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People are at the heart of any workplace. Managing and developing them is essential to help organisations achieve their goals, and support employees to thrive and lead meaningful working lives.

• Develop up-to-date knowledge of the theoretical foundations and real-world practice of human resource management and employment relations, both in the UK and internationally
• Understand the impact of AI and digitalisation on the world of work.
• Build an in-depth understanding of contemporary developments in HRM.
• Academic skills development workshops to help transition into master's level coursework requirements.
• Emphasise your professional skill development with opportunities to participate in the annual MSc HRM and case study competition, inter-university student debate, a live negotiation exercise and career development workshops.
• The independent dissertation project provides an opportunity to engage and conduct research with real-world employers'
• Learn from experienced academics and researchers who are part of the University of Manchester’s Works and Equalities Institute (WEI) a leading international employment research centre.

This programme offers a comprehensive analytical and practical understanding of the management and development of people (HRM) and managing the relationship between management/employers and workers (employee/employment relations). This is studied within the international socio-economic, digital, institutional and political context in which organisations are embedded globally. The programme has a rich legacy of teaching and research on HRM, employment relations and regulation of more than three decades.
Students will gain fundamental knowledge to operate effectively across all domains of HRM.

At AMBS we offer a critical understanding of the complex interplay between organisations and their external environment. You’ll learn about the diverse ways in which contextual factors and national/supranational developments, such as technological innovation, digitalisation, and labour migration create opportunities and constraints for HRM and employment relations, shaping people management strategies within organisations.  

Manchester Industrial Relations Society Debate:  An annual competition hosted by AMBS, this event brings together students on the HRM and Employment Relations programme to compete with other universities. Hone your critical thinking and argumentation skills, while learning about recent issues in the HRM and employment relations field.

Annual MSc HRM Conference:  Featuring a case study competition judged by industry leaders in HR, this event sees students provide solutions to real-life industry problems. The conference provides an excellent opportunity to network and develop students’ consultancy skills. The event also invites alumni and practitioners as guest speakers.

The Chartered Institute of Personnel and Development (CIPD) Conference:  An opportunity to learn about the latest HR trends, meet HR solution providers and hear from industry experts. The Annual CIPD Conference and Exhibition, held in Manchester, features numerous free sessions for students to attend.
Professional and Interpersonal Skills
Alongside your studies you can access a wide-range of additional activities and events to help you develop your professional and interpersonal skills, both essential for HR roles.

Beyond the classroom series: Beyond the classroom offers a rich programme of activities that complement your academic studies and help you make the most of your time at Alliance Manchester Business School. From networking with peers, alumni and industry professionals to enhancing your academic and professional skills, the programme is designed to support your personal development, career ambitions and overall student experience throughout the year.

Careers Support and Skills Development: Students also benefit from exposure to real-world workplace challenges through professional conferences, negotiation exercises, industry guest speakers and career-focused events delivered in partnership with organisations such as the CIPD, ACAS and the Manchester Industrial Relations Society. Alongside dedicated support from the Postgraduate Careers Service, the programme provides valuable opportunities to develop professional skills, expand networks and apply classroom learning to contemporary workplace contexts.

The MSc HRM and Employment Relations course combines a variety of theoretical approaches, alongside the development of practical and transferable skills. Lectures are complemented by practical activities and sessions with expert professionals. The teaching approach is both interdisciplinary and research-driven, and it is led by a group of passionate and internationally recognised academics.

Students have the chance to participate in a live negotiation exercise, debate and an annual conference with a case study competition which allows students to interact with industry professionals and gain insight into their postgraduate careers.

The programme is taught by academics who collectively have studied all aspects of HRM and Employment relations including, employment relations, comparative HRM, regulation at work, fairness, equality diversity and inclusion as well as digital aspects of HRM and employment.