Management with Human Resources | MSc

Course Overview

MSc Management with Human Resources provides students with the opportunity to develop their understanding of human resource management and to locate that new understanding in the dual contexts of both the wider business implications and an international perspective. In addition, students can develop the knowledge and practical skills necessary to deal with people within the particular context of the employment relationship.

The programme provides an opportunity for both aspiring and practising HR specialists to study their subject at Master's level and to prepare them to carry out management and leadership roles successfully. You are able develop a critical understanding of the issues relating to business, management, and HRM which can enhance your ability to maximise individual potential.

The programme introduces you to the field of leadership with the domain of human resources, and management of change, which can help you to become effective managers/HR Professionals in managing others fairly and effectively, ultimately increasing levels of engagement, motivation, commitment, and performance across the organisational workforce.

MSc Management with Human Resources is open to applicants from all educational backgrounds. No previous experience of management studies or HR is required. For those who have already studied a related discipline, this course offers the opportunity to progress your knowledge to an advanced level. The programme is also suitable for those who have proven managerial experience which they wish to consolidate with academic qualifications.

Course Overview

Why Choose Lincoln

Teaching informed by real-world examples

Progress your knowledge to an advanced level

Hear from expert industry speakers

Develop leadership skills during activity-based team challenges

Part-time study available

A group of students working together on a project

How You Study

MSc Management with Human Resources brings together relevant contemporary academic theories and research with practical understanding of HRM policies and practices within organisations. Teaching is informed by real-world examples and students will be expected to participate in lectures, seminars, and workshops to share knowledge, relate this to theories developed from relevant research, and learn through practical application. Through the development of an integrated and critically aware understanding of management and HR in the context of contemporary business issues, the programme involves students in a demanding process of personal and professional development.

Our focus on the international dimensions of business and management and HRM reflects the global environment in which organisations increasingly function. This global mindset is realised in our international faculty and student community. Our academics and students are drawn from all over the world, and bring with them unique experiences and perspectives which can enrich students' learning.

Each module typically consists of two weekly teaching hours over a teaching term. Students will normally study four modules per term. Please note, irrespective of whether students are full-time or part-time, their hours of study may vary from term to term and can be spread throughout the week. Students planning to study the degree on a part-time basis, will be studying two modules per term.

Postgraduate level study involves a significant proportion of independent study, exploring the material covered in lectures and seminars. As a general guide, for every hour in class, students are expected to spend three in independent study.

Although a proportion of the contact time will be spent in teaching, emphasis will also be placed upon the use of the student group as a resource for learning. The style of teaching will vary to reflect individual module objectives. The modules utilise methods of teaching and learning which are appropriate to postgraduate level study and effective collaborative learning such as debates, presentations, and report writing. There will also be group discussions of practical situations and problems, making an extensive use of case studies in national and international contexts, simulation materials and, where relevant, students' own experiences.

How You Study

Modules

† Some courses may offer optional modules. The availability of optional modules may vary from year to year and will be subject to minimum student numbers being achieved. This means that the availability of specific optional modules cannot be guaranteed. Optional module selection may also be affected by staff availability.

