MA SPM & HR top up

An MA Strategic People Management & Human Resource Management (Top-Up) is a specialised postgraduate programme designed for learners who already hold a Level 7 qualification or postgraduate diploma in HRM, business, or a related field. It provides a focused pathway to achieve a full Master of Arts (MA) degree by completing an advanced research-based dissertation. This programme is ideal for individuals who want to strengthen their expertise in people management and organisational development.
This programme focuses on strategic HR practices, workforce planning, employee relations, talent management, organisational behaviour, and leadership development. It helps learners understand how to align human resource strategies with organisational goals and improve overall workforce performance in modern business environments.
An MA SPM & HR Top-Up is suitable for graduates and professionals aiming to progress into senior HR, people management, consultancy, or leadership roles. It is ideal for those already working in HR or management who want to enhance their strategic decision-making and leadership capabilities.
Overall, this programme develops advanced research skills, critical thinking, and strategic people management knowledge. It prepares learners to handle complex HR challenges and supports long-term career growth in national and international human resource and organisational leadership roles.
Course Overview
Modules
Dissertation
Duration
12 months
Study Mood
Blended
Course Level:
MA
Course Study Units
The Dissertation Project (Credits: 60) is a significant part of the MA SPM & HR Top Up programme, providing learners with the opportunity to undertake independent research within a strategic people management and human resource management context. This module enables students to apply the knowledge, research methods, and analytical skills developed throughout their postgraduate studies to a real organisational or business-related issue.
Learners are required to produce an original research project that demonstrates critical thinking, problem-solving, academic research capability, and the ability to evaluate complex workplace challenges. The project encourages students to investigate relevant HR and people management topics, analyse findings effectively, and present evidence-based conclusions in a professional and academically appropriate format.
This module also strengthens practical and intellectual skills such as data analysis, strategic evaluation, communication, and independent decision-making. By conducting application-focused research, learners develop a deeper understanding of how effective people management strategies influence organisational performance, employee engagement, and business success.
The knowledge and research experience gained through the dissertation contribute to long-term professional development and prepare learners for senior HR, organisational development, leadership, and management roles. It also supports future academic progression and advanced professional practice within strategic people management and human resource sectors.

Entry Requirements
Who Can Enroll
The MA Strategic People Management & Human Resource Management (Top-Up) is designed for learners who want to advance their expertise in HR strategy, leadership, and organisational people management through a focused postgraduate route.
- Graduates who have completed a Level 7 Diploma or postgraduate diploma in HRM, business, or a related field
- HR professionals working in recruitment, employee relations, training, or talent management roles
- Managers and team leaders responsible for workforce planning and organisational development
- Individuals aiming to progress into senior HR or strategic people management positions
- Learners who want to convert their postgraduate diploma into a full MA qualification
- Candidates interested in leadership, organisational behaviour, and strategic HR practices
- Professionals seeking internationally recognised qualifications in human resource management
- Individuals planning to build or advance their career in HR consultancy or corporate leadership roles
Course Learning Outcomes
- Demonstrate the ability to conduct independent, original research within strategic people management and human resource management contexts.
- Apply appropriate research methods, theories, and frameworks to investigate real organisational HR and workplace issues.
- Critically analyse complex people management challenges and evaluate their impact on organisational performance and employee engagement.
- Develop strong problem-solving and strategic thinking skills to produce evidence-based conclusions and recommendations.
- Present research findings in a clear, structured, and academically appropriate dissertation format.
- Enhance data analysis, interpretation, and evaluation skills using relevant qualitative or quantitative approaches.
- Strengthen academic writing, communication, and independent decision-making abilities at postgraduate level.
- Demonstrate understanding of how effective HR and people management strategies contribute to organisational success and development.
