Master of Human Resource Management

Core Modules:

• Organisational Behaviour - Through a mix of theory and case studies, this module examines people and relationships within a professional context. You will explore what motivates employees, how people work together and relationships between managers and their staff. This will help you to understand how to manage people in working environments and how to be managed.
• Strategic and International Human Resource Management - In this module we will look at the theory and practice of (International) Human Resource Management and consider how external and internal factors shape HR strategy and policy in private, public, SME and multinational companies. You’ll discover the benefits of managing people in different settings in different ways and learn to identify the appropriate people strategy for the context.
• Assessment, Performance and Reward - In this module you will be introduced to the approaches and theories for ensuring the right people are recruited into the right business and that they then perform effectively. You will cover thought-provoking topics, such as how reward can be used to enhance performance, how to measure staff performance and how to manage employees who are under-performing.
• Learning and Talent Development - For most organisations, their biggest expense comes from their people. You will learn differing views on how to best develop people and ensure they add value to an organisation. We also look at talent management and succession planning approaches for getting capable people into more senior positions.
• Employee Relations in Context - Relationships matter within organisations. You will often find the main reasons for people leaving a role is down to poor relationships with manager or peers. Here we look at the way organizations can improve working relationships, reduce employee turnover and enhance employee satisfaction.
• Employment Law - This fascinating module will develop your understanding of the UK legal framework and its practical application in a wide range of workplace situations, from recruiting to dismissing people. You’ll learn how to comply with employment law but also consider how organisations can go beyond their legal requirements and treat people fairly.
• Research Methods - This module will help prepare you, for your dissertation. We will introduce various research methods which can be used in the context of HRM Work Psychology and Organisational Behaviour. You will also look at how to effectively use primary and secondary data and develop your quantitative and qualitative research skills as well as your analytical abilities.
• Managing and Interpreting Financial Information
• Ethics in Academic Practice - This module provides an introduction to the Academic Offence framework. By completing the resources you will understand the key principles underpinning the submission of academic assignments. These principles can then be applied to the rest of the modules studied at the university.
• The Aston Global Advantage - The Aston Global Advantage is our professional development programme that runs throughout all MSc programmes at Aston Business School. Focusing on professional development and employability, this integrated module gives you the opportunity to identify, develop and apply the key transferrable skills you will gain throughout the year.
• Business Project or Dissertation - The Business Project/Dissertation is a chance for you to carry out an original piece of work applying material that you have learnt in the taught element of your degree. Specific requirements will be explained relating to different degree programmes but in summary you must demonstrate both theoretical and practical knowledge of your chosen area of specialism.

Optional Modules:

Note: Availability of any optional modules will be subject to staff availability and a minimum number of students who express an interest in studying the optional modules.

• Strategy, Change and Leadership - This module will encourage you to consider the role of strategy and leadership in shaping and changing organisations. Through exploring the complexities of strategic change, you will be encouraged to develop critical insights on what appear to be everyday business decisions. Reflecting on the role of the leader, you will appraise different approaches to leadership and examine their impact.
• HR Analytics