This module considers the role and contribution of the HR professional and provides opportunities for you to examine and develop your skills for this role. Topics covered will include an introduction to human resource management, managing performance, leadership and change management, and the nature of professionalism and ethics. You'll also develop the skills needed to work effectively as an HR professional. These include self-management, leading and working in teams, people analytics, communication skills, using ICT and managing financial resources.
What you will study
In this module, you'll consider the role of the HR professional and the skills needed to be effective in this role. You'll also consider the implications of recent research findings in human resource management for your practice, for example, in increasing levels of engagement and improving performance, in acting ethically and in managing change. You'll compare this with the practice of HR professionals in other contexts, drawing on case studies and the experience of your fellow students working in different geographical areas and sectors, and you will also look at the development over time of thinking about the role of HR professionals to understand how this may influence current thinking. The emphasis throughout will be on considering what HR management practices are associated with positive organisational outcomes.
You'll develop and practise the skills you'll need to be effective as an HR professional, including as a leader and a senior manager. These include self-management, leading and working in teams, making decisions, managing and communicating information, including people analytics, an awareness of EDI (Equality, Diversity and Inclusion), financial information, consultancy skills and helping others to learn.
Perhaps most importantly, this module will develop your skills as a reflective practitioner who is committed to continuously learning from reflection on your practice and the critical application of new theories and ideas to inform this practice.
You will learn
By studying this module, you will learn to:
- understand the role of the HR professional, the nature of professionalism and approaches to addressing ethical dilemmas
- review recent research and assess its relevance for practice in a range of contexts
- assess the relevance of theory for practice and apply it where appropriate to improve practice
- review theoretical approaches to leadership and teamwork and develop the skills needed to be effective as a leader and as a team member
- critically assess the range of concepts and issues that are associated with managing performance in the workplace and the interrelationships between these factors
- develop the skills and understanding needed to address change management issues and to work at a strategic level in the organisation
- develop the skills essential for HR work.
Vocational relevance
This module is part of a qualification that is intended to provide a route to professional membership of the CIPD if you wish to develop a career in HR management. It will also provide training in research and academic skills if you want to develop an academic career in the field of HR management.
More generally, by studying a postgraduate business qualification, you can expect your salary to increase and for it to have a positive impact on your career progression, as well as bringing improvements to the organisation.
Entry
All entrants must hold a BA/BSc degree awarded by a recognised university or equivalent. If you have any doubt about the suitability of the module, please speak to an adviser.
If you have a disability
Written transcripts of any audio components and Adobe Portable Document Format (PDF) versions of printed material are available on the module website. Some Adobe PDF components may not be available or fully accessible using a screen reader.
If you’re using printed materials as part of reasonable adjustments to support your studies, note that printed versions of online materials are unavailable for this module.
To find out more about what kind of support and adjustments might be available, contact us or visit our disability support pages.
Teaching and assessment
Support from your tutor
Your tutor will help you with the study material, mark and comment on your assignments and provide advice and guidance. They will also lead the compulsory online day school. You'll be able to contact your tutor by email, phone or via your tutor group forum on the module website.
Assessment
The assessment details can be found in the facts box.
There is a compulsory seven hour online day school which is assessed on the basis of attendance and participation. This will take place in January 2026 and further details will be made available when you start the module.