Employment Relations 2025-26HRM9047MLevel 72025-26The cornerstone of all human resource management (HRM) activity is the employment relationship – as a legal, social, economic and psychological exchange. This module is designed to provide students with the chance to develop a comprehensive understanding of employment relations perspectives and debates, both national and international, from a theoretical and behavioural competency perspective. This module can help students to understand, analyse, and evaluate competing theories and perspectives associated with managing employment relations strategies and their outcomes on organisational climate, employees and management. By utilising descriptive, predictive and prescriptive data analytics, the employment relationship can be optimised, reducing areas such as staff turnover and sickness absence through data-driven performance improvement initiatives. The module provides opportunities to critically apply the activities, knowledge and behavioural competencies required for managing employment relations practices in union and non-union, small and large, private, public and indigenous and multinational organisations. It aims to enable students to review and critically evaluate the roles and functions of different stakeholders in employment relations and the structures and processes required to manage the employment relationship effectively.CoreFinancial Analysis, Appraisal and Decision Making 2025-26ACC9703MLevel 72025-26The module aims to develop the student's ability to critically analyse the financial statements for single and group companies, understanding how the financial statements are prepared, considering compliance with legal and regulatory requirements and the relevant International Accounting Standards. Students taking the module will examine both financial and non-financial matters that affect a business on a day to day basis and develop proactive ideas to solve these issues. The module will help to equip students with the knowledge and skills necessary to understand corporate financial performance and the relevance of accounting information, including the implications for the organisation, stakeholders, and for effective corporate governance.CoreHuman Resources in a Global Context 2025-26 HRM9704MLevel 72025-26Human resource (HR) professionals and managers operate within an increasingly complex and changing organisational context, whether in the market, public or ‘third’ sectors. Whatever the size of their organisations or the types of goods or services these enterprises produce for their customers or clients. This module aims to provide learners, first, with an understanding of the principal internal and external environmental contexts of contemporary organisations, including the managerial and business context, within which managers, HR professionals and workers interact in conditions of environmental turbulence, change and uncertainty. Secondly, the module examines how those leading organisations respond to these dynamic environmental contexts. The module also indicates how leaders in organisations, those in the HR function, and line managers with HR responsibilities need to recognise and acknowledge that corporate decisions and HR choices are not always shaped by managers alone. They are also shaped by internal and external forces beyond their immediate control. By having a data-driven approach to people problems through the use of sound HR analytics, the decision-making process becomes evidence-based and predictions are less of a risk in terms of strategy. Having studied this module, learners can become more aware that managers and HR professionals in different types of organisation (small, large, national, global), in responding to their internal, business and external environmental contexts, not only have opportunities and choices when taking organisational and HR decisions but also face constraints on their autonomy in determining their futures. This module explores the implications for professional practice and provides opportunities for applied learning and continuous professional development.CoreInternational Marketing Planning 2025-26MKT9705MLevel 72025-26The business world never stands still; technologies and the move towards a more global economy are creating opportunities that organisations must embrace to maintain their competitive edge. Equally, organisations now face threats that may fundamentally disrupt the nature of their business and must compete with new types of challengers to the marketplace, from any channel and anywhere in the world. Global trends, events and innovations appear to have a greater impact on local markets than we have seen before. In the rise of new technology, hardly any of today’s business is border bound. Even the local organisations have to compete with international businesses because the borders of the world have become pervasive. The monumental speed of changing market place means that traditional planning cycles must be proactive. The International Marketing Planning module provides students with the fundamental building blocks to manage an organisation’s marketing function. By establishing an organisation’s current market position, unpacking the value offering to consumers, and formulating a plan to meet strategic marketing objectives, the marketing planning process provides a creative framework to drive organisational success and achieve a sustained, competitive advantage in the global marketplace.CoreLeadership Development 2025-26MGT9707MLevel 72025-26This module is designed to provide students with a conceptual and theoretical background in leadership, and an opportunity to develop leadership competencies in themselves and others. It covers topics such as leadership style, followership, ethical and responsible leadership, gender and leadership, and cross-cultural leadership. Over the course of this module, students will gain an understanding and appreciation of the impact interpersonal skills have on leadership effectiveness. This module has an applied focus and requires students to reflect on and apply theories and techniques to their personal real-world context in order to enhance their leadership practice.CoreOrganisational Design and Development 2025-26HRM9705MLevel 72025-26This module covers organisation design and development and will enable students to develop a critical understanding of the theory and conceptual framework of organisation design and of the principles and practices of organisation development. Both are critical to our understanding of organisations and how they function and both reside within a framework of organisational theory. The module focuses on decisions that have to be made on the most appropriate organisational structure(s) to ensure delivery of organisational activity. Organisation design is about shaping an organisation to maximise its effectiveness, aiming for flexibility in delivery of its services. Through breaking down departmental barriers, seeking improved supply efficiencies, teamwork and collaboration and working towards better customer management and retention, organisations can enhance their performance and ensure that organisational goals and targets are achieved. Organisation design activities therefore focus on finding the most appropriate structures, relationships between departments and sections, and allocation of work activities, including definition of duties and role responsibilities. By utilising HR Data Analytics, organisations can determine the effectiveness and efficiency of HR day-to-day procedures, job and organisational design. Such a data-driven approach to managing people and the workplace has a clear link to performance management in that effective delivery of work and output will be measured and managed. The module also focuses on how an organisation’s culture, values and environment support and enhance organisational performance and adaptability. Organisation development is defined by CIPD (2018) as a ‘planned and systematic approach to enabling sustained organisation performance through the involvement of its people’. This might include how organisational members acquire new skills, knowledge and behaviours, and do things differently, often as part of the application of continuous improvement strategies. The concept of the ‘learning organisation’ as one of a number of organisation development strategies that might be adopted as part organisational change activities is also explored. The importance of cultural awareness in managing outcomes of design and development strategies, the practical applications of organisation design and organisation development concepts and the implications for the effective management of organisations and professional practice are considered. The module requires critical reflection on theory and practice from an ethical and professional standpoint and provides opportunities for applied learning and continuous professional development.CoreProfessional Inquiry Project 2025-26BUS9720Level 72025-26CoreProject Planning and Management 2025-26BUS9041MLevel 72025-26With the rapidly changing context of modern business, the process of introducing novel technologies, products, infrastructures, or systems has become vital yet more challenging due to often conflicting stakeholder requirements, irreversible investments, operating constraints, and associated risks. Therefore, any business change has to be project-managed as the current emphasis in business is on flexible, rapid response to customer demands. Managers increasingly require a project competence with a systems-oriented management style that cuts across traditional functional roles throughout the project life-cycle. Project management is thus considered a crucial management philosophy of how organisations manage fluctuating business environments and bring to life something innovative or simply never accomplished before. This module provides students with the opportunity to develop an essential understanding of the fundamentals of project management. It covers a variety of concepts and their practical application including project scope, time, cost, quality, stakeholders, and communication.CoreStrategy in Context 2025-26MGT9706MLevel 72025-26In our current globalised world, individuals in leadership and management positions within organisations across sectors are often confronted with a myriad of ‘wicked’ problems which demand for a comprehensive and cohesive strategy. To succeed, individuals in position of responsibility must develop a range of capabilities needed to gain competitive advantage in markets and in the globe. This module seeks to equip students with crucial knowledge and strategy making skills to perform as a strategist and contribute to responsible business strategies to give their organisation a competitive advantage. Students who fully engage with the module will develop the knowledge and professional expertise needed for the formation, implementation and analysis of responsible business strategies; to make appropriate choices between strategic options; and then to follow a strategic route that will deliver results that are robust, ethically sound and socially responsible.Core

