Human Resource Management and Development MA (CIPD Accredited)

Why choose an MA Human Resource Management & Development (CIPD Accredited) at Middlesex?

This Masters' course is designed for those wishing to embark on a career in HR/People Management and for those already in an HR position wishing to enhance their professional development.

During this degree, you will critically analyse/evaluate the concept of insight-driven people management and development and its connection to the meaningful analysis of organisation, industry and global data. You will be provided with a critical view of contemporary theory and practice in your chosen areas and develop your ability to apply this knowledge to your own practice in a current or future role.

Middlesex University has been providing HR professional education, in one form or another, for over 50 years. That makes Middlesex – and its predecessor institutions – one of the longest-established providers of HR professional education in the UK.

The course is taught by practitioners and academic experts informed by research and professional practice. Guest lecturers are also invited from industry to provide you with alternative perspectives, opinions, and personal experiences to enhance student learning.

The course is accredited to Chartered Institute of Personnel and Development (CIPD) professional standards allowing Associate Membership of the CIPD upon graduation. The course is now updated to meet the new CIPD standards and for the duration of the course, students will become CIPD members (included in the course fee) and will have access to their resources.

What you will gain

Some of the benefits of joining us include:

• Paid membership of the CIPD and access to their resources for the duration of the course
• Access to the innovative People Leadership Network(PLN), linking students to industry professionals, fellow MA/MSc students, and alumni
• The chance to gain an understanding of fundamental topics such as Talent Management, International HRM, HR with Business Ethics, Performance and Reward Management, Organisational Development & Change, Leadership, Coaching, Mentoring, Employee Relations, and Data & Analytics
• The opportunity to learn from academics & practitioners who have close links with the CIPD, and/or who have researched and published on Employment Law & Relations, Reward and Performance Management and Corporate Social Responsibility.

Accreditations

The course is accredited to Chartered Institute of Personnel and Development (CIPD) professional standards allowing Associate Membership of the CIPD upon graduation. Visit the CIPD site.

Careers

How can the MA Human Resource Management and Development support your career?

This degree supports the development of students and professionals who aspire to work or progress in people management and development-related positions in organisations.

Enhanced understanding of people management and development within organisations, as well as the development of core competencies, can enhance your career in human resource management. The ability to challenge traditional views and assumptions, as well as embracing innovation, are highly valued skills in the profession.

Our postgraduate courses have been recognised for their ability to support your career. We are a top 10 UK University for employability (UniCompare Rankings 2025), and a top 10 UK university for industry connections and funding in Times Higher Education Young University Rankings 2024.

Career paths

Many of our MA HRM alumni have progressed to become HR directors, HR leaders, HR consultants, HR specialists, HR managers, teachers/trainers, industry and profession Research, life coach, mediator, barrister, lawyer, author, arbitration, careers advisor, manager, line management, payroll, business partners, accountants, data analysts, senior union reps, Justice of the Peace, sports management and international HRM. Others have gone on to start their own businesses in management and HR consultancy.

Employers of our Alumni include; British Petroleum, Red Carnation Hotels, KPMG, Church of England, John Lewis, NHS, Aldi, Centre for Market Analysis, Warner Bros. Selfridges, BBC and more...

MDXWorks

MDXworks, our employability service, will help you make the most of your experience and connections to achieve your career goals. You'll have unlimited access to one-to-one advice and support from specialists in your sector plus 24/7 online support. You can also make the most of events and networking opportunities, on and off campus.

Start-up accelerator programme

We can help you bring your business idea to life with our MDXcelerator programme which includes masterclasses with high-profile entrepreneurs, workshops, mentoring opportunities and competitions to secure seed funding.

Global alumni network

You’ll be studying with students from 122 countries who’ll become part of your personal global network. You'll learn how to work with a global mindset and make invaluable connections on your course for your chosen industry.