individual and group presentation practice, online discussion, utilisation of relevant software packages, and more traditional lecture enquiry will be used to guide the learning experience.

Methods of Assessment

Both formative and summative assessments, across modules, require students to demonstrate all of the listed transferable skills. Assessments are both individual and group based, involving either written work, oral presentations or a combination of both. A variety of assessment tasks are used such as essays, case analysis, oral presentations, data analysis, interpretation and reporting, self-assessment and reflection pieces, and an independent dissertation or consultancy based report. All modules will require all skills, although the balance will vary across modules.
All assessments will expect students to synthesise and critically evaluate information from a range of sources

Work both independently and in groups

Teaching/Learning Methods and Strategies

Transferable skills development will permeate the teaching and learning on the degree programme. Induction sessions, academic study workshops, group teaching sessions, discussions with industry experts and practitioners, individual and group presentation practice, online discussion, utilisation of relevant software packages, and more traditional lecture enquiry will be used to guide the learning experience.

Methods of Assessment

Both formative and summative assessments, across modules, require students to demonstrate all of the listed transferable skills. Assessments are both individual and group based, involving either written work, oral presentations or a combination of both. A variety of assessment tasks are used such as essays, case analysis, oral presentations, data analysis, interpretation and reporting, self-assessment and reflection pieces, and an independent dissertation or consultancy based report. All modules will require all skills, although the balance will vary across modules.

Make effective use of information technology including relevant subject-specific packages

Teaching/Learning Methods and Strategies

Transferable skills development will permeate the teaching and learning on the degree programme. Induction sessions, academic study workshops, group teaching sessions, discussions with industry experts and practitioners, individual and group presentation practice, online discussion, utilisation of relevant software packages, and more traditional lecture enquiry will be used to guide the learning experience.

Methods of Assessment

Both formative and summative assessments, across modules, require students to demonstrate all of the listed transferable skills. Assessments are both individual and group based, involving either written work, oral presentations or a combination of both. A variety of assessment tasks are used such as essays, case analysis, oral presentations, data analysis, interpretation and reporting self-assessment and reflection pieces, and an independent dissertation or consultancy based report. All modules will require all skills, although the balance will vary across modules.
All assessments expects students to be competent in software and IT packages, specific assessment expect students to demonstrate their competence in using specific HR analytics and statistic software packages

Communicate ideas in both written and presentational forms

Teaching/Learning Methods and Strategies

Transferable skills development will permeate the teaching and learning on the degree programme. Induction sessions, academic study workshops, group teaching sessions, discussions with industry experts and practitioners, individual and group presentation practice, online discussion, utilisation of relevant software packages, and more traditional lecture enquiry will be used to guide the learning experience.

Methods of Assessment

Both formative and summative assessments, across modules, require students to demonstrate all of the listed transferable skills. Assessments are both individual and group based, involving either written work, oral presentations or a combination of both. A variety of assessment tasks are used such as essays, case analysis, oral presentations, data analysis, interpretation and reporting self-assessment and reflection pieces, and an independent dissertation or consultancy based report. All modules will require all skills, although the balance will vary across modules.

Confidently engage with the world of practice

Teaching/Learning Methods and Strategies

Transferable skills development will permeate the teaching and learning on the degree programme. Induction sessions, academic study workshops, group teaching sessions, discussions with industry experts and practitioners, individual and group presentation practice, online discussion, utilisation of relevant software packages, and more traditional lecture enquiry will be used to guide the learning experience.

Methods of Assessment

Both formative and summative assessments, across modules, require students to demonstrate all of the listed transferable skills. Assessments are both individual and group based, involving either written work, oral presentations or a combination of both. A variety of assessment tasks are used such as essays, case analysis, oral presentations, data analysis, interpretation and reporting self-assessment and reflection pieces, and an independent dissertation or consultancy based report. All modules will require all skills, although the balance will vary across modules.

Learning Outcomes: Knowledge & Understanding

On the completion of this course successful students will be able to:

The nature of human resources strategy - encompasses the various processes, procedures and practices for effective management of human resources strategy. It includes theories, models, frameworks, tasks and roles of human resources strategy and employees.

Teaching/Learning Methods and Strategies

Students’ acquisition of core knowledge is achieved primarily through the lecture and workshop environment across the 8 taught modules and a dissertation or consultancy based report. The modules are delivered using a range of face-to-face teaching sessions, lectures, group work, case studies, workshops, and practical lab classes. In addition, students may be required to participate in online discussion fora.