Modules

Employment Relations 2024-25HRM9047MLevel 72024-25The cornerstone of all human resource management (HRM) activity is the employment relationship – as a legal, social, economic and psychological exchange. This module is designed to provide students with the chance to develop a comprehensive understanding of employment relations perspectives and debates, both national and international, from a theoretical and behavioural competency perspective. This module can help students to understand, analyse, and evaluate competing theories and perspectives associated with managing employment relations strategies and their outcomes on organisational climate, employees and management. By utilising descriptive, predictive and prescriptive data analytics, the employment relationship can be optimised, reducing areas such as staff turnover and sickness absence through data-driven performance improvement initiatives. The module provides opportunities to critically apply the activities, knowledge and behavioural competencies required for managing employment relations practices in union and non-union, small and large, private, public and indigenous and multinational organisations. It aims to enable students to review and critically evaluate the roles and functions of different stakeholders in employment relations and the structures and processes required to manage the employment relationship effectively.CoreFinancial Analysis, Appraisal and Decision Making 2024-25ACC9703MLevel 72024-25The module aims to develop the student's ability to critically analyse the financial statements for single and group companies, understanding how the financial statements are prepared, considering compliance with legal and regulatory requirements and the relevant International Accounting Standards. Students taking the module will examine both financial and non-financial matters that affect a business on a day to day basis and develop proactive ideas to solve these issues. The module will help to equip students with the knowledge and skills necessary to understand corporate financial performance and the relevance of accounting information, including the implications for the organisation, stakeholders, and for effective corporate governance.CoreHuman Resources in a Global Context 2024-25 HRM9704MLevel 72024-25Human resource (HR) professionals and managers operate within an increasingly complex and changing organisational context, whether in the market, public or ‘third’ sectors. Whatever the size of their organisations or the types of goods or services these enterprises produce for their customers or clients. This module aims to provide learners, first, with an understanding of the principal internal and external environmental contexts of contemporary organisations, including the managerial and business context, within which managers, HR professionals and workers interact in conditions of environmental turbulence, change and uncertainty. Secondly, the module examines how those leading organisations respond to these dynamic environmental contexts. The module also indicates how leaders in organisations, those in the HR function, and line managers with HR responsibilities need to recognise and acknowledge that corporate decisions and HR choices are not always shaped by managers alone. They are also shaped by internal and external forces beyond their immediate control. By having a data-driven approach to people problems through the use of sound HR analytics, the decision-making process becomes evidence-based and predictions are less of a risk in terms of strategy. Having studied this module, learners can become more aware that managers and HR professionals in different types of organisation (small, large, national, global), in responding to their internal, business and external environmental contexts, not only have opportunities and choices when taking organisational and HR decisions but also face constraints on their autonomy in determining their futures. This module explores the implications for professional practice and provides opportunities for applied learning and continuous professional development.CoreInternational Marketing Planning 2024-25MKT9705MLevel 72024-25The business world never stands still; technologies and the move towards a more global economy are creating opportunities that organisations must embrace to maintain their competitive edge. Equally, organisations now face threats that may fundamentally disrupt the nature of their business and must compete with new types of challengers to the marketplace, from any channel and anywhere in the world. Global trends, events and innovations appear to have a greater impact on local markets than we have seen before. In the rise of new technology, hardly any of today’s business is border bound. Even the local organisations have to compete with international businesses because the borders of the world have become pervasive. The monumental speed of changing market place means that traditional planning cycles must be proactive. The International Marketing Planning module provides students with the fundamental building blocks to manage an organisation’s marketing function. By establishing an organisation’s current market position, unpacking the value offering to consumers, and formulating a plan to meet strategic marketing objectives, the marketing planning process provides a creative framework to drive organisational success and achieve a sustained, competitive advantage in the global marketplace.CoreLeadership and Development 2024-25MGT9707MLevel 72024-25This module is designed to provide students with a conceptual