Keele University

What you'll study

The programme covers core areas of contemporary human resource management, blending conceptual frameworks with practical skills and applied research. Teaching typically includes modules on:

• Strategic Human Resource Management — how HR aligns with organisational strategy, workforce planning and change implementation.
• Organisational Behaviour and Leadership — theories of individual and group behaviour, leadership styles and team dynamics.
• Resourcing, Recruitment and Talent Management — attracting, selecting and retaining staff, employer branding and succession planning.
• Learning, Development and Performance Management — designing learning interventions, appraisal systems and performance improvement.
• Reward, Employment Relations and Employment Law — pay and benefits strategy, collective and individual employment relations, and the legal framework affecting work.
• Research Methods and HR Analytics — quantitative and qualitative methods, interpreting people data and using analytics to inform decision‑making.
• Work‑based Project or Dissertation — an extended piece of applied research or consultancy project that enables you to investigate a workplace problem or advance a specialist interest.

Teaching methods combine lectures, seminars, case studies, group work and employer‑facing projects. Assessment routes usually include coursework, presentations, reflective portfolios and a final dissertation or project. There are opportunities for placements or short work experience modules to develop practical employability skills.

Entry requirements

Applicants are normally expected to hold a good undergraduate degree in any discipline, typically an upper second class honours (2:1) or equivalent. Applicants with a lower second class degree (2:2) may be considered if they have relevant professional experience, vocational qualifications or strong supporting evidence of ability to study at master's level. Mature applicants with substantial managerial or HR experience are also welcome.

International applicants should demonstrate proficiency in English through a recognised test or equivalent evidence of prior study in English. Specific entry requirements, exemptions and recognition of prior learning are set out by the admissions team and may vary by applicant background.

Career prospects

Graduates move into a wide range of HR and people‑management roles across private, public and voluntary sectors. Typical career destinations include:

• HR Advisor, HR Business Partner or HR Generalist roles
• Specialist roles in resourcing and talent acquisition, learning and development, or reward and benefits
• Organisational development, change management and employee relations positions
• HR analytics, people insight and workforce planning roles
• Consultancy roles with HR consultancies or internal consulting teams

In addition to practitioner roles, the degree provides a foundation for further study and professional development, including routes to professional HR qualifications and doctoral research for those interested in academic or research careers.

Why study at Keele University

Keele offers a campus‑based learning environment with small group teaching and strong links between research and practice. The management school emphasises applied learning and the development of practical skills employers value, supported by opportunities for employer projects and placements.

Students benefit from multidisciplinary teaching that situates HR within broader organisational, legal and societal contexts, and from Keele's careers and employability services which provide tailored support, employer engagement and networking opportunities. The programme is designed to reflect contemporary professional standards and to equip graduates with the critical, analytical and practical capabilities needed to lead people management in complex organisations.