A new MSc in Human Resource Management (HRM) is to be launched in November by the Open University Business School (OUBS).
Taking its lead from the new strategic challenges faced by HR professionals, the course will take a pragmatic approach, linking the practice of HR to the wider effectiveness of an organisation.
The programme’s courses will address core management skills and a range of specialist HR skills and knowledge.
Professor John Storey said: “Given the many opportunities and challenges currently confronting HR – such as human capital reporting, work-life balance issues and performance management – professional development is especially crucial for HR specialists at this time. The new OUBS specialist HR programme is specially designed to meet these contemporary needs.”
The course has two stages.
Stage one offers a grounding in all areas of management, while stage two focuses on three compulsory core courses including:
• Managing human resources (taking a strategic view of HR and its policy issues)
• The human resource professional (addressing the key areas of personnel management and development)
• Making a difference (covering interpersonal, investigative and consultancy skills)
In the final course, students can choose to study psychometrics, creativity and innovation, or knowledge management. Students will also be given the chance to study alongside MBA scholars.
Speaking to HRZone, Paul Browning, CIPD manager of educational quality management, said: “We’ve been talking to the Open University as they’ve developed their new MSc in HRM. We are working with them to help them through the process of securing CIPD accreditation for the new course. We understand they will be making a formal application to secure accreditation shortly, and are looking forward to working with them on this process in the coming months.
“If the new course secures CIPD accreditation, people successfully completing the course will automatically secure graduate membership of the CIPD, and if they can demonstrate the required professional experience will be eligible to upgrade to Chartered Membership.”
The course is offered as a three-year part-time programme. For more information see MSc in Human Resource Management