and theoretical background in leadership, and an opportunity to develop leadership competencies in themselves and others. It covers topics such as leadership style, followership, ethical and responsible leadership, gender and leadership, and cross-cultural leadership. Over the course of this module, students will gain an understanding and appreciation of the impact interpersonal skills have on leadership effectiveness. This module has an applied focus and requires students to reflect on and apply theories and techniques to their personal real-world context in order to enhance their leadership practice.CoreOrganisational Design and Development 2024-25HRM9705MLevel 72024-25This module covers organisation design and development and will enable students to develop a critical understanding of the theory and conceptual framework of organisation design and of the principles and practices of organisation development. Both are critical to our understanding of organisations and how they function and both reside within a framework of organisational theory. The module focuses on decisions that have to be made on the most appropriate organisational structure(s) to ensure delivery of organisational activity. Organisation design is about shaping an organisation to maximise its effectiveness, aiming for flexibility in delivery of its services. Through breaking down departmental barriers, seeking improved supply efficiencies, teamwork and collaboration and working towards better customer management and retention, organisations can enhance their performance and ensure that organisational goals and targets are achieved. Organisation design activities therefore focus on finding the most appropriate structures, relationships between departments and sections, and allocation of work activities, including definition of duties and role responsibilities. By utilising HR Data Analytics, organisations can determine the effectiveness and efficiency of HR day-to-day procedures, job and organisational design. Such a data-driven approach to managing people and the workplace has a clear link to performance management in that effective delivery of work and output will be measured and managed. The module also focuses on how an organisation’s culture, values and environment support and enhance organisational performance and adaptability. Organisation development is defined by CIPD (2018) as a ‘planned and systematic approach to enabling sustained organisation performance through the involvement of its people’. This might include how organisational members acquire new skills, knowledge and behaviours, and do things differently, often as part of the application of continuous improvement strategies. The concept of the ‘learning organisation’ as one of a number of organisation development strategies that might be adopted as part organisational change activities is also explored. The importance of cultural awareness in managing outcomes of design and development strategies, the practical applications of organisation design and organisation development concepts and the implications for the effective management of organisations and professional practice are considered. The module requires critical reflection on theory and practice from an ethical and professional standpoint and provides opportunities for applied learning and continuous professional development.CoreProfessional Inquiry Project 2024-25BUS9720Level 72024-25CoreProject Planning and Management 2024-25BUS9041MLevel 72024-25With the rapidly changing context of modern business, the process of introducing novel technologies, products, infrastructures, or systems has become vital yet more challenging due to often conflicting stakeholder requirements, irreversible investments, operating constraints, and associated risks. Therefore, any business change has to be project-managed as the current emphasis in business is on flexible, rapid response to customer demands. Managers increasingly require a project competence with a systems-oriented management style that cuts across traditional functional roles throughout the project life-cycle. Project management is thus considered a crucial management philosophy of how organisations manage fluctuating business environments and bring to life something innovative or simply never accomplished before. This module provides students with the opportunity to develop an essential understanding of the fundamentals of project management. It covers a variety of concepts and their practical application including project scope, time, cost, quality, stakeholders, and communication.CoreStrategy in Context 2024-25MGT9706MLevel 72024-25In our current globalised world, individuals in leadership and management positions within organisations across sectors are often confronted with a myriad of ‘wicked’ problems which demand for a comprehensive and cohesive strategy. To succeed, individuals in position of responsibility must develop a range of capabilities needed to gain competitive advantage in markets and in the globe. This module seeks to equip students with crucial knowledge and strategy making skills to perform as a strategist and contribute to responsible business strategies to give their organisation a competitive advantage. Students who fully engage with the module will develop the knowledge and professional expertise needed for the formation, implementation and analysis of responsible business strategies; to make appropriate choices between strategic options; and then to follow a strategic route that will deliver results that are robust, ethically sound and socially responsible.Core

