University of Central Lancashire(UCLAN)

What you'll study

This programme combines core HR theory with applied practice and a substantial research or consultancy project. You will study how organisations attract, develop and retain talent, design reward and performance systems, and manage change within legal and ethical frameworks.

• Organisational Behaviour and Development – theories of behaviour at individual, team and organisational levels and approaches to change management and culture.
• Resourcing and Talent Management – recruitment, selection, workforce planning and succession strategies.
• Learning, Development and Performance – designing learning interventions, coaching, performance appraisal and continuous professional development.
• Employment Law and Employee Relations – key legal principles, industrial relations and managing workplace conflict.
• Reward and Total Reward Strategy – pay structures, benefits, job evaluation and linking reward to performance and engagement.
• Strategic Human Resource Management – aligning HR strategy with organisational objectives and measuring HR impact.
• Research Methods for HRM – quantitative and qualitative methods, ethics and data analysis leading to a dissertation or consultancy project.
• Contemporary Issues in HRM – topics such as diversity and inclusion, digital HR, wellbeing and the future of work.

Delivery typically includes lectures, seminars, case studies, group projects, employer-led workshops and a final dissertation or applied project. Some students can follow a route that meets the academic requirements for professional accreditation where applicable.

Entry requirements

Applicants normally require a UK honours degree (2:2 or above) or an equivalent international qualification in any discipline. Applicants without a traditional degree but with significant relevant professional experience in HR or related fields may be considered.

Those seeking professional accreditation or exemption routes should check specific module and experience requirements. All applicants whose first language is not English will need to demonstrate English proficiency through an appropriate test or recognised qualification; typical requirements are at the standard expected for postgraduate study.

Career prospects

Graduates progress into a wide range of HR and people-related roles across public, private and third-sector organisations. Common roles include:

• HR adviser / HR officer
• Talent acquisition or recruitment specialist
• Learning and development practitioner
• Reward and benefits analyst
• Organisational development consultant
• HR business partner or manager

The programme also provides a foundation for careers in management, consultancy and for those who wish to pursue doctoral research in organisation studies or human resource management.

Why study at University of Central Lancashire (UCLAN)

UCLan's School of Business and Management emphasises applied learning and strong employer engagement; students benefit from guest lectures, live consultancy briefs and links with regional and national employers. The university’s facilities and support services for postgraduate students include specialist workshops, careers support and research supervision to support your final project.

The programme is designed to combine academic rigour with practical skills that employers value, making it suitable for recent graduates aiming to enter HR and for professionals seeking career progression or a shift into strategic people management roles.