Methods of Assessment

Both formative and summative assessments, across modules, require students to demonstrate a breadth and depth of knowledge and understanding relating to HR strategy, policies and practices. Assessments are both individual and group based, involving either written work, oral presentations or a combination of both. A variety of assessment tasks are used such as essays, case analysis, oral presentations, data analysis, interpretation and reporting self-assessment and reflection pieces, and an independent dissertation or consultancy based report. All modules will require this knowledge and understanding, although the balance will vary across modules.

The management of elements of the human resources function -encompassing the different internal functions of employee relations, talent management, performance and reward, learning and development, and people resourcing, and how these functions interact with the firm and its external environment

Teaching/Learning Methods and Strategies

Students’ acquisition of core knowledge is achieved primarily through the lecture and workshop environment across the 8 taught modules and a dissertation or consultancy based report. The modules are delivered using a range of face-to-face teaching sessions, lectures, group work, case studies, workshops, and practical lab classes. In addition, students may be required to participate in online discussion fora.

Methods of Assessment

Both formative and summative assessments, across modules, require students to demonstrate a breadth and depth of knowledge and understanding relating to the various HR functions and how they interact. Assessments are both individual and group based, involving either written work, oral presentations or a combination of both. A variety of assessment tasks are used such as essays, case analysis, oral presentations, data analysis, interpretation and reporting self-assessment and reflection pieces, and an independent dissertation or consultancy based report. All modules will require this knowledge and understanding, although the balance will vary across modules.

External environment –the interactions between firms, governments and society both within a national and international context. This encompasses a wide range of factors, including economic, environmental, ethical, legal, political, sociological and technological, together with the effects of national and multinational enterprises at local, national and international levels

Teaching/Learning Methods and Strategies

Students’ acquisition of core knowledge is achieved primarily through the lecture and workshop environment across the 8 taught modules and a dissertation or consultancy based report. The modules are delivered using a range of face-to-face teaching sessions, lectures, group work, case studies, workshops, and practical lab classes. In addition, students may be required to participate in online discussion fora.

Methods of Assessment

Both formative and summative assessments, across modules, require students to demonstrate a breadth and depth of knowledge and understanding relating to the external environment and how it relates to HRM. Assessments are both individual and group based, involving either written work, oral presentations or a combination of both. A variety of assessment tasks are used such as essays, case analysis, oral presentations, data analysis, interpretation and reporting self-assessment and reflection pieces, and an independent dissertation or consultancy based report. All modules will require this knowledge and understanding, although the balance will vary across modules.

Appreciate diversity and be capable of placing issues within their local and international contexts

Teaching/Learning Methods and Strategies

Students’ acquisition of core knowledge is achieved primarily through the lecture and workshop environment across the 8 taught modules and a dissertation or consultancy based report. The modules are delivered using a range of face-to-face teaching sessions, lectures, group work, case studies, workshops, and practical lab classes. In addition, students may be required to participate in online discussion fora.

Methods of Assessment

Both formative and summative assessments, across modules, require students to demonstrate a breadth and depth of knowledge and understanding of diversity and inclusion issues within the workplace and across local and international contexts. Assessments are both individual and group based, involving either written work, oral presentations or a combination of both. A variety of assessment tasks are used such as essays, case analysis, oral presentations, data analysis, interpretation and reporting self-assessment and reflection pieces, and an independent dissertation or consultancy based report. All modules will require this knowledge and understanding, although the balance will vary across modules.

Engage with issues around ethics, responsibility and sustainability

Teaching/Learning Methods and Strategies

Students’ acquisition of core knowledge is achieved primarily through the lecture and workshop environment across the 8 taught modules and a dissertation or consultancy based report. The modules are delivered using a range of face-to-face teaching sessions, lectures, group work, case studies, workshops, and practical lab classes. In addition, students may be required to participate in online discussion fora.

Methods of Assessment

Both formative and summative assessments, across modules, require students to demonstrate a critical appreciation of issues around ethics, responsibility and sustainability. Assessments are both individual and group based, involving either written work, oral presentations or a combination of both. A variety of assessment tasks are used such as essays, case analysis, oral presentations, data analysis, interpretation and reporting self-assessment and reflection pieces, and an independent dissertation or consultancy based report. All modules will require this knowledge and understanding, although the balance will vary across modules.