What You Need to Know

We want you to have all the information you need to make an informed decision on where and what you want to study. In addition to the information provided on this course page, our What You Need to Know page offers explanations on key topics including programme validation/revalidation, additional costs, contact hours, and our return to face-to-face teaching.

What You Need to Know

How you are assessed

A variety of assessment methods are utilised during this course, including essays, examinations, and oral presentations. These assessments are designed to develop skills that will be useful for your career.

The University of Lincoln's policy on assessment feedback aims to ensure that academics will return in-course assessments to you promptly - usually within 15 working days after the submission date.

How you are assessed

The University of Lincoln's policy on assessment feedback aims to ensure that academics will return in-course assessments to you promptly - usually within 15 working days after the submission date.

Industry Expertise

Lincoln International Business School has an experienced team of staff, which is made up of academically and professionally qualified lecturers with relevant industrial experience and experts with wide research interests. The School hosts a series of visiting speakers each year, enabling students to hear and learn from industry experts. Previous speakers have included representatives from organisations such as Deloitte, Santander, HSBC, Innocent, Siemens, Lincoln City Council, and Sir David Tweedie (ex-Chairman of the IASB).

Students will also have the chance to build their skills and knowledge further with extra-curricular activities such as joining a society, volunteering, or becoming a Student Ambassador.

