Human Resource Development and Consultancy
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Entry requirements
At least a second-class honours degree (2:2), or equivalent, in social sciences or a business-related discipline.
HR professionals and consultants with at least five years' significant experience in a range of organisations and evidence of formal and appropriate training and professional development may be considered, even if they are unable to meet the formal qualification requirements.
It is at the admissions tutor's discretion to assess suitability. Candidates may be required to submit other documentation, such as work samples, to determine eligibility for entry.
Potential applicants should note that the programme is reliant on candidates being able to apply the learning directly to a relevant work environment (e.g. drafting and scoping an internal consultancy activity). Thus, it is essential that all candidates have some current or prior relevant work experience.
Months of entry
October
Course content
This programme is intellectually challenging. It integrates learning on training, organisational development, lifelong learning principles and consultancy practice, as well as offering a systematic approach to the design, management and evaluation of programmes to improve personal effectiveness and organisational performance. A substantial aspect of the programme is a management research project that combines the academic rigour of more traditional research dissertations with focus on activities which make a difference to practice in organisations.
All modules taught on this programme place emphasis on bridging cutting-edge academic thinking with direct application to practice, integrating academic perspectives with practice-based approaches to HRD. Considerable emphasis is placed on developing the knowledge and skills required in more senior HRD roles. You will gain an understanding of relevant organisational, psychological and management theory, while examining contemporary developments within the HRD field.
Dedicated sessions will also equip you with skills in consultancy framework and paradigms, including practical methods for applying these. There is a particular focus on ensuring you are aware of the importance of acting ethically and professionally with a demonstrated commitment to equality of opportunity and diversity, and appreciate the importance of continuous personal and professional development.
Highlights- This degree has been approved by the Chartered Institute of Personnel and Development (CIPD). As one of our students, you will be eligible to join the CIPD as a student member. On successful completion of the programme, you will be eligible for consideration for chartered membership of the CIPD.
- This course is one of two Master's degrees offered by the Department of Organizational Psychology specialising in the discipline of human resources (find out which HR degree to take).
- Birkbeck provides a diverse range of library and learning resources designed to facilitate your studies and research. Programme- and module-specific materials are also made available to support your learning.
Information for international students
If English is not your first language or you have not previously studied in English, the requirement for this course is the equivalent of an International English Language Testing System (IELTS Academic Test) score of 7.0, with not less than 6.5 in each of the sub-tests.
If you don't meet the minimum IELTS requirement, we offer pre-sessional English courses and foundation programmes to help you improve your English language skills and get your place at Birkbeck.
Qualification, course duration and attendance options
- MSc
- full time12 months
- Campus-based learningis available for this qualification
- part time24 months
- Campus-based learningis available for this qualification
Course contact details
- Name
- Student Advice Service
- studentadvice@bbk.ac.uk
- Phone
- +44 (0)20 3907 0700