Learning Outcomes: Subject Specific

On the completion of this course successful students will be able to:

Apply contemporary management tools and techniques to address human resource management issues

Teaching/Learning Methods and Strategies

Students’ acquisition of this subject specific knowledge is achieved primarily through the lecture and workshop environment across the 8 taught modules and a dissertation or consultancy based report. Specific tools and techniques are covered within the relevant modules and taught via lectures, workshops, practitioner-led sessions, and practical lab classes drawing from a range of learning tools such case studies and scenarios, simulations, groups discussions, critical questioning, debates, self-reflection, etc . In addition, students may be required to participate in online discussion fora.

Methods of Assessment

Assessment methods include problem-centred techniques such as case studies and organisational analysis, non-book media, individual research, oral presentations, group projects, self-assessment and reflection of skills, data analysis reports.

To gain a practical understanding of human resource management problems

Teaching/Learning Methods and Strategies

Students’ acquisition of this subject specific knowledge is achieved primarily through the lecture and workshop environment across the 8 taught modules and a dissertation or consultancy based report. Specific tools and techniques are covered within the relevant modules and taught via lectures, workshops, practitioner-led sessions, and practical lab classes drawing from a range of learning tools such case studies and scenarios, simulations, groups discussions, critical questioning, debates, self-reflection, etc . In addition, students may be required to participate in online discussion fora.

Methods of Assessment

Assessment methods include problem-centred techniques such as case studies and organisational analysis, non-book media, individual research, oral presentations, group projects, self-assessment and reflection of skills, data analysis reports.

To critically evaluate key human resource management issues and propose feasible solutions

Teaching/Learning Methods and Strategies

Students’ acquisition of this subject specific knowledge is achieved primarily through the lecture and workshop environment across the 8 taught modules and a dissertation or consultancy based report. Specific tools and techniques are covered within the relevant modules and taught via lectures, workshops, practitioner-led sessions, and practical lab classes drawing from a range of learning tools such case studies and scenarios, simulations, groups discussions, critical questioning, debates, self-reflection, etc . In addition, students may be required to participate in online discussion fora.

Methods of Assessment

Assessment methods include problem-centred techniques such as case studies and organisational analysis, non-book media, individual research, oral presentations, group projects, self-assessment and reflection of skills, data analysis reports.

Use statistical and simulation techniques to analyse human resource management problems, including the use of HR analytics software.

Teaching/Learning Methods and Strategies

Students’ acquisition of this subject specific knowledge is achieved primarily through the lecture and workshop environment across the 8 taught modules and a dissertation or consultancy based report. Specific tools and techniques are covered within the relevant modules and taught via lectures, workshops, practitioner-led sessions, and practical lab classes drawing from a range of learning tools such case studies and scenarios, simulations, groups discussions, critical questioning, debates, self-reflection, and in particular through utilising HR analytics software etc . In addition, students may be required to participate in online discussion fora.

Methods of Assessment

Assessment methods include problem-centred techniques such as case studies and organisational analysis, non-book media, individual research, oral presentations, group projects, self-assessment and reflection of skills, data analysis reports.

Module Information

Stages and Modules

Module Title Module Code Level/ stage Credits

Availability

Duration Pre-requisite

Assessment

S1 S2 Core Option Coursework % Practical % Examination %
Performance and Reward Management MGT7183 7 15 YES -- 15 weeks N YES -- 100% 0% 0%
Managing Employment Relations MGT7150 7 15 YES -- 15 weeks N YES -- 100% 0% 0%
Leading Organisational Change MGT7218 7 15 -- YES 15 weeks N YES -- 60% 40% 0%
Human Resources Analytics MGT7182 7 15 YES -- 15 weeks N YES -- 100% 0% 0%
Consultancy Based Report MGT9202 7 60 -- YES 15 weeks N YES -- 100% 0% 0%
MSc Human Resource Management Dissertation MGT9152 7 60 -- YES 15 weeks N YES -- 100% 0% 0%
Resourcing and Talent Management MGT7149 7 15 -- YES 15 weeks N YES -- 100% 0% 0%
Research Methods for Business (HRM) MGT7173 7 15 -- YES 15 weeks N YES -- 100% 0% 0%
Human Capital Development MGT7171 7 15 -- YES 15 weeks N YES -- 100% 0% 0%
HRM Theory and Strategy MGT7146 7 15 YES -- 15 weeks N YES -- 100% 0% 0%

Notes

Students must pass all modules worth at least 105 CAT points, including MGT7173 before they can begin their Dissertation MGT9152 or Consultancy Project MGT9202.

First year part-time students are required to take MGT7147, MGT7146, MGT7149 and MGT7150. Second year part-time students are required to take MGT7183, MGT7182, MGT7171, MGT7173 and MGT9152.