Working in Partnership

Lincoln International Business School works with students and organisations to enhance the contribution of business to society. For students, that means developing their business skills and knowledge to improve their career readiness.The University of Lincoln is a member of AACSB, a global nonprofit association connecting educators, students, and businesses to achieve a common goal: to create the next generation of great leaders.

About the AACSB

Leadership Development

The programme provides a diverse range of learning and assessment situations that develop appropriate knowledge, intellectual, and practical skills, and promote opportunities for students to acquire and demonstrate transferable, interpersonal, and problem-solving skills within the broad context of management and in a multi-cultural setting.

A highlight of the programme is an activity-based team challenge event as part of the module Leadership Development, which will allow students to practice and receive feedback on their leadership skills. An appropriate alternative experience will be provided in the event that the team challenge cannot take place.

How to Apply

Postgraduate Application Support

Applying for a postgraduate programme at Lincoln is easy. Find out more about the application process and what you'll need to complete on our How to Apply page. Here, you'll also be able to find out more about the entry requirements we accept and how to contact us for dedicated support during the process.

How to Apply

January Starts 2025

Please note that this course is also available for a January 2025 start. View a full list of courses with January start dates.

Entry Requirements 2025-26

Entry Requirements

Entry Requirements

A second class honours degree or equivalent.

If you have studied outside of the UK, and are unsure whether your qualification meets the above requirements, please visit our country pages https://www.lincoln.ac.uk/studywithus/internationalstudents/entryrequirementsandyourcountry/ for information on equivalent qualifications.

Overseas students will be required to demonstrate English language proficiency equivalent to IELTS 6.0 overall, with a minimum of 5.5 in each element. For information regarding other English language qualifications we accept, please visit the English Requirements page https://www.lincoln.ac.uk/studywithus/internationalstudents/englishlanguagerequirementsandsupport/englishlanguagerequirements/.

If you do not meet the above IELTS requirements, you may be able to take part in one of our Pre-session English and Academic Study Skills courses. https://www.lincoln.ac.uk/studywithus/internationalstudents/englishlanguagerequirementsandsupport/pre-sessionalenglishandacademicstudyskills/ . These specialist courses are designed to help students meet the English language requirements for their intended programme of study.

January Starts 2025

Please note that this course is also available for a January 2025 start. View a full list of courses with January start dates.

Entry Requirements 2024-25

Entry Requirements

Entry Requirements

A second class honours degree or equivalent.

Course Fees

You will need to have funding in place for your studies before you arrive at the University. Our fees vary depending on the course, mode of study, and whether you are a UK or international student. You can view the breakdown of fees for this programme below.

Course Fees

The University offers a range of merit-based, subject-specific, and country-focused scholarships for UK and international students. To help support students from outside of the UK, we offer a number of international scholarships which range from £1,000 up to the value of 50 per cent of tuition fees. For full details and information about eligibility, visit our scholarships and bursaries pages.

Course Fees

Funding Your Study

Postgraduate Funding Options

Find out more about the optional available to support your postgraduate study, from Master's Loans to scholarship opportunities. You can also find out more about how to pay your fees and access support from our helpful advisors.

Explore Funding Options

Two students working on a laptop in a study space

Career Development

Postgraduate study is an investment in yourself and your future. It can help you to further or completely change your career, develop your knowledge, enhance your salary, or even prepare you to start your own business. Postgraduate students at the University of Lincoln beneﬁt from inspirational teaching combined with high-quality facilities and learning spaces, great industry links, and unique research opportunities, all of which are designed to help you stand out from the crowd and make the most of your time with us.

Why Postgraduate Study?

Academic Contact

For more information about this course, please contact the Programme Leader.

Dr Kudrat Khuda
mkhuda@lincoln.ac.uk

Dr Laura McQuade
lmcquade@lincoln.ac.uk

Postgraduate Events

To get a real feel for what it is like to study at the University of Lincoln, we hold a number of dedicated postgraduate events and activities throughout the year for you to take part in.

Upcoming Postgraduate Events

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Typical Offer

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Entry Requirements